Digital technologies dominate our daily lives and it is easy to assume that the demand for paper will decrease. However, recent data from Statista shows a different picture. The global consumption of paper and paper products stood at 417 million tons in 2021, and this figure is expected to increase to 476 million tons by 2032. While it is true that digitization has reduced our dependence on paper, overall paper consumption will increase, primarily driven by the packaging industry.
Source: Global paper consumption 2021-2032 | Statistics
Among different types of paper and stationery, so-called "container paper" leads. Container paper is usually made from recycled paper or wood pulp and has different layers - an inner corrugated layer and outer smooth layers. This structure makes the packaging ideal for absorbing shocks, protecting goods from damage and providing stability to the packaging.
In 2021, an impressive 178 million tons of container paper were consumed globally. Studies by Statista show that this demand will increase even more and reach 220 million tons by 2032. Container paper plays a crucial role in the production of corrugated cardboard, which is used for packaging, among other things. Paper is today a necessity and will in the future have greater significance for our everyday lives as well as the products we order online, which will continue to be sent in boxes and packages made of paper-based materials.
An important tool
One might wonder why paper still plays such an important role in our lives despite the digital revolution. Paper remains an indispensable part of our daily routines, finding its way into offices, homes and industries around the world. Even in our digital age, paper is used to take notes, print documents, produce packaging and more.
The downside of increased paper production
The increasing consumption of paper and paper products raises an important question: Can our planet sustain the level of paper production? There is a great deal of work to be done to ensure responsible handling and recycling to preserve our forests. It is a task that requires collaboration across industries and an awareness of our individual choices and consumption habits.