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According to recent research, demand for sustainable paper is set to increase steadily over the next five years. Currently the global demand for ‘green’ paper is estimated to be around 16.8 million tonnes. This is set to grow at a CAGR of 6.6 % to reach 24.8 million tonnes by 2016.

“As awareness grows about the high ecological cost of paper wastage, not to mention about the environmental consequences, consumers are increasingly making a conscious decision to alter their modes of consumption,” said Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, who is launching Paperworld Middle East – a trade event to serve the office and paper products industry in the region. “At Messe Frankfurt we are affiliated with the Forest Stewardship Council which promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests. Through the initiative we aim to reduce the printing of e-mails and other unnecessary paper wastage within the office.”

“We see a growing trend to increase the content of recycled paper in the product mix amongst major manufacturers, which include publishing houses, printers, stationery and greeting card manufacturers,” Pauwels stated. “At Paperworld Middle East, buyers, designers and decision makers from around the region can examine the range of ‘green’ products currently available in the market and learn about new trends and developments in the sustainable paper industry,” he added.

Many leading publishers and printers in the US are increasing the recycled paper content of books to around 30 per cent, as part of an industry-wide move towards more sustainable and responsible development. This trend is likely to become popular among publishers and printers in the Middle East region too, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the ecological impact.

There is also considerable interest in procuring paper produced from certified managed forests, which reduces the carbon footprint considerably. In addition there is a significant amount of research underway to produce paper from sustainable non-tree sources for use in printing and publishing.

Paperworld Middle East, which will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 7th to 9th, 2011, will feature the latest products in office supplies, wrapping, office and household paper and films, gift articles, school articles and greeting cards.