BRUSSELS — The Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) has called for stronger European industrial policies after its 2025 Key Statistics Report revealed continued declines in paper production alongside rising import pressure, despite significant progress in sustainability and circular manufacturing.

The association warned that Europe risks a gradual erosion of its pulp and paper manufacturing base unless policymakers introduce measures to strengthen competitiveness and encourage investment.

Paper Production Falls for Second Consecutive Year

According to the report, European paper and board production declined 1.6% in 2025 to 77.4 million tonnes, continuing the industry’s adjustment following the post-pandemic production surge.

The outlook remains challenging, with production during the first quarter of 2026 falling 2.4% compared with the same period a year earlier.

While overall demand has remained relatively stable, market performance differed significantly across product categories.

Packaging Remains Resilient as Graphic Papers Weaken

Packaging paper continued to outperform other segments, although cartonboard production decreased 5.4% during 2025.

Graphic papers experienced a steeper decline, with production falling 7.3% as digitalisation continued to reduce demand for printing and publishing grades.

Excluding graphic papers, European paper production remained relatively stable but was still approximately 7% below the record output achieved in 2021, highlighting ongoing competitive pressures.

Meanwhile, market pulp production increased by 1%, reflecting continued demand for pulp despite broader weakness across the paper sector.

Imports Reach Record Market Share

Cepi reported that imports accounted for a record 7.7% of total EU paper consumption, while exports continued to represent more than 20% of European production.

However, the industry’s trade surplus narrowed during 2025.

According to the association, increasing imports, foreign government support for overseas producers and unequal competitive conditions are placing growing pressure on European manufacturers.

Cepi also noted that Europe has continued to lose production assets over the past three years as mills reduce capacity or cease operations.

Sustainability Performance Continues to Improve

Despite weaker market conditions, the European paper industry continued to improve its environmental performance.

The report found that producers:

• Reduced specific CO₂ emissions by 10.2% during 2025
• Sourced 92% of wood raw materials from European forests
• Obtained nearly all recovered fibre from within Europe
• Continued operating one of the world’s most advanced paper recycling systems

These achievements reinforce the industry’s contribution to Europe’s circular economy and bio-based manufacturing strategy.

Cepi Calls for Stronger Industrial Policies

Cepi Director General Jori Ringman urged European policymakers to strengthen the industry’s long-term competitiveness through coordinated industrial action.

The association is calling for:

• Stronger trade defence measures
• More predictable and investment-friendly regulations
• Increased support for Europe’s circular bio-based value chains

Ringman warned that although the industry’s decline has been gradual, its long-term consequences could be significant.

“A slow drift may be less visible than a sudden shock, but its long-term consequences for Europe’s industrial resilience, climate leadership, and strategic autonomy are no less significant.”

Cepi estimates that emerging global bioeconomy markets could be worth €6.6 trillion by 2030, making Europe’s pulp and paper industry increasingly important for the development of renewable packaging, hygiene products, logistics materials and bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived products.

Last Updated on 10/07/2026 by Jota Machinery