Wood Pulp Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The wood pulp market attained a value of USD 166.65 Billion in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.70% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. By 2034, the market is expected to reach USD 217.53 Billion.

The accelerating expansion of the e-commerce sector is driving substantial demand for packaging materials, which is contributing to the growth of the wood pulp market. Industry data indicates that global retail e-commerce sales are projected to reach USD 6.42 trillion by 2025. In this context, wood pulp-derived products such as corrugated boxes and paper bags are witnessing increased adoption, owing to their durability and environmentally sustainable profile.

The wood pulp market value is growing with consumers and businesses increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly packaging options. Wood pulp-based materials, being biodegradable and recyclable, are gaining popularity over plastic alternatives. In December 2024, Procter & Gamble invested USD 20 million in developing wood-pulp alternatives. This move committed to protecting primary forests by 2030 while meeting the sustainability goals.

Conversely, the pulp and paper industry is facing labour shortages, compounded by an ageing workforce. Industry data indicates a nearly 17% rise in employees aged 55 and above between 2021 and 2023. In response, companies in the wood pulp market are actively investing in workforce development strategies, including the introduction of apprenticeship programs, enhanced training initiatives, and targeted recruitment efforts aimed at attracting younger talent. These measures are intended to preserve institutional knowledge and facilitate a smooth generational transition.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

June 2025

Stora Enso launched its newly developed unbleached kraft pulp (UKP) grade Nova E for to cater to electrical insulation papers. Made at the firm’s Enocell mill, UKP Nova E offers excellent mechanical strength, lower electrical conductivity, and reduced carbon footprint as opposed to bleached alternatives.

November 2024

Irving Tissue disclosed plans of a USD 600 million expansion of its tissue paper mill in Macon, Georgia. This helped to increase the mill's output by 50%, including the addition of a third paper machine, an automated warehouse, along with a new converting line. The warehouse is expected to be complete by 2026.

September 2024

JK Paper Limited expanded the production capacity at its Fort Songadh mill in Gujarat, India, by adding a new bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp line. The new facility helped to expand the company's capacity to produce lightweight coated boards as well as high-quality pulp to meet the rising demands.

June 2023

Finnish sustainable textile innovator Spinnova partnered with pulp producer Suzano to launch a first commercial-scale facility for producing wood-based Spinnova fiber. Operated by the joint venture between the two companies Woodspin, the plant annually produces 1,000 tons of sustainable, recyclable, and fully biodegradable textile fibres.

Advancements in Pulp Processing Technologies

Innovations in pulping technologies, such as enzyme-assisted pulping and nanocellulose applications for enhancing functionality and strength products is adding to the wood pulp market revenue. In March 2025, Valmet introduced an advanced process control system to enhance pulping yield by optimizing various stages of the pulp production process. These advancements are contributing to improved product quality and reduced environmental impact while aligning with the strong focus on sustainability.

Increasing Demand for Hygiene Products

The global health crisis is heightening the demand for hygiene products along with the consumption of tissue papers and wipes, further driving the wood pulp industry. Supporting with an instance, in October 2024, Robert Scott launched Ecofibre Compostable Wipe, made from 100% PEFC-certified wood pulp for offering eco-friendly and high-performance cleaning. Wood pulp, especially from softwood sources, is also essential for producing these products given its absorbency and softness.

Expansion of Recycled Pulp Facilities

The rising emphasis on recycling and circular economy practices is boosting the wood pulp market share. Several firms are expanding their recycled pulp facilities to match the thriving demand for sustainable materials. Driven by this factor, in April 2025, Yibin Grace launched China’s first recycled textile dissolving pulp facility, marking a major step towards circular fashion and sustainable material innovation. Investments in recycling technology are further assisting in improving the quality as well as efficiency of recycled pulp production.

Growth in Specialty Cellulose Applications

The surging demand for specialty cellulose is encouraging the wood pulp market development. Specialty cellulose, sourced from high-purity wood pulp, is used in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food. Higher adoption in textiles for producing sustainable and comfortable fibres is also adding to the market growth. To cater to this trend, in October 2023, Birla Cellulose launched a circular fibre blend with 50% mechanically recycled content to deliver high-strength yarn for sustainable fabric as well as garment production.

