7 www.printmonthly.co.uk July | August 2026 - Issue 361 INDUSTRY | NEWS Chinese oversupply threatens global paper market Paper industry consultant EMGE has warned that significant paper overcapacity in China is driving a surge in low-cost exports, potentially placing downward pressure on prices and prompting calls for protective trade measures in key markets. EMGE made the revelation in its World Graphic Papers Forecast Report (Spring 2026), where it also highlighted various other key trends within the paper sector. The consultancy says weak domestic demand in China is leaving manufacturers with excess production that is increasingly being channelled into export markets. EMGE says this could heighten competitive pressures on producers elsewhere, with some regions potentially considering measures to protect local paper industries. Elsewhere in the report, EMGE said the global graphic papers market has settled into a “new normal” of sustained structural decline, driven by ongoing digitisation and changing consumption habits. However, it noted that recent geopolitical disruption has exposed the sector’s continued vulnerability to supply chain challenges and rising costs. Looking ahead, the consultancy forecast further consolidation across the industry, with mills set to face additional pressure to improve efficiency and reduce capacity. Producers, EMGE says, are increasingly shifting towards higher-value and specialist products in an effort to protect margins and remain competitive. The report also highlighted how many paper mills are operating at lower rates to help balance supply and demand, with some producers reducing output through commercial downtime while others continue to convert paper machines to packaging grades. On regulation, EMGE notes the compliance deadline for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was extended by 12 months to 30th December 2026. “This has provided some companies with additional time to address complex data reporting requirements ahead of implementation, while frustrating those which had already achieved compliance,” it says. Despite these challenges, some major players continue to deliver growth. Fedrigoni recently reported revenues of €1.9bn (£1.6bn) for 2025, up 3% year-on-year, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 5% to €303m (£260m). The company says the performance reflected the benefits of its diversified portfolio and global footprint amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. More than 80% of Fedrigoni’s revenue was generated outside its home market of Italy, with operations spanning Europe and the wider international market. The company says this broad geographic presence helped support a balanced performance across its business units. By Rob Fletcher Some major players continue to deliver growth despite the concerns highlighted by EMGE Output and orders suffered in Q1, according to the BPIF BPIF blames Middle East conflict for ‘under-par’ Q1 The BPIF says the ongoing conflict in the Middle East was the primary reason behind what it describes as an “under-par” start to 2026 according to its latest outlook report. Key points from the report include output and orders weakening during Q1, while rising cost inflation has significantly damaged confidence heading into Q2. Some 38% of printers reported a drop in output during Q1, with the industry output balance dropping to -2, compared with +35 in Q4 2025. The BPIF adds that forecasts for Q2 point to a deeper downturn, with output expectations falling to their most negative level in more than five years. While industry confidence remained marginally positive in Q1, the BPIF warns expectations for Q2 have “fallen away”, with the confidence forecast dropping to its lowest level since the pandemic. Other findings include how concerns over global unrest have escalated across the sector, rising from almost nowhere to become the industry’s leading business concern. By Rob Fletcher University reimagines course prospectus The Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has taken a unique approach to producing its 2027 prospectus, moving away from the traditional bound book in favour of a customisable, card-based system. Developed in-house by the AUB Brand team, the prospectus consists of a series of individual course cards that prospective students can ‘pick and mix’, allowing them to curate their own journey. Crucial to the design is a carabiner key ring, sourced and produced by PurePrint Group, the Sussex-based company that has partnered with the university on a wide range of projects. For this initiative, PurePrint also printed the cards on it litho press. By moving to this modular format, AUB says it has created a “lifelong object” that avoids the waste of traditional brochures, with students only needing information relevant to them. In addition, it allows AUB to update individual cards without reprinting entire volumes, further reducing wastage. The university says the new-look prospectus is designed to reflect the “bespoke nature” of creative education By Rob Fletcher
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