The Cepi Key Statistics Report 2024 highlights the resilience and recovery of the European pulp and paper sector, despite ongoing challenges in the global economy and regulatory environment. While the industry has partly offset the declines experienced between 2021 and 2023, it continues to face issues related to competitiveness, sustainability, and decarbonization. The report underscores the sector’s commitment to environmental goals and its role in the European Union’s strategic autonomy.
Production and Consumption Trends
Paper and board consumption in 2024 increased by 7.0%, slightly below initial expectations, while production rebounded more strongly than anticipated, growing by 5.9%. This growth was observed across all segments of the pulp and paper industry. Packaging paper and board production led the way with a 6.7% increase, while tissue paper production rose by 5.6%. Notably, graphic paper—used for books, newsprint, and printing—saw a 3.8% increase, temporarily halting its historical decline.
Despite this recovery, production across energy-intensive sectors, including paper, remains 10-15% lower than in 2021, the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be attributed to a challenging economic environment in Europe, as well as rising production and regulatory costs that continue to affect the EU’s competitiveness.
Trade and Exports
Paper and board exports increased by 4.6% in 2024, though they are still 19% lower than in 2020. As a significant exporter, the pulp and paper industry is particularly sensitive to global trade dynamics. Growing trade tensions and overcapacities in some regions have intensified competition. The United States is a key trading partner, serving as both the second-largest importer of EU paper and board products and the second-largest source of imports into the EU.
Sustainability and Decarbonization
The pulp and paper sector has made substantial progress in sustainability, a hallmark of its operations. CO2 emissions have decreased by 50% compared to 2005 levels, demonstrating a successful decoupling of emissions from production growth. In 2024, CO2 emissions per tonne of paper and board produced fell by 6.3%, reaching 0.24 tonnes of CO2 per tonne produced. This achievement is the result of investments in cleaner technologies, greener fuels, and more energy-efficient operations.
Additionally, the industry contributes to the EU’s strategic autonomy, with 91% of its natural fibres sourced from sustainably managed forests within the European Union. The robust paper for recycling market further supports the sector’s sustainability efforts.
Call for a Level Playing Field
Cepi Director General Jori Ringman emphasized the importance of long-term sustainability investments in building industry resilience. He called for the EU Commission to propose a new Bioeconomy Strategy that incentivizes bio-based materials and creates a level playing field between fossil and bio-based resources. This, he argued, would strengthen Europe’s industrial competitiveness and sustainability goals.
Conclusion
The Cepi Key Statistics Report 2024 paints a picture of a resilient and forward-thinking industry that has navigated economic challenges while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. Despite ongoing issues with global competitiveness and regulatory costs, the pulp and paper sector continues to lead in decarbonization and environmental stewardship. The report underscores the need for supportive policies to ensure the industry’s long-term success and its contribution to the EU’s strategic and environmental objectives.
For more detailed insights, the full Cepi Key Statistics Report 2024 is available for download.
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