New Insight: Working Forests Help Keep Forests Growing

Two Sides has launched a new Insight, Working Forests: How Europe’s Paper and Paper Board Industries Help Keep Forests Growing, providing a clear insight into how sustainably managed forests support both the environment and the production of paper and paper-based packaging.

At a time when deforestation and forest use are under increasing scrutiny, this new document helps address common misconceptions and provides a balanced, data-led perspective on the role of the paper industry in Europe’s forest landscape.

Key Insights From The Resource Include:

• Europe’s Forests Are Expanding
  Contrary to popular belief, forests in Europe are not shrinking. According to the UN FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, forest area across Europe increased by around 3.24 million hectares between 2015 and 2025, equivalent to approximately 1,250 football pitches of net forest growth every day.
• Deforestation Is Driven By Land-Use Change, Not Paper
  The resource highlights that the main global driver of deforestation is the conversion of forests to agriculture, infrastructure and urban development, rather than paper production.
• Paper Is Part Of A Sustainable ‘Working Forest’ Cycle
  In Europe, paper is produced within a managed system where trees are planted, grown, harvested and regenerated. The industry primarily uses smaller trees, thinnings and sawmill residues, ensuring efficient use of forest resources.
• High Recycling Rates Support A Circular Economy
  Europe is a global leader in paper recycling, with a 75% recycling rate for paper and 87% for paper-based packaging, meaning fibres are reused multiple times and reducing pressure on forest resources.
• Sustainable Forest Management Supports Climate Resilience
  Well-managed forests not only supply renewable raw materials but also store carbon, support biodiversity and are better equipped to withstand climate-related risks such as drought, pests and wildfires.

Supporting Informed Conversations

The new resource also explores how responsible paper production is underpinned by three key pillars: certified forest management, high recycling rates, and efficient use of resources. It reinforces the importance of credible certification schemes such as FSC and PEFC, as well as transparent supply chains.

Importantly, the Insight highlights a key message for brands, printers, packaging producers and consumers: choosing paper from responsibly managed forests supports forest growth and long-term sustainability. By creating value for forest owners, demand for certified paper products helps ensure forest area remains as forests.

This resource is designed to support Two Sides members and stakeholders in having more informed, confident conversations about forests, sustainability and the role of paper in a circular bioeconomy.

Download the new Insight here: Working Forests; How Europe’s Paper And Paper Board Industries Help Keep Forests Growing