Glassine Paper Market Outlook

The global glassine paper market is projected to witness positive growth in 2023, with worldwide revenues up by 3.2% year-over-year. New market analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI) estimates the glassine paper revenues to nearly witness a 1.6X increase between 2023 and 2033, reaching USD 4.99 billion by 2033 from USD 3.08 billion in 2023, exhibiting a steady 4.9% CAGR.

Glassing paper is a type of paper that is made from bleached chemical pulp and is typically translucent, smooth, and glossy. It is used in various applications including, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

One of the key factors enhancing the market expansion is the increasing demand for packaging materials in the food and beverage industry. Glassing paper is used to package different food products such as confectionery, baked goods, and snacks. The food and beverage industry is growing at a significant pace.

The increasing population and urbanization are crucial factors that drive the industry further. The rise in disposable income and changing lifestyle of consumers are also expected to boost the food and beverage industry. Therefore, the growth in the global food and beverage industry is expected to drive the demand for glassine paper as well.

Another driver of the market is the growing awareness about the environmental benefits of glassine paper over other types of packaging materials. Consumers are becoming more environmentally concerned and demanding eco-friendly packaging options.

Glassine paper is biodegradable and compostable, making it an environmentally friendly option for packaging. Therefore, this trend is expected to continue in the future and is likely to drive the demand for glassine paper.

The glassine paper market is also fueled by the growth of the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical industry is booming at a significant rate driven by the factors such as the growing aging population, increasing incidence of chronic diseases, and rising healthcare expenditure.

Glassine paper is used to package numerous pharmaceutical products including tablets and capsules. This is expected to drive demand for glassine paper during the forecast period.

The market trend is shifting towards the use of glassine paper in laminated structures with other materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and aluminum foil, to improve the barrier properties of the packaging, especially in food packaging.

This is expected to drive the demand for glassine paper as it offers improved barrier properties, better moisture resistance, and better shelf life for food products.

One of the significant opportunities for the market is the increasing use of glassine paper in the bookbinding industry. Glassine paper is used as an interleaving paper between the pages of books to protect them from damage.

This is expected to boost the demand for glassine paper in this application. Moreover, glassine paper is used as a high-quality base paper for digital printing and as a release paper in the packaging of e-commerce products.

Attributes Details
Glassine Paper Market Value (2023) USD 3.08 billion
Glassine Paper Market Expected Value (2033) USD 4.99 billion
Glassine Paper Market Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 4.9%

Don't pay for what you don't need

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

2016 to 2022 Glassine Paper Market Outlook Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecast

Demand for glassine paper is projected to accelerate at 4.9% from 2023 to 2033, as compared to 3.3% from 2016 to 2022. Growth in the glassine paper market can be attributed to the improvement of paper material, changing dynamics in the paper printing and coating industry, and the evolution of e-commerce in recent years.

The growing adoption of glassine paper for packaging in bakery, confectionery, and ready-to-eat food industries is identified as a chief factor propelling sales of glassine paper. Glassine paper is used widely for wrapping and protecting medical accessories and specimens. The material properties and transparency of glassine paper allow smooth transmission of products and helps to view contents inside the bags and envelopes.

Year 2016 to 2022
CAGR 3.3%
Value USD 2.45 billion (2016)
Year 2016 to 2022
CAGR 3.3%
Value USD 2.87 billion (2021)
Year 2016 to 2022
CAGR 3.3%
Value USD 2.99 billion (2022)
Year 2023 to 2033
CAGR 4.9%
Value USD 3.08 billion (2023)
Year 2023 to 2033
CAGR 4.9%
Value USD 4.83 billion (2032)
Year 2023 to 2033
CAGR 4.9%
Value USD 4.99 billion (2033)

Short Term (2023 to 2026): The growing e-commerce industry and increasing use of glassine paper in flexible packaging as a release liner are projected to drive the demand for glassine paper.

Medium Term (2026 to 2029): Medium-term opportunities for the market include increasing demand for sustainable packaging materials as well as growth in industries such as pharmaceuticals and confectionery that utilize glassine paper.

Long Term (2029 to 2033): Innovations in glassine paper production techniques, such as the development of multi-layer glassine paper are also anticipated to present opportunities for the market.

