According to preliminary data published by the European Confederation of the Paper and Board Industries (Cepi), after a 13% drop in 2023, European paper and board production shows "positive signs of growth says Cepi Managing Director Jori Ringman. The pulp and paper sector grew by 5.2% in 2024 to reach 77.8 million tonnes. But while this recovery is positive, it does not fully offset the losses accumulated since 2021 (-18.3%). The upturn is driven in particular by a rise in demand, with consumption up by 7.5%.
Against a backdrop of global recovery, European production growth remains below that seen in other regions, such as North America and Asia. Overall, global paper and board production grew by 3.6% in 2024.
Packaging (+6.5%) and graphic paper (+5.2%) on the rise
The packaging segment confirms its role as the sector's driving force, with production set to rise by 6.5% in 2024, according to Cepi. This dynamic is based in particular on the growth in demand for folding carton (rising "significant" ) and sack wrapping paper (+14.4%). Packaging papers now account for 63% of total production.
After more than a decade of decline, demand for graphic papers rose by 5.2%, the first increase since 2010. This increase mainly concerned woodfree coated (+8.2%) and uncoated (+5.8%) papers. However, newsprint production continued to decline (-1.3%).
Tissue paper, also up (+3.5%), benefited from the recovery in private consumption.
Increase in recycling (+4.1%) and exports (+7.2%)
The use of paper for recycling (PfR) rose by 4.1% in 2024, after two years of decline. However, it remains below its 2021 peak. This raw material is essential for packaging production and represents a major challenge in the context of the circular economy.
In addition, European paper and board exports rose by 7.2%, representing 21% of production. The increase was particularly marked in North America (+16.8%) and Latin America (+34.1%). However, the sector's trade balance fell slightly.
Competitiveness under pressure from energy costs and European policies
Despite this recovery, the sector continues to face high production costs, particularly in terms of energy. Electricity prices in Europe remain twice as high as before the Covid-19 crisis.
And "the expected agreement on the Clean Industry Deal, the Affordable Energy Plan and the Bioeconomy Strategy, combined with the promotion of defossilization, the circular economy and the simplification of European regulation are elements that the pulp and paper industry now needs to bring growth and investment back to Europe." warns Jori Ringman.
