Packaging paper production in Europe fell by around 7% last year according to preliminary data from the Confederation of European Paper Industries' (Cepi) member countries.

Cepi estimated that production of packaging grades fell by between 6.5 and 7% compared to 2008 but pointed out that because the statistics were measured in tonnages the volumes were "affected by the continuing trend towards lightweighting".

Corrugated case grade production fell by around 6% and cartonboard and all other packaging formats dropped by between 8% and 8.5%.

Overall paper and board output fell by 11% to around 35m tonnes, the lowest annual production since 2001. Paper consumption is estimated to have fallen by 12% compared to 2008.

Packaging accounts for 43% of Cepi's paper and board production and the full preliminary report can be viewed by clicking here.

UK production fell by 14% last year according to Confederation of Paper Industries statistics published in January. To read Packaging News' analysis of the UK paper packaging market, click here.

Cepi has 18 member countries including Finland, Norway, Germany and the UK.