Market Statistics Details
Jan - Jun (H1), 2021 (A) 3.4%
Jul - Dec (H2), 2022 (A) 3.2%
Jan - Jun (H1),2022 Projected (P) 3.2%
Jan - Jun (H1),2022 Outlook (O) 3.8%
Jul - Dec (H2), 2022 Outlook (O) 3.8%
Jul - Dec (H2), 2022 Projected (P) 3.4%
Jan - Jun (H1), 2023 Projected (P) 3.5%
BPS Change : H1,2022 (O) - H1,2022 (P) 40
BPS Change : H1,2022 (O) - H1,2021 (A) 60
BPS Change: H2, 2022 (O) - H2, 2022 (P) 40
BPS Change: H2, 2022 (O) - H2, 2022 (A) 60

Subtle Improvements in Glassine Paper to Create Lucrative Opportunities

Laminated glassine paper comprises sheets of glassine paper bonded together by a laminating composition of resins or waxes. Glassine paper was initially laminated with wax, including amorphous wax, a combination of wax with resins, and resin esters. However, resins tend to lower the moisture-proofing of laminated glassine paper. Hence, a more stabilized resin-like polymerized or hydrogenated resin was used to improve the quality of glassine paper.

Improvements in glassine laminated paper over recent years are characterized by a combination of desirable properties such as moisture and vapor-proofing, high strength, and stabilized aging properties. It also eliminates odor, which is necessary for food packaging and offers great folding qualities, giving it an edge in the packaging industry.

Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

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

Why do OPP Films and Glassine Paper make a Profitable Duo?

The heat-set oriented polypropylene (OPP) films are gaining wide acceptance as a laminating substrate when combined with heat-sealing glassine papers. The OPP film significantly provides strength, moisture barrier, and high surface gloss to the lamination.

The glassine paper contributes to a lower coefficient of friction (COF) and allows OPP films to be heat-sealed easily. This COF provides excellent machinability on automatic bag-forming machinery used in the snack food and candy industries.

Today, this combination of properties and materials is driving the adoption of glassine paper in new packaging applications, and the trend is anticipated to prevail during the assessment period.

Country-wise Insights

Country Market Value (2022)
United States USD 531.4 million
Germany USD 201.4 million
United Kingdom USD 145.6 million
China USD 162.1 million
Japan USD 127.4 million
India USD 151.2 million

How is the Glassine Paper Market likely to Expand across the United States?

The United States is home to a multi-billion-dollar printing and publishing industry which is expected to boost sales of glassine paper in coming years. According to the Association of American Publishers (AAP), over a billion print books were sold by publishers in the country in 2018.

The United States glassine paper market is a niche market where glassine paper is primarily used for packaging and labeling food products, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. The market in the United States obtained a 17.8% share of global revenue in 2022 and is expected to expand at a moderate pace during the forecast period. Glassine paper is used for wrapping, preserving, and binding books, magazines, and other items. It can also be used as interleaving paper in the print and publication industry. Moreover, the growing demand for vintage books and an increasing number of readers in the country are likely to positively shape the demand outlook for glassine paper in the forthcoming years.

The food industry is one of the primary end-users of glassine paper in the country. The food industry in the country is a large and diverse sector and is renowned in the world for its fast food sector. The fast food industry uses glassine paper for packaging a wide range of food items.

The translucency of the paper allows the customer to see the food inside the packaging, which is an important factor in making a purchase decision. The industry also uses glassine paper for labeling as it is an affordable and effective way to provide product information and branding.

In recent years, the food industry in the United States has been under pressure to reduce its environmental impact and improve sustainability. Glassine paper is a recyclable and biodegradable alternative to plastic packaging. This makes glassine paper an attractive option for fast food chains looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Why Germany is considered a Lucrative Glassine Paper Market?

Germany's glassine paper market secured a 6.7% share of the global market in 2022 and is expected to expand decently during the forecast period. In Germany, glassine paper is primarily used for packaging and printing applications. The paper is known for its transparency, moisture resistance, and grease resistance properties. These characteristics of glassine paper make it an ideal material for packaging food products, especially confectionary and baked goods. The bakery and confectionery market in Germany is a large and mature market with a strong tradition of baked goods and confectionery products.

