In Europe, the pulp and paper industry uses 40% recycled fibres and 44% virgin pulp for its paper production, the balance being other pulp (1%) and non-fibrous materials (15%). 94% of Europe’s wood requirements are provided by managed European forests, the remainder coming from North America. Germany is the leading paper producer, followed by Finland, Sweden and France.
Europe accounts for around 44% of global exports of forest products. Finland and Sweden are the primary pulp producers in Europe.
As in the rest of the world, several European companies have undergone mergers and acquisitions over the past few years.
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) countries account for around 28% of global paper and board production, third after the USA and Asia.
