Pulp Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Sales Channel (Direct, Indirect), By End Use (Tissue, Printing & Writing, Specialty, Fluff, Packaging, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Pulp Market was valued at USD 155515.80 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 220435.10 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.81%. Pulp, derived from wood and non-wood fibers through mechanical or chemical processes, is witnessing steady demand growth due to its broad range of applications across industrial, commercial, and consumer sectors. One of the primary drivers of the global pulp market is the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions. With increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pushback against single-use plastics, pulp-based packaging is emerging as an eco-friendly alternative.

This shift is particularly evident in the food and beverage, e-commerce, and personal care sectors, where companies are adopting molded fiber and paper-based packaging to meet sustainability targets. Despite its promising outlook, the global pulp market faces several challenges. These include fluctuating raw material costs, energy-intensive production processes, and regulatory scrutiny over deforestation and carbon emissions. Additionally, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions can impact the availability and pricing of wood fiber, particularly in regions dependent on imports.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Pulp in Printing Industry

The global Printers & Copiers market is anticipated to generate revenue of USD 9.8 billion by 2025. In addition, the market volume is projected to reach approximately 108.2 million units by 2029. The increasing demand for pulp in the printing industry continues to serve as a key driver of growth in the global pulp market. Despite the rise of digital communication, the printing sector remains a significant consumer of high-quality pulp, particularly in the production of books, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and commercial packaging. The consistent need for reliable and durable printing paper, especially in emerging markets and niche segments, underscores pulp’s critical role in the industry.

Printing-grade pulp is valued for its ability to deliver uniformity, brightness, and print clarity qualities essential for both offset and digital printing applications. As print publishers and commercial printers strive to meet the expectations of clients for superior visual quality, the demand for premium pulp, particularly from hardwood and chemical sources, continues to rise. Furthermore, as the printing industry increasingly embraces sustainable practices, there is growing interest in pulp sourced from responsibly managed forests and certified sustainable suppliers, further supporting market expansion. Design Academy Eindhoven has developed the Paper Pulp Printer as a sustainable alternative to address the growing issue of plastic waste generated by conventional 3D printing. Leveraging the fibrous composition of paper, the technology produces remarkably durable structures, with the potential for extended longevity when treated with protective finishes such as varnish.

Growing Demand of Pulp in Packaging Industry

The increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable packaging solutions has positioned the packaging industry as a major driver of growth in the global pulp market. The sustainable packaging market, which was valued at over USD 270 billion in 2024, has experienced consistent growth in recent years and is projected to exceed USD 490 billion by 2034. This market encompasses a wide range of materials, including bio-based plastics, paper and other organic substances, as well as glass and metals. As environmental concerns and regulatory pressures intensify, industries across the board are shifting away from plastic-based packaging toward eco-friendly alternatives, with pulp-based materials emerging as a preferred choice.

Pulp, derived from wood, recycled paper, or agricultural residues, serves as a key raw material in the production of paperboard, molded fiber, and other sustainable packaging formats. Its biodegradability, recyclability, and relatively low environmental impact have made it particularly attractive to companies seeking to align with circular economy principles. As a result, pulp-based packaging is gaining traction in sectors such as food and beverage, e-commerce, electronics, cosmetics, and healthcare.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Volatility in Raw Material Supply

Volatility in raw material supply represents a significant challenge for the global pulp market, directly affecting production stability, pricing, and long-term operational planning. The pulp industry relies heavily on a consistent and high-quality supply of fibrous raw materials primarily wood from softwood and hardwood species, as well as non-wood alternatives such as bamboo, bagasse, and straw. Any disruption in this supply chain can have widespread implications for manufacturers and downstream sectors.

One of the primary factors contributing to supply volatility is the increasing pressure on forest resources. Deforestation concerns, stricter environmental regulations, and land-use restrictions have limited access to commercial forests in several regions. In countries with large forestry sectors, such as Brazil, Canada, and Scandinavian nations, policy shifts and environmental activism have introduced uncertainty regarding logging rights, harvesting limits, and reforestation requirements.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Demand for Dissolving Pulp in Textiles

The rising demand for dissolving pulp in the textile industry is emerging as a prominent trend in the global pulp market. If the demand for wood-based textile pulps increases in line with global GDP growth under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), the textile industry is projected to consume an additional 6 to 11 million tonnes per year of these pulps by 2035, compared to 2018 levels. Dissolving pulp, a highly purified form of cellulose derived from wood or cotton linters, is a critical raw material used in the production of regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose, lyocell, and modal. As the global textile industry continues to pursue sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic fibers, the consumption of dissolving pulp is gaining significant momentum.

