• the government’s current policy regarding the wood market,
• the availability and price of wood,
• current and projected levels of wood harvesting,
• compliance with European legislation (PPWR, EUDR),
• certification and its impact on the availability of wood in PGL LP,
• the use of wood for energy and the use of post-harvest wood.

Speakers and panelists included K. Dyjak (Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Hunting at the Ministry of Climate and Environment), T. Majerowski (Wood Management Division of the General Directorate of State Forests), J. Tabor (Deputy Director of the Office of Forest Management and Forest Surveying), D. Rybicka (Deputy Director of the Office of the SME Ombudsman), as well as representatives of member companies—J. Majewski (MM Kwidzyn), M. Budnicki (Stora Enso), and K. Łagoda (Mondi PLWD). M. Jastrzębski represented the SPP at the event.

_{Photos: M. Jastrzębski, SPP}

Representing the SPP at the conference were A. Werner and J. Żubrzak.

_{Photos: J. Żubrzak, SPP; A. Werner, SPP}

The conference was opened by Nina Iversen, FEFCO President (2026–2028), together with Eleni Despotou, FEFCO Director General. Leopoldo Santorroman, President of the AFCO association, welcomed the attendees on behalf of the hosts. The keynote speaker was Prof. Javier Diaz Gimenez of IESE Business School, who shared his analysis of global economic prospects and the challenges facing the market. The two-day discussion was moderated by Naomi Lloyd, a well-known British journalist.

The conference’s main thematic groups included:

• Corrugated Cardboard Packaging – Circularity Champion
• Corrugated Packaging Sustainable, Adaptable, Smart and Secure
• A vision for the future of Corrugated – high-level panel discussion with CEOs.

The list of topics that were presented and discussed included:

• experiences with the operation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system,
• an assessment of the competitiveness of the European packaging industry (P&B) on the global stage,
• opportunities and challenges for the industry related to technological transformation and innovation,
• environmental standards, obligations for companies resulting from changes in EU legislation (PPWR),
• assessment of key risk areas in the paper and cardboard packaging industry in Europe,
• challenges for businesses related to cybersecurity,
• FEFCO’s new communication strategy slogan #RecycledForReal.

The series of presentations was accompanied by an opportunity for participants to interact with the speakers via a virtual communication tool during the portion of the program set aside for Q&A sessions.

J. Turski (Director General of the SPP) listened in on the two-day debate.

_{Photos: J. Turski, SPP}

_{photos: M. Jastrzębski, SPP}

• 22.04. – Business transformation 2030; Europe’s economic strenght; Transition – Energy for the economy; Energy mix, system, security; Top business leaders on trends and the future. 
• 23.04. –  Challenges of the climate policy; Green financing, Energy efficiency; Biotechnology and innovations; Digitalisation technologies and competences for tommorow. 
• 24.04. – Industry and innovations; Waste and energy; Packaging waste management; Adaptation to climate change; Politicians on the economy.

Delegates from our Association took the opportunity to establish direct contacts with the parliamentarians and representatives of central government agencies present at the event. Furthermore, participation in the EKG policy debate facilitated a series of spontaneous meetings, conversations, and exchanges of experiences in an informal setting with representatives of numerous industrial sectors, as well as other key sectors of the national economy.

_{Photos: J. Turski, M. Jastrzębski, SPP; Graphics: EKG 2026}

One Market – Many Challenges

The wood market is not homogeneous. It is a space where different interests, business models, and perspectives converge:

• forestry,
• the wood and furniture industry,
• the paper industry,
• the energy sector,
• service and technology companies.

Each of these groups operates in a different environment—but they all rely on the same raw material.

The Outlook for the Pulp and Paper Industry

From the perspective of the pulp and paper industry, issues related to the availability of raw materials and the stability of their supply are of particular importance today. This sector, which is one of the key consumers of wood, operates in an environment of growing competition for resources and changing regulatory requirements. That is why it is so important to include this perspective in the broader discussion about the future of the market as a balancing factor among the needs of various industries.

Between Regulation and the Market

Regulatory changes, which are having an increasingly significant impact on how companies operate, present an additional challenge. The implementation of new requirements—including the EUDR—is changing the way we think about the supply chain, accountability, and transparency. At the same time, operating costs are rising, and questions about raw material availability are no longer merely a topic of industry discussion.

Why do we need dialogue?

When challenges are systemic in nature, solutions cannot be developed in isolation. That is why it is so important to create a space where:

• different perspectives can come together
• approaches can be compared
• and the conversation extends beyond a single market segment.

It is precisely in such a dialogue that solutions are born that have the potential to truly shape the future of the industry.

