Paperworld Middle East Partners with FSC to Promote Responsible Sourcing Across Paper and Stationery Industry

Business

Paperworld Middle East Partners with FSC to Promote Responsible Sourcing Across Paper and Stationery Industry

Paperworld Middle East has announced a strategic partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to promote responsible sourcing and sustainable business practices across the Middle East's paper and stationery industry. The collaboration will be a key feature of the exhibition's 15th edition, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 13 to 15, 2026.

The partnership reinforces the event's commitment to sustainability by bringing globally recognized expertise in responsible forestry and certified sourcing to one of the region's largest trade platforms for paper, stationery, gifting, and office products.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is internationally recognized for its certification system that promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable forest management. Through this collaboration, FSC will help drive greater awareness of responsible procurement while encouraging businesses to adopt globally recognized sustainability standards.

As demand grows for transparent and sustainable supply chains, the partnership aims to support organizations in strengthening procurement practices, improving supply chain visibility, and meeting evolving environmental goals. It also seeks to encourage businesses to integrate responsible sourcing into their long-term operational strategies.

Sustainability will be embedded throughout Paperworld Middle East 2026 through educational sessions, industry collaboration, and dedicated visibility for FSC-certified exhibitors and responsibly sourced products. The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of more resilient, transparent, and sustainable value chains across the sector.

Mark Palmer, Show Director of Paperworld Middle East, said sustainability has become an essential business requirement rather than an aspiration. He noted that organizations are increasingly seeking greater transparency throughout their supply chains and greater confidence that sourced products meet internationally recognized standards.

He added that partnering with FSC will enable the exhibition to connect businesses with certified products, industry expertise, and responsible sourcing solutions while encouraging wider adoption of sustainable forestry practices throughout the region.

The exhibition will feature several FSC-certified exhibitors, including IPM, Main Paper, and The Navigator Company, allowing buyers to explore responsibly sourced paper and stationery products from international suppliers.

Helen Chepkemoi Too, Senior Director of Markets at FSC, said the partnership will help expand awareness and adoption of responsible sourcing across the paper, stationery, gifting, and promotional products sectors in the Middle East. She added that collaborations of this nature support businesses and consumers in making informed purchasing decisions while encouraging long-term improvements in sourcing standards and forest management practices.

Paperworld Middle East is expected to bring together leading manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and buyers from around the world, providing a platform for sourcing, innovation, networking, and business development.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global paper market is projected to reach US$294 billion by 2034, while the stationery market is expected to grow to US$268 billion, highlighting increasing opportunities for sustainable products and responsible procurement across the industry.