Technological Integration in Manufacturing

The integration of digital technologies is transforming the wood pulp industry for enhancing efficiency, product quality, and reducing operational costs. In March 2024, ANDRITZ launched its Metris Digital Twin Platform to enhance operational visibility and control in wood pulp mills. These technologies are allowing real-time data tracking, predictive analytics, and improved decision-making to facilitate responsive and resilient manufacturing operations.

Wood Pulp Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Wood Pulp Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Soft Wood
• Hard Wood

Key Insight: The soft wood segment leads the wood pulp market due to its extensive usage in producing high-quality printing paper, packaging materials, and tissue products. Several companies are relying on softwood pulp for their premium-grade paper production. The long fibre enhances tear resistance and tensile strength, making softwood pulp essential in products requiring durability. For instance, in April 2024, Georgia-Pacific Cellulose expanded its softwood pulp line with unbleached southern pine pulp for enhancing fibre cement applications. Rising dominance stemming from the global availability of softwood forests and critical role in producing stronger, higher-quality paper also adds to the segment growth.

Market Breakup by Grade

• Mechanical
• Chemical
• Semi-Chemical
• Others

Key Insight: The mechanical segment of the wood pulp industry is gaining traction as it is widely used in newsprint, catalogues, and paperboard due to its high yield and lower cost. Leading companies are utilizing mechanical pulp extensively for producing packaging and printing paper. In February 2024, ANDRITZ launched the world’s largest single mechanical pulping line at Wuzhou Special Paper for enhancing production capacity and efficiency. This segment further remains significant, especially in regions with abundant softwood resources.

Market Breakup by End Use

• Packaging
• Food and Beverages
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Automotive
• Others
• Print Media
• News Printing
• Book/Magazine Printing
• Advanced Printing
• Others
• Tissues
• Others

Key Insight: The packaging segment is a major driver in the wood pulp market as it serves diverse industries. Wood pulp-based packaging offers biodegradability, sustainability, and strength, making it ideal for eco-conscious brands. For instance, in January 2025, Conserving Beauty deployed Futamura’s compostable NatureFlex films from renewable wood pulp for dissolvable wipe sachets for meeting global composting standards. The pharmaceutical sector relies heavily on pulp-based cartons to ensure secure and compliant product delivery. At the same time, the automotive industry is incorporating pulp-derived materials into lightweight and durable components to meet sustainability and performance goals. This expanding cross-industry adoption is significantly accelerating the growth of the packaging segment, positioning it as a key driver in the overall pulp market.

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Key Insight: Asia Pacific dominates the wood pulp market, driven by rapid industrialization, population growth, and the stronger demand for paper-based packaging and hygiene products. China’s growing focus on self-sufficiency in pulp production and investments in high-capacity mills is strengthening its position. Japan and Indonesia are also contributing significantly, with major companies investing in sustainable production. The strong manufacturing base as well as expanding e-commerce sector are also fuelling the product demand, especially for packaging and tissues. As per industry reports, China accounted for 83.0% of retail ecommerce sales in Asia-Pacific in 2025, adding to segment growth.

Wood Pulp Market Share

Hardwood Pulp to Garner Huge Preference

The hardwood segment of the wood pulp market is growing for contributing to smoother paper surfaces and better printability. Hardwood pulp is widely used in producing fine printing paper, coated papers, and tissue products. This segment supports the market growth with its ability to produce lighter, smoother paper products ideal for magazines and books. Moreover, hardwood pulp is vital for specialty paper applications where surface quality is key. Driven by these trends, in May 2025, TNPL partnered with ANDRITZ to launch a ₹300 crore tissue project in Tamil Nadu, India by installing a PrimeLineTM S 2000 machine producing 34,000 t/a from hardwood pulp.

Surging Popularity of Chemical & Semi-Chemical Wood Pulp

Chemical pulp is largely contributing to the wood pulp market owing to its superior fibre quality, strength, and brightness. Major producers are focusing heavily on chemical pulp, especially kraft and sulfite processes. This segment supports most premium paper applications for ensuring durability and printability. The market leadership further stems from the growing demand for quality paper and sustainable forestry practices that align with chemical pulping methods, making it the most dominant segment in the market.

Semi-chemical wood pulp market share is expanding with higher usage in corrugated packaging and fibreboard to offer balanced strength and production efficiency. This segment fills a niche between cost-effectiveness and performance. This has compelled leading companies to deploy semi-chemical pulp to manufacture packaging materials. According to industry reports, Switzerland imported USD 772k of semi-chemical wood pulp in 2023. This rising rate of imports is characterising the segment growth for expanding presence in global markets.

