Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Paper Board in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the price of unbleached kraft paper in the United States reached 135 USD/MT by December. Similarly, the unbleached kraft paper prices in China hit 209 USD/MT in the same month. Whereas, Germany witnessed unbleached kraft paper prices reaching 114 USD/MT during Q4 2023.

This statistic shows the monthly output Producer Price Index (PPI) of paper and paper products in the United Kingdom, from January 2016 to December 2024. After a period of fluctuation, the output price for paper and products in the UK has risen substantially between March 2017 and February 2019, declined throughout the rest of 2019 and 2020, and rapidly started to increase again from March 2021 to February 2023. Most recently, the PPI began to increase again, measuring at ***** in December 2024. Paper production in the United Kingdom The paper production industry is an important contributor to the United Kingdom's economy. In 2023, the UK produced over *** metric tons' worth of paper products. The Year prior, the most produced type of paper was corrugated case materials, widely used in the form of cardboard boxes. Paper consumption around the world The United Kingdom is not anymore among some of the world's largest consumers of paper and paperboard by volume. China consumes more paper and paperboard than any other country, consuming over *** million metric tons of paper and paperboard, compared with the ** million metric tons consumed by the United States, the next highest nation by consumption of paper and paperboard.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Wood Pulp (WPU0911) from Jan 1926 to Jun 2025 about wood, paper, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The producer price index for manufactures of paper and paper products in Finland increased during the period from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the producer price index reached *****, where the base year equals 2015.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Sanitary Tissue Paper Products, Made in Paper Mills was 130.52100 Index Dec 2007=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Sanitary Tissue Paper Products, Made in Paper Mills reached a record high of 137.05600 in May of 2023 and a record low of 100.00000 in December of 2007. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Sanitary Tissue Paper Products, Made in Paper Mills - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

China Purchasing Price Index: MoM: Timber and Paper Pulp data was reported at 99.900 Prev Mth=100 in Feb 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 99.800 Prev Mth=100 for Jan 2025. China Purchasing Price Index: MoM: Timber and Paper Pulp data is updated monthly, averaging 100.000 Prev Mth=100 from Jan 2011 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 170 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 102.100 Prev Mth=100 in Mar 2021 and a record low of 98.600 Prev Mth=100 in May 2023. China Purchasing Price Index: MoM: Timber and Paper Pulp data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Inflation – Table CN.IE: Purchasing Price Index: Previous Month=100.

The industrial producer price index (PPI) of pulp, paper, and paperboard manufactured in Italy peaked at *** in October 2022, after having grown steadily since the end of 2020. Pulp and paper PPI experienced a decrease in 2023, but was on an increasing trend in 2024 and 2025, reaching *** in April 2025. As it can be expected, the PPI of paper products manufactured in Italy showed a similar trend.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Wood Pulp was 221.97800 Index 1982=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Wood Pulp reached a record high of 268.94700 in January of 2023 and a record low of 6.00000 in December of 1932. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Wood Pulp - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

China Purchasing Price Index: Timber and Paper Pulp data was reported at 97.700 Prev Year=100 in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 96.900 Prev Year=100 for 2023. China Purchasing Price Index: Timber and Paper Pulp data is updated yearly, averaging 102.000 Prev Year=100 from Dec 1986 (Median) to 2024, with 39 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 143.100 Prev Year=100 in 1988 and a record low of 95.800 Prev Year=100 in 2009. China Purchasing Price Index: Timber and Paper Pulp data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Inflation – Table CN.IE: Purchasing Price Index.

Kraft Pulp rose to 5,350 CNY/T on July 22, 2025, up 0.91% from the previous day. Over the past month, Kraft Pulp's price has risen 0.94%, but it is still 4.77% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Kraft Pulp.

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Specialty Paper Market Size 2024-2028

The specialty paper market size is forecast to increase by USD 13.59 billion at a CAGR of 5.09% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to various trends and drivers. One key trend is the increasing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging solutions, particularly In the food and beverages industry. Dissolved wood pulp and cotton-based papers are gaining popularity as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. Flexible packaging, including those with sensors and printed electronics for smart packaging, is also on the rise. In the construction sector, specialty papers are used for flooring, while In the consumer goods industry, they are used for cigarettes, tissue papers, and even in home decor. The adoption of near-field communication (NFC) technology in packaging for e-commerce and track and trace applications is another emerging trend.
In addition, the use of specialty papers in spa products, textiles, furniture, and filters is expanding. The market is also influenced by the volatility in prices of raw materials such as pulp and textiles, which can impact the overall cost structure. The future of the market looks promising, with potential applications in various industries, including coffee, grease-resistant packaging, and even radio frequency identification (RFID) for track and trace in various sectors.

