Stationery Products Market Outlook, 2028

The market for writing and drawing tools like paper, pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, and other associated items is known as the global stationery products market. This industry is quite competitive from a commercial standpoint and is always changing due to things like shifting consumer preferences, technological improvements, and the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Education, office, and home use, as well as the expanding trend of creative hobbies and activities, are the main drivers of stationery product demand. Because of this, the industry is extremely diversified and diverse, serving a variety of customers with various wants and needs. Many customers prefer the accessibility and convenience of online purchasing, which has caused the market to shift in recent years in favour of online and e-commerce channels. Retailers and manufacturers are now competing more fiercely to provide customers with reasonable prices, high-quality goods, and effective delivery options. In addition, there is an increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness in the sector, with many businesses investing in R&D to produce goods that are more socially and environmentally responsible. As customers become more aware of their environmental impact and seek more sustainable solutions, this trend is anticipated to continue in the upcoming years. People of all ages are utilising stationery products more frequently for both personal and professional tasks, which is causing consumption to increase. Some of the advantages of the stationery goods include helping to remind individuals about their schedules, saving time and resources, and serving as a vital tool for keeping track of everyday tasks. Additionally, the development of cutting-edge stationery goods like the 3D printing pen presents a market expansion possibility. For instance, the Myriwell 3rd Gen 3D Pen has a number of appealing features like a ceramic nozzle that uses high-temperature resistant material, an LED display for indicating multiple filament modes, including ABS/PLA/PCL, and a USB connector that enables users to charge with a power bank.

According to the research report, Global Stationery Products Market Outlook, 2028 the market is expected to cross USD 148 Billion market size, increasing from USD 109 Billion in 2022. The global market is forecasted to grow with 5.41% CAGR by 2023-28. One of the key drivers of market expansion is the rising literacy rates around the world and the rising number of young people who are gravitating towards higher education. Additionally, the market is expanding due to the sudden rise in start-ups. The study found that more than 1200 businesses were founded in 2018. As a result, growing employment in these industries has a considerable impact on market expansion. Government programmes have increased the number of schools and colleges in both urban and rural areas, which has a direct impact on the expansion of the market. Also, the demand for luxury pens is rising as a result of consumers' significantly higher discretionary income, which is also anticipated to create new growth prospects for industry participants. Many multinational corporations who are active in the target industry have experienced tremendous expansion as a result of globalisation. Government programmes in rising nations, particularly India, welcome these foreign businesses, which in turn help those markets grow. The use of these items dates back many years, possibly even centuries. The items in the global market for stationery have improved with time and with the help of technology. For a very long time, the secret to success in the global stationary products market has been evolution. Companies have had to modify their current products or introduce new ones in response to shifting consumer tastes. Due to the influence of social media and television in recent years, businesses have had to make marketing investments in order to stay competitive and relevant in the global stationary products industry.

Based on the region, Asia-Pacific is dominating the global stationery products market with more than 35% market share in 2022.

The region is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, such as China, India, and Japan. The demand for stationery products in the area is influenced by a number of variables, including increased literacy rates, rising disposable incomes, and expanding demand for office and educational supplies. Additionally, the proliferation of the market in the region is being aided by the vast number of stationery product manufacturers and suppliers that are present in nations like China, India, and South Korea. In the stationery industry, the Asia Pacific market is also seeing the adoption of cutting-edge technology and novel goods, which is anticipated to fuel market expansion in the years to come. The demand for goods in the worldwide stationary products market will increase dramatically in the upcoming years because to the rising child population and expanding corporate infrastructure in numerous south East Asian countries. Many businesses are also eager to increase their presence and operations in the area as they search for new chances. Also, the increasing use of various stationery goods and the rising number of educational institutions in Asian countries' rural and urban areas are the main factors driving the stationery market's demand in this region. Due to the substantial population and rising levels of disposable income, regional growth is anticipated to continue to dominate the industry in terms of market size. The majority of the market share for consumer stationery items in the Asia-Pacific is accounted for by China, which is also the region's largest market. But organised retail has been supported by the Indian government through a number of programmes and regulations, which is anticipated to fuel additional industry expansion.

Based on the product type, paper-based products are expected to lead the market with more than USD 85 Billion market size by 2028.

Even after digitization began to dominate the market, papers continue to rank among the most popular stationery items due to their role in printing. The opening of numerous coaching centres has caused a rise in paper usage in the foreseeable future. In the educational industry, paper is used to print test questions and other assignment sheets. Other uses of paper in government buildings and offices have propelled the market. It is anticipated that more paper would be used as more coaching institutes open up around the world. Additionally, when consumers become more conscious of the environmental problems brought on by their usage of plastic, they are more likely to search for alternatives, such as speciality papers. Due to the growing need for paper products, which are fundamental and essential for education and thus help drive market expansion, this segment of the school stationery supplies market is frequently the largest. Additionally, students frequently use notebooks, notepads, and paper pads to take notes, complete writing assignments, and complete other chores that have an impact on market growth. Another significant growth-inducing factor is the widespread use of paper products due to their affordability and versatility in terms of their formats, sizes, and designs that can meet different educational needs, such as ruled notebooks for writing practise, graph paper for mathematical calculations, and plain sheets for creative work. Additionally, the affordability and accessibility of paper products for students and educational institutions has improved recently, fuelling market expansion.

