The European Tissue Symposium (ETS) has released a landmark socio-economic study detailing the profound impact of Europe’s tissue industry on the continent's economy, employment, and public health. Conducted by Steward Redqueen and based on 2024 data across 42 countries, the analysis reveals that the sector has become an essential industrial powerhouse, generating billions in value added and supporting nearly half a million jobs. By quantifying the entire footprint, from sustainable fiber sourcing to the critical hygiene benefits of the end products, the report underscores the industry’s dual role as both a vital economic driver and a cornerstone of Europe's modern hygiene infrastructure.

Here is a summary on the findings:

1. Massive Economic Footprint

The independent analysis highlights the sheer scale of the industry, which spans the entire value chain from sustainable forestry to retail distribution.

• Revenue and Production: In 2024, the industry generated €19.7 billion in annual sales, producing 8.2 million tonnes of essential products including toilet tissue, kitchen rolls, and facial tissues.
• Value Added: The sector contributed a total of €36.6 billion in value added to the European economy.
• Tax Contributions: The industry’s activities resulted in €16.4 billion in tax revenues for European governments, helping fund public services across the continent.

2. A Local Job Engine

One of the study's most striking findings is the industry's ability to keep economic benefits within Europe.

• Employment: The sector supports 421,100 jobs across Europe.
• Local Sourcing: Approximately 90% of the industry's €13.5 billion supplier spend stays within Europe, bolstering local manufacturing and logistics.
• Sector Breakdown: The "ripple effect" of tissue production stimulates various industries:
  • Trade (Retail & Wholesale): €9.8bn value added; 155,200 jobs.
  • Business Services: €9bn value added; 72,100 jobs.
  • Forestry & Agriculture: €2bn value added; 28,200 jobs.

3. Public Health and Productivity

Beyond finance, the study links the use of tissue products—specifically paper towels—to significant health and productivity gains.

• Infection Prevention: Scientific data suggests that proper hand drying with paper towels can reduce microbes by up to 51%.
• Economic Savings: By preventing an estimated 9.8 million flu infections annually, the industry increases EU GDP by €1.47 billion through higher workplace productivity and fewer sick days.
• Healthcare Impact: In the UK alone, switching to paper towels in hospitals could save an estimated £56 million in costs related to healthcare-associated infections.

4. Commitment to Sustainability

The study reaffirms the industry's alignment with the EU Green Deal and the Bioeconomy Strategy:

• Renewable Energy: Currently, 62% of the energy used in the sector comes from renewable sources.
• Resource Efficiency: 92% of process water is reused, and most fibers are sourced from FSC or PEFC certified sustainable forests.
• Climate Goals: The industry is targeting carbon neutrality by 2050.

Industry Perspective

“Tissue products are a cornerstone of modern hygiene systems,” said Carlos Reinoso, Director General of the European Tissue Symposium (ETS). As policymakers consider future regulations, it is essential to recognise both the economic contribution of our sector and the critical role tissue plays in protecting public health. Decisions must be grounded in science, lifecycle thinking, and real-world usage.”

The study concludes that the European tissue industry remains a resilient, locally-rooted sector that is essential for both the continent's economic strength and the daily wellbeing of its citizens.

Read more about the study :

https://europeantissue.com/exploratory-socio-economic-study/