The global consumption of paper and cardboard was approximately *** million metric tons in 2023 - a decrease when compared with the previous year. The global consumption of paper and paperboard has increased almost ** percent, relative to 1990 levels. Global paper consumption is projected to further increase in the coming decades, surpassing *** million metric tons by 2030. Which country consumes the most paper? China is by far the largest consumer of paper worldwide, having consumed ***** million metric tons of paper and paperboard in 2023. This represented nearly ******* of the total paper consumption worldwide. China was followed by the United States, which consumed **** million metric tons. E-commerce boosts production As with consumption, paper production has been increasing worldwide. Although the production of graphic paper has been falling in the age of digitalization, the demand for packaging paper and board has been increasing annually. The growth in packaging production has been fueled by the online shopping boom, with a growing need for containerboard – a material used in the manufacture of corrugated board.

Paper and paperboard consumption in the United States has seen a significant decline over the past two decades. In 2023, consumption reached approximately 58.32 million metric tons, marking a 38 percent decrease from 2000 levels. Production and recycling trends in the United States As consumption, paper production in the U.S. has declined in recent years, dropping to some 60 million metric tons in 2023. Despite this decreasing trend, the country was still one of the largest paper producers in the world that year, second only to China. Contributing to the decline of paper production and consumption are changing consumer habits and increased digitalization across various industries. Since the beginning of the 2000s, the U.S. has also made progress in paper recycling, with the recycling rate reaching nearly 67 percent in 2023. Composition of paper and board market in the United States Case materials dominated both production and consumption in the U.S. paper and board market. In 2023, case materials accounted for 29.09 million metric tons of consumption and over 54 percent of total production by weight. Case materials have experienced an upward trend in recent years, similar to cartonboard and sanitary papers, each accounting for approximately 10 percent of the paper market in the U.S. in 2023. By comparison, graphic papers’ production has recorded a stable decline in the past decades.

The global consumption of paper and paperboard totaled 420 million tons in 2023. Consumption is projected to continue rising over the coming decade to reach 476 million tons by 2032. Packaging accounts for the largest share of global paper and paperboard production. Most consumed paper and paperboard type Containerboard was the most consumed paper and paperboard type in 2023, at 185 million tons. Global containerboard demand is expected to increase to more than 220 million tons by 2030. Containerboard is an important paperboard type used in the manufacturing of corrugated boards. Which country produces the most paper and paperboard? The United States was the world’s largest producer of paper and paperboard until the mid-2000s. Since then, China has become the leading producer, with an output of 128 million metric tons in 2022. Other leading paper and paperboard producers include Japan, Germany, and India.

Statistics on Paper Consumption

Number of sheets of paper used monthly on Infrabel network printers. The following data are not included in these figures: large format printers, local printers, copy shops.

The different recycled content of paper purchased are recoded (e.g. whether it\r
is 10% recycled content or 80% recycled content). \r
\r
The types of paper purchased includes: A3, A4, A5, coloured or white paper. \r
\r
Any paper purchased outside of the whole-of-government supplier, Corporate\r
Express is not captured.\r
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This dataset contains the spending by the city and feeds the city's Open Checkbook visualization application.

Graph and download economic data for Newsprint Paper Consumption for United States (M0102DUSM601NNBR) from Jan 1919 to Dec 1939 about periodicals, consumption, and USA.

The global consumption of pulp for paper amounted to 194.4 million metric tons in 2023. Pulp consumption has tripled worldwide since the 1960s. There have been several noticeable drops in consumption over the past 60 years. The greatest declined occurred during the global financial crises in 2008 and 2009.

Tonnage of recycled printing paper used for production in the printing workshop in the last 12 months

China is the world's largest consumer of paper and paperboard by far, consuming approximately *** million metric tons worth in 2023. This was over ** percent of global paper and paperboard consumption that year. Global paper and paperboard consumption The two largest consumers of paper and paperboard are China and the United States. Together, these two countries accounted for approximately half the quantity of paper and paperboard consumed worldwide in 2023. The per capita consumption of paper and paperboard in China was around ** kilograms, lower than the average global figure. What is the most consumed paper type? The global demand for containerboard is far higher than for any other paper type. In 2023, containerboard demand was estimated at *** million tons, accounting for more than ** percent of global paper demand that year. In comparison, the demand for printing and writing paper was ** million tons.

Discover the latest trends in the printing and writing paper market in the United States, as demand continues to rise. Forecasted data suggests a positive growth trend over the next decade, with anticipated increases in both market volume and value. By 2035, the market is projected to reach 10 million tons in volume and $12.9 billion in value.

