Cepi: European paper industry to see decline in production in 2025

For 2025, Cepi reports a decline in European paper and cardboard production to 77.6 million tons, which corresponds to a decrease of 1.5% compared to the previous year.

There were differences in performance between the individual segments. While the production of corrugated base paper increased (+1.7%), the production of paperboard declined (-5.6%). Graphic paper is expected to decline by 7.2% compared to the previous year. Hygiene paper also declined by 0.8% and accounts for 10.4% (11.2%) of total production.

Market pulp production in Cepi member countries increased in 2025 (+2.1%), while total pulp production declined. The use of waste paper decreased by 1.3%, which the association attributes primarily to declining demand for graphic papers. The association also warns of an outflow of European recycled fibers from the EU internal market.