Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, is positioning the European paper and pulp sector as a key player in the green transition, while strongly defending its competitiveness.
Recent interventions by Cepi focus on three major priorities: nature credits, reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for 2026, and the future Circular Economy Act.
Nature Credits and Biodiversity
Cepi welcomes the European Union’s proposed “nature credits”—new tools designed to measure and certify positive contributions to biodiversity. The paper sector views them as a chance both to strengthen its environmental commitments and tap into new funding flows. Crucially, Cepi emphasizes the need for standardised indicators, transparent certification, and integrity through additionality to ensure the system produces real environmental benefit.
EU ETS and Circular Economy
On the EU ETS reform, Cepi reaffirmed its support for climate neutrality by 2050, noting that the sector has already cut emissions by more than 50% since 2005. However, the organisation argues that continued competitiveness demands a predictable and robust free allocation of allowances—especially to support investment in low-carbon technologies, sustainable biomass use, and carbon capture.
Meanwhile, in the forthcoming Circular Economy Act, Cepi highlights that nearly 60% of its raw materials are already recycled. The sector is calling for obligations like mandatory collection of paper/cardboard and recognition of renewable virgin fibre to maintain fibre quality. Cepi also insists on the potential of bio-based materials to replace fossil-based ones.
Reinforced European Bioeconomy
Through these proposals, Cepi seeks to place the paper industry at the heart of Europe’s ecological and industrial transitions, under the Green Deal framework. The organisation, based in Brussels, represents 18 national associations and many member companies. It employs around 180,000 people and generates over €90 billion in annual turnover. For Cepi, innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness must go hand in hand.
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi), based in Brussels, represents the European pulp, paper, board, and related industries. It brings together 18 national associations and several affiliated companies. Cepi advocates for the sector’s competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability, which employs 180,000 people and generates more than €90 billion in annual turnover.
