UAE’s consumption of paper is among the highest in the world, according to international industry statistics released on the sidelines of Paper Arabia exhibition. According to the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association, one of the biggest associations in the world specializing in paper, the per capita annual consumption of paper in the UAE is 200 kg, against the global average consumption of 60 kg.
This is a significant figure for the UAE with a small population, when compared with a country like India where the per capita consumption is mere 9 kg. UAE’s consumption is on par with Italy and Spain.
In 2010, the UAE consumed 3.5 million tons of paper, against 18 million tons in the entire Middle East region and 450 million tons globally in 2010, according to International Pulp and Paper Association.
These statistics were revealed at the inauguration of Paper Arabia 2011, the first-of-its-kind industry expo, which was inaugurated by HE Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Sunday, 18 September 2011 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Organizers of the show said that A4 paper led the demand for paper in the UAE, and the overall growth in paper consumption was between 5 and 6% where 12 paper mills operates in the country.
Talking about the importance of using latest technologies in saving production costs, Amith Horra, Marketing Manager CSS added, “ The Paper industry is developing all over the world, especially in the GCC countries. It is important to attend these exhibitions as Paper Arabia 2011 was dedicated to the development of the paper, printing and packaging industry in the GCC. We are able to identify key suppliers, vendors while networking with new and potential prospects which reflects our efforts to highlight key regional industry segments.”
KEY INFORMATION
Paper Arabia 2011 is bringing together players from the paper, tissue and converting industries. This show offers opportunities to the manufacturers and suppliers of finished products, equipment, machinery, paper chemicals, services, supplies of paper, tissue and converting sector to tap the Middle East and North African markets.
Paper Arabia, with more than 150 exhibitors from 25 countries from across the world, is a key platform for traders and industry players to interact. The show’s participants include leading global names from the UAE, Italy, Jordan, India, China, Netherlands USA and UK amongst others.