The paper and pulp business is an industry focused on the production, processing, and distribution of pulp and paper products. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from harvesting raw materials (primarily wood) to manufacturing finished goods like paper, cardboard, tissue, and packaging materials.

Pulp is the fibrous material derived from wood, recycled paper, or other plant-based sources (like bamboo or sugarcane bagasse). It’s the foundational ingredient for making paper and related products. The process starts with pulping, where raw materials are broken down into fibers through mechanical or chemical means (e.g., the kraft process, which uses chemicals to separate lignin from cellulose). Pulp can be sold as a raw commodity (market pulp) or used directly by manufacturers to produce paper and other goods.

Paper is made by pressing pulp fibers into thin sheets, often refined with additives for strength, texture, or specific uses (e.g., printing, packaging, or hygiene). The process involves pulp being mixed with water, formed into sheets on a machine (like a Fourdrinier), dried, and sometimes coated or finished for specialized applications.

Report – According to TechSci Research report “India Paper & Paper Products Market By Raw Material (Waste & Recycled Paper, Wood, Agro Residues), By Application (Writing & Printing Paper, Paperboard & Packaging, Newsprint & Specialty Paper), By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F” India Paper & Paper Products Market is reached to USD 9.25 billion by 2024 and is anticipated to project significant growth to reach USD 11.91 billion in 2030 with a CAGR of 4.37% through 2030.

Top 10 Paper and Pulp Businesses:

1. International Paper (USA)

International Paper is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. is a global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe and North Africa. It is one of the world’s largest producers of fiber-based packaging, pulp, and paper. It operates through two reportable segments, namely, Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers. The company operates in over 24 countries with a strong focus on renewable and recyclable products. It serves industries like packaging, printing, and hygiene.

Notable Contributions:

It uses renewable materials to create low-carbon solutions for a circular world.

Its recycling business collects, consumes and markets more than 7 million tons of paper recovered annually in the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Morocco.

It has a strong presence in the US market.

2. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (USA)

Kimberly-Clark Corporation is one of the leading global companies known for its paper-based products and other consumer goods. Based in the United States, Kimberly-Clark has Clark operations in 33 countries and has built a reputation for producing products that are used daily by millions of people worldwide. It operates through three reportable segments, namely, Personal Care, Consumer Tissue, and Kimberly-Clark Professional.

Notable Contributions:

Kimberly-Clark is committed to sourcing 100% of its wood pulp from responsibly managed forests.

It introduced the world to disposable facial tissues under the Kleenex brand.

It introduced recycled paper products in response to increasing consumer demand for more sustainable solutions.

3. WestRock (USA)

WestRock provides fiber-based paper and packaging solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It offers a broad range of kraft grades, including virgin, recycled, and blended fiber. It takes pride on the consistency and reliability of delivering quality pulp products, such as SBSK and UKP, to meet a variety of requirements and challenges. It operates through four segments, namely, Corrugated Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Global Paper, and Distribution.

Notable Contributions:

The company holds Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for many of its products, promoting sustainable forestry and protecting biodiversity.

WestRock is a strong proponent of a closed-loop system for paper recycling.

The company uses a significant amount of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in its paper products, helping reduce waste and lower the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes.

It operates in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

4. Smurfit Kappa Group (Ireland)

Smurfit Kappa Group is a leading global provider of paper-based packaging solutions, renowned for its extensive operations and commitment to sustainability. Smurfit Kappa manages a network of paper, recycling, and forestry operations. It operates across 36 countries with approximately 47,0000 employees in over 350 production sites.

Notable Contributions:

It promotes a closed-loop system, where paper-based packaging is produced, recycled, and reused efficiently.

The company has committed to reducing CO₂ emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

5. Mondi Group

Mondi PLC is engaged in the manufacture and sale of packaging and paper solutions in Africa, Western Europe, Emerging Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and internationally. The company operates through three segments, namely, Corrugated Packaging, Flexible Packaging, and Uncoated Fine Paper.

Notable Contributions:

It has a strong focus on sustainability helping it generate 85% of its revenue from packaging and paper products that are reusable, recyclable, and compostable.

It has a strong focus on safety innovation and sustainability.

6. Stora Enso (Finland)

​Stora Enso Oyj is a Finnish Swedish multinational company specializing in renewable materials, with a focus on packaging, biomaterials, wooden construction, and paper products. Stora Enso operates globally and focuses on using renewable materials to create value in packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction.

Notable Contributions:

It focuses on providing innovative and sustainable biobased solutions for high growth, highmargin markets.

The company’s innovation and product development focus on woodbased, renewable products that substitute fossil-based alternatives.

7. Oji Holdings Corporation (Japan)

Oji Holdings Corporation is a prominent Japanese multinational specializing in the pulp and paper industry. It operates through the following segments: Household and Industrial Materials, Functional Materials, Forest Resources and Environment Marketing, Printing and Communications Media, and Others.

Notable Contributions:

Oji Holdings has developed moisture-resistant, lightweight, and eco-friendly packaging materials for various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.

The company has introduced specialty papers with enhanced durability, water resistance, and antibacterial properties for diverse applications, including medical and industrial use.

The company focuses on sustainable practices and technological innovation to enhance efficiency and environmental responsibility.

8. Nine Dragons Paper Holdings (China)

It is the world’s leading paper manufacturing group in terms of production capacity, and a flagship enterprise in the integration of pulp and paper (main products include different kinds of environmentally friendly packaging paper, high-end virgin paper, and products from the upstream and downstream production chain). The company currently has an annual design production capacity over 22 million tonnes and over 20,000 employees.

