The organisations come from 21 countries and include Greenpeace, WWF and Friends of the Earth. The coalition launched its campaign at the Paper World exhibition in Frankfurt on 27 January.
The Common Vision for Transforming the European Paper Industry sets out its plan which aims to make the industry less reliant on virgin tree fibres, protect bio-diversity and make maximum use of recycled materials.
"The launch of the vision represents a call to pulp and paper companies to clean up their act," said Greenpeace International global forest campaign co-ordinator, Gavin Edwards.
The European paper industry produces 99m tonnes of paper and board, using 41% recycled fibres, 43% virgin pulp, 15% non-fibrous materials and 1% other pulp.
Lobby demands paper cutbacks
A coalition of some 50 non-governmental organisations has launched a 10-year agenda to get the European paper industry to reduce production by 50%.
