Tracing Paper Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global tracing paper market size is set to reach a valuation of USD 470.73 million in 2023 and further expand at a CAGR of 2.4% from 2023 to 2033. It is anticipated to reach USD 597.91 million by the end of 2033. The top 3 countries are projected to hold 30 to 40% of the global market share by 2023.

In terms of thickness, the 81 to 100 GSM segment is anticipated to hold a large portion of the global market due to its lightweight and high-quality properties. As per FMI, the segment is projected to hold around 39% of the market share by the end of 2022.

The global market created an absolute $ opportunity of more than USD 449.2 million in 2022. Increasing demand for recyclable tracing solutions in various applications such as drawing, printing, and others is anticipated to propel sales. The market is thus estimated to grow 1.3x during the foreseeable period.

The increasing popularity of coding in technical drawing is another crucial factor anticipated to boost growth. Construction drawings also require transparent papers for creating accurate and complete designs. Employees in the construction sector can easily find the edges in pictures and trace the image, which may save time and cost.

Attributes Key Statistics
Global Tracing Paper Market Estimated Size (2023E) USD 470.73 million
Estimated Market Valuation (2033F) USD 597.91 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 2.4%
Collective Value Share: Top 3 Countries (2023E) 30% to 40%

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2018 to 2022 Global Tracing Paper Demand Outlook Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecast

The global tracing paper market reached a valuation of USD 453.69 million in 2022, expanding at a CAGR of 1.0% during the historical period. Increasing this type of paper for tracing an image or graphic in a wide range of industries is likely to boost growth. It has low opacity, which allows light to pass through it.

This paper was made for architecture and engineering design applications in the early days. That drawing could be simulated using the diazo copy process. The smooth surface of tracing paper allows for tracing the image in less time, and thus, it may gain traction among end users.

Also, this type of transparent paper is non-toxic, which helps in reducing the carbon footprint globally. The surging need for moisture-resistant and recyclable tracing solutions is also set to bolster the demand in the evaluation period.

Increasing demand for interior designs and expanding construction & architecture sector are anticipated to augment sales of tracing solutions such as carbonless paper across the globe. In addition, the rising interest of millennials and children in art and crafts is projected to accelerate growth in the market.

In April 2021, for instance, Dezeen announced its collaboration with Knauf to introduce a series of Architecture Project Talks presentations. It is expected to be organized by architects and includes key projects that involve digital reconstruction methods, sustainable materials, and historic structures. Thus, the launch of similar projects by key companies in the field of architecture is anticipated to augur well for the market.

Top Trend Boosting Sales in the Global Market

Rapid Expansion of the Construction Industry to Generate Higher Profits for Manufacturers

Tracing paper is generally smoother than conventional paper and offers a stronger tear-resistant property than the latter. It provides transparency, which allows for an easy draft. It is used in various industries such as construction & architectural drawing, digital printing & photography, and lamination & embossing films.

Cellulose fiber is the main material used in making tracing paper as it is recyclable. The recyclability of this type of paper adds to its sustainable footprint. Increasing demand for recyclable paper for tracing is expected to drive the market in the forthcoming years.

Also, cellulose fiber helps in absorbing moisture. In the construction and architectural sectors, vellum paper is generally used for engineering and drawing purposes. An increase in construction and renovation activities worldwide is set to aid growth.

As per the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 7,706 employees were working in the construction industry in the country in July 2022, and there were almost 5,701 production and nonsupervisory employees in the same month. These numbers are anticipated to surge quickly in various parts of the globe in the upcoming decade, thereby bolstering sales in the market.

Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

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Country-wise Insights

Expansion of the Construction Industry in Germany to Bolster Sales of Transparent Paper

Germany is projected to remain the leading country in the European tracing paper market. It is set to hold around 23% of the European market share in the evaluation period. Expansion of the construction industry in Germany is projected to augment sales.

According to the Euro Construct, in Europe, the construction industry recovered in 2021 after the 2020 decline, which was caused due to negative socio-economic development. The construction output in Germany was close to the level of 2019, which was +0.1%. The building & construction, civil engineering, and renovation activities sector under the construction industry in Europe is estimated to grow at a fast pace, thereby pushing sales in Germany.

Textile Industry in India to Utilize Pattern Tracing Materials

The India tracing paper market is projected to create an absolute dollar opportunity of USD 16.7 million during the forecast period, says FMI. The rapid expansion of the construction textiles industry in the country is set to aid growth.

Tracing paper is used by the textile industry to trace the image on the fabric or apparel. According to the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), the textile and apparel commodity exported from 2020 to 2021 in India was worth USD 30.9 billion. Apparel accounts for around 40% of the total export. Thus, the textile and apparel industry in India is anticipated to create new growth opportunities for key market participants.

Category-wise Insights

Demand for Cellulose Fiber-based Tracedown Paper to Grow by 2033

Based on material, the cellulose fiber segment is estimated to account for around 52% of the market share by the end of 2023. The high strength and durability of cellulose fiber are anticipated to drive its demand in the next decade. Also, it is recyclable, and rising concerns about environmental pollution may boost sales.