Based on the application, educational institutes are expected to grow with over 4% CAGR in global stationery products market by 2023-28.

Educational institutes, including schools, colleges, and universities, have a massive student and faculty population. This creates a substantial demand for stationery products such as notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, folders, and more. Educational institutes often make bulk purchases of stationery items to meet the needs of their students and staff. This bulk buying can result in economies of scale for suppliers, leading to cost savings and potentially lower prices for stationery products. Many educational institutes prefer branded stationery products to maintain quality and standardization. This preference for specific brands can significantly boost the market share and revenue for those manufacturers. At the beginning of each academic year, there is a spike in stationery sales due to the back-to-school shopping season. Educational institutes play a pivotal role in driving this surge in demand. Certain educational institutes, particularly art schools and technical institutions, may require specialized stationery products such as sketchbooks, drawing materials, engineering pads, graph papers, etc. This creates a niche market for manufacturers catering to these specific needs. As the global population grows and literacy rates increase, the demand for education rises. This, in turn, leads to the establishment of more educational institutes, further contributing to the growth of the stationery market. Some educational institutes have established purchasing contracts with specific stationery suppliers, which can provide a steady and guaranteed market for those suppliers. Educational institutes often seek stationery products that align with modern teaching methods and technological advancements. Manufacturers that offer innovative and technologically enhanced stationery items can gain a competitive edge in the market.

Based on the distribution channel, offline segment is expected to grow with more than 5% CAGR by 2023-28 in global stationery products market.

Stationery and book shops are established as traditional outlets for purchasing school-related supplies. These shops have a long-standing presence in local communities, making them easily accessible to students, parents, and teachers. They are familiar, with convenient locations, and a reputation for carrying numerous stationery items which is a go-to-choice for school-related shopping. Additionally, they often have a dedicated section specifically catering to school supplies. They stock a comprehensive selection of products such as notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, art materials, and other stationery essentials that students require for their academic pursuits. This extensive range of products makes stationery and book shops a one-stop destination for all school-related stationery needs. Furthermore, stationery and book shops frequently collaborate with educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities. They establish partnerships and supply contracts with these institutions, ensuring a steady demand for their products which is augmenting the market growth. However, customer preference in the stationery market is consistently changing. Rising penetration of E-commerce and the internet in developing countries is also expected to play a significant role in driving the growth of the market. People tend to pick products specifically that suit their needs, and the demand for niche products is growing. E-commerce offers a variety of products in different niches which people can buy from the comfort of their homes. This factor coupled with the effect of COVID-19 has boosted the rise of E-commerce in the stationery and supplies market.

Market Drivers

• Personalized & Customized Printing Needs: Personalized printing and customization in design are estimated to bridge the gap between consumers and manufacturers, which is anticipated to widen the horizon of the global market. Moreover, brand campaigns and comprehensive marketing strategies are also predicted to serve as catalysts for market opportunities. For instance, licensed collaborations, which are established with various child-based TV channels are stimulating manufacturers to print various popular cartoon characters on different stationery products.
• Increasing Educational Programs: In recent years, students are inclining towards higher education, which is estimated to have a direct impact on the demand for stationery products. In addition, encouraging government initiatives aiming at the educational sector is projected to positively impact target market growth opportunities in the coming decade. Developing countries, especially Asian countries are investing a significant amount in primary, secondary, and tertiary programs to cater education requirements of the increasing millennial population. These rising numbers of educational programs are estimated to pave the way for suppliers of stationery products globally.

Market Restraints

• Increasing preference for a digital alternative: With the rising popularity of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, consumers are increasingly opting for digital alternatives to traditional stationery products. This has resulted in a decline in demand for products such as pens, pencils, and paper. Rapid digitization is one of the key restraining factors, which is expected to limit the adoption of stationery products around the world. Green schooling and smart classes are also adversely impacting sales of stationery products. A significant increase in the adoption of technical devices is also holding back stationery product sales.
• Increasing competition: The stationery products market is highly fragmented, with a large number of small and medium-sized players competing with established brands. This intense competition is driving down prices, putting pressure on profit margins, and making it challenging for companies to stand out in the market. The stationery market is quite mature and, in many regions, saturated with numerous suppliers and manufacturers. As a result, companies face intense competition to capture and retain market share. Also, the stationery market generally has relatively low barriers to entry, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. This ease of entry has encouraged new players to join the competition, leading to a more crowded marketplace. Globalization and international trade have allowed stationery manufacturers from various countries to enter new markets and compete on a global scale. This has intensified competition as companies strive to expand their market presence beyond their domestic boundaries.