What will be the Size of the Specialty Paper Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses a diverse range of paper products, including kraft papers, carton boards, and decorative items, catering to various industries such as food and beverages, luxury packaging, interior designing, and décor. This market is driven by the increasing demand for safe and sustainable packaging solutions, with a growing focus on post-consumer waste and biocarbon laminates. The market's size is significant, with continued expansion expected due to the rising trend of using paper-based alternatives in place of plastic for eco-conscious consumers. Key product segments include packaging grades, food-grade specialty paper, and insulating paper. The use of specialist chemicals, pulp, wood chips, recycled paper, cotton fiber, and even paper money, continues to evolve, with innovation in areas such as carbonless copy paper and coffee filters.
The market's value is underpinned by the increasing demand for safe packaging materials In the food and beverage sector, as well as the growing popularity of biodegradable and eco-friendly options in various industries. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable and high-quality paper products.

How is this Specialty Paper Industry segmented?

The specialty paper industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Application

  Packaging and labelling
  Printing and writing
  Industrial
  Building and construction
  Others


Type

  Decor
  Packaging
  Printing
  Release liner paper
  Others


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Europe

    Germany


  North America

    US


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Application Insights

The packaging and labelling segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Specialty paper plays a significant role In the packaging and labeling industry, particularly In the retail sector. This market segment has witnessed steady growth due to increasing consumer demand for differentiated and high-quality products. Specialty papers are used extensively for various applications, including food packaging, luxury bags, interior designing, decorative items, and safe packaging materials for chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Key product categories include Kraft papers, Post-Consumer Waste, BIOCARBON Laminates, Carton boards, Rollsource, CarrecoBrown bags, and various paper grades. Raw materials for specialty paper production include pulp from wood chips, recycled paper, cotton fiber, and specialist chemicals. Applications span across various sectors such as food and beverages, building and construction, e-commerce, manufacturing, healthcare, and fast-moving consumer goods. The market is driven by factors like increasing infrastructural development, consumer preference for sustainable and biodegradable packaging, and the need for moisture resistance, printability, and durability in packaging materials.

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The Packaging and labelling segment was valued at USD 14.74 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is e

The global thermal paper market size was valued at USD 4.30 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 4.72 billion in 2025 to USD 10.41 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.60% during the forecast period (2025-2033). The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing adoption of thermal paper in various end-user industries, such as point-of-sale (POS), labels, entertainment, medical and pharmaceutical, and others. Thermal paper is a type of paper that is coated with a heat-sensitive layer, which turns black when exposed to heat. This property makes thermal paper ideal for use in applications where a permanent record is not required, such as receipts, tickets, and labels. The major drivers of the thermal paper market include the growing demand for POS systems in retail and hospitality, the increasing use of thermal paper in labels and packaging, and the rising popularity of thermal paper in entertainment applications. The market is also expected to benefit from the growing adoption of mobile printing and the increasing use of thermal paper in medical and pharmaceutical applications. However, the market growth is restrained by the environmental concerns associated with the use of thermal paper and the competition from other printing technologies. The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the thermal paper market throughout the forecast period, followed by North America and Europe. The growth in the Asia Pacific region is attributed to the increasing demand for thermal paper in POS systems and labels in the region. Recent developments include: June 2023: Appvion introduces its new, sustainable, patent-pending Next Generation technology direct thermal coating that is free of phenolic developers, including BPA, BPS, and other phenols. Next Generational Technology coating creates heat-stable, legible, dark images on paper and film labels, tickets, tags, and point-of-sale applications while complying with environmental regulations and corporate sustainability initiatives., March 2023: Twin Rivers announced that it finalized the sale of Plaster Rock Lumber Corporation, its softwood lumber mill in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, to eastern Canadian lumber manufacturer and North American forest products leader Groupe Lebel. The sale advances Twin Rivers' strategy of investing in and growing its core business of specialty and kraft paper production.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing POS Utility in Services for Billing Operations, Robust Durability and Print Precision Offered by the Thermal Paper. Potential restraints include: Fluctuating Raw Material Prices affecting the Production. Notable trends are: POS to Drive the Market Growth.

The average annual producer price index of recycled paper in the United States was ***** in 2023. This represented a big decrease in comparison to the previous year, when the average price index was ******.

In 2024, the global printing and writing paper market decreased by -2% to $182.4B, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $190.9B. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of the global market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Paper Scrap in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

The size of the Wood Pulp Market market was valued at USD 189.48 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 244.52 Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 3.71% during the forecast period. The global Wood Pulp Market is a critical segment of the paper and packaging industries, valued for its versatility and renewability. Wood pulp, primarily derived from softwood and hardwood trees, is essential for producing various paper products, textiles, and bioplastics. Key types include chemical pulp, mechanical pulp, and dissolving pulp, each offering distinct characteristics. The market is driven by advancements in pulping technologies, including Kraft and sulfite processes, which enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Applications span from printing and writing papers to hygiene products and specialty papers. The market’s growth is propelled by rising demand for sustainable and recyclable materials, making wood pulp a vital component in the global shift towards eco-friendly alternatives. Recent developments include: November 2022: Nippon Paper Industries has increased the price of its packaging paper by 15% or more for shipments starting December 1st, 2022, in Japan. The company stated that this decision was made after its efforts to cut costs were not productive due to the high volatility in the market., November 2022: The Canada-based Resolute's Ontario woodland has started using drones to plan and spread seeds this spring after mapping out the area. They aim to reduce their carbon footprint and also claim this technique could even lead to faster forest regeneration., September 2022: UPM''s Paso de Los Toros greenfield BHK mill in Uruguay, which was delayed from the original start date, is expected to start operation by the first quarter of 2023. The mill's capacity is said to be 2.1 million metric tons.. Key drivers for this market are: , Increasing Food Security Concerns; Inclination Toward a Healthy Lifestyle. Potential restraints include: , Unfavorable Climatic Conditions; Higher Market Entry Cost. Notable trends are: Rising Consumer Demand for Paper Products is Driving the Market.

