Studying Potential of Paper Cup Industry in Japan (2023 to 2033)

The paper cup industry in Japan is expected to witness substantial growth in the years leading up to 2033. The adoption of paper cup in Japan is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.7% until 2033.

The paper cup industry in Japan has truly hit its stride, evolving into a thriving mainstream venture. This upward trajectory is poised to catapult the industry to an estimated worth of around USD 672.2 million by the end of 2023. Given the promising prospects and the increasing reliance of consumers on online shopping channels, the demand forecast for the paper cup industry in Japan is projected to reach a substantial USD 1,289 million by 2033.

Key Insights and Highlights to Understand Emerging and Fast-growing Opportunities

  • The awareness of the environmental impact of plastic waste is growing in Japan, but it is not evenly distributed. In some rural or less developed areas, knowledge about paper cup as a sustainable alternative to plastic cup may be limited.
  • Cultural practices and environmental awareness play a role in this discrepancy, as regions with strong traditions of using bamboo, leaves, or pottery cup may not readily adopt paper cup. The demand for paper cup in Japan remains moderate, which affects the industrial expansion.
Attributes Details
Industry Size in Japan (2023) USD 672.2 million
Forecasted Industry Size in Japan (2033) USD 1,289 million
CAGR Estimation (2023 to 2033) 6.7%

Don't pay for what you don't need

Customize your report by selecting specific countries or regions and save 30%!

Key Trends Influencing Demand for Paper Cup in Japan

  • Sub-regions like Kanto and Chubu are witnessing a significant trend toward reducing plastic waste and embracing sustainable alternatives. For example, some prominent towns in Kinki have implemented bans on single-use plastics, including plastic cup, to combat plastic pollution, which has led to a growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging options, particularly paper cup, in cafes, restaurants, etc.
  • The government of Japan is taking concrete steps to tackle the problem of plastic waste and promote sustainability. One such measure is the ban on single-use plastics, including plastic cup. The regulatory move aims to reduce plastic waste and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. Businesses and consumers actively seek compliant and environmentally friendly paper cup, leading to a notable increase in demand.
  • The ban on single-use plastics has had a positive impact on the paper cup industry in Japan. As businesses scramble to replace plastic cup with paper ones, there has been substantial growth in the production and usage of paper cup. The trend thus aligns with sustainability goals and helps contribute to the overall reduction of plastic waste in the country

Country-wise Insights

Sustainable Shift Spurs Paper Cup Demand in Kanto

The Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures, has a significant awareness of environmental issues and a growing trend towards sustainability. The government has taken steps to reduce plastic waste, increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives like paper cup. Many cafes, restaurants, and businesses in Kanto have embraced the shift from single-use plastics to paper cup. The proactive approach has resulted in a substantial uptick in paper cup consumption, making it a prominent industry in the region.

Chubu Embraces Eco-friendly Packaging

The Chubu region, known for its industrial centers, has also witnessed a notable shift towards sustainability. Implementing regulations prohibiting single-use plastics, including plastic cup, has accelerated the adoption of paper cup. Businesses in sectors such as manufacturing and services have increasingly adopted eco-friendly packaging solutions, contributing to the growing demand for paper cup in Chubu. The trend is thus expected to continue as the region emphasizes reducing plastic waste.

Push for Green Alternatives in Kinki

Kinki, home to prominent cities like Osaka and Kyoto, has proactively curbed plastic pollution. Several towns in this region have enforced bans on single-use plastics, fostering a strong demand for sustainable alternatives such as paper cup. Cafes, eateries, and event organizers in Kinki seek eco-friendly packaging options, driving the industry for paper cup. The trend of embracing environmentally conscious choices is firmly established in this region.

Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

Find your sweet spots for generating winning opportunities in this market.

Category-wise insights

The table highlights that the paperboard material segment leads the industry, holding a share of 54.4% in 2023. The table further details applications and shows how beverage segment is taking the industry by storm acquiring a value share of 70.3% in 2023.

Category Value Share in 2023
Paperboard 54.4%
Beverage 70.3%

Surging Demand for Specialized Drinks like Kombucha Boosts Paperboard Cup Sales

Disposable cup for hot beverages is increasingly favored by various establishments, including restaurants, cafés, and hotels, owing to their double-walled construction that effectively preserves temperature and thermal characteristics. Tea and coffee consumption is supplementary but increasingly prevalent compared to cold beverages.

The emergence of trendy drinks in Japan, such as kombucha, Chhai, Ramune Soda, and Aojiru, further contributes to the demand for paperboard cups. Many of these beverages are served in paperboard cups, especially in takeaway formats, aligning with the fast-paced lifestyle of many consumers in Japan.

