The figures, compiled by the Confederation of Paper Industries (CEPI), show that its member countries, including the UK, produced 99.5m tonnes of paper and board in 2004, above initial estimates and an increase of 4.5% on 2003.
Production levels have increased on average by 3.2% per year since 1991. Pulp production rose, the total output of both integrated and market pulp reached 42.7m tonnes for 2004, a 4.2% on 2003.
Progress towards sustainability was reflected in the 4% increase in the use of recovered paper and 7.5% rise in collections to 51.5m tonnes.
CEPI member countries include 17 European Union countries, plus Norway and Switzerland.
Story by Andy Scott
CEPI reports record European paper production
European pulp and paper producers have reported another annual increase in production, with the figures for 2004 at record levels.
