The increasing demand for paper products and stationery from the economies of the Middle East is expected to continue to shape the future growth of the industry according to recent research findings.

Though the outlook is buoyant at the present time, industry trends indicate that there is an increasing shift towards ‘greener’ and more sustainable products thanks to growing awareness of environmental issues and the damage caused by unhindered commercial paper consumption.

Organiser of Paperworld Middle East, the region’s largest trade fair for office supplies and stationery products, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, expects these trends to generate new inquiries and fresh business leads for companies specialising in offering sustainable products and services as well as those involved in recycling used paper products.

“The Middle East market for paper is expected to continue to grow in the near future, with recent figures indicating that the region would need 28 million tons of paper to fulfil its needs by 2020,” said Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

“While the outlook for growth remains robust, environmental concerns and the perceived need for greater sustainability in what is seen as a ‘high carbon footprint’ industry, has led to a growing trend among corporate customers to opt for sustainable and recyclable paper to meet their needs,” he added.