Efficient features and superior heat insulation are requisite for cup-serving hot drinks to ensure convenient consumption. As the production of cup designed for hotter beverages surges, it is anticipated to substantially influence the production rate more than cup for cold beverages. The burgeoning preference for hot drinks presents a promising growth opportunity for the global paper cup industry.

Growing Demand for Kraft Paper Cup Driven by Beverage Sector

The popularity of beverages like green tea, royal milk tea, bubble tea, flavored soy milk, and yakult, highlights the strong culture of enjoying drinks on the go. These beverages are often served in disposable paper cups, which are convenient for both the consumers and the businesses. Therefore, as these drinks continue to be favored by consumers, the demand for paper cups remains robust.

The growing appetite for specialty foods and beverages like gourmet coffee, artisanal tea, and exotic-flavored salts suggests that there could be a surge in the number of cafes and specialty stores. These establishments typically use paper cups for serving their beverages, underlining the importance of paper cup demand in the food and beverage sector.

Competitive Landscape

In Japan's competitive paper cup industry, key strategies revolve around sustainability, quality, and innovation. Companies focus on eco-friendly materials and responsible production practices to meet evolving environmental standards. They are focusing on diversification and customization of product offerings cater to diverse consumer needs, while stringent quality control ensures compliance with industry regulations.

They are also embracing technological advancements improves efficiency and product performance. Additionally, they are streamlining the supply chain and targeted industry segmentation to enhance operational agility.

Recent Developments Observed in Paper Cup Services in Japan

  • KOKUYO Co., Ltd. introduced the process of a wide range of work style experiments at our company, as well as the created spaces, products, and services on a unique website and in real venues.
  • Toppan Printing, a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions, developed NFC1 labels, combining high-quality metallic design with maintaining the communication performance required of NFC tags.

Get the data you need at a Fraction of the cost

Personalize your report by choosing insights you need
and save 40%!

Some of the Key Players in Paper Cup Industry in Japan

  • Daiwa Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd.
  • KOKUYO Co., Ltd.
  • Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
  • Nichimo Co., Ltd.
  • Eco One Co., Ltd.
  • Sakano Co., Ltd.
  • Nihon Dixie Co., Ltd. 
  • HARIO Co., Ltd.
  • Tomizawa Printing Co., Ltd.
  • Dixie Japan Co., Ltd.

Report Scope

Attribute Details
Estimated Industry Size in 2023 USD 672.2 million
Projected Industry Size in 2033 USD 1,289 million
Anticipated CAGR between 2023 to 2033 6.7% CAGR
Demand Forecast for Paper Cup Industry in Japan 2023 to 2033
Report Coverage Industry Size, Industry Trends, Analysis of key factors influencing Paper Cup in Japan, Insights on Global Players and their Industry Strategy in Japan, Ecosystem Analysis of Local and Regional Japan Providers
Key Countries Analyzed Kanto, Chubu, Kinki (Kansai), Kyushu and Okinawa, Tohoku
Key Companies Profiled Daiwa Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd.; KOKUYO Co., Ltd.; Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.; Nichimo Co., Ltd.; Eco One Co., Ltd.; Sakano Co., Ltd.; Nihon Dixie Co., Ltd.; HARIO Co., Ltd.; Tomizawa Printing Co., Ltd.; Dixie Japan Co., Ltd.

Key Segments

By Capacity:

  • 4 Oz
    • Single wall
    • Double Wall
    • Ripple Wall
  • 8 Oz
    • Single wall
    • Double Wall
    • Ripple Wall
  • 12 Oz
    • Single wall
    • Double Wall
    • Ripple Wall
  • 16 Oz
    • Single wall
    • Double Wall
    • Ripple Wall
  • 20 Oz
    • Single wall
    • Double Wall
    • Ripple Wall
  • Other Capacities
    • Single wall
    • Double Wall
    • Ripple Wall

By Material:

  • Paperboard
  • Kraft Paper
  • Molded Fiber

By Coatings:

  • PE Coatings
  • PLA
  • Water Based Barrier
  • Bio-based

Distribution Channel:

  • Direct Sales
  • Retail
  • Hypermarket
  • Supermarket
  • Convenience Stores
  • Speciality Stores
  • Distributors
  • Online

By Applications:

  • Beverages
  • Cold
  • Hot
  • Food
  • Spreads
  • Sausages Dressings
  • Confectionary
  • Dairy
  • Ice Cream
  • Yogurt
  • Drinks

By End-use:

  • Commercial Use
    • Hotels
    • Cafes
    • Full Service Restaurants
    • Quick Service Restaurants
    • Venue Caterings
    • Mobile Food Vendors
    • Bakery and Patisserie
  • Institutional Use
    • School Colleges
    • Offices
    • Hospitals
    • Airports and Railway
  • Household Use

By Cities:

  • Kanto
  • Chubu
  • Kinki (Kansai)
  • Kyushu and Okinawa
  • Tohoku

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Paper Cup Industry in Japan?

