New technologies key to paper industry's future, says CEPI
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) has produced a sustainability report which claims that 'The way forward for our industry is to enhance its sustainable competitiveness in relation to major new players', and that the way to do this is with new technologies resulting from research and development (R&D). CEPI's vision for the pulp and paper industry is to show how competitiveness and sustainability can be compatible, according to the report. On the competitiveness front, the industry is coming under pressure from Asia, which has become more active in this domain, and which enjoys lower production costs. On sustainability, progress has been made, but much more is still possible. 'Innovation and R&D will be key determinants in the development of our industry in all areas, including environmental performance,' states the report. And indeed, the industry has already made moves to consolidate this innovative approach in Europe with the creation of a Technology Platform for the sector. The platform has published a vision document, and is now working on a strategic agenda, which will set out how the goals incorporated in the vision could be achieved by 2030. Reducing energy consumption, improving water use efficiency and minimising air emissions are all areas that could benefit from technological development. Investments in innovation are currently made in a number of ways: direct industry investment in product development; financial support to research institutions; and the development of new machines and equipment by suppliers. Around 3,500 people within the paper industry contribute to R&D and innovation, and another 1,150 scientists and 550 technical staff in institutes and universities work closely with the paper chain, according to the report. CEPI notes that over the last 12 years, Europe's pulp and paper industry has invested around 560 million euro per year in environmental improvements, which amounts to seven per cent of its total capital expenditure. This has meant that while production and hence energy consumption have increased since 1990, emissions have decreased.