The European Tissue Symposium (ETS) and Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, have successfully completed a joint initiative to align terminology within the tissue industry. This milestone enhances clarity and consistency in the definition of tissue products and aims to harmonize and simplify the language used throughout the tissue value chain, including by analysts, consultants, and media covering the sector.
The newly aligned terminology is set to become the default reference in all future reporting, specifications, and publications across the tissue sector. To support adoption, two easy-to-follow infographics have been developed to present the updated terminology alongside legacy and alternative wording. One focuses on Tissue Paper (intermediate products), and the other on Tissue Products (finished converted products). These resources are available on a dedicated page of the ETS website and will be actively promoted to stakeholders worldwide.
“This terminology guide was motivated by the inconsistency in tissue statistics and terminology in Europe and around the world,” explains ETS Director General, Carlos Reinoso. “It is a non-confidential resource, created to streamline communication across technical commercial and media contexts, and could not have been achieved without the close involvement of Cepi and its National Association members.”
The collaborative and transparent effort began in early 2024 with the formation of a joint Cepi-ETS task force, bringing together experts from leading tissue companies, national associations, and the two organizations themselves. The initiative aimed to resolve longstanding discrepancies in terminology that had caused confusion in reporting production and trade data. The importance of clear, consistent, and internationally aligned statistics, essential for effective policy-making, trade, and sustainability, was further underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed heightened attention on the tissue industry.
“The harmonisation that the new terminology introduces supports a more unified EU Single Market, at a time when there is a new push for it from EU Institutions” said Jori Ringman, Cepi Director General. “Everyone working in the sector is encouraged to adopt the harmonised terms immediately and share them with peers and colleagues. Our members will play an important role in spreading the word up and down our industry value chain, and ensuring that everyone is using the updated terms in their daily work.”
The newly harmonised framework covers several key areas including Terminology Alignment; Clarification of Product Segmentation; Customs Code Harmonisation; Trade and Production Data Improvements and Alignment with ISO 12625-1:2019.
“We will now be working in coordination with our counterparts around the world including AF&PA in the US, FPAC in Canada, CNHPIA in China and JPA in Japan to promote this harmonised framework internationally to support global statistical alignment and trade transparency,” concluded Carlos Reinoso.
Access the harmonized terminology infographics created by ETS and Cepi:
