The European paper industry is building on decades of work done to make its industrial model sustainable and circular, making it one of the most sustainable industries in Europe. It relies on raw materials, pulp derived from processing wood, which is intrinsically sustainable as it comes from sustainably managed forests; it has achieved a 31% decarbonisation from 2005 to date and it has become and anchor industry for industrial symbiosis, sharing materials, energy heat and water. One of our initiatives under sustainability is 4evergreen, the alliance to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimises climate and environmental impact.
Paper is recycled at a rate of 71.4% (2021 data) in Europe, which is the highest recycling rate for paper in the world. Paper based packaging is even recycled at 82%. More paper based packaging is recycled than all other packaging materials combined. The paper industry thrives to further increase recycling and material use of recycling residues through the sharing of best practises and the development of cross-sectorial alliances.
For information on paper recycling, visit www.paperforrecycling.eu.
Activities
![Statement: As a provider of solutions to the EU’s strategic dependencies, the pulp & paper sector must be allowed to ‘keep the lights on’](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cepi_PressReleaseIcon-e1610721073765.png)
Statement: As a provider of solutions to the EU’s strategic dependencies, the pulp & paper sector must be allowed to ‘keep the lights on’
![Europe’s bioeconomy is a readily available solution to the EU’s dependence on fossil fuels](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cepi_PressReleaseIcon-e1610721073765.png)
Europe’s bioeconomy is a readily available solution to the EU’s dependence on fossil fuels
![Joint position paper: Single-use vs Reuse](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/image-3.png)
Joint position paper: Single-use vs Reuse
![Joint position paper: Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive revision](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/image-2.png)
Joint position paper: Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive revision
![From news media to e-commerce & hygiene, we are changing how we consume paper & board, a new Cepi report shows](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cepi_PressReleaseIcon-e1610721073765.png)
From news media to e-commerce & hygiene, we are changing how we consume paper & board, a new Cepi report shows
![Cepi welcomes its newest member, the Hungarian Association of Packaging and Materials Handling](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cepi_PressReleaseIcon-e1610721073765.png)
Cepi welcomes its newest member, the Hungarian Association of Packaging and Materials Handling
![Cepi vision on paper collection and sorting in Europe](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Untitled.png)
Cepi vision on paper collection and sorting in Europe
![Thank you for joining Carbon Footprints for Paper and Board Products Online Webinar!](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/200b6e91-5900-508b-b964-60c2e0f64fd2.png)
Thank you for joining Carbon Footprints for Paper and Board Products Online Webinar!
![Press Release: Cepi pledges to support a transition towards Sustainable Products](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cepi_PressReleaseIcon-e1610721073765.png)
Press Release: Cepi pledges to support a transition towards Sustainable Products
![Press Release: Cepi welcomes EU Commission plans to pave the way for the circular use of carbon](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cepi_PressReleaseIcon-e1610721073765.png)
Press Release: Cepi welcomes EU Commission plans to pave the way for the circular use of carbon
![Press release: Major event for the Pulp and Paper sector provides a concept for what the future of the EU’s industry could look like](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cepi_PressReleaseIcon-e1610721073765.png)
Press release: Major event for the Pulp and Paper sector provides a concept for what the future of the EU’s industry could look like
![Cepi Position on EU-wide End-of-Waste criteria for paper](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled.png)