The global demand for eco-friendly paper, currently estimated to be around 16.8 million tonnes, is set to grow at a CAGR of 6.6 per cent to reach 24.8 million tonnes by 2016, said the organisers of an upcoming paper products event in Dubai.

“As awareness grows about the high ecological cost of paper wastage, not to mention about the environmental consequences, consumers are increasingly making a conscious decision to alter their modes of consumption,” said Ahmed Pauwels, chief executive officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, who is launching Paperworld Middle East, a trade event to serve the office and paper products industry in the region.

“At Messe Frankfurt we are affiliated with the Forest Stewardship Council which promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests.  Through the initiative we aim to reduce the printing of e-mails and other unnecessary paper wastage within the office.”

Demand for sustainable paper products is on the rise worldwide as consumers increasingly switch to recycled paper or paper produced from sustainable resources in an effort to reduce their overall carbon footprint. The decision to switch to more ecologically friendly paper products is also helped by the lowering cost of recycled paper, he added.

“We see a growing trend to increase the content of recycled paper in the product mix amongst major manufacturers, which include publishing houses, printers, stationery and greeting card manufacturers,” Pauwels stated.

“At Paperworld Middle East, buyers, designers and decision makers from around the region can examine the range of ‘green’ products currently available in the market and learn about new trends and developments in the sustainable paper industry,” he added.

Many leading publishers and printers in the US are increasing the recycled paper content of books to around 30 per cent, as part of an industry-wide move towards more sustainable and responsible development. This trend is likely to become popular among publishers and printers in the Middle East region too, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the ecological impact.

There is also considerable interest in procuring paper produced from certified managed forests, which reduces the carbon footprint considerably. In addition there is a significant amount of research underway to produce paper from sustainable non-tree sources for use in printing and publishing, Pauwels pointed out.

Paperworld Middle East, which will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 7 to 9, will feature the latest products in office supplies, wrapping, office and household paper and films, gift articles, school articles and greeting cards. – TradeArabia News Service