Top 10 Leading Companies in the Paper and Pulp Business - Adoption of Paper-based Packaging to Propel the Pulp and Paper Industry Development in 2023

Pulp and paper is one of the most important forest-based products globally. Paper is one of the most sustainable and recyclable packaging materials available in the world. Paper packaging is convenient and lightweight in nature, making it suitable for logistics. The industry is driven by large adoption of paper-based packaging solutions by leading FMCG companies. Growing penetration of online retail in developing economies is set to fuel the demand for paper packaging. There has been rising penetration of smartphones and internet in various countries such as India, China, Brazil, Southeast Asian countries, and others. As per a report by Fortune Business Insights™, the market for pulp and paper reached USD 351.53 billion in 2021 and is set to reach USD 372.70 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 0.72% during the forecast period.

the driving factors of the market is the increased penetration of online retail in developing economies and the rise of eco-friendly packaging. The penetration mainly includes smartphones, electronics, cosmetics, clothes, groceries, and several other products. E-commerce giants, such as Amazon and eBay, are bringing initiatives of same-day or two-day delivery, which has increased the demand for lightweight boxes to decrease the stress on freight services.

Various types of plastics used for packaging are costly and have harmful effects on humans. The U.S. EPA assessed that around 82.2 million tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) was generated by containers and packaging in 2018, accounting for 28.1% of total MSW. Higher recyclability of paper and paperboard has led to an increase in demand for packaging.

Rising Health Awareness Resulting in Increased Demand for Tissue Paper and Sanitary Products

With the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been an increase in health awareness amongst various developing countries such as China, India, South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia. The awareness includes increasing demand for sanitary products and tissue paper. Companies producing diapers have also inculcated innovation to attract potential customers. For instance, Mamy Poko and Huggies introduced diapers in the shape of pants for infants, which reduces the efforts to dress and undress their child. Increasing per capita income of developing economies, such as China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, is anticipated to surge the demand for tissue paper and sanitary products.  

Fortune Business Insights™ Profiles Top Pulp And Paper Companies in the Market

1. International Paper

International Paper Company or simply known as International Paper is a U.S.-based pulp and paper company. It is the largest company in the world of its kind and is located in Tennessee, U.S. The company was started in 1898 with the merger of pulp and paper mills of the U.S.

2. Sappi Limited

Sappi Limited, originally named South African Pulp and Paper Industries Limited, was started in 1936. The company produces and sells pulp, paper products, timber and forest products, dissolving pulp, and others.

3. Oji Holding Corporation

Oji Holding Corporation is a Japanese supplier of paper products. The company produces paper for writing, packaging, and printing. It also manufactures chemicals used in the production of paper and paper packaging equipment and containers made from paper products.

4. Stora Enso Oyj

Stora Enso Oyj is a manufacturer of pulp, paper, and other forest products located in Helsinki, Finland. The company’s sales take place in Europe, Asia, and South America. The company was started in 1998 by merging Swedish mining and forestry products companies.

5. WestRock

WestRock is a U.S.-based packaging company that was formed in 2015 after merging RockTenn and MeadWestvaco. It is the second largest packaging company in America. It is one of the largest packaging companies. The company finds its main office in Georgia, U.S.

6. Georgia-Pacific LLC

Georgia-Pacific LLC is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of paper, tissue, pulp, packaging, toilet and paper towel dispensers, and related chemicals. The company is located in more than 180 locations, geographically spread in North America, South America, and Europe.

7. Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited

Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited is a paper manufacturing company located in China. The company was started in 1995 and is the largest paperboard producer in Asia. The company has a total of nine factories in Vietnam and China. The company serves the U.S., China, and Vietnam.

8. Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.

Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd. is a Japanese paper manufacturing company that started in 1949. It is one of the top 10 paper and pulp companies in 2012.

9. Smurfit Kappa Group Plc

Smurfit Kappa Group Plc is Europe’s leading packaging company and one of the leading packaging companies based on paper. The company was started in 1934 in Ireland. It merged its 46% of the U.S. business with Chicago-based Stone Container Corporation. The company specializes in manufacturing of paper-based packaging.

Bamboo Plantation and its Commercialization to Become a Major Trend

The composition and morphology of bamboo fiber are similar to coniferous wood, which is most suitable for pulp and paper manufacturing. Bamboo has high-strength fibers and high pulp yield. Bamboo fiber is one of the best alternatives and is an economically sustainable raw material. These properties have resulted in a significant increase in the use of bamboo as a raw material in the pulp and paper industry. This has resulted in a tremendous increase in the area under bamboo plantations. Governments in developing countries, such as India and Brazil, have launched different schemes with the aim of inclusive and sustainable development.