History

The British & World Pulp Association was formerly known as the British Wood Pulp Association. It changed its name in 2019 to reflect the changing nature of the industry and to highlight that the Association is open to all those involved with the supply and trade of pulp around the world. The aims, however, remain the same – to foster a spirit of friendship and cooperation within the industry and its customers.

The British Wood Pulp Association as it was originally known, was founded in 1896 following talks between members of companies involved in the wood pulp trade in the UK. On 10 March 1896, those present agreed that the English and Scottish interests involved in the sale of wood pulp to the British papermaking industry would form the British Wood Pulp Association. A Committee was formed to carry the motion forward and Albin Alsing was elected as the first chairman. Both the English and Scottish papermakers’ associations agreed to assist and the Swedish, Norwegian and German wood pulp associations promised to co-operate.

The main objectives of the BWPA were set out and recorded:

• To further the interests of the Wood Pulp trade by friendly intercourse and the interchange of information and views.
• To establish relations with kindred associations at home and abroad.
• To collect statistics relating to the wood pulp industry.
• To recommend and adopt a uniform contract note and system of drawing and testing samples.
• To combine action to bring pressure to bear on railway and dock companies, steamship owners, wharfingers, lightermen and others, in order to secure advantageous rates and charges.
• To assist in any litigation by which the general interests of wood pulp importers are in the opinion of the Committee affected.

The BWPA is a founder member of Europulp, which was constituted in 1998 together with the French Pulp Sellers’ Association (now AFVP), the Belgian-Dutch Association, BeNeCel, and the Swiss Pulp Club (SPC). Europulp later included the German Pulp Association (ZIV), the Italian Pulp Sellers’ Association (AIAC), the Spanish and Portuguese Pulp Sales Association (ACCIB) and the Turkish Pulp Club (TPC).

Europulp, in conjunction with the European Pulp Buyers’ Association (UTIPULP), organises an annual Seminar, held in September. Registration is open to all those who have an interest in pulp, paper, transport and distribution of forest products. For the past five years, the event has been organised in Barcelona.