While the main topic was Sustainability, the trend towards more and more online trading was an important theme throughout the presentations and discussions. Market Research company Smithers presented a new FEPE study showing that further significant growth in ecommerce can be expected in the coming years.

While the envelope volume for classic letter communication has been continuously decreasing for several years, FEPE members are developing and selling more and more ecommerce packaging.

The envelope and light paper packaging industry is currently very concerned about the exploding raw material and energy prices as well as the availability of paper and qualified staff. These obstacles have forced some companies to shut down machines or fulfil orders with long delivery times.

Due to the increasing energy costs, further price increases in raw paper can also be expected.

Light packaging for ecommerce deliveries will also be topic at the upcoming Fachpack trade fair, where FEPE will have its own booth, in Nuremberg, Germany, September 27–29.