Pulp and Paper Market Overview, 2024-29

As forests speak their tales of renewal, the world pulp and paper market seem to have taken the blessings of such stories to create products that not only serve their functional purposes but also cherish the tender balance of the planet. Pulp is the material obtained from wood, fiber crops, waste paper, and rags. More processing of the pulp yields paper and its products. The pulp and paper industry is the greatest industry in the world that depends absolutely on forests. The main raw materials are wood, and supplementary materials are wheat straw, bamboo, and rice husk, used in paper production.

Increasing demand of paper as a packing material among all paper packaging, wrapping papers, printing and writing papers, rolls, tissue and specialty papers is going to boost the pulp and paper industry. Pulp and paper manufacturing and supply industry is labor-intensive and considerably pivotal to socio-economic development. In addition, the government's efforts towards greener environmental development will further support the market for the pulp and paper industry. Paper industries consume a vast amount of wood, which cannot be sourced except from forests. As per Food and Agricultural Organization, from 2000 to 2015, the forest area has declined by net 3.3 million hectares.

Moreover, the government imposed tough restrictions on the extracted timber from the forests. In the real world, paper is one of the largest water-using industries. In general, around 20 liters of water is required to manufacture A4 size paper sheets. Hence, with increasing deforestation and water crisis, managing continuous raw material and resource supply becomes one of the crucial challenges for market growth.

Speciality pulp & paper chemicals are downstream derivatives of a wide array of commodity chemicals including acids, amines, alcohols, fatty alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and betaines; wherein these commodity raw materials are bulk chemicals and can be supplied directly without preprocessing treatment. Mineral acids and bases are generally used as basic chemicals in the manufacturing of specialty pulp and papers.

According to the research report, “Global Pulp and Paper Market Overview, 2024-29” the market is anticipated to cross USD 395 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 356.19 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow with a 1.91% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. As businesses and consumers alike embrace eco-friendly practices, the global pulp and paper industry is experiencing a growth spurt, reshaping its future with sustainable products that prioritize the planet. The pulp and paper industry is a resource and energy-intensive process, which typically requires great quantities of water, electricity, and chemicals.

In the conventional PPI, 1 t of paper produces about 950 kg of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions on average and accounts for 5.7% of global final industrial energy consumption and 9% of manufacturing sector-related greenhouse gas emissions. The PPI is always blamed for environmental problems, including carbon emissions, water pollution, solid pollutant emissions, and global warming, The challenge of meeting global peak carbon and neutrality requirements, as well as increased use of renewable energy and cleaner production, clearly necessitates transforming the PPI into green, low-carbon, and sustainable development models that will contribute toward climate change mitigation while increasing profitability.

Hemicelluloses and cellulases were used for biomechanical pulping in the pulp and paper industry. The use of enzymes saves the energy to pulp wood to a great extent. Paper recycling is gaining serious importance; hence, it should be deinked with an eco-friendly process. Ink, coating, and ink of paper are removed using cellulases. The main uses of paper, mainly news print & printing & writing, got adversely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic due to continued decline in demand by end-users. However, personal care & hygiene products, like tissue paper, were adopted by the consumer to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus due to safety and hygiene practices by them.

The increasing application areas for paper and pulp in the packaging materials especially in the developing economies and expansion of various end-user industries growth is propelling the market. Besides, growing demand for sophisticated and high speed machinery and increasing expenditure for research and development proficiencies also expected to drive the growth of the pulp and paper market.

Market Drivers

• Shift Toward E-commerce and Digital Retail Packaging: The rapid growth of e-commerce and online retail is driving the need for innovative and sturdy packaging solutions. With more products being shipped directly to consumers, demand for paper-based packaging materials like corrugated boxes and protective wraps has increased significantly. The preference for paper packaging is not just for its functionality but also for its sustainable appeal, as brands seek eco-friendly solutions that resonate with environmentally conscious customers.
• Growth in Emerging Markets Due to Urbanization: Emerging markets, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are experiencing rapid urbanization, which boosts the consumption of paper products. As more people move to urban areas, demand for everyday paper products - such as office supplies, packaging, and hygiene items - increases. Additionally, rising disposable incomes in these markets are leading to higher consumer spending on branded tissue products and premium paper-based goods.

Market Challenges

• Decreasing Demand for Traditional Print Media: The transition to digital media continues to reduce demand for traditional paper products like newspapers, magazines, and office paper. As more businesses and individuals adopt digital alternatives, paper consumption for print media is shrinking, challenging the industry to find new growth avenues. Companies are diversifying into specialty papers, packaging, and sustainable paper solutions to offset this decline.
• High Water and Energy Consumption in Production Processes: The production of pulp and paper is resource-intensive, requiring significant amounts of water and energy. In an era where water scarcity and energy conservation are becoming global priorities, this presents a substantial challenge for the industry. Companies are under pressure to adopt technologies that reduce resource consumption, but these investments can be costly and time-consuming to implement.

Market Trends

• Expansion into Bio-based and Alternative Fiber Materials: Companies are exploring alternative fibers, such as bamboo, hemp, agricultural waste, and recycled textiles, as raw materials for paper production. This trend aims to reduce reliance on traditional wood-based pulp and offers a more sustainable approach to paper manufacturing. The use of bio-based materials also opens up opportunities to develop innovative products like compostable packaging and biodegradable papers, meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers.
• Rise of Smart Packaging and Embedded Technology: The integration of smart technologies into paper packaging is gaining momentum. This trend includes the use of QR codes, near-field communication (NFC), and augmented reality (AR) features on packaging, enabling companies to provide consumers with additional product information, interactive content, and digital experiences. Smart packaging not only enhances the functionality of paper products but also adds value by creating a connected experience for consumers.
• Increasing Focus on Carbon Neutrality and Zero-Waste Goals: Many companies in the pulp and paper industry are setting ambitious carbon neutrality and zero-waste targets. This trend involves adopting practices such as carbon offsetting, utilizing renewable energy in production processes, and implementing closed-loop recycling systems. By prioritizing these sustainability goals, companies aim to position themselves as leaders in the green economy, appealing to investors, customers, and regulators who prioritize environmental responsibility.

