Pulp & Paper

Since the 1800s, pulp and paper products have become an essential component of various industries. Regardless of individual usage, it is nearly impossible to avoid consuming commercial or domestic paper goods in the modern world. With the digitization of activities in both industry and everyday life, paper consumption has been significantly impacted, whether it be for documentation or a simple takeaway coffee cup.

The paper manufacturing industry is highly energy-intensive and heavily relies on raw materials, yet it has embraced resource efficiency and innovation to transition towards a low-carbon economy. Due to shifts in consumer behavior, the industry has undergone significant transformations, with many companies diversifying into other paper products as graphic paper has been negatively affected by digital communication.

Leading global forestry and paper company by revenue
International Paper
Leading forestry and paper by net income
West Fraser Timber Co.
Leading paper product by production volume
Packaging paper and board

Market size

Largest paper producers in the world

Distribution of paper and paperboard production worldwide in 2022, by region

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Further details: Visit original statistic Distribution of paper and paperboard production worldwide in 2022, by region

The pulp and paper industry has a notable presence in North America, Europe, and East Asian countries, with Asia producing almost half of the world's paper products in 2021. Within Asia, China stands out as a leading paper producer, consumer, and exporter. Paper, as a sustainable and renewable packaging material, has a significant advantage over many alternatives due to its recyclable properties, leading many countries to have developed a substantial market for paper product recycling.

Leading forestry and paper companies by market capitalization
Paper industry UK
Pulp and paper industry in the U.S.

Market segments

Packaging paper is the market leader

Production volume of paper and paperboard worldwide from 2010 to 2022, by type (in 1,000 metric tons)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Production volume of paper and paperboard worldwide from 2010 to 2022, by type (in 1,000 metric tons)

Despite the decreasing need for graphic paper, such as newsprint, printing, and writing paper, the paper industry continues to grow, thanks to the increasing demand for paper packaging and paper-based hygiene products. Packaging remains the largest paper consuming sector, with more than half of the paper produced being used as packaging material. The global demand for fiber-based products is expected to continue to grow, and as a result, the market for recycled fiber is also projected to expand.

Estimated production capacity of paperboard
Packaging paper in Europe
Estimated rise in toilet paper revenue by country

Industry trends

Changes in the paper-based packaging industry

Paper demand worldwide in 2021, by type (in million tons)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Paper demand worldwide in 2021, by type (in million tons)

Due to the increase in online consumerism and the need for lightweight, reusable packaging, the corrugated packaging industry is expanding. This trend is projected to continue, with a growing demand for packaging solutions, such as corrugated cardboard formats that enable the sustainable transportation of goods. Furthermore, the pulp textile market is expected to witness growth in the coming years as consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally conscious products.

Import volume of old corrugated container Japan
Production volume of corrugated fiberboard in Italy
Paper disposables in the United Kingdom (UK)

Industry leaders

International Paper Company is the world's largest pulp and paper producer

Revenue of leading paper packaging companies worldwide in 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Revenue of leading paper packaging companies worldwide in 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

The global pulp and paper industry is a highly competitive sector. International Paper is the world's largest producer of paper, fiber-based packaging, and pulp and has a strong presence in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia, and the Middle East. Oji Paper and Nippon Paper Group are also significant players in the global pulp and paper industry, with operations in several countries enabling them to efficiently manage various processes and serve customers in different regions.

International Paper
Revenue of UPM
Sales of Nine Dragons Paper in China

State of the industry

  • Paper industry in the UK
  • Pulp and paper industry in the U.S.
  • International Paper
  • Paper Tissues: market data & analysis
  • Toilet Paper: market data & analysis
  • Household Paper: market data & analysis
  • Paper industry in Japan
  • Pulp and paper industry in France
  • Top 100 companies worldwide: Paper & Related Products
  • Paper packaging industry worldwide

Industry Definition

The pulp and paper category offers data on pulp and paper products, as well as fiber recycling and processing. Within this sector, Statista provides information about the production, consumption, and trade volumes of various grades and types of pulp and paper products, as well as the leading companies. Data on a global, regional, and country scale is available.

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