New figures from the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) show that its members saw a slowdown in production last year.
The CEPI 2011 Preliminary Statistics Report suggests production by member countries fell two per cent as the momentum of a revival seen in previous years was cut off by the current economic slowdown.
While the data also showed that the utilisation of paper for recycling by CEPI members fell by about an estimated 1.5 per cent.
In a statement, CEPI said: “After the recovery in 2010 following the previous financial downturn, the indications are that paper and board production by CEPI member countries fell in 2011 by close to two per cent as the momentum of the revival was affected by the economic slowdown, particularly in the second half of the year.
“With overall volumes continuing to remain some was below pre-crisis levels, it is estimated that CEPI member countries produced around 95 million tonnes of paper and board in 2011. Most grades are expected to show lower annual production levels in comparison to 2010.”
