Quarterly production of paper and cardboard in CEPI countries from 2019 to 2022
In 2022, 84.8 million tons of paper were produced in Europe. According to the industry association CEPI, a decrease in production coupled with stable consumption led to a decrease in the paper industry’s trade balance in a context of fiercer global competition. The lower paper production output recorded in the second half of last year is mainly the result of high energy and raw material costs in Europe, which have led to temporary machine stops, as CEPI analyzes. Nevertheless, the EU’s Green Deal is expected to have a positive impact on the industry.
The industry association stresses that the European paper industry is traditionally a strong exporter and that its trade balance remains positive despite the slowing EU economic engine.
In 2022, the use of paper for recycling decreased by 6.4% compared to 2021, while the production of paper packaging was down by 4.6%. Demand for sanitary and household grades, on the other hand, grew by 3.6%.
