UK production output index: paper and paper products
UK production output index: paper and paper products stood at 98.1 in Jul 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Monthly GDP and output table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1990 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Monthly GDP and output table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production output index by industry | |||||||||||
| 17 — Manufacture of paper and paper products | 98.1 | 96.8 | 98.4 | 98.8 | 98.4 | 100.1 | 97.9 | 99 | 98.1 | 95.7 | |
| 18 — Printing and reproduction of recorded media | 83.2 | 87.1 | 90.2 | 88.5 | 91.9 | 91 | 90 | 95.2 | 98.5 | 94.9 |
Understanding UK production output index: paper and paper products
Producing pulp, manufacturing newsprint, converting paperboard, and fabricating corrugated packaging containers across the United Kingdom define the scope of this manufacturing output series. Industrial paper mills and converting plants are included, while forestry operations and publishing activities are excluded. This measure differs from printing by focusing on the creation of the base material and packaging structures rather than text and image reproduction.
Reading these figures necessitates monitoring packaging demand from e-commerce, manufacturing supply chains, and bulk pulp commodity prices. Early estimates are subject to routine revisions as survey data collection completes. Year-on-year comparisons offer a stable view of structural demand shifts, whereas month-on-month changes reflect immediate inventory adjustments across distribution networks.
Frequently asked questions
- Does paper manufacturing include book publishing?
- No, publishing is classified separately from the physical production of paper and paperboard.
- Are recycled paper inputs accounted for in the index?
- Yes, processing waste paper into recycled pulp and packaging materials is fully captured.
- Why is packaging an important driver for this series?
- Corrugated boxes and transit packaging represent a major share of total output volume in paper conversion.