European Paper & Board Monitor
Our monthly Paper & Board Monitor is your essential guide to the European paper industry. Providing a comprehensive analysis of the segments for Graphic Papers, Cartonboard, Containerboard and Tissue in Western Europe, it includes detailed data and insights on demand, mill production, capacity (including listings of new machine/mills) and operating rates. This data and commentary are essential for strategic planning and decision-making within the paper industry.
Report Summary
The EMGE Paper and Board Market Report covers total Western Europe, encompassing data for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK.
The report includes monthly, three-month moving average and year-to-date data with charts and tables showing the historical development of demand and supply.
- Demand and Production: The report provides % changes and year-to-date aggregate totals for total mill production and apparent consumption (i.e. the volume of production plus imports less exports).
- Capacity: Our insights into production capacities includes details of machine/mill changes, covering both investments and closures.
- Mill Operating Rates: A detailed look at industry-wide utilisation rates in the European market.
- Cost and Market Indicators: Detailed overview of related factors affecting this sector, including raw materials, labour, energy, transportation costs and retail sales.
The report covers the following Paper & Board segments:
- Graphic Papers (including Newsprint, Uncoated and Coated Mechanical, and Uncoated and Coated Woodfree
- Cartonboard
- Containerboard
- Tissue
- Total Paper & Board
European Paper and Board Market Updates 2026
“The last few years have seen significant shifts in the European Paper and Board industry, with falling demand in some sectors being offset by a more stubborn capacity landscape. These developments have created a challenging dynamic, requiring close monitoring of key metrics to stay ahead of the curve.”
Building on this dynamic landscape, the outlook for 2026 suggests that whilst volatility remains, distinct trends are emerging that continue to shape the market’s trajectory. As the industry navigates the balance between structural declines in traditional sectors and growth in others, several key areas are set to define the year ahead:
- Packaging Paper Growth vs Graphic Paper Decline: Divergence in this sector performance is set to widen in 2026. With structural declines in Graphic Paper demand is set to continue, necessitating further capacity management. Packaging and Tissue sectors are forecast to sustain positive demand growth, driven by e-commerce consumption and the shift towards plastic substitution.
- EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): The rollout of this regulation is having a number of issues, with potential delays pushing deadlines towards the end of 2026. Companies need to be agile with their sourcing strategies to avoid any potential legislative gridlock and ensure their supply chains stay compliant. But the goalposts have already moved so many times!
- Chinese Paper Market Supply: A major factor for 2026 is the “Chinese Capacity Threat”. Waves of new paper and board capacity in China are expected to disrupt global trade flows, potentially leading to market imbalances in key grades. This influx threatens to pressure global operating rates and export pricing, which could create a more competitive environment for European producers.
- Capacity Rationalisation & Mill Closures: The industry is set for further consolidation in 2026. As mills struggle to run at financial break-even points, producers are expected to convert or close machines to balance supply with demand and protect their profits.
For comprehensive data and monthly market tracking, download the European Paper & Board Monitor below:
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EMGE Paper Sector Experts
Leading paper consultancy, EMGE compiles paper market reports from their extensive network and proprietary database, bringing you the most up-to-date information in the paper industry. Their methodology includes in-house market research, association statistics, trade statistics, company reports and other publicly available data sources.
