Global Pulp and Paper Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Global Pulp and Paper Market Outlook

The global pulp and paper market size reached approximately USD 362.03 billion in 2023. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% in the forecast period of 2024-2032, reaching a value of around USD 482.27 billion by 2032.

Key Trends in the Market

Pulp is a fibrous material derived from wood fibres, which is primarily used to make paper and its related products. The paper production process involves the treatment of raw material and its conversion into pulp, followed by a series of chemical and mechanical processes that lead to paper formation.

• The growing usage of alternative fibres from fast-growing crops such as bamboo and hemp, agricultural residues, and grasses contribute to the pulp and paper market growth. These fibres offer a more eco-friendly solution compared to the traditional wood fibres that can take years to grow, leaving a much larger environmental impact.

• The shift in consumer preference from virgin fibre paper to recycled paper is another crucial trend aiding the market expansion. Recycled papers are more affordable, conserve natural resources, and reduce overall landfill waste.

• Increased integration of advanced technologies such as IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and data analytics into the paper production process for tracking raw materials and machinery conditions, real-time monitoring of the process, and detecting potential equipment failure, is also expected to support the pulp and paper market demand.

• Growing acquisition and merger activities between market players to deliver reliable technologies for the pulp and paper sector are also anticipated to fuel market growth in the coming years. For example, in December 2023, Valmet, a technological supplier for the paper and pulp sector, announced the acquisition of Demuth, a Brazilian wood-handling company, to strengthen its product portfolio in South America.

Pulp and Paper Market Segmentation

Based on raw materials, the market is divided into wood based, agro based, and recycled fibre based. On the basis of the manufacturing process, the market is bifurcated into pulping process and bleaching process.

Based on category, the market is classified into wrapping and packaging, printing and writing, sanitary, and newsprint, among others. The major regional markets of pulp and paper include North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the pulp and paper market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

• Oji Holdings Corporation 

• DS Smith Plc

• Mondi Plc 

• Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.

• Smurfit Kappa Group Plc

• Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Ltd.

• UPM-Kymmene Corporation

• Stora Enso OYJ

• International Paper Co.

• Svenska Cellulosa SCA AB

• Others

Market Share by Category

Wrapping and packaging occupy a significant portion of the pulp and paper market share, due to the rise of the retail and e-commerce sector. Paper bags and packaging offer an eco-friendly option compared to plastic packaging, boosting the segment's growth. Paper packaging is also lightweight and takes up much less space, which aids in reducing the shipment cost.

Moreover, there is also a growing focus on paper packaging solutions made from responsibly sourced materials to mitigate any detrimental impact on the environment.

Market Share by Region

As per the pulp and paper market analysis, the Asia Pacific accounts for a substantial market share as it is the leading consumer of paper in the world. The growing export of raw materials such as wastepaper and pulp from China also contributes to the market expansion.

Furthermore, North America is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, owing to the growing demand for paper packaging. The presence of key market players in the region that are focused on strategic measures to gain a competitive advantage over other players also promotes the market growth.

Competitive Landscape

Oji Holdings Corporation, founded in 1873, is a paper manufacturing company, based in Tokyo, Japan. The company mainly produces paper products for writing, printing, and packaging purposes. Some of its well-known coated paper products are Golden Cask Super Art, Neo TopKote Gloss, Preeminence Satin, and SuperKote Gloss, among others.

DS Smith Plc, established in 1940 and headquartered in London, the United Kingdom, is a packaging company. It offers its packaging solutions in the sectors of e-commerce, industrial, and retail, among others. The company generally utilises recyclable and reusable materials in its packaging as a part of its circular economy principles.

Mondi Plc is a global packaging and paper company, incorporated in 1967 and based in Vienna, Austria. Some of its common products include containerboard, flexible packaging, industrial paper bags, and speciality kraft bags, among others. The company has over 100 production sites in more than 30 countries primarily in the regions of North America, Europe, and Africa.

Other pulp and paper market players include Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., Smurfit Kappa Group Plc, Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Ltd., UPM-Kymmene Corporation, Stora Enso OYJ, International Paper Co., and Svenska Cellulosa SCA AB, among others.

Key Highlights of the Report