The joint declaration was signed by the heads of CEPI, Intergraf, FEFCO, Pro Carton, the European Paper Packaging Alliance, the European Organization Seminar, the Paper and Board Suppliers Association, the European Carton Manufacturers Association, and the Beverage Carton and Environment Alliance.
The lasting impact of the energy crisis "endangers the very existence of our industry in Europe". Forest-based value chain extensions support about 4 million jobs in the green economy, providing employment for one in five manufacturing companies in Europe, the statement said.
"Our operations are seriously threatened by soaring energy costs," the agencies said. Pulp and paper mills have to take difficult decisions in order to temporarily halt or reduce production across Europe."
"Similarly, the downstream user sectors in the packaging, printing and hygiene value chain face a similar dilemma, in addition to struggling with limited material supplies.
"The energy crisis threatens the supply of printed products in all economic markets, from textbooks, advertising, food and drug labels, to packaging of all kinds," said Intergraf, the international federation of printing and related Industries.
"The printing industry is currently experiencing a double whammy of soaring raw material costs and rising energy costs. Because of their SME based structure, many printing companies will not be able to sustain this situation in the long term." In response, the body representing pulp, paper and cardboard manufacturers also called for Europe-wide action on energy.
"The lasting impact of the ongoing energy crisis is deeply concerning," the statement said. It endangers our sector survival in Europe. Lack of action could lead to permanent job losses across the value chain, especially in rural areas." The statement also stressed that high energy costs could threaten business continuity and could "ultimately lead to an irreversible decline in global competitiveness".
"Immediate policy action is needed to secure the future of the green economy in Europe beyond winter 2022/2023, as more factories and producers are shutting down due to uneconomic operations due to energy costs.
