Page 6 - PULP & PAPER INDUSTRY № 1-11-2021

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Be in good health “By 2030, growth of the Russian pulp and paper industry production
dear readers! by 8.3 million tons is possible, including: market pulp — by
5.7 million tons, tissue products — by 0.4 million tons, packaging

In the pandemic, it was this simple paper and cardboard — by 0.26 million tons, writing and printing
Russian greeting that became the most paper — by 0.45 million tons. At the same time, it is clear that over
desirable in its original meaning. Now, two years the government’s expectations from the pulp and paper

when life every moment confronts us industry have significantly decreased. Time will tell how accurate
with new trials, we sincerely wish you the figures stated in the latest version are. However, in my opinion,
good health! All of Russia has felt the the key predictions in this document already look erroneous: there
detrimental impact of COVID-19. Both is a clear underestimation for packaging paper and cardboard
people and industry and our industry and overestimation for writing and printing paper and market pulp.

is no exception. And despite the Most likely, industry specialists would be interested to know the
fact that a lot has already been said about the consequences of methods of the key figures calculations, which appear in such
the pandemic for the industry and each of us, I am sure that all important documents. And if they are correct, then the calculation

these forecasts are too virtual and far from the real, profound error cannot be 50%. It is very important that everyone — from
consequences of the current situation. In fact, they await us and a specialist to the owner of the enterprise — participates in the
will be felt not only in the short term, but also for many years to development of a strategy and other project or program aimed at
6 come. However, it should be noted that the growth in demand and the industry development. Because it depends on them, you and

prices for timber products in the last few quarters has allowed me, dear colleagues, how much resulting forecasts correspond to

most industry players to show solid financial results. Nevertheless, the future of the industry, country and each of us. So far, words
I would like to remember what happened before... What was the and deeds in the Russian pulp and paper industry do not always
state of the industry before the pandemic? In this regard, I invite correspond to each other, and, despite numerous announcements

you to recall a very interesting document called “Russian Forestry of large-scale pulp production projects, last pulp and paper mill
Complex Development Strategy by 2030”. This document, important in Russia was built more than 45 years ago. But I hope that the
for the industry, began to be developed more than 5 years ago. meaningful cooperation of industry professionals and competent
It was signed in the form Statement of Russian Government politicians will bring closer the development of a realistic strategy
No. 1989-r dated September 20, 2018, and even then many experts that will allow the industry to grow, find a balance between

pointed out its downsides. The document began to be revised, and laws, business and nature! In the meantime, I suggest you have
on February 11, 2021, the next revision was signed — Statement a pleasant time reading the main branch magazine about the pulp
of Russian Government No. 312-r. Undoubtedly, this document is and paper industry!
of great importance for the industry, since it spells out all the key I wish everyone health and strength in this difficult time!

aspects of the industry status, as well as ambitious plans until
2030. But even the revised “Development Strategy” is surprising Best regards,
about the forecast of the potential for increasing the production Alexander Chukhlebov,
ASPPI, Chairman
of pulp and paper production. It contains the following statement:

PULP & PAPER INDUSTRY 1 / 11 / 2021