TISSUE SECTOR: SUSTAINABILITY AND DIGITALIZATION DRIVE THE FUTURE

SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION AT THE HEART OF THE TISSUE SECTOR’S TRANSFORMATION

Sustainability remains the primary driver of evolution in the tissue industry. Companies are investing in reducing CO₂ emissions, improving energy efficiency, optimizing water consumption, and using raw materials from certified supply chains, with the aim of minimizing environmental impact and meeting growing market demands.

At the same time, digitalization is revolutionizing production processes. Automation, smart data management, predictive maintenance, and advanced technologies are boosting efficiency, quality, and flexibility, making the supply chain more resilient and competitive.

BETWEEN MARKET VOLATILITY AND NEW COMPETITIVENESS CHALLENGES

The paper industry is facing an increasingly complex international landscape characterized by high energy costs, inflation, geopolitical instability, and growing global competition. Volatility is now regarded as a structural condition, compelling companies to adopt strategies that combine innovation, sustainability, and adaptability.

In this context, industrial policies—and the need to ensure level playing fields across different markets—are playing an increasingly important role, fostering investment and the development of the entire supply chain.

A STRATEGIC SECTOR FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMY

The tissue industry remains a sector of great economic and employment significance. According to recent analyses, the European paper products industry generates over €36 billion in value added and approximately €20 billion in annual turnover, while employing more than 420,000 people.

These figures confirm the sector’s strategic importance and the need to continue investing in research, technological innovation, and collaboration across the entire value chain in order to successfully meet the challenges of the green transition and digital transformation.