On June 21, 2025, the European Pulp Industry Sector Association (EPIS) marks its 20th anniversary—a relatively young age in a centuries-old industry. But why did this association come into existence only two decades ago, when the craft of papermaking dates back over 2,000 years? To understand this, we need to trace the roots of pulp production and the collaborative efforts that preceded EPIS.
Paper originated in China around 200 BC and spread slowly across the globe. Europe’s first paper mill opened in Spain in 1511, and by 1575, papermaking had reached Mexico. In those early centuries, paper was made from hemp, linen, and cotton rags—even old fishing nets were recycled into pulp. This rag-based production continued until the late 19th century, when growing literacy rates—fueled by the rise of public education—demanded a cheaper raw material.
The answer came from an abundant source: wood. The idea of using wood to create pulp emerged in both Canada and Germany in the mid-1800s. The first wood pulp mills were rudimentary, but innovators pressed on. By the late 1880s and early 1900s, countries like Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Canada had developed their own mills and technologies. Facilities producing 5,000 to 9,000 tons annually became the norm. (Today, the annual capacity in a new mill is more than a million tons.)
Sunila pulp mill in 1938.
After World War I and the Finnish Civil War, markets were in disarray. Finland responded by uniting its 20 existing and several new pulp mills to form the Finnish Cellulose Association, or Finncell. Beyond sales coordination, the association shared trained export sales personnel and began collecting market statistics—marking one of the earliest organized pulp industry efforts in Europe.
The industry rapidly expanded with the introduction of new pulp grades, including dissolving pulps and hardwood varieties like eucalyptus and birch. During World War II, even more creative applications emerged—including a bizarre one: feeding “fodder pulp” to livestock.
By 1963, the world produced 10.5 million tons of market pulp. Just four years later, production had jumped 53% to 16.1 million tons—an unsustainable growth. To stabilize the market, producers in the U.S., Canada, and Scandinavia founded the International Pulp Statistical Committee (IPSC). Brazil joined in the 1980s. By sharing data on inventories and production, the group helped restore market balance.
However, in the early 1980s, European antitrust regulators raided the offices of pulp associations and companies. In 1985, fines were issued, prompting the industry to challenge the EU in court. A decade later, the court ruled that no price cartel had existed. Yet, the verdict changed the landscape: Finland’s accession to the EU in 1995 forced associations like Finncell to disband, and IPSC soon followed.
From then on, all cooperation had to align with stricter antitrust guidelines. Bernd Stenberg, a former director of the Swedish Pulp and Paper Association, continued to gather market statistics independently, and eventually began drafting the framework for a new, compliant European association.
That vision became reality in 2005 when EPIS was officially established. On June 21st of that year, the Articles of Association were signed by King Albert of Belgium. With 15 founding members—three of which were non-European associate members—EPIS was born.
The first Secretary General, Mikko Tahvanainen of Finland, led the organization for its first decade, building its structure and processes. In the following decade, EPIS expanded its activities and membership under new leadership, all while maintaining full compliance with competition laws.
Now representing about 66% of global market pulp capacity which is well over 70 million tons and 96% of European capacity, EPIS plays a vital role in the industry. Its work spans market statistics, sustainability, safety, technical standards, and communication.
The association provides a trusted forum where companies come together to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. Driven by the collective will of its members, EPIS focuses on initiatives that bring mutual benefits and amplify the industry’s unified voice.
What began as a necessity during times of economic uncertainty has evolved into a modern, well-regulated forum for cooperation. EPIS not only celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025—it celebrates a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability in one of the world’s oldest industries.
2025 All Rights Reserved EPIS – The European Pulp Industry Sector AISBL
2025 All Rights Reserved
EPIS – The European Pulp Industry Sector AISBL
