Globalisation has consequences for the economy and the environment. In this paper the scale, structural, technology and product effects of globalisation in the paper industry and the implications for transport and the environment are analysed. The globalisation in the paper industry has caused an increase in the production, consumption and trade of pulp, paper and waste paper (scale effects). Changes in origin and destination of trade have resulted in an increase in transport distance (structural effects). New production techniques have stimulated the input of waste paper in the production process which has caused considerable shifts in trade flows and transport patterns. Globally as well as nationally, globalisation has caused an increase in environmental pressure resulting from increased international transport in the paper industry. The paper concludes that additional research would be needed to precisely quantify the present findings. (A)
Abstract