China Producer Price Index: Paper data was reported at 96.900 Prev Year=100 in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 94.200 Prev Year=100 for 2023. China Producer Price Index: Paper data is updated yearly, averaging 100.845 Prev Year=100 from Dec 1979 (Median) to 2024, with 46 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 144.500 Prev Year=100 in 1995 and a record low of 94.100 Prev Year=100 in 1998. China Producer Price Index: Paper data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Inflation – Table CN.IE: Producer Price Index.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Printing Paper, Coated at Establishments Other Than Where Paper Was Produced was 129.91400 Index Dec 2011=100 in June of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Printing Paper, Coated at Establishments Other Than Where Paper Was Produced reached a record high of 133.30100 in January of 2023 and a record low of 100.00000 in December of 2011. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Printing Paper, Coated at Establishments Other Than Where Paper Was Produced - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Kraft Papers market size will be USD 16.8 billion in 2023 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.50% from 2023 to 2030.

The consistent increase in market revenue can be attributed to the growing need from different end-use sectors for recyclable and sustainable packaging materials.
Demand for unbleached kraft paper remains higher in the kraft paper market.
The corrugated sheets category held the highest kraft papers market revenue share in 2023.

Innovations in Kraft Paper and Utilization of Same in Industries will Rise Demand in Kraft Papers Market

The market for kraft paper is vibrant because of the rapid growth in the packaging industry. Because white kraft paper can match client expectations for strength, flexibility, and barrier protection, it is frequently utilized in the packaging industry for a variety of applications. For manufacturers of kraft paper, the rising demand for biodegradable and ecologically friendly packaging presents a fantastic opportunity.

The market for biodegradable packaging is expanding. By 2020, biodegradable plastic packaging will have a market value of around 2.8 billion US dollars worldwide. It is expected to increase to around nine billion dollars by 2026.

In industrial contexts, white kraft paper has shown to be an economical and very useful material for making sturdy corrugated boxes and bags. Additionally, white kraft paper specialty packaging is very popular. White kraft paper is used in the printing and publishing sector to create brochures, pamphlets, newspapers, and magazines. Because the highly porous extensible bag kraft paper permits adequate sack deaeration during packaging, it does away with the need for the perforation process.

Expanding E-Commerce Sector to Expand Global Kraft Papers Market Size

The growing tendency to buy products through online stores has caused kraft packaging to become more expensive. Strong and dependable packaging materials are in high demand as more people embrace online purchasing. Therefore, because e-commerce is so widely used, major businesses should have plenty of room to grow.

With more than five billion people using the internet worldwide, more and more people are transacting online as a result of the rapid growth of internet availability and usage. Global retail e-commerce sales are expected to exceed 5.7 trillion USD in 2022, and in the years to come, this figure is expected to increase to previously unheard-of proportions.

Kraft paper is a great option for protecting items during transit because of its inherent strength and durability. There is a significant need for safe packaging that can endure the rigors of transportation due to the increase in the shipment of priceless and fragile goods across international borders. The ability of Kraft paper to withstand tears and provide cushioning makes it a useful material for protecting goods from harm during transportation.

Market Dynamics of the Kraft Paper Market

Key Drivers for Kraft Paper Market

Increasing Demand for Sustainable Packaging: The worldwide movement towards sustainability and biodegradable materials has led to a notable rise in the adoption of kraft paper as a substitute for plastic packaging, particularly within the food, retail, and e-commerce industries.

Expansion of E-commerce and Online Retail: As online shopping continues to grow, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for robust, recyclable, and economical packaging materials—establishing kraft paper as a favored choice for boxes, mailers, and wrapping.

Government Regulations Encouraging Recyclables: Numerous governments and regulatory agencies are enacting prohibitions on single-use plastics and providing incentives for the utilization of recyclable packaging, thereby enhancing the demand for kraft paper products in both developed and emerging markets.

Key Restraints for Kraft Paper Market

Volatility in Raw Material Prices: Fluctuations in the prices of wood pulp, the main raw material for kraft paper, have a direct impact on the production costs and profit margins for manufacturers.

Competition from Alternative Materials: Although kraft paper is considered sustainable, it encounters competition from other eco-friendly materials such as jute, cloth, and newer bioplastics, which may provide superior durability or aesthetics for particula...