The global general copy paper market is a substantial industry, exhibiting steady growth driven by several key factors. While precise market size figures are unavailable, considering the widespread use of copy paper across diverse sectors – including offices, education, government, and banking – a reasonable estimate for the 2025 market size would be in the range of $25-30 billion USD. This figure is based on the known extensive usage and production capacity of major players like International Paper, Domtar, and others, coupled with estimations of per capita paper consumption and overall global economic activity. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is projected to remain relatively modest, perhaps around 2-3%, reflecting a mature market but consistent demand. This moderate growth is influenced by the increasing adoption of digital document management systems in some sectors, partially offset by the sustained demand for physical documents in other areas, especially government and educational institutions where hard copies often remain crucial. Key trends shaping the market include the increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly paper production, with manufacturers emphasizing recycled content and responsible forestry practices. The demand for specific GSM (grams per square meter) weights like 70GSM and 80GSM remains significant, corresponding to different printing needs and budget considerations. However, restraints such as fluctuating pulp prices, environmental regulations, and competition from digital alternatives continue to impact the market's growth trajectory. Regional market dynamics are diverse. North America and Europe are expected to maintain a sizable share, while the Asia-Pacific region, driven by rapidly growing economies like China and India, shows significant potential for expansion in the coming years. The competitive landscape is characterized by both large multinational corporations and regional players. The success of individual companies hinges on their ability to innovate with sustainable production methods, adapt to evolving consumer preferences, and effectively manage supply chain challenges in a globalized market. Furthermore, the continuing need for print-based documentation in critical industries, including legal, medical and financial sectors, will assure a certain level of continued demand throughout the forecast period.

The different recycled content of paper purchased are recoded (e.g. whether it is 10% recycled content or 80% recycled content).

Any paper purchased outside of the whole-of-government supplier, Corporate Express is not captured.

The types of paper purchased includes: A3, A4, A5, coloured or white paper

Snapshot img

Printing And Writing Paper Market Size 2025-2029

The printing and writing paper market size is forecast to increase by USD 10.88 billion at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is witnessing significant growth due to the emergence of various types of paper, catering to diverse applications. One notable trend is the increasing demand for handmade paper, which offers unique textures and aesthetics, particularly in high-end stationery and artisanal product segments. However, the market faces challenges from the increasing number of digital platforms that offer alternative solutions for communication and document management. This shift towards digital media may impact the traditional printing and writing paper industry, necessitating companies to explore new opportunities and adapt to evolving consumer preferences. The market is witnessing significant growth due to the emergence of various types of paper, including cotton-based and LED-compatible paper, catering to the needs of commercial printing, e-learning, and publishing industries. The increasing demand for data security and privacy is driving the usage of thermal paper for secure transactions in real estate, logistics, and e-commerce sectors.
To capitalize on the market's dynamics, businesses must focus on innovation, product differentiation, and strategic partnerships, ensuring they cater to both traditional and emerging market segments. By staying attuned to consumer trends and addressing the challenges posed by digital media, companies can effectively navigate the market landscape and maintain a competitive edge.

What will be the Size of the Printing And Writing Paper Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, driven by shifting consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements. Writing paper remains a staple in the industry, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and renewable resources. Paper regulations impact paper mills and wholesalers, shaping industrial goods production and distribution. Sustainable forestry and paperboard packaging are key trends, with paper bags and napkins gaining popularity in the consumer goods sector. Paper distribution channels expand, incorporating screen printing, specialty paper, and flexographic printing. Wood pulp and paper innovation fuel the development of bio-based materials and digital media. Circular economy principles influence paper recycling and the use of recycled fiber in various applications. Moreover, the market is witnessing a focus on information management, data security, and content marketing, leading to the adoption of advanced document management systems and certifications.
Paper pricing and technology shape demand for offset paper, copy paper, and paper alternatives. The paper industry's continuous evolution encompasses paper finishing, text paper, printing paper, and various paper types, including bond paper, paper plates, and packaging paper, catering to diverse sectors like food and beverage and office supplies.

How is this Printing And Writing Paper Industry segmented?

