Confederation of Paper Industries (CEPI) member countries are estimated to have produced an all-time record of over 90m tonnes of paper and board, according to preliminary statistics for 2000.


The increase a fraction over 5% on 1999 is a result of increased production across all grades.


The output of graphic grades, including newsprint, rose 4%, while uncoated graphic grades increased by 6% and coated grades were up 4%.


Total production of both market and integrated pulp has reached over 38m tonnes also an increase of 5% on 1999. Chemical pulp output increased by just over 5%, while mechanical pulp output rose by close to 4%.


Early indications are that deliveries between CEPI countries have risen by 5%, with exports increasing by a similar amount after falling in 1999.