Rising Wood Pulp Demand in Print Media & Tissues

The print media segment is gaining momentum in the wood pulp market due to the rising adoption of newspapers, magazines, and books. The segment remains significant, especially in regions with lower internet penetration and for specialty paper products. Wood pulp for print media offers high brightness and strength, crucial for quality publications. Leading pulp producers are continuing to supply print-grade pulp. Print media further supports the demand for coated and uncoated papers, maintaining a steady growth largely driven by educational materials and premium publishing.

The tissue segment is growing steadily in the wood pulp industry with rising hygiene awareness and population growth, especially in emerging markets. Wood pulp has grown essential for producing facial tissues, toilet paper, and paper towels. Companies are heavily relying on quality pulp for their tissue products. For instance, in January 2025, Jani Sales inaugurated a 60-ton-per-day tissue paper line at its facility in Gujarat, India to produces 100% virgin pulp-based products. The consistent growth of the segment is also fuelled by urbanization and increasing disposable incomes, making it an important contributor to overall wood pulp consumption.

Wood Pulp Market Regional Analysis

North America & Europe to Emerge as Significant Consumers

North America wood pulp market growth is supported by advanced technologies, sustainable forestry practices, and the presence of established players. The United States and Canada are major producers and exporters, supplying pulp globally for packaging, printing, and hygiene applications. As per industry reports, the United States produced nearly 43 million metric tons of chemical pulp in 2023. The regional demand is largely driven by sustainable packaging initiatives and hygiene product consumption. Investments in unbleached and recycled pulp solutions, are further reflecting a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives.

Europe is playing a crucial role in driving sustainability and innovation in the wood pulp industry. Sweden and Finland, with abundant forests and advanced processing technologies, are leading producers. Companies, such as Södra and UPM are focusing on high-quality softwood pulp and bio-based alternatives. The region's strict environmental regulations as well as circular economy initiatives are promoting the usage of FSC-certified wood pulp and biodegradable packaging. Europe’s demand is further primarily focused on eco-friendly packaging, tissues, and specialty paper products.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the wood pulp market are employing strategies that revolve around sustainability, capacity expansion, technological innovation, and diversification. With increasing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable products, companies are investing heavily in sustainable forestry practices and certification systems to ensure responsible sourcing. Many players are also pursuing vertical integration to control supply chains, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency. Capacity expansion in emerging markets is a major strategy to meet growing global demand for paper, packaging, and hygiene products.

Technological advancements, including improvements in pulping processes and the use of automation and AI, are enhancing productivity and reducing environmental impact. Market players are further exploring diversification into higher-margin specialty pulp products. Strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are helping companies to expand their geographic presence and product portfolios. As a response to environmental regulations as well as shifting consumer preferences, companies are increasingly focusing on reducing carbon footprints, improving water management, and developing gen-next wood-based products.

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Santiago, Chile, Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. specializes in the production of wood pulp, forestry products, and wood panels. The firm serves global markets with sustainable solutions primarily in pulp, wood, and tissue paper products.

Södra

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Sweden, Södra is a cooperative owned by forest owners and focuses on producing pulp, paper, and wood products. The firm emphasizes sustainability and innovation in its offerings, including softwood and hardwood pulp and bioenergy solutions.

Suzano S.A.

Founded in 1924, Suzano S.A. operates from São Paulo, Brazil, as one of the world’s largest pulp and paper producers. The company’s product range includes eucalyptus pulp, paper, and cellulose-based specialty products, with a strong commitment to sustainable forestry and circular economy principles.

Empresas CMPC S.A.

Headquartered in Santiago, Chile, and founded in 1920, Empresas CMPC is a leading name in the pulp, paper, and forestry sectors. The company offers pulp, tissue, paper products, and packaging solutions while prioritizing environmental responsibility and sustainable resource management.

Other players in the wood pulp market are Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL), Metsä Group, UPM-Kymmene Corporation, and Georgia-Pacific LLC, among others.

Key Features of the Wood Pulp Market Report:

• In-depth quantitative analysis of market size, share, and growth trends globally.
• Detailed segmentation by type, grade, and key end-use industries.
• Regional insights highlighting demand drivers across Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe.
• Competitive landscape featuring key players, strategies, and recent developments.
• Forecasts up to 2034, enabling long-term strategic planning and investments.
• Evaluation of current wood pulp market trends, opportunities, and industry challenges.

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