Notable Contributions

The company prioritizes eco-friendly production, resource conservation, and employee well-being while actively contributing to local economic and social development.

In 2018, Nine Dragons Paper acquired four pulp/paper mills in the U.S. (Rumford and Old Town Divisions in Maine; Biron Division in Wisconsin; Fairmont Division in West Virginia, expanding its operations.

9. Suzano S.A. (Brazil)

Suzano S.A. is a leading Brazilian company specializing in the production of paper and pulp products. As the largest pulp manufacturer in the world, one of the largest paper producers in Latin America and the leader in the toilet paper segment in Brazil, it is a part of the bioeconomy.

Notable Contributions:

Suzano is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Suzano also emphasizes innovation in creating sustainable solutions inspired by trees, aiming to renew life for people and the planet.

Suzano is a major global supplier of eucalyptus-based pulp, which is widely used in paper production due to its high fiber quality and sustainability.

10. Georgia-Pacific (USA)

​Georgia-Pacific LLC is among the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products, and related chemicals. The company is a subsidiary of Koch Industries and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Notable Contributions:

The company has implemented responsible forestry management practices, ensuring sustainable sourcing of raw materials while protecting biodiversity and promoting forest conservation.

It operates recycling programs to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. It also invests in energy-efficient production technologies to lower carbon emissions.

Uses of Paper and Pulp in Various Industries:

Paper and pulp products are essential in multiple industries, serving diverse applications in packaging, printing, hygiene, construction, and more. As sustainability becomes a global priority, paper-based solutions are increasingly replacing plastic in packaging, disposable products, and eco-friendly innovations. From biodegradable packaging to advanced insulation materials, paper and pulp continue to evolve, playing a crucial role in technological advancements, environmental conservation, and everyday consumer needs.

1. Printing & Publishing Industry

Paper is a crucial commodity in the printing and publishing industry, playing an essential role in the production of newspapers, magazines, books, and various printed materials. Despite the growing availability of digital alternatives, paper remains widely utilized due to its reliability, accessibility, and tangible nature. It is extensively used for creating marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, and catalogs, helping businesses effectively communicate their messages. Additionally, paper is indispensable for maintaining official records, including government documents, legal papers, contracts, and archival materials. Its durability and ease of storage make it a preferred medium for preserving historical records, academic research, and important documentation in libraries, offices, and institutions worldwide.

2. Healthcare & Hygiene Industry

Paper and pulp products play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and medical safety. Tissue and sanitary products, including toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, and napkins, play a crucial role in hygiene and daily use. In the medical field, paper-based materials are used for sterile packaging of medical tools, surgical masks, bandages, and disposable gloves, ensuring safety and hygiene. Additionally, absorbent materials derived from pulp are widely used in diapers, sanitary pads, and incontinence products for comfort and protection. Paper-based filter papers also serve essential functions in laboratories, hospitals, and pharmaceutical production, contributing to medical research and healthcare applications.

3. Construction & Building Industry

Pulp-based materials play a vital role in construction by providing insulation and structural support. Compressed pulp and wood fiber are used in fiberboard and plywood for furniture, flooring, and wall panels, while paper-laminated gypsum boards (drywall) serve as essential components for interior walls and ceilings. Additionally, wallpaper and laminates offer decorative and protective finishes for walls and furniture. Cellulose-based insulation materials further enhance energy efficiency by regulating temperature and reducing energy costs, making pulp-based products integral to modern construction and sustainable building solutions.

4. Banking & Security Industry

Paper plays a crucial role in financial transactions and security documentation, serving as the foundation for a wide range of essential documents. High-durability cotton-linen blend paper is specifically designed for printing banknotes, ensuring longevity, resistance to wear and tear, and security against counterfeiting. Additionally, paper is indispensable for legal and security documents such as certificates, bonds, licenses, tax stamps, and official contracts, providing a reliable and verifiable medium for authentication and record-keeping. Governments and financial institutions rely on specialized watermarked and anti-counterfeit paper, incorporating advanced security features such as holograms, embedded fibers, and UV-sensitive inks to prevent forgery and fraudulent activities. This enhances the integrity of bank checks, passports, and other government-issued documents, ensuring authenticity and safeguarding financial transactions worldwide.

5. Other Uses

In the textile and fashion industry, pulp-derived fibers like viscose rayon and lyocell serve as eco-friendly alternatives for clothing production, while nonwoven fabrics are widely used in disposable wipes, face masks, and medical textiles. Additionally, paper-based accessories such as handmade handbags and jewelry highlight the versatility of pulp-based materials in fashion. In the electrical and electronics industry, paper and pulp contribute to insulation and sustainable packaging, with electrical insulation paper used in transformers, capacitors, and electric motors. Pulp-derived cellulose films play a role in LCD and OLED screens, while molded pulp trays provide protective packaging for delicate electronic components.

The art and stationery industry relies heavily on paper for sketchbooks, drawing papers, and handmade specialty papers used in calligraphy, invitations, and crafts. Origami and decorative paper further support creative hobbies and gift wrapping. Meanwhile, in environmental and sustainable applications, paper and pulp are increasingly replacing plastics in various products. Biodegradable packaging solutions, such as recyclable and compostable materials, contribute to reducing environmental impact. Additionally, eco-friendly alternatives like paper straws and utensils help minimize plastic waste, reinforcing the role of pulp-based products in promoting sustainability.

Conclusion:

The versatility of paper and pulp makes them indispensable in modern industries. With growing environmental concerns, their role in sustainable innovation is increasing, leading to the development of eco-friendly alternatives that reduce plastic waste and promote green manufacturing.