Market Trends

• Growing Demand for Sustainable Stationery: Increasing awareness about sustainable and eco-friendly stationery is steadily increasing in the commercial and educational sectors. For instance, in the commercial sector offices uses paper for printing and writing purpose. Recycled paper usage is increasing in copier machines and to print and write letterhead and other documents. Developed countries such as the US have improved significantly over the past three decades in terms of recycling paper. People in educational institutes have also seen an increased awareness in the usage of eco-friendly stationery.
• Increasing focus on design and aesthetics: Design and aesthetics have become increasingly important in the stationery products market. Customers are looking for products that are not only functional but also visually appealing. This trend has led to the development of a wide range of products that combine functionality with innovative and eye-catching designs, from patterned notebooks to stylish writing instruments. The trend towards design and aesthetics is expected to continue, driving the growth of the global stationery products market.

Covid-19 Impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global stationery products market, both in the short term and with potential long-term effects. Many stationery manufacturers faced disruptions in their supply chain due to lockdowns, restrictions, and transportation challenges. This led to delays in production and distribution, affecting inventory levels and availability of products in the market. With schools, colleges, and offices closed during lockdowns, the demand for traditional stationery products like notebooks, pens, and pencils decreased. However, there was a rise in demand for home office supplies, including printer paper, sticky notes, notepads, and desk organizers, as people adapted to remote work setups. Closure of educational institutions and a shift towards online learning had implications for stationery suppliers. While some institutions ordered supplies for remote learning purposes, the overall demand for traditional classroom stationery decreased. The pandemic accelerated the shift towards online shopping, including stationery products. Many consumers turned to e-commerce platforms to buy stationery items due to convenience and safety concerns, boosting online sales. With home-schooling becoming more prevalent during lockdowns, there was an increased demand for educational and art supplies for children studying at home. This included art materials, colouring books, craft kits, and educational workbooks. Also, consumers became more conscious of hygiene during the pandemic, leading to a preference for disposable and single-use stationery items, such as disposable pens and markers.

Market Players Insights

The global stationery market is highly competitive, and there are many other regional and niche brands contributing to its growth and development. As consumers' preferences and demands evolve, companies in the stationery industry continue to innovate and diversify their product offerings to stay competitive and meet market demands. The target market is competitive in nature owing to the presence of numerous local as well as global players. They are investing to provide more effective and aesthetically appealing products while causing minimal environmental impacts. Some advanced practices are incorporated by these players to increase product standards. Effective supply chain management systems further help these players to offer quality products. Leading suppliers of stationery products are embracing numerous innovative approaches, including marketing tactics, mergers, acquisitions, and technological advancements. Some of them 3M Company, Faber-Castell AG, Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG, Maped SAS, The Schwan-Stabilo Group , Sakura Color Products Corporation, Pilot Corporation, Société Bic S.A., Newell Brands Inc., The Dixon Ticonderoga Company, Pelikan Holding AG, Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A, Hallmark Cards, Inc, Sheaffer Pen & Art Supply Co, ITC Limited, Pentel Co., Ltd., Deli Group Co., Ltd., Navneet Education Limited, A.T. Cross Company, LLC, Kokuyo Camlin Ltd.

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, Elmer's, a renowned brand for crafting glue used in schools and homes launched a new product in its activity collection called Elmer's Squishies. This creative DIY kit is specially designed to stimulate children's imagination, allowing them to create their own personalized squishy toys. The kit comes with all the necessary ingredients and instructions to create a surprise character, which can be made by mixing colored glue and pouring it into the Mystery Mold. After 60 minutes, the customized squishy character can be removed from the mold and played with.
• In November 2022, 3M's Scotch Brand today announced the launch of its new Packet by Scotch line of design-forward packing and mailing supplies with sustainable features as a fun, feel-good solution for holiday package shipping.
• In August 2022, Faber-Castell is launching an international sustainability communication campaign. This should highlight the company’s sustainability leadership in the industry and make its engagement more visible worldwide.
• On 18 January 2022, BIC declares that it has entered into an agreement to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Inkbox, a renowned direct-to-consumer provider of semi-permanent tattoos with its corporate headquarters in Toronto, Canada. A 65 million USD (57 million euros) upfront payment plus a deferred contribution based on Inkbox's future sales and profitability development is how the deal is set up.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Global Stationery Products with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise Stationery Products market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions & Countries covered in the report:

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)
• Middle-East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa)

By Product type

• Paper-Based Products
• Writing instruments
• Art and Craft Products
• Others

By Application

• Educational Institutes
• Corporates
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Offline
• Online

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organisations related to the Stationery Products industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.