In Finland, the paper products manufacturing sector has seen a consistent decline in employee hours over the past decade. In 2023, the sector recorded 25.1 million hours, reflecting a significant year-on-year decrease of 4.2%. This follows a brief upward trend in 2022, a rare positive blip in an otherwise downward trajectory since 2013. Over the last five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) has been -2.02%, indicating a steady contraction in labor demand.
Future trends to watch for include further automation, potential re-shoring of production closer to end markets, and evolving sustainability regulations, which may both challenge and drive innovation within the sector.
