The CPI was instituted as the paper industry's main organisation on 1 January.

CPI director of external affairs Kathy Bradley said the CPI was still keen to see its annual review referred to as the "reference book for the industry".

However, she said the organisation was also keen that it reflect the significant changes the CPI had undergone over the past year.

According to its latest figures for the industry, 2003 was a year of little change for the UK papermaking sector.

Papermaking production totalled 6.2m tonnes in 2003, while overall consumption reached 12.5m tonnes,  a change of virtually nil over 2002. Output for newsprint also remained stable at 1.04m tonnes still below 1999/2001 levels.

Consumption in graphic grades was flat, reflecting the current weakness in newspaper circulation, the financial print markets and advertising.

The UK has the sixth largest paper market in the world and the second largest in Europe. Imports represented just over 60% of its paper and board consumption, which remained at around 7.5m tonnes.

Story by Andy Scott