Capacities for newsprint, SC magazine and coated mechanical reels have increased by 1.8m tonnes in that period. This was despite falling levels of advertising and pagination.

The findings appeared in  Cepiprint's 2004-2006 report on the sector. The Association of European Publication Paper Producers further forecasts that total capacity for the same grades is set to grow by 7%, or 2.4% per annum.

The increases in capacities are due to a mixture of improved efficiencies and capacity expansion along with the addition of new machines.

The rise will see European newsprint and magazine grade capacity rise to 25.5m in 2006. Coated mechanical reels is the only grade predicted to grow more slowly with an annual growth rate of 2.3% in 2004-2006, down from 4.1% during 1990-2003.

Deliveries also proved to be strong in 2003, but this is balanced against the flat or negative growth of the previous two years.

In 2003 coated mechanical reels deliveries were the strongest performer, showing growth of over 8%.

The figures for newsprint and SC magazine were slightly less impressive showing growth of 4.5% and 4% respectively.

Exports from western European (WE) producers, however, were key players in the report they increased in total by 1.5m tonnes for 2002-2003. This was due to a combination of weak domestic WE markets and a rise in export opportunities, such as the enlargement of the EU.

When converted into percentage increases this shows breathtaking increases of 21% and 26% for 2002-2003 respectively. According to Cepiprint, WE exports will increase by 550,000 tonnes between 2003 and 2006.

Story by Darryl Danielli