Specialty Paper Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global specialty paper market size is set to gain a valuation of USD 16.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to further expand at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2033. It is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 26.9 billion by 2033. Specialty paper sales are anticipated to bolster with the top 3 countries projected to hold around 40% to 45% of the global market by 2023.

The Kraft segment by product type is projected to create an absolute dollar opportunity for the global specialty paper industry. Growth is attributed to rising demand for luxury bags and other packaging solutions. The target segment is anticipated to expand 7.1% during the forecast period.

The global specialty paper industry forms around 31% of the global flexible packaging paper market, which was worth USD 50 billion in 2022. With surging demand for interior designing in almost all the modern houses in developed, as well as developing regions of the world, specialty paper demand is likely to increase.

These papers are anticipated to be used as decorative items for interior designing. The specialty paper industry is expected to experience a lucrative growth outlook during the forecast period. A new report published by Future Market Insights predicts that specialty paper sales will rise between 2023 and 2033. It is projected to generate an attractive incremental growth opportunity of USD 10.5 billion during the same time period.

Specialty paper is non-reactant to the food or beverages packed in it. Food-grade specialty paper is made for the safe and hygienic packaging of eatables and drinkables. High demand for food & beverages is resulting in increasing usage of safe packaging materials. It is gradually resulting in growth of the specialty paper industry. The market is predicted to expand 1.7 times the current value during the forecast period.

Attributes Key Insights
Specialty Paper Market Estimated Size (2023E) USD 16.3 billion
Projected Market Valuation (2033F) USD 26.9 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.1%
Collective Value Share: Top 5 Companies (2022A) 20 to 25%

Don't pay for what you don't need

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

2018 to 2022 Specialty Paper Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2023 to 2033

The global specialty paper market registered a CAGR of 3.1% during the historical period. It reached a valuation of USD 15.6 billion in 2022. Specialty paper contains certain special grades that are made by using chemicals on normal paper.

These specialty papers are not only used in printing & writing but have a wide scope in various applications such as packaging, building & construction, and commercial. Most of its demand comes from the packaging industry due to propelling demand for packaging materials by industries. Demand for specialty paper is projected to witness a positive slope along with increasing use in various other end-use applications.

Use of paper for packaging was common but introduction of specialty paper which offers various benefits such as non-reactant, temperature resistance, waterproof, attractive, colorful, and lightweight nature attracts the packaging industry.

Growing trend of decorative interiors would also propel specialty paper market share as it comes with a special grade, which is suitable for the building & construction industry. Overall, with changing preference in various industries and rising demand for safe & attractive products, demand for specialty paper is growing in the packaging, as well as other industries.

H1 to H2 Update

Market Statistics Details
Jan to Jun (H1), 2021 (A) 5.0%
Jul to Dec (H2), 2022 (A) 4.8%
Jan to Jun (H1),2022 Projected (P) 4.7%
Jan to Jun (H1),2022 Outlook (O) 5.3%
Jul to Dec (H2), 2022 Outlook (O) 5.5%
Jul to Dec (H2), 2022 Projected (P) 5.1%
Jan to Jun (H1), 2023 Projected (P) 5.2%
BPS Change : H1,2022 (O) - H1, 2022 (P) 30 ↑
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) 80 ↑
Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

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

Top Trends Pushing Specialty Paper Sales across the Globel

  • High Demand for Decorative Papers is One of the Key Specialty Paper Market Trends

Specialty paper that offers high printability is the best fit for making decorative items. Due to increasing demand for decorative items that are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, specialty paper allows manufacturers to provide highly preferred products.

Development of the decorative items market will have a direct contribution to growth in the specialty paper industry. Printability feature of specialty paper offers the marketer space where they can advertise their brand. Along with it, cost of advertisement and promotion is also saved.

Printable specialty paper is widely used for the packaging of food products as a cost-effective printing material for marketers to market themselves. The overall market for specialty paper is hence expected to be driven by exponential growth in terms of demand for decorative paper, as well as printing paper.

