7 July 2025: The European Tissue Symposium (ETS) and Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, have announced the successful completion of a joint initiative aimed at aligning terminology used across the tissue sector. This milestone marks a significant step towards greater clarity and consistency in the definition of tissue products, helping to harmonise and simplify the terminology used throughout the entire tissue value chain, as well as by analysts, consultants and the media.

The newly established terminology is intended to become the standard reference in all future reports, technical specifications and publications. To support this transition, two user-friendly infographics have been developed: one focused on Tissue Paper (intermediate products) and the other on Tissue Products (finished converted products). These visual tools display the updated terminology alongside legacy and alternative terms, and are now available on a dedicated page on the ETS website. The initiative will be actively promoted among international stakeholders.
This cross-industry effort brings increased clarity and is set to support companies, the media, consultants and analysts in their communication and reporting activities.

“This terminology guide was driven by persistent inconsistencies in the use of tissue-related terms and statistical reporting across Europe and globally,” explained Carlos Reinoso, Director General of ETS. “It is a non-confidential resource developed to facilitate consistent communication in technical, commercial and media contexts. This achievement would not have been possible without the close collaboration of Cepi and its national association members.”

The project began in early 2024 with the formation of a joint Cepi-ETS task force composed of experts from leading tissue manufacturers, national associations and the two organisations themselves. The group worked to eliminate discrepancies in terminology that had created confusion in reporting production and trade figures. The importance of clear and internationally aligned statistics to support policymaking, trade and sustainability was further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought increased public and institutional focus to the sector.

“The harmonisation introduced by this new terminology framework strengthens the integrity of the EU Single Market at a time when there is renewed momentum from EU institutions to reinforce it,” said Jori Ringman, Director General of Cepi. “We encourage all sector stakeholders to begin using the harmonised terminology immediately and to share it widely with colleagues and partners. Our members will be instrumental in spreading the word throughout the industry value chain and ensuring widespread adoption of the updated terms.”

The new harmonised framework encompasses several key areas: Terminology Alignment; Clarification of Product Segmentation; Harmonisation of Customs Codes; Improvements in Trade and Production Data and Alignment with ISO 12625-1:2019.

“We will now work in coordination with our counterparts around the world – including AF&PA in the United States, FPAC in Canada, CNHPIA in China, and JPA in Japan – to promote this harmonised framework globally, supporting international statistical alignment and trade transparency,” concluded Carlos Reinoso.