A recent report from the research firm Smithers highlights the paper-based packaging industry's significant contribution to Europe's economy, generating €110.4 billion in annual turnover and supporting 710,000 jobs across Europe.
The findings underline the sector's importance for industrial competitiveness, economic resilience and regional employment, particularly in rural and manufacturing communities. The study also found that the industry contributes €26 billion in added value to the European economy.
Beyond its direct economic contribution, the research highlights the sector’s wider role in supporting Europe’s industrial ecosystem. Paper-based packaging serves industries that together generate nearly €15 trillion in revenue and employ close to 43 million people across Europe, including the food, beverage, healthcare, cosmetics and industrial manufacturing sectors.
The report also identifies 1,275 paper-based packaging converter companies across the EU27+3, supporting an upstream network of companies that is approximately three times larger.
The analysis combines primary research, industry data and expert validation, drawing on sources including Eurostat, industry associations and stakeholder input from across the sector. It covers all EU member states, as well as the United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland.
The publication comes as the EU enters a key phase in the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), providing timely evidence for policymakers assessing the future of Europe’s packaging landscape.
“As the EU moves forward with the PPWR, it is essential that implementation remains proportionate, evidence-based and supportive of a harmonised and predictable regulatory framework across Europe,” said Michele Bianchi, President of FPE. “Paper-based packaging already benefits from well-established collection and recycling systems based on renewable and recyclable materials, while continuing to play a vital role in safe, hygienic and efficient product distribution across Europe.”
By providing a comprehensive picture of the sector’s economic and social contribution, the study aims to support informed policymaking that safeguards both Europe’s industrial competitiveness and its circular economy objectives.
Fibre Packaging Europe (FPE) is an informal coalition of seven trade associations representing industries involved in forestry, pulp, paper, board, carton board and packaging production, and recycling from across Europe. Our joint mission is to provide renewable, circular and sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions to European citizens to achieve the European Green Deal objectives.