  • Specialty Paper Suppliers to Target Cigarette Manufacturers to Sell their Products

Specialty paper is widely used for the production of tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products such as cigarettes and rolling paper. Demand for the same is growing exponentially in all parts of the world. Specialty paper sheets are mainly used to produce various kinds of cigarettes and other smoking products.

Lightweight and thin properties of specialty paper make it fit for producing all types of tobacco products. Manufacturers are expected to use this type of paper to provide protection, as well as reduce the weight of their final product.

As the number of smokers increases globally, demand for cigarettes will increase. It is expected to directly affect growth in the specialty paper industry in the next ten years.

  • Demand for Printable Specialty Papers to Expand with Increasing Infrastructural Development

Booming building & construction sector is set to be witnessed in developing, as well as developed regions of the world. Growing building and construction industry is projected to boost demand for all types of supplies and raw materials.

Masking tapes that are widely used for designing, painting, and marking form an important part of the vital construction supplies. These are made by using specialty papers. Rising demand and wide applications of masking tapes are the result of increasing infrastructural development and construction projects.

Booming building & construction sector would hence drive demand for masking tapes. It is anticipated to further propel specialty papers demand in the forecast period.

Country-wise Insights

Country USA
Market Share (2023) 28.1%
Market Share (2033) 25.4%
BPS Analysis -270
Country China
Market Share (2023) 9.2%
Market Share (2033) 11.4%
BPS Analysis +220
Country Germany
Market Share (2023) 6.3%
Market Share (2033) 5.3%
BPS Analysis -90
Country United Kingdom
Market Share (2023) 5.1%
Market Share (2033) 5.4%
BPS Analysis +30
Country India
Market Share (2023) 4.7%
Market Share (2033) 6.1%
BPS Analysis +140

Why is the USA Considered to be the Most Lucrative Market for Specialty Papers?

Demand for Printable Specialty Papers to Surge among USA-based Food Companies

North America is anticipated to dominate the global specialty paper market and by 2023, the region is expected to hold about 32% of the market share. According to the study, the USA is projected to account for around 85% of the total North America market in the next ten years.

The USA is estimated to remain the most lucrative market for specialty paper due to presence of numerous leading packaging players and a well-established food & beverage industry. Key food producing companies in the country are anticipated to excel in sales of specialty paper in the USA.

Why is the Demand for Specialty Paper Increasing in Germany?

High Demand for Energy-efficient Buildings in Germany to Spur Sales of Specialty Board Paper

Germany holds a significant portion of the specialty paper market in Europe. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period, finds Future Market Insights.

Demand for specialty paper in Germany is set to be driven by the building and construction sector. Increasing trend of decorative interior in the building & construction sector would propel demand for specialty paper.

The building & construction sector in Germany registered a growth rate of 16.1% from 2015 to 2020, as per the European Commission (EC) report for European Construction Sector Observatory.

Germany allocated an investment of 2.5 billion Euros in energy-efficient building innovation. The building & construction segment accounts among top three applications of specialty paper due to various features of the same, which are suited for the building & construction industry.

Why are Sales of Specialty Papers Surging Exponentially in China?

Specialty Paper Suppliers in China to Witness Demand from Food Manufacturing Firms

The specialty paper industry in China is expected to expand by 1.8x the current value from 2023 to 2033. Consumers in China prefer to eat more natural and healthy food. They also focus on attractive and convenient packaging.

On the back of this factor, the food industry prefers those packaging solutions that would give an aesthetic look to their product, as well as not harm food properties. These factors are expected to boost demand for specialty paper as it possesses the required features.

According to the USA Department of Agriculture (USDA), food processing industry in China is continually developing. It is one of the most populous countries with a highly distinguished taste. This shows that demand for packaging from the expanding food industry will boost sales of specialty papers in China.

Will India become a Prominent Hub for Specialty Paper Manufacturers?

Need for Food Wrapping Solutions in India to Boost Sales of Special Paper for Printing

In South Asia, India is expected to hold a market share of nearly 44% by the end of 2033. Growing packaging industry in India is anticipated to create various growth opportunities for specialty paper companies as packaging is expected to be a key end-use application of this type of paper.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, paper and packaging sector of India has significant potential for future expansion as it is rising rapidly. Export of packaging materials is expected to surge at a CAGR of 9.9% to USD 1,119 million from 2021 to 2022 from USD 844 million. Blooming of this sector is propelled by growth in food processing, e-commerce, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods, and healthcare sectors.

