European paper and board production saw a decline of 1.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year, totaling 77.6 million tonnes. The latest figures from Cepi highlight that while energy-intensive sectors face global headwinds, the European paper industry is leveraging bio-based and circular solutions to maintain competitiveness against rising import pressures and a broader industrial downturn.
The 2025 statistics present a mixed picture of the industry. While certain segments showed stability, the graphic paper market continued its structural contraction. European manufacturers faced a challenging landscape defined by high energy costs, increased global competition, and a demanding regulatory environment. Current production levels remain 6.8% below the record highs seen in 2021.
Segment Performance: Packaging vs. Graphic Paper
The internal structure of the industry shows significant divergence across different paper grades, reflecting ongoing shifts in digitalization and consumer behavior:
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Graphic Papers: This segment remained the most vulnerable, with production falling by 7.2% in 2025. This reflects a continued structural decline in demand for newsprint and office paper.
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Packaging Paper and Board: Representing the largest share of the sector, this segment remained relatively stable with a minimal growth of 0.1%. It continues to benefit from the ongoing trend of substituting plastic with fiber-based alternatives.
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Sanitary and Household Papers (Tissue): Production in this category saw a slight decrease of 0.8%, accounting for 10.4% of total European paper output.
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Specialty Papers and Boards: This diverse category managed to achieve a modest growth of 0.4%.
Pulp Production: Growth in Market Pulp
An interesting contradiction emerged in the pulp sector. While total pulp production decreased by 1.2% (to 33.3 million tonnes), the production of market pulp—specifically intended for sale—increased by 2.1%. This expansion follows a recovery from the downturn in 2024 and more stable operating conditions. Chemical pulp continues to dominate, representing 80% of total output.
Global Competition and Trade Balance
Europe’s performance must be viewed in a global context. While global paper production essentially stagnated (-0.3%), the declines in the USA (-1.9%), Japan, Canada, and South Korea (around -5.7%) were more drastic than in Europe. In contrast, China (+2.9%) and Brazil (+0.1%) succeeded in increasing their output.
However, trade data suggests growing challenges for European producers:
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Exports: Exports from Cepi countries fell by 4.4% by the end of 2025. Shipments decreased to almost all regions, with the notable exception of Latin America, where exports grew by 17.4%.
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Imports: Imports of paper and board into the EU are estimated to have increased by 1.4%, indicating the fragility of European manufacturers’ global competitiveness.
Summary: Sustainability as a Strategic Asset
The report emphasizes that the key to the resilience of the European industry lies in its sustainability. The sector has successfully decoupled production growth from CO2 emissions (reducing emissions by 50% since 2005), and 91% of the fibers used originate from sustainably managed European forests or recycling.
Jori Ringman, Director General of Cepi, noted that the sector now requires a “Clean Industrial Deal” and affordable energy prices to bring investment back to Europe and halt the current industrial decline.
Official Sources and References:
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Cepi Press Release (Feb 17, 2026): https://www.cepi.org/press-release-new-2025-pulp-paper-manufacturing-figures-show-moderate-resilience-in-a-context-of-rising-costs-increased-competition-and-industrial-downturn/
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Cepi Preliminary Statistics 2025 (Full Report): https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FINAL-Cepi-Preliminary-Statistics-2025.pdf
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Eurostat – Industrial Production Statistics: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/main/home