New Guidelines Unify Tissue Industry Data in Europe

International News

The European Tissue Symposium (ETS), in collaboration with the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi), has announced the adoption of harmonised terminology and statistical guidelines for the tissue industry.

Developed through extensive consultation with national associations and industry experts, the initiative aims to resolve longstanding inconsistencies in how tissue production, trade, and consumption are reported across Europe.

A key outcome is the formal distinction between tissue paper—intermediate materials used in further processing—and tissue products, referring to finished items such as toilet paper, kitchen rolls, and handkerchiefs. These definitions align with international norms, including ISO 12625-1:2019.

The guidelines also recommend a unified approach to customs codes and trade data reporting, supporting better comparability and transparency across European markets.

By introducing a common framework, ETS and Cepi aim to enhance the reliability of industry data and foster better coordination among stakeholders in the tissue sector.

More information: europeantissue.com