Also, ready-to-eat products and fast-moving consumer goods are a couple of main applications of specialty paper. On the back of these factors, demand for specialty paper is anticipated to rise with increasing consumption of packaging by the food industry.

Features of specialty paper are also well suited for food product packaging or wrapping. It would add to high specialty paper demand in the food packaging market.

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

Why is the Demand for Décor and Kraft Specialty Papers Continuously Rising?

Lightweight Nature of Décor and Kraft Papers to Push Sales among Specialty Paper Manufacturers

The décor and kraft specialty paper segments hold a substantial portion of the global market. Both segments are projected to account for around 2/3rd portion of the total market by 2033. Rising use of specialty paper in printing & writing, interior designing (building & construction), as well as in other decorative purposes would bolster demand for décor and Kraft specialty papers. Moisture & temperature resistance capacity along with their lightweight feature would also supplement sales of décor and kraft specialty papers.

Which are the Leading End-Use Applications for Specialty Papers Globally?

Specialty Paper Products to Exhibit High Demand among Packaging Suppliers Worldwide

The packaging segment followed by the printing & writing and building & construction segments are leading end-use applications of specialty paper. The same segments are collectively anticipated to create a growth opportunity of USD 8.3 billion from 2023 to 2033.

The packaging segment will remain the first leading segment due to rising demand for packaging materials by various industries such as food & beverage, personal care, household, and healthcare. They are looking to protect and secure their products. Slowly propelling demand for decorative interiors will further push sales of specialty paper in the building & construction segment.

Competitive Landscape

Key specialty paper companies faced a reduction in terms of sales and market share during the pandemic back in 2020. However, at present, these players in the global market are gaining high share by developing new products in the specialty paper segment.

Recent activities and mergers implemented by leading players in the specialty paper industry are

  • In March 2022, Stora Enso Oyj launched a renewable high strength material for paper bags named CarrEco Brown. It is made from fresh fibers, provides tear resistance properties, and is safe for food contact packaging.
  • In October 2022, Mondi Group announced the investment of 400 million euros in a new Kraft paper machine at the Št?tí mill in the Czech Republic.
  • In May 2021, Domtar Corporation announced entering into a definitive agreement for strategic business combination under which the Paper Excellence Group acquired all of the shares of Domtar common stock.
  • In May 2021, UPM-Kymmene Oyj launched a new product under the specialty paper product range, named UPM Asendo Pro. It is an advanced fiber-based barrier paper.
  • In April 2021, Ahlstrom-Munksjo Oyj launched a new product named PurposeFil Packaging Paper. It is a sustainable solution that emphasizes the e-commerce industry.
  • In September 2020, Asia Pulp & Paper Group launched a new product in its paper line named Eye Care photocopy paper in Latin America. It is 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper.
  • In February 2020, DuPont Specialty Products and Nippon Paper Papylia established DuPont Nippon Paper Papylia to produce Nomex Paper, which is a specialty material.

Scope of the Report

Attribute Details
Estimated Market Size (2023) USD 16.3 billion
Projected Market Valuation (2033) USD 26.9 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.1%
Historical Data 2015 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units Value (USD billion) and Volume (‘000 Tons)
Segments Covered Product Type, End Use Application, Region
Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Europe; Middle East & Africa; East Asia; South Asia; Oceania
Key Countries Covered USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, Australia
Key Companies Profiled Mondi plc; Nippon Paper industries Co., Ltd.; Domtar Corporation; Stora Enso Oyj; International Paper Company; UPM¬-Kymmene Oyj; Ahlstrom¬Munksjö Oyj; Oji Holdings Corp.; ONYX Specialty Papers, Inc.; Potsdam Specialty Paper Inc.; KJ Specialty Paper Co., Ltd.; Nordic Paper AS; Asia Pulp & Paper Group; Pudumjee Paper Products; BPM Inc.; The Griff Network (Griff Paper and Film); SWM International; LINTEC Corporation; Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc.; Twin Rivers Paper Company; Koehler Paper(Koehler Group); Ivex Specialty Paper, LLC; Neenah Inc.(Neenah Paper); DS Smith Plc; French Paper Company; DREWSEN SPEZIALPAPIERE GmbH & Co. KG; SAPPI Limited; KRPA Holding CZ; The Paper Excellence
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis

