PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2026 - What stands in the way becomes the way: The pulp and paper industry’s path through a hard global economy Jori Ringman, Director General, Cepi - Paper Technology International 2026 - Book - Page 18

PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2026 - What stands in the way becomes the way: The pulp and paper industry’s path through a hard global economy Jori Ringman, Director General, Cepi

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
But what stays with me even more is the unwavering
professionalism, ingenuity, and commitment of the people in our
industry. They do not ask whether the future will arrive. They ask
how they can build it.
I have learned something fundamental through these
exchanges:
Our industry’s greatest strength is not machines or assets—
it is its people. People who understand both the traditions and the
innovations that shape our work. People who bring resilience in the
most human sense of the word.
And this gives me confidence—not just in our capacity to
overcome this moment, but to thrive beyond it.
Why Optimism Is Not Only Justified, But Necessary
Optimism is often misunderstood. It is not the denial of
difficulty. It is the refusal to be designed by it.
Our optimism is based on facts:
•
Demand for renewable, recyclable materials will grow in
a decarbonising world.
•
Europe aims to replace fossil-based products—and
fibre is the logical alternative.
•
The forest-based sector is indispensable for climate
neutrality.
•
Innovation continues at a record pace.
More than ever, governments, businesses, and consumers
are turning toward sustainable, circular solutions. Fibre-based
products—renewable, recyclable, biodegradable—stand at the
intersection of these global priorities.
If Europe wants:
•
less plastic pollution,
•
more resilient supply chains,
•
climate-neutral production,
•
sustainable housing and construction materials,
•
alternatives to synthetic textiles,
•
stronger rural economies
•
and future-proof jobs—
the pulp and paper sector is not optional. It is essential.
We are not merely part of the green transition.
We enable it.
The Road Ahead: A Strategy for Renewal
To ensure strong and sustained growth after this winter,
Europe must focus on live urgent priorities:
1, Competitive energy markets
Affordable, predictable energy is not a luxury—it is a
prerequisite for industrial survival. Europe must accelerate
its clean energy deployment and ensure industry has access
to it at competitive prices.
2. Smarter, more coherent regulation
Regulation must support—not hinder—innovation,
investment, and circularity. Ambition is welcome, but
implementation must be realistic.
3. Strengthening circular value chains
Improving collection systems, encouraging design
for recyclability, and investing in advanced recycling
technologies will secure raw materials and reduce
environmental impact.
4. Supporting investment and industrial transformation
Europe can lead in the bioeconomy if capital flows to where
it is needed most: modernisation, digitalisation, and nextgeneration fibre-based solutions.
5. Enabling forest resilience and sustainable
management
Forests are facing pressures from climate change, pests,
and extreme weather. Supporting their resilience ensures
the long-term viability of the renewable resource we depend
on.
These are not abstract policy goals—they are the practical
foundation for Europe’s industrial future.
Conclusion: After Winter, Growth
As I write this, the metaphor of winter feels almost too fitting.
We are in a season of contraction and difficulty. But winter is not the
end of the cycle. It is a necessary stage of renewal.
In the forest, a hard winter is often followed by vigorous
growth. In the economy, downturns lay the groundwork for
innovation and transformation.In leadership, obstacles become the
pathway to greater clarity and purpose.
I remain deeply optimistic about our sector because:
• our foundations are strong,
• our people are resilient,
• our raw materials are renewable,
• our innovations are accelerating,
• and our purpose—to create sustainable, circular,
climate friendly material solutions—is aligned with
global needs.
What stands in the way becomes the way.
And what we build during difficult times defines
what is possible during prosperous ones.
This winter will pass.
Spring will come.
And when it does, the European pulp and paper
industry will be ready—not just to grow, but to
lead.
Page 18

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