A panel of 37 experts predicted trends in the use of newsprint by the year 2000. The panelists agreed that as a result of increasing education, worldwide demand for newsprint will continue to increase, with consumption exceeding 35 million short tons a year in 2000, compared with 10 million in 1950 and 22 million in 1970. The type of paper desired is expected to change somewhat. Because of rising postal rates, there will be significant demand for lighter weight newsprint. There is likely to be an increase in the use of the offset process in lieu of letterpress for newspapers, and the demand for a better quality paper will increase faster than that for standard newsprint. It is unlikely that an economically competitive biodegradable plastic paper suitable for newspaper use will be developed. As a result of anti-pollution laws, the percentage of pulp reclaimed in the United States will rise from 20 percent in 1970 to 40 percent in 2000. It is quite unlikely that air and water pollution will be completely eliminated from paper pulp production. The cost of greatly reducing or eliminating such pollution will significantly affect the price of newsprint. (JK)