The growth of the sanitary segment in the global pulp and paper-based products market is primarily driven by increased consumer awareness regarding hygiene and health standards.

As global populations grow and urbanization accelerates, the demand for sanitary products such as tissues, diapers, and sanitary napkins has surged significantly. This trend is particularly evident in emerging economies where rising disposable incomes and improved living standards have led to greater consumer spending on health and hygiene products. For instance, the introduction of innovative diaper designs, such as those by brands like Huggies and Mamy Poko, which feature pant-style diapers, has made usage more convenient for parents, thereby increasing adoption rates.

Additionally, organizations and governments worldwide are launching awareness campaigns aimed at promoting feminine hygiene, which has further contributed to the increased consumption of sanitary products. In regions like South Africa, governmental policies have even reduced taxes on sanitary pads to encourage their use among women, highlighting a proactive approach to improving public health.Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified focus on personal hygiene, leading to a spike in demand for disposable products that ensure cleanliness and minimize the risk of infection.

The hospitality industry has also played a role in driving this demand; as tourism rebounds post-pandemic, there is a notable increase in the consumption of sanitary paper products in hotels and restaurants to meet higher cleanliness standards expected by travelers. Additionally, the pulp and paper industry is adapting to these trends by incorporating sustainable practices into production processes. Companies are increasingly investing in eco-friendly materials and manufacturing methods to produce biodegradable sanitary products, aligning with consumer preferences for environmentally responsible options.

The rapid growth of the personal care and cosmetics segment within the global pulp and paper-based products market is primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

As environmental awareness escalates among consumers, the beauty and personal care industry is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainable practices, particularly in packaging. This shift is largely influenced by a growing preference for products that align with eco-friendly values, which has prompted manufacturers to seek alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. For instance, brands such as L'Oréal and Unilever are investing in biodegradable and recyclable materials, including pulp and paper-based packaging, to meet consumer expectations and regulatory pressures aimed at reducing plastic waste.

The demand for personal care products packaged in environmentally friendly materials is not just a trend; it reflects a deeper societal change towards sustainability. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce has further accelerated this trend. With more consumers shopping online for personal care products, brands are increasingly using paper-based packaging for shipping due to its lightweight nature and biodegradability compared to plastic alternatives.

Companies like Amcor and Smurfit Kappa are leading the way in providing innovative pulp-based packaging solutions tailored for cosmetics and personal care items, enhancing both product appeal and environmental responsibility.In addition to sustainability, there is also a growing emphasis on transparency in product sourcing and manufacturing processes. Consumers are more informed than ever about the ingredients in their personal care products and the impact of packaging on the environment. This awareness drives brands to adopt pulp and paper-based solutions that not only fulfill functional requirements but also resonate with consumers' values regarding health and environmental stewardship.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing significant growth in the pulp and paper-based products market primarily due to the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions driven by increased consumer awareness and regulatory support for environmentally friendly practices.

The region's burgeoning population and rapid urbanization are leading to higher consumption of paper products across various sectors, particularly in packaging. As e-commerce continues to expand, there is a growing need for effective, eco-friendly packaging solutions, which has spurred demand for paper-based products. Consumers are increasingly favoring recyclable and biodegradable materials over plastic, aligning with global sustainability trends. This shift is not only driven by consumer preferences but also by governmental regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste, thus promoting the use of paper as a viable alternative.

Furthermore, companies in the pulp and paper industry are investing in sustainable practices by sourcing raw materials from certified forests and adopting cleaner production technologies. This commitment to sustainability enhances their competitive edge and meets the rising consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. The APAC region, particularly countries like China and India, is also witnessing a rise in disposable income, which further fuels demand for various paper products, including sanitary items and packaging materials. Additionally, the market is benefiting from innovations in product development that cater to changing consumer needs, such as improved quality and functionality of paper products.

• August 2021: Smurfit Kappa Group agreed on the acquisition of the containerboard business of the Burgo Group. Burgo Group's Verzuolo Mill had reached the recycled containerboard capacity at 600-kilo tons. Production optimization and the consumer in Southern Europe & associated markets will favor the Smurfit Kappa Group from this acquisition.
• June 2021 : The Mondi Group agreed to spend millions of dollars on the upgrading of its paper mill in Kuopio, Finland. The company invested in the upgrade of plant capacity by 55 kilotons. To update the upgrading, it will put its money into the fiber line, wood yard, paper machines, and evaporation plants.
• June 2021: Investment of millions of dollars at Anjala-Ingerois and Nymölla pulp processing sites by Stora Enso. The move is known to enhance its competitiveness in the market, as well as increase softwood pulp production capacity to 245 kilotons per year.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Pulp & Paper market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Category

• Wrapping & Packaging
• Printing & Writing
• Sanitary
• News Print
• Others

By End User

• Food and Beverages
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Healthcare
• Consumer Goods
• Education and Stationary
• Others

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 organizations related to the Pulp & Paper 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.