Cepi’s 2019 Key Statistics report has been launched. It contains the key statistics necessary to give a clear picture of the performance of the European pulp and paper industry in 2019.

The report highlights that Cepi members produced close to 90 million tonnes of paper and board, of which 54.6% were based on recycled fibres – compared to 53.1% in 2018 – as indicated by the utilisation rate of Paper for Recycling (PfR).

This performance goes hand in hand with a 72% paper recycling rate after 71.7% the previous year, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable and circular business practices.

More than ever, paper for recycling is a major source of fibres while the share of domestic wood used by the pulp and paper industry reached 84.2% in 2019 (84.1% in 2018). Of wood consumed, a large share (24%) is also circular as it is residues from sawmills and woodworking industries. Our industry is also a net exporter with 22% of our production exported outside Europe.

Paper and board consumption declined in 2019 following the slowing down of the EU’s economy. However, domestic demand for hygiene papers (tissue, toilet paper, etc.) remained relatively high in the first months of 2020, and packaging has been benefiting from e-commerce growth.

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