Children's notebooks

	Ningbo Topsource offers model CS2307, a spiral notebook with a PP cover and a clip-on ballpoint pen.

Aside from the usual inclusions such as pens and bookmarks, the latest designs come with calculators and USB flash drives.

The notebooks and pads industry in China continues to grow at a steady pace despite the recent economic downturn and other problems. Nevertheless, makers are keeping prices at competitive levels to retain their market share.

Among the challenges besetting suppliers is the fluctuating cost of raw materials, especially paper and PU, which are used predominantly in production. The implementation of government policies such as the tax rebate cut and last year’s labor contract law are causes for concern as well.

Even with all these hurdles, makers are optimistic. The majority expects steady growth in the next six months. This upbeat outlook is encouraged by strong demand from both the overseas and domestic markets.

To spur interest in the line, suppliers are incorporating features that enhance product versatility. Add-ons include bookmarks, ballpoint pens, pencils and erasers.

Taking functionality a step further, several models now come with rulers, calendars, conversion tables and multiple slots for holding cards or photos. A number of makers have even launched designs with electronic accessories such as calculators and USB flash drives. Further, suppliers incorporate strap or cord closures to secure the notebooks’ leaves.

Meanwhile, in response to heightened demand for safe and environment-friendly products, companies are employing nontoxic materials and surface treatments.

As for pads, colorful and novelty shapes dominate the line. Some feature die-cut patterns and have reusable adhesive strips at the back. A magnet can also be attached to the back cover to allow the pads to adhere to metal surfaces.

In line with the trend for bundled stationery and school supplies, notepad makers are including writing instruments and other accessories in their releases.

Through these add-ons, companies are hoping to keep sales on a growth track, even with US demand continuing to weaken due to the economic slowdown.

	Model CG-11 from Ningbo Ninghai Chenggong is a range of hardback notebooks with 80gsm sheets.

Notebooks make up roughly 60 percent of China’s stationery and school supply exports. The selection ranges from classic to novelty to sleek and contemporary designs. Some come in irregular shapes, although the standard rectangular type continues to dominate output.

Most notebooks contain wood-free or wood pulp writing paper. In the low-end, releases usually come in 60 percent wood and 40 percent grass pulp. Priced below $1, designs typically have 25 to 100 leaves with densities ranging from 70 to 80gsm. The covers are made of PP or art paper. Models are glued or sewn for binding.

Midrange designs have leaves made of 80 percent wood and 20 percent grass pulp. They generally contain 100 to 300 sheets of 70 to 90gsm writing paper, and are either glued, sewn or wired. Covers come in PP, PU leather or cardboard wrapped in plastic film. Prices can reach $3.

Notebooks that target the high end usually employ writing or offset paper in 100 percent chemical wood pulp. They come with at least 100 leaves of 70 to 90gsm paper. To hold pages together, companies commonly employ glue or spiral binding.

Upscale designs are priced above $3, depending on the materials used and design complexity. Models feature genuine leather or aluminum covers and several bundled tools, including ballpoint pens and calculators. Logos, prints and other notebook details are often applied through multicolor printing or UV coating.

With regard to pads, the line consists mainly of writing or memo pads. Most designs are made of 80gsm paper, although the 100gsm version may also be used. The patterns are applied through silk-screening and hot-transfer or offset printing.

In the low end, prices start at $0.20. The pads are usually smaller and available in solid hues. They have 100 leaves or fewer. Midrange products priced between $0.30 and $1 contain 50 to 200 sheets of offset paper. The back cover is either offset or art paper.

High-end pads feature die-cut shapes that resemble flowers, animals and other figures. Some also have reusable adhesive strips at the back. These typically have at least 100 offset or fluorescent sheets. Prices start at $1.