Paper Technology International 2025 Cepi Foreword Jori Ringman

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
Foreword
Cooperation is a winning strategy in Paper Technology
This year, Europe marks an extraordinary milestone—940 years
of industrial papermaking. This legacy is not simply a tale of
endurance but one of constant transformation, reinvention, and
adaptation. What has driven this remarkable continuity? At its
heart, it has been the industry’s ability to respond intelligently and
effectively to the evolving needs of society.
The introduction of the commercial printing press—attributed to
Johannes Gutenberg in 1439—sparked one of the earliest surges
in demand. As printed materials began to spread across Europe,
the need for paper soared, leading to a proliferation of paper
mills. By the end of the 19th century, Western printing technology
had become a global standard, displacing manuscripts and block
printing alike.
But the impact of the printing revolution extended beyond paper.
It acted as a precursor to the industrial revolutions that began in
1771—each wave demanding more from the paper industry: more
volume, more innovation, more diversity in products, from paper to
packaging to hygiene. Each time, the industry rose to the occasion.
And the journey continues . . . .
Amid today’s digital and ecological transformations, one might
ask: how has the paper industry remained resilient for nearly a
millennium? If we consider the Darwinian concept of “survival of the
昀椀ttest,” the answer might seem rooted in adaptation. Yet, Darwin’s
theory, profound as it is, overlooks one crucial force: cooperation.
Harvard evolutionary biologist and mathematician Martin Nowak
has shown that cooperation is not just a social nicety—it’s a fundamental driver of survival and success.
According to his research, cooperation thrives when people engage in repeated, meaningful interactions,
value reputation, and share mutual goals. It’s not hard to see the parallel with industry: breakthroughs
happen not in silos, but in communities of trust, partnership, and shared vision.
Even competition, paradoxically, is a form of cooperation. Whether it’s sports teams or market players, we
agree on the rules, play by them, and through this structure, enable both rivalry and progress. The balance
between competition and cooperation is where innovation often 昀氀ourishes.
Economic historian Carlota Pérez has also highlighted how aligning regulatory frameworks with cycles of
innovation and investment can lead to new golden ages of prosperity. Conversely, misalignment can stall
progress. Today, as we envision a sustainable bioeconomy, cooperation among policymakers, industries,
and consumers is more vital than ever.
This issue of Paper Technology International, and its companion video channel PaperPlus TV, embodies
this spirit of cooperation. Whether it’s associations uniting under a common cause, companies developing
innovations with their customers, or industry experts sharing their knowledge in these pages, the message
is clear: cooperation is not just a survival strategy—it’s the foundation for future growth.
Jori Ringman
Director General
Cepi.org
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