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.
Distribution of paper and paperboard production worldwide in 2022, by region
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 over half of the world's paper products in 2022. 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.
Paper and paperboard production worldwide by countryProduction volume of paper and paperboard worldwide from 2010 to 2022, by type (in 1,000 metric tons)
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.
Paper packaging industry worldwidePaper demand worldwide in 2021, by type (in million tons)
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 (containerboard) 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.
Global production of containerboard by regionLeading forestry and paper companies worldwide based on revenue in financial year 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Further details: Visit original statistic Leading forestry and paper companies worldwide based on revenue in financial year 2023 (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 America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Oji Paper is also a significant player in the global pulp and paper industry, with operations in several countries enabling it to efficiently manage various processes and customers in different regions. It accounted for the largest revenue in the sector in 2022.
International Paper
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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