It was this need that gave rise to the Wood Industry Forum (FPD) – an event that has been bringing together representatives from across the wood-based materials market for years. The next, fifth edition of FPD will take place on June 23 and 24, 2026, in Warsaw.

Our Association has assumed the role of Supporting Patron for this event.

The Forum’s program focuses on the most important and timely issues, such as:

• raw material availability and its practical implications
• the impact of regulations (including the EUDR) on business operations
• relationships between industry and the energy sector
• the sector’s competitiveness in a changing market environment

A Shared Market Space

The Forum is not just about the agenda and presentations. Above all, it is a space for bringing people, experiences, and perspectives together. Because even though there is only one market, the ways in which it is perceived can vary greatly. And that is precisely why the slogan: #WoodUnitesUs – one market, many perspectives – resonates so strongly today. In the face of the dynamic changes affecting the wood industry, it is worth being part of the conversation about its future—which is why we invite you to the 5th edition of the Wood Industry Forum on June 23 and 24, 2026, in Warsaw. Program details and registration are available on the Wood Industry Forum website.

FPD 2026 is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge, exchange experiences, and establish valuable business contacts. Participating in this event is a great investment in the growth of your company and the industry!

See you there!

Contact the organizer:

Jola Szczepaniak, powermeetings.eu
kom.: +48 505 659 477
e-mail: Jolanta.Szczepaniak@powermeetings.eu
www.powermeetings.eu

Delegates from across Europe and beyond exchanged views on how the sector can strengthen its competitiveness while supporting the EU’s climate and circular economy goals. From energy costs and trade distortions to new digital frontiers, speakers highlighted how innovation and collaboration will drive the development of a new generation of corrugated packaging. Among the approximately 1,171 representatives of the corrugated cardboard industry and its suppliers were also representatives of member companies of the Corrugated Board Section and the SPP office. The exhibition area featured a record 185 stands and 120 exhibitors from 35 countries, presenting machinery, digital tools, and sustainable solutions across the entire value chain.

The three-day program discussed the sector’s response to changing market requirements, regulations, and pressure for sustainability. Sessions covered EU legislation, including the recently adopted Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as well as the circular economy, digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and mergers and acquisitions. The event also featured the first-ever high-level panel of CEOs on mergers and acquisitions, where business leaders discussed the changing global landscape in the industry. Particular emphasis was placed on the success of the corrugated cardboard industry under the PPWR, recognition of its sustainable nature, and securing an exemption for cardboard in 2025; new results from the FEFCO 2025 life cycle assessment, confirming the role of corrugated cardboard as an environmentally friendly and low-carbon solution; presentations on artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and energy monitoring systems, highlighting how data-driven efficiency supports profitability and climate goals.

FEFCO Director General Eleni Despotou said the 2025 Technical Seminar captured the spirit of renewal and collaboration that has defined the industry over four decades. “This milestone edition reflects how far our industry has come as we embrace innovation and sustainability,” she said. “Corrugated packaging is circular by nature, built on renewable materials and innovation. As the world changes, our sector continues to deliver sustainable, competitive solutions for Europe’s economy.”

FEFCO President Nina Iversen added: “This Technical Seminar shows the sector’s commitment to innovation and excellence. From regulation to recycling, energy to AI, our members are leading the way in making packaging smarter, stronger and more sustainable.”

_{Based on our own information and information provided by FEFCO.}

_{Photos: J. Turski and A. Werner, SPP}

This year’s edition brought together representatives of industry, science, administration, and trade organizations, who discussed the most important challenges and directions for the sector’s development. The conference program included four main thematic sessions:

• Responsible industry – including extended producer responsibility, regulations for energy-intensive industries, circularity, and waste collection efficiency.
• Environmental and legislative challenges – ESG, CCUS, FSC certification, and legislation on food contact materials.
• Technology and process optimization – digital services, innovative chemical and technical solutions, closed water cycles, automation.
• Corrugated cardboard – challenges and opportunities – European legislation, hybrid papers, CO₂ emission reduction, modern production systems.

For the first time, the PROGRESS conference was accompanied by a panel discussion focusing on staff training issues.

We would like to thank all participants, speakers, exhibitors, and partners for their active participation, inspiring presentations, and constructive discussions. Your commitment shows that the paper industry has strong foundations and ambitious plans for the future.

See you at the next edition of PROGRESS!

_{Photos: I. Kawiorska}

The goal of the seminar was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify, quantify and account greenhouse gas emissions in their organizations and plan actions to reduce these emissions in achieving climate neutrality.

_{Photos: A. Werner, SPP}