Global graphic paper production 1961-2023
In 2023, the worldwide production of graphic papers stood at 84 million metric tons. This represented a slight decrease in comparison to the previous year, and the lowest figure since the 1980s.
What drives the decline in graphic papers production?
Graphic papers constitute a broad category that includes printing and writing papers, such as newsprint, coated and uncoated papers, and specialty papers. These types of papers are mainly used for books, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, and advertising materials. The demand for graphic papers has been negatively affected by the shift to digital media, such as e-books, online news, and social media platforms. As consumers increasingly access information and entertainment online, the need for printed materials decreases. Despite the downturn in graphic paper demand, production of packaging papers and paperboard has continued to rise.
Environmental footprint of paper production
The global pulp and paper industry continues to face various sustainability challenges, such as deforestation, habitat loss, pollution, waste, and growing greenhouse gas emissions. To tackle these challenges, the industry has adopted various measures such as following governmental regulations and guidelines and applying greener production techniques that reduce the environmental footprint of the production process, such as using less water, chemicals, and energy, or using renewable or recycled materials; and by joining voluntary programs that certify the sustainability of the forest management practices, the pulp and paper production, or the final products. Alongside these measures, one of the most effective ways for the industry to mitigate the environmental impact of paper production is by increasing the utilization of recycled paper. The global production of recovered paper has significantly risen throughout the years.