Paper Packaging Supports
Sustainably Managed Forests

Forests are one of the world’s most valuable resources and are home to more than half the world’s land-based animal and plant species.¹

Over the past four decades, they have moderated global warming by absorbing about one-third of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities. Carbon sequestration in forests reduces the rate of carbon accumulation in the atmosphere and so reduces the rate of climate change.²

About 42 million people (1.2% of global employment) are estimated to work in the forest sector. They are vital for the
conservation of biodiversity, energy supply, and soil and water protection.

FAO, New research provides updated estimates on global forest-sector employment, 2026

Forests cover 31% of the world’s total land area and contain most of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. Forests provide habitats for 80% of amphibian species, 75% of bird species and 68% of mammal species.¹

Deforestation and forest degradation continue to take place at alarming rates. Between 1990 and 2020, it is estimated that some 420 million hectares of forest have been lost through conversion to other land uses.¹

Agricultural expansion remains the leading cause of tropical deforestation worldwide, with cattle ranching, soy production and palm oil cultivation among the principal drivers of forest loss.¹

While deforestation is taking place in some areas, new forests are being established through natural expansion or deliberate efforts in others. Forests cover 35% of Europe’s total land area and continue to expand. Covering around 232 million hectares, Europe’s forests provide renewable raw materials, store carbon and support biodiversity while remaining an essential resource for the bioeconomy.³

Paper packaging utilises an exceptional amount of recycled material (see p.4), but paper fibres cannot be recycled indefinitely, so there will always be a need for fresh/ virgin wood fibre, from sustainable sources, to enter the cycle.

Certification is important to communicate
and demonstrate to stakeholders and final
wood-product consumers the sustainability
of forest management and its products.

Between 2015 and 2025, European forests grew by 32,400 square kilometres – that’s an area bigger than
Belgium and amounts to over 1,250 football pitches every day!

Two Sides analysis of GFRA 2025 data

The most common forest certification schemes in Europe are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (the Programme for the Endorsement of
Forest Certification).

In 2024, around 117.5 million hectares, 51% of the forest area in Europe, were certified.

Forest Europe, State of Europe’s Forests, 2025