Following the severe economic downturn experienced in late 2008 and throughout 2009 the industry had a much more positive 2010, although overall volumes remain some way below pre-crisis levels.
Indications are that CEPI member countries produced more than 96 million tonnes of paper and board in 2010, representing a rise in the region of around 8% over 2009.
The paper industry did slightly better than the European manufacturing industry taken as a whole. All grades are expected to show higher annual production levels in comparison to 2009. It is estimated that the production of pulp has increased by between 8.5% and 9%, after a decline of 13.5% the previous year, with total output of approximately 38 million tonnes.
It appears that the overall consumption of paper and board in CEPI countries in 2010 will increase by between 5% and 6% when compared to 2009, based on the latest data from the third quarter.