Energy efficiency trends in paper industry

  • Most of the EU MS have seen a decrease in the specific consumption per ton of pulp and paper. Only 5 MS have seen an increase (Slovakia, Belgium, Austria, Sweden and Czechia). At EU level, the level is slowly decreasing (-0.3%/year over 2000-2022).
  • The largest reduction is observed in Estonia and Slovenia (respectively 3.2% and 3.1%/year since 2000).
  • These trends are influenced by energy efficiency but also by variation of the share of pulp produced in the country.
  • Differences among countries also depend on the level of pulp production.

Specific consumption of paper and pulp


  • There are huge differences among countries in the share of pulp production over total paper and pulp production:  from 1% for the Netherlands or 10% in Germany to more than 45% in Sweden, Portugal, Czechia and Finland.

Ratio pulp/paper production in EU countries

  • The lower the share of pulp is, the lower the average energy consumption per ton of pulp and paper production is, on average.

Specific energy consumption per tonne of pulp and paper (2022)