Paper Drying Systems Market Report 2026

The paper drying systems market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $5.94 billion in 2025 to $6.21 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in paper and pulp production capacity, demand for improved paper quality, expansion of packaging industry, high energy consumption in traditional drying systems, industrial modernization of paper mills.

The paper drying systems market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.68 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising focus on energy cost reduction, adoption of sustainable papermaking practices, increasing demand for packaging paper grades, technological advancements in drying system efficiency, investments in smart paper mills. Major trends in the forecast period include rising adoption of energy efficient drying technologies, growing use of heat recovery systems in paper drying, increasing automation in paper drying operations, demand for high speed and uniform drying solutions, focus on reducing moisture variability in paper sheets.

The increasing demand in the food and beverage industry is expected to drive the growth of the paper drying systems market going forward. The food and beverage industry includes all businesses involved in processing, packaging, and distributing uncooked food. Rising disposable incomes allow consumers to spend more on dining out, premium food items, and beverages, boosting demand within the industry. Paper drying systems are used in various drying processes to preserve and improve the quality of food and beverage products. For instance, in October 2024, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), a UK-based government department, average weekly spending on all food and drink in 2023 rose to $57.2 (£43.33) per person, a 5.4% increase from $54.3 (£41.11) in 2022. Therefore, growing demand in the food and beverage industry is driving the adoption of paper drying systems and supporting market growth.

Major companies in the paper drying systems market are focusing on developing innovative solutions such as energy-efficient dryers and automation systems to improve productivity and lower operating costs. Energy-efficient dryers are designed to minimize energy consumption during drying processes, while automation systems use technology to control and optimize drying with minimal human intervention. For instance, in January 2024, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., a Finland-based research organization, introduced superheated steam drying (SSD) technology as part of the SteamDry project. This technology is designed for drying web-like materials such as paper, board, tissue, and nonwoven products. By using superheated steam to remove moisture efficiently, it reduces energy consumption and enhances product quality. It also limits oxidation and thermal damage, making it suitable for sensitive materials. Early trials have demonstrated improved drying rates and uniformity across various substrates.

In April 2025, Andritz AG, an Austria-based technology company, acquired A. Celli Paper for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Andritz aims to strengthen its position in the global tissue and paper industry by expanding its capabilities in winding, rewinding, roll-handling, and packaging technologies, enabling it to become a full-line supplier from fiber production to finished paper rolls. A. Celli Paper S.p.A. is an Italy-based manufacturing company specializing in comprehensive paper drying systems.

Major companies operating in the paper drying systems market are Andritz AG, Valmet, Voith GmbH, Kadant Inc., A.Celli Paper S.p.A., Allimand SA, Bellmer GmbH, Toscotec S.p.A., PMP Group (Paper Machinery Producer), BW Papersystems, Metso Paper, BHS Corrugated Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH, Valmet Tissue Converting, Runtech Systems Oy, Siemens Energy (paper drying steam systems), Forbes Marshall Ltd., R-V Industries Inc., Kadant Johnson Europe, Kadant PAAL, Valmet Technologies (Drying & Energy), Voith Paper Automation, Andritz Küsters, Papcel Group, Jingxing Paper Machinery.

North America was the largest region in the Paper Drying Systems market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the paper drying systems market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the paper drying systems market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The paper drying systems market consists of sales of headboxes, wire sections, press sections, dryer sections, and consumables. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.