EUROPEAN PAPER INDUSTRY LOOKS TO THE FUTURE AND PRESENTS ITS PERSPECTIVES FOR 2020 AND BEYOND

The European Pulp and Paper Industry is in a state of change, as it responds to many
challenges, not the least the transformation to a low carbon economy. During its annual
European Paper Week, the sector seized the opportunity to launch its perspectives for the
industry in 2020 and beyond.

This document looks at the responsibility the industry has as the guardian of a bio-diverse,
renewable, recyclable and biodegradable resource – forests - and how it will use this
resource to meet the needs of society in the most appropriate and sustainable way.

“In the future, sustainability and social responsibility will be at the heart of successful
businesses. The paper industry’s unique advantage is that it has already laid a strong
foundation for the future upon which it is building every day. Perfectly placed to play a key
role in a sustainable society, the sector aims to make optimum use of renewable forest
resources and strive for best practice in a bio-based, low-carbon, customer-driven and
globally-competitive European economy.” said Magnus Hall, CEPI Chairman.

The future holds many challenges, not least increasing input costs and tough competition
from developing economies, and alternative media. And pulp and paper, like all industries,
is influenced by the global economy.

“But imagine a day when, in addition to making the top-quality products customers will
demand, the local pulp and paper mill treats the waste of its local community and provides
all the heat and power local residents need; when it will emit cleaner air and water than it
takes in; when it will use its know-how in recycling and biomass to make the most of the
world’s renewable resources. Pulp and paper mills in Europe are already well on the way
to realising these ambitions.” he added.

Innovation is central to this vision and whilst paper is part of our daily lives: toilet tissue,
magazines, cereal boxes, bank notes and books for example it must evolve. In all these
product areas, the paper industry is working towards greater product performance from
lighter or stronger products to those that use less wood fibre and avoid waste.

“As society’s needs evolve, so will the paper industry. In many aspects of life, paper
remains hard to beat. Industry developments, achieved through innovations in
technologies, business models, competences and adaptation to changing demands, will
make the paper industry and its products even more valuable in years to come.” said
Teresa Presas, Managing Director of CEPI.

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For more information, please contact:
Martyn Griffiths, Communication & Public Affairs Director - m.griffiths@cepi.org or +32 2 627 49 26

Notes to Editor:
CEPI aisbl - The Confederation of European Paper Industries
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) is a Brussels-based non-profit making organisation
regrouping the European pulp and paper industry and championing this industry’s achievements and the
benefits of its products. Its mission is to promote the member’s business sector by taking specific actions
notably, by monitoring and analysing activities and initiatives in the areas of industry, environment, energy,
forestry, recycling, fiscal policies and competitiveness in general. Through CEPI, the paper industry
increases its visibility and acts on emerging issues, making expert and constructive contributions on behalf of
the industry.

Its collective expertise provides a unique source of information both for and on the industry; coordinating
essential exchanges of experience and knowledge among its members, the ability to provide technical
assistance to legislators and to identify independent experts on specific issues.

Through its 18 member countries (16 European Union members plus Norway and Switzerland) CEPI
represents some 800 pulp, paper and board producing companies across Europe, ranging from small and
medium sized companies to multi-nationals, and 1200 paper mills. Together they represent 27% of world
production.