Present status and future development in the world production of fibers and paper

During 1994 278 million tons of paper were produced worldwide, while around 330 million tons were produced in 2002. The forecast for paper production in 2010 is 420 million tons. From these data, it may be concluded that the paper production industry, which exists for around 2000 years, is still a very attractive industrial branch. This work represents the conditions in the production of the major and auxiliary raw materials for paper production, as well as paper production in the World and production forecasts until 2010. It was indicated that the fraction of secondary fibers obtained from recycled paper increases every year in regard primary fibers. In 2010 secondary fibers will be the major source of primary raw materials for paper production in the World. It was pointed out that in the last fifteen years the quantity of paper produced during one season grew rapidly. This growth was achieved by advance stock preparation of paper and increased velocity of the paper machine and the width web of the produced paper. Activities regarding environmental protection undertaken by manufacturers of paper and fibers are presented.