Carlos Reinoso, Director General of the European Tissue Symposium
Carlos Reinoso, Director General of the European Tissue Symposium

The European Tissue Symposium’s (ETS) latest independent socioeconomic impact analysis highlights the scale and importance of Europe’s tissue industry, drawing on data taken from across 42 European countries during 2024.

Commissioned by the ETS and conducted by Steward Redqueen, the study measured the full economic footprint of Europe’s tissue industry, from sustainable fibre sourcing and local manufacturing to the hygiene and health benefits of its products.

It showed that the sector:

  • Supports over 421,000 jobs across Europe
  • Generates €19.7bn in annual revenue
  • Produces 8.2m tonnes of essential tissue products each year.

The findings also highlight the sector’s critical role in maintaining hygiene standards across healthcare settings, public facilities, and workplaces.

Carlos Reinoso, Director General of the ETS, said that at a time when Europe is “navigating complex discussions” around sustainability, public health, and industrial policy, the study’s findings “underscore the importance of a balanced, evidence-based approach to hygiene solutions.”

He said: “Tissue products are a cornerstone of modern hygiene systems. As policymakers consider future regulations, it is essential to recognise both the economic contribution of our sector and the critical role tissue plays in protecting public health. Decisions must be grounded in science, lifecycle thinking, and real-world usage.”

To download the report go to:

https://europeantissue.com/exploratory-socio-economic-study/executive-summary-final.pdf