Paper recycling rates in Europe are rising. Find out key figures from the CEPI 2023 report
On 9 July 2024, the CEPI's latest report was released, providing production statistics for the European paper sector for 2023. Data from the report shows a deepening decline in paper and board production. At the same time, the recycling rate of raw material is increasing, reaching almost 80% last year.
Decline in paper and board production in Europe reflects global trends
The year 2023 was marked by declines in the paper industry. As much as by 13% compared to 2022, the production of paper and board has decreased. It seems that recent years have been a downward slope for the paper industry - paper consumption (down 13.5% vs 2022) and pulp production (0 17.5% vs 2022) are also falling significantly. However, this is not a localised problem - in the corresponding period we are witnessing a global slowdown, which, however, is not as great as in Europe. The EU economy as a whole has lost momentum in the face of the high cost of living (including energy prices), tighter monetary policy and weak external demand.
The dynamics of the production of individual types of paper and board products in 2023 varied considerably. Compared to the previous year, the amount of cardboard packaging produced decreased by 11%, and newsprint volumes by 20.6%. The largest production decreases of 23.7% were recorded in the graphic paper category. Sanitary and household paper was the most resilient to the market turmoil, with this segment declining by only 3.4%.
80 per cent recycling rate - the paper industry is getting closer to the GOZ dream
From the point of view of the paper industry, the figures presented in the CEPI report are quite pessimistic. A breath of optimism, however, comes from the waste and recycling industry - in 2023. The average recycling rate for the EU-27, Norway, Switzerland and the UK was as high as 79.3% (an increase of 8.2 pp compared to 2022). Thus, 6 years ahead of schedule, the goal of the signatories of the European Declaration on Paper Recycling to achieve a 76% paper recycling rate by 2030 has materialised. The record high annual recycling rate shows the autonomy of the industry and brings it closer to becoming a reality. closed loop economy.
Interestingly, the recorded increase in 2023 is due to a significant - 12% - decrease in paper and board consumption. This means that not only the industry, but also consumers are becoming more aware and starting to reduce their consumption of paper products and cardboard and paper packaging.
CEPI 2023 report shows progress in decarbonising the paper industry
Despite a number of results under the radar, the paper sector also has reason to be satisfied. For many years The decarbonisation of the industry is progressing gradually. In 2023, CO2 emissions fell by a further 5.8%, which means that a total of more than 46% of carbon emission reductions have already been achieved since 2005.
As the CEPI Director General's message reads:
"Given the context, the pulp and paper industry in Europe can be proud of what it has achieved in terms of climate action and closed loop. In a more conducive and predictable regulatory environment, our prospects could be very positive and our contribution to the EU Green Deal even greater."
In view of the decarbonisation targets set by the European Commission, it is estimated that emissions will be reduced even faster in the coming years. The condition, however, is to continue to increase investment, which, in the current difficult market situation, is one of the biggest challenges.
Source: European pulp & paper industry. Key statistics 2023, CEPI, https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Key-Statistics-2023-FINAL.pdf