Being resource efficient and reducing raw material consumption makes both sustainable and economic sense. A good example in the European pulp and paper industry is the use of residues from papermaking to produce renewable energy. The industry reduced their CO2 emissions per tonne of product by 43%. Additionally, turning residues from recycling operations into useful products is an interesting illustration of the circular economy. On top of that the European paper recycling rate is at a world record level of 71.7%.

Teresa Presas, CEPI Director General, emphasised the importance of the paper industry in Europe: “Our industry is creating value “made in Europe”. As the sustainability report shows more than 82% of our raw materials come from Europe and most of our suppliers are European companies. 23% of our products “made in Europe” are exported to the global market. This unique case should not be taken for granted and we aim at continuous improvement in adverse conditions. “