René Muschter
Research Expert covering Industry & Mobility
Europe paper industry - statistics & facts
Europe plays a key role in the global paper industry, accounting for a considerable share of the paper and paperboard produced and exported worldwide. In 2023, the region accounted for over 20 percent of the global paper and paperboard production, second only to Asia.
However, the size of the European paper sector has been shrinking over the past few years. In 2024, there were 842 pulp and paper and board mills in operation across the member countries of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi), over 150 less than in 2010. In turn, the number of employees in the pulp and paper sector in the region has declined by 20,000 people over the same period.
However, the size of the European paper sector has been shrinking over the past few years. In 2024, there were 842 pulp and paper and board mills in operation across the member countries of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi), over 150 less than in 2010. In turn, the number of employees in the pulp and paper sector in the region has declined by 20,000 people over the same period.
