Market analysis 2026
How the procurement of packaging papers is changing.
A summary of our two assessments — for converters and packaging manufacturers, and for industrial companies and brand owners. The full analyses are available as PDF below.
50–80 %
Share of paper in the total cost of a package — depending on the type of packaging.
SB Packaging · Assessment 2026
Cost factor
Paper is the largest cost item in a package.
Price movements in the paper market therefore feed straight into margins and calculations. A broader supply base creates room to manoeuvre:
- More flexibility on volumes and dates
- Access to additional grades
- Better planning when prices move
- Reserves as demand grows
Market
What moves the market for packaging papers
The European paper industry has changed considerably in recent years. Five factors now shape the availability and cost of packaging papers:
- Energy prices Paper production is one of the most energy-intensive industries in Europe. Changes in energy prices pass straight through to paper prices.
- Availability of recycled fibre Most packaging paper is based on recycled fibre. The quality and availability of recovered paper determine what paper mills can produce.
- Changing market structure The paper industry has reorganised. For buyers, it becomes more important to know and use several sources of supply.
- Logistical disruption International transport, port logistics and regional infrastructure affect the stability of supply.
- Regulatory requirements New environmental and recycling rules in the European Union keep changing the framework for paper production.
These factors work together. Procurement that draws on several producers and regions makes supply more predictable — as a complement to existing supplier relationships.
Assessment
Structured procurement complements existing systems.
Paper procurement is shifting from an operational function to a strategic management tool. Structured procurement approaches extend existing systems in a targeted way — rather than replacing them.
Additional production capacity
Access to industrial paper production widens the available supplier base and creates alternatives.
Price and market transparency
Direct production partnerships make price trends, availability and market structures traceable.
Stability of supply
Structured procurement stabilises planning and reduces dependence on individual market movements.
Full analyses
Depending on where you sit in the supply chain
PDF · 2026 edition
Converters & packaging manufacturers
Paper as a cost factor, operational elements of structured procurement, production partnership, quality and technical standards.
PDF · 2026 edition
Industrial companies & brand owners
The reality of European paper markets, risks in packaging supply chains, quality and compliance, the future of paper procurement.
Let us talk it through
We are glad to look at how we can usefully complement your existing sourcing structure.