The market is also expected to be driven by the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and the growing trend of online shopping. The growing adoption of technology in glassine paper manufacturing in Germany, coupled with a robust machine & equipment industry, is estimated to bode well for the market. High-power machinery, a wide range of electrical equipment, and the availability of a skilled and experienced labor force are the important factors likely to continue bolstering sales of glassine paper in Germany through 2033.

What Trends are impacting the Glassine Paper Industry in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom's glassine paper market is a growing industry. In recent years, demand for glassine paper in the country is rising because of several factors. One of the key growth factors is the increasing popularity of collecting stamps, coins, and other collectible items. As more people take up collecting as a hobby, there is a corresponding increase in demand for glassine paper to protect and preserve these items. Therefore, the market in the United Kingdom is expected to surpass USD 229.7 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.2%.

Another factor driving the market in the United Kingdom is the rise of online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms. As more consumers turn to the internet for purchasing goods, the demand for glassine paper for packaging and shipping products has also increased. The market growth is also boosted by the packaging industry as a whole. Since more companies look forward to reducing their environmental footprint, many are turning to glassine paper as an alternative to traditional plastic packaging materials.

What is the Growth Scenario of the Glassine Paper Market in China?

China's glassine paper market is estimated to have a CAGR of 5.61% during the forecast period and is expected to surpass USD 264.8 million by 2033. The market in China is growing market because of the increasing demand for packaging materials from various end-use industries such as food and pharmaceuticals in the country. Growing demand for packaged goods in China, along with the rising e-commerce market, are the factors driving the demand for glassine paper in the country. The demand for China-made glassine paper is high in the global market due to comparatively low production costs and high material finish. Hence, China is anticipated to emerge as an attractive market during the forecast period.

China's government’s focus on environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable packaging materials is also expected to boost the glassine paper industry in the country. Glassine paper is a sustainable packaging material as it is made from wood pulp and is biodegradable. China's government has been promoting the use of eco-friendly packaging materials to reduce pollution and waste. This is expected to drive the demand for glassine paper in the country.

How Glassine Paper Sales are likely to Fare across India?

Sales of glassine paper in India are projected to expand at a robust 8.15% CAGR and are anticipated to surpass USD 306.1 million by 2033. The presence of various small-scale suppliers and producers is going to continue bolstering sales in the forthcoming years.

In addition to this, increasing demand from countries of Europe and America is positively shaping the demand outlook in the Indian glassine paper market. Low labor costs, along with an abundant supply of raw materials are likely to create lucrative opportunities for facility expansion in the country.

Why is the Demand for Glassine Paper Rising in Japan?

According to Japan Paper Association, the value of manufactured goods shipments in the pulp, paper, and paper products industry in Japan was valued at USD 68.9 billion in 2018. This is indicative of bright growth prospects in the Japan glassine paper market.

The Japan government is also encouraging paper production and packaging industries to promote ecological development and reduce wastage, which in turn is likely to boost sustainable production and sales of glassine paper.

Leading companies such as Oji Holdings and Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd in Japan are choosing sustainable processes for glassine paper production. These developments are facilitating expansions and developments in the glassine paper market.

As per FMI, the Japan glassine paper market accounted for 4.3% of the global market in 2022.

Get the data you need at a Fraction of the cost

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

Category-wise Insights

Segment Material Type
Attributes Bleached
Details (Market Share) 65.7%
Segment Application
Attributes Cups and Wrappers
Details (Market Share) 27.3%

Demand for Bleached Glassine Paper to Remain High, Followed by Unbleached Glassine Paper

Demand for bleached glassine paper remains high due to its versatile properties. Bleached glassine paper is often used in packaging applications because of its moisture and grease-resistance properties. This makes it ideal for packaging both food and non-food items. This helps to keep the products fresh and protected which is important for maintaining their quality and prolonging their shelf life. Since bleached glassine paper is also a lightweight and durable material, it is easy to handle and transport. This makes it an ideal choice for packaging and shipping products.

