For decades increases in population numbers have meant more consumers to buy more tissue products. It became a natural guarantee of growth. Not anymore. In Europe no country has significantly increasing population numbers. A steady decline is predicted, yet manufacturers continue production levels to meet the old market model … resulting in serious overcapacity. In an exclusive interview with Tissue World Magazine, Sofidel Chief Executive Luigi Lazzareschi – a leading industry pioneer with family links to tissue going back to 1966 – takes a hard look at this and other emerging issues. Among them: turbulent trading conditions, rising energy costs, progressing automation, localisation, M&A models, the need for talented operatives to run sophisticated machinery, and why retailers and consumers should be better informed about what constitutes sustainable production. In MarketIssues, Lazzareschi insists business as usual is not an option. Manufacturers have largely failed to respond to the new demographics. The industry is now at a crossroads.
KEY MARKET ISSUE: BALANCING VALUE-FOR-MONEY WHILE MAINTAINING SUSTAINABILITY
The UK tissue market is undergoing an unusual upsurge. Significant new capacity is being started up, many by companies headquartered in Sweden, Italy, Finland and Türkiye, who, along with established UK manufacturers, have spotted opportunities. Five new machines are scheduled to go online this year, and more are expected in 2027/28. Given that the UK is a mature market, its economy essentially flat-lining, and global trade beset with turbulence, this represents a vote of confidence that an upturn is near. One leading tissue analyst was surprised by but welcomed the new production after a long decline, adding: “I can’t imagine the stress they are under when starting up at this time due to the energy crisis.” Analysis in Country and Operations Reports.
RECORD BREAKING SUCCESS AT THE LEADING GLOBAL TISSUE SHOWCASE
Informa Connect has confirmed that Tissue World Miami 2026 delivered unprecedented success on every front. Key issues included: growth, but with rising capacity and cost pressure redefining what “competitive” means; innovation shifting from volume to differentiation with product formats; performance attributes and sustainability now central to value creation. Process technology is entering a new wave where quality, efficiency, and decarbonisation must advance together, not sequentially. Business models diverge by region, yet digitisation, resource efficiency, and resilience are becoming universal requirements. The winners will be those who connect market insight, technology choices, and operating models into a coherent innovative strategy. Full report in ExitIssues.