The printing and writing paper industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Printing paper
  Writing paper


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Type

  Uncoated wood-free
  Coated wood-free
  Coated mechanical
  Uncoated mechanical
  Specialty papers


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The printing paper segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market encompasses various types of paper used for diverse applications, including inkjet printer paper, laser print paper, and matte paper. These papers are essential for producing office stationery such as letterheads, documents, business cards, postcards, and invitation cards, as well as A4 size paper sheets. The global demand for printing papers is driven by the increasing need for printed book covers, magazines, and catalogs. The growing popularity of personal catalogs is a significant factor fueling this demand. Retailers are embracing multichannel marketing strategies to engage customers and boost sales, necessitating the mailing of printed catalogs. The emergence of multichannel shopping as a retail marketing trend further bolsters the demand for printing papers. Other trends include the use of chelating agents and bleach in decorative paper and the adoption of biocides to enhance the durability and resistance of labels and displays.

Sustainability is a critical cons

The total weight of paper used by the printing workshop in the past 12 months for printing of publications for bureaux and departments

Case materials was the most consumed paper and paperboard type in the United States in 2023, at ***** million metric tons. Printing and writing papers followed with a total of **** million metric tons consumed.

The global machine finished paper market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand across diverse applications. While precise figures for market size and CAGR are not provided, leveraging industry reports and understanding current market dynamics allows for reasonable estimations. Let's assume, for illustrative purposes, a 2025 market size of $15 billion (this is an example, replace with a realistic estimate based on your research). Considering the ongoing demand for packaging materials and the persistent use of paper in various sectors like publishing and retail, a conservative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3-4% over the forecast period (2025-2033) seems plausible. This growth is fueled by several factors, including the expanding e-commerce sector, which boosts the demand for packaging materials, and the relatively lower environmental impact of machine-finished paper compared to some alternative materials. However, restraints such as the rising popularity of digital alternatives and increasing concerns regarding deforestation continue to pose challenges to the market's expansion. The market is segmented by paper type (bleached and unbleached) and application (food packaging, book covers, retail packaging, and others), with food packaging currently dominating due to its extensive use in various food products. Key players in the market include major paper producers such as Heinzel Group, BillerudKorsnäs, Mondi Group, and Sappi, actively competing through product innovation and strategic partnerships to maintain their market share. Regional variations in consumption are also notable, with North America and Europe currently holding significant shares, while Asia-Pacific is projected to witness accelerated growth owing to its expanding economies and rising population. The steady yet moderate growth trajectory projected for the machine-finished paper market reflects a balance between persistent traditional applications and evolving consumer preferences and environmental considerations. While digitalization poses a threat, the market's adaptability and ongoing innovation in sustainable paper production technologies indicate resilience in the long term. The segmentation and regional variations reveal key opportunities for manufacturers to focus on specific applications and geographic areas to optimize growth strategies. Focusing on eco-friendly production and sustainable sourcing will be critical for long-term market success, catering to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers and regulatory requirements. Further growth will also depend on the ability of producers to meet the growing demand for specialized paper types suited to evolving packaging needs and other applications.

This dataset provides detailed records of water, paper, and energy consumption for offices implementing green practices, including location, reporting period, and sustainability manager information. It enables sustainability managers to monitor resource usage, compare performance across offices, and identify opportunities for further efficiency improvements. The data supports benchmarking, compliance reporting, and strategic planning for environmental initiatives.

The global waste paper collection and recycling service market exhibits robust growth, driven by increasing environmental awareness, stringent government regulations promoting recycling, and the rising demand for recycled paper products across various industries. The market's expansion is fueled by a growing global population and associated increase in paper consumption, coupled with a burgeoning e-commerce sector generating significant amounts of packaging waste. While challenges remain, such as fluctuations in raw material prices and inconsistent waste collection infrastructure in certain regions, technological advancements in sorting and processing technologies are improving efficiency and profitability within the sector. The market is segmented by various factors, including collection methods (e.g., curbside, baling, drop-off), paper types (e.g., newsprint, corrugated cardboard, office paper), and end-use applications (e.g., packaging, printing, tissue). Major players like Republic Services and DS Smith are leading the market, leveraging their established infrastructure and technological capabilities to capture significant market share. This competitive landscape is further characterized by mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships aimed at optimizing operations and expanding geographic reach. The forecast period from 2025 to 2033 anticipates a continued upward trajectory, although the rate of growth may moderate compared to previous years. This moderation could be due to factors such as market saturation in developed economies and the need for further infrastructure development in emerging markets. However, the long-term prospects remain positive, driven by sustained growth in the packaging industry, ongoing efforts to reduce landfill waste, and increasing adoption of circular economy principles. Companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices, investing in advanced recycling technologies, and developing innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of the waste paper recycling sector. The market's future will likely depend on ongoing technological innovations, favorable government policies, and consumer behavior changes that support responsible waste management. Further research into specific regional market trends and competitive analysis will provide a more granular understanding of future market dynamics.