Specialty Paper Market Outlook by Category

By Product Type:

  • Décor
  • Thermal
  • Carbonless
  • Kraft
  • Other Types

By End Use Application:

  • Printing & Writing
  • Packaging
  • Building & Construction
  • Industrial
  • Other Commercial End Use

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Middle East & Africa
  • East Asia
  • South Asia
  • Oceania

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Key Trend in the Market?

High demand for decorative papers is one of the key market trends.

What Drives Sales of the Specialty Paper?

High demand for food and beverages drives sales.

Why is the Demand for Specialty Paper Increasing in Germany?

High demand for energy-efficient buildings in Germany spurs sales.

Who are the Key Players in the Specialty Paper Market?

BPM Inc., SWM International, and LINTEC Corporation are the key players.

Why are Sales of Specialty Papers Surging Exponentially in China?

Consumers in China have a growing demand for natural, healthy food with attractive packaging.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary | Specialty Paper Market
	2. Market Overview
	3. Key Market Trends
	4. Key Success Factors
	5. Global Market Demand Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	6. Global Market – Pricing Analysis
	7. Global Market Demand (Value in USD billion) Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	8. Market Background
	9. Global Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product Type
		9.1. Décor
		9.2. Thermal
		9.3. Carbonless
		9.4. Kraft
		9.5. Other Types
	10. Global Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use Application
		10.1. Printing & Writing
		10.2. Packaging
		10.3. Building & Construction
		10.4. Industrial
		10.5. Other Commercial End Use
	11. Global Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		11.1. North America
		11.2. Latin America
		11.3. Europe
		11.4. Middle East and Africa (Middle East and Africa)
		11.5. East Asia
		11.6. South Asia
		11.7. Oceania
	12. North America Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	13. Latin America Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	14. Europe Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	15. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	16. East Asia Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	17. South Asia Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	18. Oceania Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	19. Market Country wise Analysis 2023 & 2033
	20. Market Structure Analysis
	21. Competition Analysis
		21.1. Mondi plc.
		21.2. Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
		21.3. Domtar Corporation
		21.4. Stora Enso Oyj
		21.5. International Paper Company
		21.6. UPM-Kymmene Oyj
		21.7. Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj
		21.8. Oji Holdings Corp.
		21.9. ONYX Specialty Papers, Inc.
		21.10. Potsdam Inc.
		21.11. KJ Co., Ltd.
		21.12. Nordic Paper AS
		21.13. Asia Pulp & Paper Group
		21.14. Pudumjee Paper Products
		21.15. BPM Inc.
		21.16. The Griff Network (Griff Paper and Film)
		21.17. SWM International
		21.18. LINTEC Corporation
		21.19. Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc.
		21.20. Paper Excellence
		21.21. Twin Rivers Paper Company
		21.22. Koehler Paper (Koehler Group)
		21.23. IVEX Specialty Paper, LLC
		21.24. Neenah Inc. (Neenah Paper)
		21.25. DS Smith Plc
		21.26. French Paper Company
		21.27. DREWSEN SPEZIALPAPIERE GmbH & Co. KG
		21.28. SAPPI Limited
		21.29. KRPA Holding CZ, a.s.
	22. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	23. Research Methodology
Recommendations

Packaging

Decor Paper Market

September 2024

REP-GB-7761

333 pages

Packaging

Carbonless Paper Market

April 2024

REP-GB-10170

250 pages

Packaging

Flexible Packaging Paper Market

March 2024

REP-GB-7946

315 pages

Explore Packaging Insights

View Reports
Future Market Insights

Specialty Paper Market

Schedule a Call