Bleached glassine paper is also used for printing and labeling applications. The smooth and glossy surface of the paper allows for high-quality printing and the ability to produce sharp images. Bleached glassine paper is also commonly used in art and craft applications. Its translucency and smooth surface make it a popular choice for creating stencils, overlays, and other types of art projects.

Applications of Glassine Paper in Cups & Wrappers to Continue Rising

Owing to its various effective properties, glassine paper is an ideal material for a wide range of applications including cups & wrappers. The continued rise in the use of glassine paper in these applications can be attributed to several factors. It is highly resistant to moisture and grease which makes it an ideal material for packaged food products such as cookies, crackers, and other baked goods. Additionally, its translucency allows for easy viewing of the product inside, making it a popular choice for packaging items such as candies, chocolates, and other confections.

Another reason for the increased use of glassine paper in cups and wrappers is its cost-effectiveness. The use of glassine paper in packaging applications is likely to continue to increase as companies look for ways to reduce costs. Glassine paper is also biodegradable and environment-friendly. With the increasing focus on environmental sustainability, many companies are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment. The application of glassine paper to produce cups and wrappers is a great way to do so as it is biodegradable and can be easily recycled.

Competitive Landscape

Manufacturers in the glassine paper industry are implementing various strategies to stay ahead of the competition and meet the growing demand for their products. Important key actions that manufacturers are taking include:

Investing in Advanced Technologies: Many manufacturers are investing in new technologies such as digital printing and lamination to improve the properties of glassine paper and offer more customized solutions to customers.

Focusing on Sustainability: With an increasing focus on environmental protection and sustainability, manufacturers are investing in eco-friendly production processes and materials to meet the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers.

Diversifying their Product Offerings: Manufacturers are also diversifying product offerings to cater to a wide range of industries and applications. They are also introducing new variations of glassine paper, such as water-resistant and heat-sealed glassine paper, to meet the specific needs of different end-use industries.

Building Strong Relationships with Suppliers: Manufacturers are building strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a steady supply of raw materials and to reduce production costs.

Expanding their Market Presence: Several manufacturers are expanding their market presence by setting up operations in new regions and opening new distribution channels. This helps them to reach new customers and gain a significant share of the global market.

Emphasizing quality: Manufacturers also focus on quality assurance by implementing strict quality control procedures at all stages of production to ensure high-quality products that meet the requirements of various end-use industries.

Top Glassine Paper Market Players and Their Recent Developments

Lecta S.A.

Lecta S.A. is a Spanish multinational company that specializes in the production of paper and packaging materials. It is one of the leading manufacturers of specialty papers including glassine paper. Its glassine paper is used in a wide range of applications including food packaging, release liners, and technical papers.

The company also has a wide range of other papers like release papers, label papers, and flexible packaging papers. It has manufacturing units in Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal and also exports its papers and packaging materials to more than 100 countries worldwide.

  • In July 2021, Lecta S.A.has introduced glassine release liner papers to cater to the growing demand from the industrial sector.
  • In December 2020, Lecta extended its commitment to corporate responsibility a step further with its innovative adaptor recyclable packaging.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj

Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj is a Finnish multinational company that specializes in the production of sustainable and innovative fiber-based materials. It has a broad variety of products including papers, nonwovens, filer media, and biomaterials. The company is one of the leading manufacturers of specialty papers including glassine paper and release paper. It has manufacturing units in several countries including Europe, Asia Pacific, and America. The company’s mission is to create innovative and sustainable solutions for its customers and to be a leader in the industry.

  • In November 2022, Ahlstrom pointed up a unique piece of technology that enables very advanced base papers. It is the secret to address the barrier needs of flexible packaging while retaining the natural end-of-life advantages of paper.
  • In April 2021, Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj announced a deal with Soteria Battery Innovation Group in an Industrial Consortium dedicated to the energy storage business.

Sappi Limited

Sappi Limited specializes in the production of pulp, paper, and packaging materials. The company is a renowned manufacturer of all types of specialty papers. Its glassine papers are widely used in several end-use industries across the world. Its other manufactured papers include packaging papers. Label papers, release papers, and fine papers. Sappi’s objective is to create a sustainable solution for its customers with a focus on the responsible use of resources and reducing their environmental impact.

