Absorbent Paper Market Report 2026

The absorbent paper market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $169.5 billion in 2025 to $183.76 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of hygiene and personal care industries, rising demand for disposable absorbent products, availability of cellulose-based raw materials, growth in medical consumables usage, increasing food packaging applications.

The absorbent paper market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $245.92 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, rising focus on biodegradable absorbent materials, expansion of healthcare and hygiene markets, increasing regulatory emphasis on eco-friendly paper products, innovation in fiber processing technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for eco-friendly absorbent paper, rising use of recycled and alternative fibers, growing adoption in medical and hygiene applications, expansion of high-absorbency product variants, enhanced focus on wet strength performance.

The rising demand for hygiene products is expected to drive the expansion of the absorbent paper market. Hygiene products include items such as toothpaste, deodorants, laundry detergents, medical gloves and gowns, and hand hygiene products, all designed to maintain cleanliness, prevent the spread of germs and diseases, and support personal or environmental hygiene. The demand for hygiene products is growing due to increased awareness of cleanliness and hygiene, along with rising concerns for disease prevention and public health, prompting consumers to prioritize purchasing and using such items. Absorbent paper is incorporated into various hygiene products because of its ability to absorb moisture efficiently, improve cleanliness, and offer convenience. For example, in April 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a US federal government agency, the number of home health and personal care aide employees rose from 3,504,230 in May 2022 to 3,689,350 in May 2023, marking an increase of 185,120 workers. Thus, the growing demand for hygiene products is fueling the expansion of the absorbent paper market.

Major companies in the absorbent paper market are innovating with products such as kitchen napkins. Also referred to as paper napkins or serviettes, kitchen napkins are disposable absorbent paper products used in kitchens and dining areas to maintain cleanliness during food preparation and consumption. For instance, in April 2024, the US-based Scott Paper Company introduced the Calorie Absorber Pro, a state-of-the-art paper kitchen towel equipped with advanced absorption technology. This innovative product effectively absorbs excess oil and grease from food, thereby reducing the calorie content of meals. Crafted from ultra-durable, high-absorbency paper, the Calorie Absorber Pro ensures reliability during heavy-duty kitchen tasks, boasting a unique texture that maximizes surface-area contact for efficient absorption.

In May 2024, APRIL Group, a Singapore-based paper products manufacturer, acquired Origami for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition allows APRIL Group to expand its market presence by broadening its product portfolio and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. By integrating Origami's expertise, APRIL Group aims to strengthen its range of sustainable paper products and meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the global paper industry. Origami is an India-based company known for manufacturing absorbent paper products such as tissue paper.

Major companies operating in the absorbent paper market are International Paper Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group, Stora Enso Oyj, Metsä Group, Unicharm Corporation, Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A., Domtar Corporation, Resolute Forest Products Inc., Cascades Inc., Sofidel Group, Hokuetsu Corporation, Clearwater Paper Corporation, Glatfelter Corporation, Kruger Inc., Koehler Paper Group, Neenah Inc., Mondi Group, Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Keryas Paper Industry, Dr. Papel, PG Paper Company Ltd., PRAK Group of Companies, Envoy Solution.

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

The absorbent paper market consists of sales of paper towels, surgical drapes, industrial absorbent pads, toilet paper, and food packaging liners. 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.

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