One of the primary drivers of this trend is the growing shift toward eco-friendly and renewable textile materials. Consumers and fashion brands alike are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, prompting manufacturers to seek alternatives to petroleum-based fibers like polyester. Regenerated cellulose fibers made from dissolving pulp offer a viable solution, delivering comfort, breathability, and a lower environmental footprint. This aligns with global initiatives promoting circular fashion and responsible sourcing.

Segmental Insights

Sales Channel Insights

Based on Sales Channel, Direct have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Pulp Market in 2024. This is driven by the increasing preference of large-scale end users for streamlined procurement, greater supply chain control, and enhanced cost efficiency. Pulp-consuming industries such as packaging, paper manufacturing, and hygiene products are increasingly engaging in direct purchasing agreements with producers to ensure reliable access to raw materials and maintain consistency in product quality. Additionally, direct procurement provides improved pricing transparency and eliminates intermediary markups, offering cost advantages that are particularly valuable in a competitive market environment.

End Use Insights

Based on End Use, Fluff have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Pulp Market during the forecast period. This is primarily driven by the rising demand for personal hygiene and absorbent products. This specialized form of pulp, known for its superior absorbency and softness, is a critical raw material in the production of diapers, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, and certain types of medical pads. As global awareness of hygiene and health standards continues to improve particularly in emerging economies consumption of these end-use products has surged, directly boosting the demand for fluff pulp.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

Based on Region, North America have emerged as the dominating region in the Global Pulp Market in 2024. This is due to its robust industrial infrastructure, abundant natural resources, and strong export capabilities. The region benefits from a well-established base of sustainably managed forests, particularly in Canada and the northern United States, which provide a consistent and certified supply of high-quality wood fiber. This resource advantage enables North American producers to manufacture a broad range of pulp grades such as kraft pulp, dissolving pulp, and fluff pulp with competitive pricing and environmental compliance.

Recent Development

• In July 2024, Suzano, the world’s leading market pulp producer announced the successful commencement of operations at its new mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Representing the world’s largest single-line pulp production facility, this milestone also signifies the completion of one of the largest private investment initiatives in Brazil’s history. The advanced mill is designed to produce 2.55 million tonnes of eucalyptus pulp annually, boosting Suzano’s total production capacity by over 20% to reach 13.5 million tonnes per year. The project involved a total investment of USD 4.3 billion, with USD 3.1 billion allocated to the construction of the facility and USD 1.2 billion directed toward supporting infrastructure, including the development of the plantation base and outbound pulp logistics.
• In June 2025, Stora Enso introduced a specialized pulp grade, UKP Nova E, an Unbleached Kraft Pulp (UKP) specifically developed for use in electrical insulation papers. Designed to deliver low electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength, this product underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable innovation and leadership in advanced UKP solutions. Backed by decades of expertise in pulp manufacturing, Stora Enso leverages its extensive industry knowledge to provide high-performance products. The company’s strategic investments in specialized pulp grades particularly through upgrades to UKP production at its Enocell mill demonstrate its commitment to addressing changing market demands and promoting sustainable industrial practices.
• In 2024, ABB introduced a series of industry papers under its global *Real Progress* sustainability initiative for the process industries, with a specific focus on advancements in the pulp and paper sector. Amid growing concerns over climate change, resource depletion, and the environmental impact of plastic overuse, the pulp and paper industry is gaining recognition as a pivotal contributor to the global shift toward a circular economy and a net-zero future. Innovations throughout the value chain are playing a crucial role in offering sustainable alternatives to fossil-based products and enabling industrial decarbonization.
• In March 2025, ITC Limited entered into a Business Transfer Agreement to acquire the Pulp and Paper Undertaking (CPP) of Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited (ABREL). This unique asset presents a strong strategic alignment with ITC’s Paperboards & Specialty Papers Business. The acquisition is expected to deliver immediate scale and operational synergies, enhance cost efficiencies, and create opportunities for future capacity expansion. Additionally, it offers locational advantages for improved customer service and access to critical raw materials, reduces operational risk through multi-site integration, and strengthens business resilience across industry cycles through portfolio diversification.

Key Market Players

• Suzano S/A
• Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited
• Catalyst Paper Corporation
• Stora Enso
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA
• Asia Pulp & Paper
• JSC Syktyvkar LPK
• Asia Pacific Sun Paper Pulp and Paper Co., Ltd.,
• Asia Pacific Resources International Holding Ltd

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Pulp Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Pulp Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Direct

o   Indirect

• Pulp Market, By End Use:

o   Tissue

o   Printing & Writing

o   Specialty

o   Fluff

o   Packaging

o   Others

• Pulp Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Pulp Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Pulp Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Pulp Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at sales@techsciresearch.com