Jori Ringman, Director General of CEPI, took to the stage to explain the immense value of forests and the facts behind forest growth in Europe. Currently, over a third of Europe’s land mass is covered by forests, an increase of 9% over 30 years (1990-2020), with the volume of wood and weight of carbon stored in European forests increasing by 50% in those three decades.

Jori then went on to explore the positive climate effects of the sector, with forests responsible for removing 447 Mt of CO2 per year. The efforts of the forest sector result in a 20% reduction of the total amount of CO2 released in Europe every year – a percentage that has the potential to increase to 30% by 2030.

Since June 2019, Jori Ringman is Director General of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). Previously he was Deputy Director General and responsible for issues relating to sustainability, environment and consumer protection, with particular concern for packaging and food contact. Since joining CEPI in 2005 he has been advancing and exploring circular low carbon bioeconomy in the sector.

Prior to 2005, he was a civil servant at the European Commission and a political advisor in the European Parliament.

Mr Ringman has a background in Economics, Econometrics and Business Management and broad experience in communications, public administration and politics. He also holds an MSc in Environmental Decision-making.

The Power of Print seminar is organised by Two Sides and the BPIF, in partnership with Canon, Fedrigoni and Printweek. To find out more about the benefits of becoming a Two Sides member, visit here www.twosides.info/become-a-member