Paperworld Middle East, the region’s leading trade show for paper and stationery products, taking place from 13–15 October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, has announced a strategic partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The collaboration reinforces the event’s commitment to responsible sourcing while supporting the long-term development and transformation of the paper and stationery industry across the Middle East.
Recognised leader in sustainable forestry, FSC promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable forest management through its globally recognised certification system. The new partnership with Paperworld Middle East will bring this expertise to the region’s leading international trade platform for paper and stationery products, creating new opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and responsible procurement.
The collaboration reflects growing demand from businesses and public-sector organisations for internationally recognised sustainability standards as they seek to strengthen procurement frameworks, improve supply chain transparency and meet evolving environmental objectives. Beyond visibility, FSC’s approach supports a broader shift in business practices by enabling organisations to integrate responsible sourcing into their operational culture and decision-making processes.
The partnership marks an important milestone for the 15th edition of Paperworld Middle East, where sustainability will be embedded throughout the exhibition through knowledge sharing, industry collaboration, and increased exposure for FSC-certified exhibitors and responsibly sourced products. It also signals a forward-looking commitment to shaping more resilient, transparent, and responsible value chains across the sector.
Mark Palmer, Show Director, Paperworld Middle East, said: “Across every conversation we’re having with exhibitors and buyers, sustainability is moving from aspiration to expectation. Businesses want greater transparency throughout the supply chain and increasing confidence that the products they source meet internationally recognised standards.
“Partnering with FSC allows Paperworld Middle East to reflect that shift, bringing together the organisations, expertise and certified solutions that will help businesses source with greater confidence while accelerating the adoption of responsible forestry practices across the region.”
Throughout the 2026 edition, FSC-certified exhibitors and products, including IPM, Main Paper and The Navigator Company, will be showcased, enabling visitors to discover and access responsibly sourced solutions from around the world.
Helen Chepkemoi Too, Senior Director, Markets, FSC, said:
“FSC is pleased to partner with Paperworld Middle East to further strengthen awareness and uptake of responsibly sourced materials within the paper, stationery, gifting, and promotional products sectors across the Middle East. Through collaborations like this, we aim to support businesses and consumers in making choices that contribute to responsible forest management and credible sourcing practices worldwide while helping to drive meaningful, long-term change in sourcing behaviours and industry standards.”
Paperworld Middle East will bring together the most influential manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers, providing a dedicated marketplace for sourcing, innovation, and business partnerships. The exhibition serves as a strategic trade platform, as demand continues to grow, with the global paper and stationery markets projected to reach US$294 billion and US$268 billion, respectively, by 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights.
