Title: Altap paper 2024: Volatility and challenges for the industry

Unsteady markets with the prospect of improvement-EU recycling

The importance of the international Latest paper day, which recently took place in Bonn and attracted more than 530 participants, illustrates the currently tense situations in the European waste paper market. Mike Hayes, chairman of the BVSE association paper recycling, found that the market for 2024 was characterized by strong volatility. While the year initially started behavior, the industry experienced an unexpected price increase in spring, followed by a decline in autumn. These price fluctuations are the result of a combination of declining demand and supply bottlenecks on the waste paper market.

The challenges for paper factories are considerable. These are faced with the need to cope with high energy costs, while at the same time you have to ensure security of supply in an unstable market. Factory closures and bankruptcies have illustrated the difficulties of the industry within the past twelve months. In the middle of these uncertainties, Hayes emphasizes the important role of waste paper in the circular economy. Germany recorded a record rate of 83 percent in waste paper use in 2024, while the average recycling rate in Europe is around 70 percent.

A central problem remains the legal classification of waste paper as a waste. The different regulations by the federal states and EU countries make international trade difficult and lead to uncertainties in the entire industry. In addition, the quality of the waste paper is negatively influenced by economic changes and new forms of packaging, such as fiber -based composite packaging. These products contribute to a decline in recyclability, which is why early responsibility in product development is required.

On the positive side, Prof. Dr. Gabriel Felbermayr optimistically when it comes to economic development. According to forecasts, the German economy could attract in the coming years, which also offers both challenges and opportunities for the waste paper markets in Southeast Asia. The changes in the imports of imports of countries such as India and Malaysia represent new dynamics in international trade. In addition, the new EU packaging regulations, which will come into force from August 2026

The current trade conditions and regulatory challenges should be viewed as an opportunity. A continuous dialogue within the industry is necessary to develop strategies that both stabilize the market and ensure the quality of the waste paper. The focus must therefore be on the promotion of a sustainable and efficient circular economy.