Economic, lifestyle changes and the focus on sustainable packaging will drive market growth by 5.4% annually during the period 2016 to 2021 to $44.8 billion, according to “The Future of Labels and Release Liners to 2021,” a new report by Smithers Pira.
 Smithers Pira’s analysis shows label market growth is being driven by economic, social, demographic and lifestyle changes, brand owners’ increasing focus on source reduction and sustainable packaging, consumer demand for convenience food, and the growing presence of large retail chains. Another growth factor in label market demand is the relatively low cost with which labeling can be replaced or changed; and a continuing need for barcodes and other secondary packaging applications that support food safety and pharmaceutical compliance issues.

The European paper industry fully supports the EU ambition of making Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and building a European circular economy. The carbon neutrality objective requires the European pulp and paper industry to become even more sustainable, efficient and innovative. The pledge has been taken by the industry as a whole, covering diverse products and materials made in the sector. Cepi, as the organisation representing the industry at EU level, will also leverage its existing networks within users of paper and forest fibre products, including many major companies with a global footprint. This will ensure that the pledge gains enough traction and has a real impact on climate neutrality, resource efficiency, and circularity. The new commitment is based upon three main pillars: *The achievement of full circularity performance for paper-based products and packaging. *The acceleration of innovation to replace fossil-based materials. *Ensuring responsible sourcing for paper-based products and packaging.

Three new members elected to the PEFC International Board at the 24th PEFC General Assembly in Würzburg, Germany. David Ford elected as the new Vice Chair, and two members re-elected for another term. Josien Tokoe, from the Kari’na people of Suriname, is a member of the Organization of the Indigenous Peoples of Suriname (IOS) and the lead for Human, Women and Family Political and Social Rights in COICA (the Coordination of in the Indigenous Organisations of the Amazon Basin). Kurt Ramskogler is Chairman of PEFC Austria, and Managing Director of the LIECO nursery of the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation. Kurt is also an Advisory Board Member of the BFW (Austrian Research Center for Forests). Dradjad Wibowo is the Chairman and Founder of PEFC member Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC). He is also the Founder and Chief Economist of Sustainable Development Indonesia (SDI) and an Associate Professor on the Perbanas Institute.