The estimated valuation of the paper cup industry is USD 672.2 million in 2023.

At what Rate is the Paper Cup Ecosystem Growing in Japan?

The anticipated CAGR for paper cup ecosystem through 2033 is 6.7%.

How big will the Paper Cup Industry be in Japan?

Demand for paper cup in Japan is likely to be around USD 1,289 million by 2033.

Which is the Preferred Material for Paper Cup in Japan?

Paperboard is estimated to surpass a valuation of the kraft paper soon.

Which Application Area Contributes Significantly in Japan’s Paper Cup Industry?

Hot beverage cup is projected to remain a key contributor in Japan.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Japan Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Japan Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Capacity
		5.1. 4 Oz
			5.1.1. Single wall
			5.1.2. Double Wall
			5.1.3. Ripple Wall
		5.2. 8 Oz
			5.2.1. Single wall
			5.2.2. Double Wall
			5.2.3. Ripple Wall
		5.3. 12 Oz
			5.3.1. Single wall
			5.3.2. Double Wall
			5.3.3. Ripple Wall
		5.4. 16 Oz
			5.4.1. Single wall
			5.4.2. Double Wall
			5.4.3. Ripple Wall
		5.5. 20 Oz
			5.5.1. Single wall
			5.5.2. Double Wall
			5.5.3. Ripple Wall
		5.6. Other Capacities
			5.6.1. Single wall
			5.6.2. Double Wall
			5.6.3. Ripple Wall
	6. Japan Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material
		6.1. Paperboard
		6.2. Kraft Paper
		6.3. Molded Fiber
	7. Japan Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Coatings
		7.1. PE Coatings
		7.2. PLA
		7.3. Water Based Barrier
		7.4. Bio based
	8. Japan Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Distribution Channel
		8.1. Direct Sales
		8.2. Retail
			8.2.1. Hypermarket
			8.2.2. Supermarket
			8.2.3. Convenience Stores
			8.2.4. Speciality Stores
		8.3. Distributors
		8.4. Online
	9. Japan Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Applications
		9.1. Beverages
			9.1.1. Cold
			9.1.2. Hot
		9.2. Food
			9.2.1. Spreads
			9.2.2. Sausages Dressings
			9.2.3. Confectionary
			9.2.4. Ice Cream
			9.2.5. Yogurt
			9.2.6. Drinks
	10. Japan Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use
		10.1. Commercial Use
			10.1.1. Hotels Cafes
			10.1.2. Full service restaurants
			10.1.3. Quick service Restaurants
			10.1.4. Venue Caterings
			10.1.5. Mobile Food Vendors
			10.1.6. Bakery and Patisserie
		10.2. Institutional Use
			10.2.1. School Colleges
			10.2.2. Offices
			10.2.3. Hospitals
			10.2.4. Airports Railway
		10.3. Household Use
	11. Japan Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		11.1. Kanto
		11.2. Chubu
		11.3. Kinki
		11.4. Kyushu & Okinawa
		11.5. Tohoku
		11.6. Rest of Japan
	12. Kanto Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	13. Chubu Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	14. Kinki Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	15. Kyushu & Okinawa Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	16. Tohoku Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	17. Rest of Japan Industry Analysis and Outlook 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	18. Market Structure Analysis
	19. Competition Analysis
		19.1. DIXIE JAPAN LTD
		19.2. Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
		19.3. Tokan Kogyo Co., Ltd.
		19.4. Pactiv LLC
		19.5. Hendga Industries Co., Ltd
		19.6. Greenwood (Dalian) Industrial Co., Ltd.
		19.7. DOPLA SPA
		19.8. Itterra a.s.
		19.9. Detpak (Detmold Group)
		19.10. Greenweimo
		19.11. Biopac UK. Ltd
		19.12. Bio Futura B.V
	20. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	21. Research Methodology
Recommendations

Packaging

Paper Cone Cup Market

June 2022

REP-GB-10591

250 pages

Packaging

Cold Waxed Paper Cups Market

November 2021

REP-GB-14140

250 pages

Explore Packaging Insights

View Reports
Future Market Insights

Demand and Sales Analysis of Paper Cup in Japan

Schedule a Call