  • In April 2022, Sappi Limited announced a collaboration with EcoVadis, a pioneer in independent assessments of corporate sustainability achievement. The two businesses would work together to review and evaluate Sappi's suppliers' resource efficiency proactively using EcoVadis' approach.
  • In April 2022, Sappi unveiled Arrio, a creative composite base solution that offers high-wear interfaces, stunning aesthetics, and luxurious tactile. This is also scratch and fingerprint resilience.

Other Key Players Operating in the Market are

  • Glatfelter Corporation
  • Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd
  • Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Ltd.
  • Glassine Canada Inc.
  • Cartiere Ermolli S.P.A.
  • Guilin Qifeng Paper Co., Ltd.
  • Henan Jianghe Paper Co., Ltd.
  • Spoton Coatings Private Limited
  • Kamakshi Lamipack Private Limited
  • Patidar Corporation
  • Singhvi Foils.
  • Sumika-kakoushi Co., Ltd.
  • Fujian Naoshan Paper Industry Group Co., Ltd.
  • GRÜNPERGA Papier GmbH
  • Pudumjee Paper Products Ltd.
  • Nordic Paper AS
  • KRPA Paper, Inc.
  • Metsä Tissue
  • Riverside Paper Co.
  • Savvy Packaging Pvt. Inc.
  • UPM-Kymmene Oyj
  • Fibril Tex Pvt. Ltd.
  • S.P. Enterprises
  • Karani Papers
  • LINTEC Corp
  • Aaradhya Disposal Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Market Segmentation by Category

By Material Type:

  • Bleached
  • Unbleached

By Application:

  • Cups & Wrappers
  • Soap Wrapping
  • Flower Wrapping
  • Binding Paper
  • Tapes & Labels
  • Envelopes
  • Other Applications (Interleaving Paper, etc.)

By End Use:

  • Food
    • Bakery & Confectionery
    • Ready to Eat Meals
    • Others (Snacks, etc.)
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Personal Care
  • Printing & Publication
  • Chemical
  • Other Consumer Goods

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • South Asia
  • East Asia
  • Oceania
  • The Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the glassine paper market size in 2023?

The market is valued at USD 3.08 billion in 2023. 

What drives sales of glassine paper in the market

Product safety and quality to drive sales. 

Which segment accounts for the majority of market share?

Bleached material type to hold 65.7% market share until 2033.

What are long-term glassine paper opportunities?

Development and innovation of multilayer glassline papers.

What is the CAGR for the United Kingdom market?

The United Kingdom will exhibit a CAGR of 5.2% until 2033.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary 
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material Type
		5.1. Bleached
		5.2. Unbleached
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		6.1. Cups & Wrappers
		6.2. Soap Wrapping
		6.3. Flower Wrapping
		6.4. Binding Paper
		6.5. Tapes & Labels
		6.6. Envelopes
		6.7. Other Applications
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use
		7.1. Food
			7.1.1. Bakery & Confectionery
			7.1.2. Ready to Eat Meals
			7.1.3. Others
		7.2. Pharmaceutical
		7.3. Personal Care
		7.4. Printing & Publication
		7.5. Chemical
		7.6. Other Consumer Goods
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		8.1. North America
		8.2. Latin America
		8.3. Europe
		8.4. Asia Pacific
		8.5. MEA
	9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	11. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. Asia Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. Key Countries Market Analysis
	15. Market Structure Analysis
	16. Competition Analysis
		16.1. Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj
		16.2. Sappi Limited
		16.3. Glatfelter Corporation
		16.4. Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd
		16.5. Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Ltd
		16.6. Nordic Paper Canada
		16.7. Cartiere Ermolli S.P.A.
		16.8. Spoton Coatings Private Limited
		16.9. Patidar Corporation
		16.10. Singhvi Foils
	17. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	18. Research Methodology
Recommendations

Packaging

Flexible Packaging Paper Market

March 2024

REP-GB-7946

315 pages

Packaging

Billing Paper Market

February 2023

REP-GB-14150

308 pages

Explore Packaging Insights

View Reports
Future Market Insights

Glassine Paper Market

Schedule a Call