Tracing and Transfer Paper to Be Utilized for Photographic & Cinema Lighting Application

The photographic & cinema lighting segment, followed by the drawing segment, is anticipated to bolster the demand for tracing papers. Both segments are collectively projected to create a growth opportunity of USD 82.3 million from 2023 to 2033. Increasing the use of tracing transfer paper as a diffuser in photographic and cinema lighting is likely to drive growth.

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Competitive Landscape

Key manufacturers of tracing paper are focusing on expanding their production capacities and resources to cater to the growing demand worldwide. Also, they are engaging in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their presence, expand their product portfolios, and boost resources.

Some Recent Industry Developments are:

  • In July 2021, Domtar Corporation announced the restarting of its paper machine at Ashdown, Arkansas, to cater to the growing demand. This is expected to help the company to expand its production capacity.
  • In April 2021, Pixelle Specialty Solutions announced the acquisition of two specialty paper businesses. The company acquired Rollsource from Veritiv Corporation and the security papers & carbonless rolls business from Appvion Operations Inc. This is expected to help the company to strengthen its product portfolio.

Koehler, Mitsubishi HiTech Paper, and Thermal Solutions International Inc. - In a Quest to Produce Highest Carbonless Tracing Paper

Koehler Paper Group, Mitsubishi HiTech Paper Europe GmbH, and Thermal Solutions International Inc. are the top three pioneers in tracing paper. Koehler is a specialist in the manufacturing of Reacto Carbonless Paper. It is a premium form of paper that creates copies using a microcapsule covering.

As per the company, carbonless paper is more advantageous than other types, as it is less expensive than laser printing. It can also guard products against forgery, is simple to use, and saves time & money. Koehler's Reacto Carbonless Paper line also offers perfect running qualities and subsequent processing.

The company has five manufacturing mills in Oberkirch, Kehl, Greiz, Weisenbach, and Willstätt. It provides specialty paper and boards to more than 120 nations worldwide. Its mills manufacture specialty paper, decor paper, and carbonless paper round-the-clock. For instance, in the fiscal year 2021, the company’s revenue increased by 22.4% to 941 million Euros. The operating profit was 76 million Euros, up 13.7% from the previous year.

Similarly, Mitsubishi HiTech Paper Europe GmbH has emerged as a leading provider of tracing paper. Bielefeld is home to the production of the company’s renowned Giroform Carbonless Paper Line, which comes in both basic carbonless grades and a variety of specialty grades. Giroform is the company’s premium brand of carbonless, black copy paper. It is ecologically friendly and is available with FSC or PEFC certification.

Giroform Digital has created a universal 80 GSM carbonless grade for the digital manufacturing of unique, personalized forms and documents. It is compatible with popular toner printing systems, black-and-white copiers, and printing equipment in the business solutions industry.

For instance, in August 2022, the company declared that 18 new apprentices began their careers in its mills. The young talents are receiving training at the company’s mills in Bielefeld and Flensburg to become cutting machine operators, industrial mechanics, and electronics technicians for industrial engineering and paper technologists.

Thermal Solutions International Inc. (TSI) is another key company in paper products. The company delivers small paper rolls to clients, including key retailers & value-added resellers, banks & other financial institutions, healthcare organizations, hospitality & entertainment groups, ticketing & transportation service providers, and many more.

Thermal Solutions International also provides Bond paper rolls, carbonless paper rolls, and compact thermal paper rolls.

Scope of the Report

Attributes Details
Estimated Market Size (2023) USD 470.73 million
Projected Market Valuation (2033) USD 597.91 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 2.4%
Historical Data Available For 2018 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Market Analysis Value (USD million) and Volume (Tons)
Segments Covered Thickness, Material, Application, Region
Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Europe; East Asia; South Asia; Oceania; The Middle East and Africa (MEA)
Key Countries Profiled The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, The United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, GCC Countries, Australia
Key Companies Profiled Koehler Paper Group; Domtar Corporation; Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe GmbH; Asia Pulp & Paper Ltd.; Pixelle Specialty Solutions; Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.; Oji Papéis Especiais LTDA; Papeles y Conversiones de México; Reflex GmbH & Co. KG; Nekoosa Coated Products LLC; Thermal Solutions International Inc.; FILA-ARCHES sas; Arjowiggins; Jiangxi Five Star Paper Co. Ltd; Peters Papers; Yulu Paper Industry Co. Ltd; Double Tree Paper Industry Group Co. LTD; Qingdao Focus Paper Co. Ltd; Tekiner
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis

Tracing Paper Market Outlook by Category

By Thickness:

  • Up to 60 GSM
  • 61 to 80 GSM
  • 81 to 100 GSM
  • Above 100 GSM

By Material:

  • Cellulose Fiber
  • Cotton Fiber
  • Recycled Fiber

By Application:

  • Printing
  • Drawing
  • Photographic & Cinema Lighting
  • Embossing
  • Lamination
  • Others (Greeting Cards, Envelopes, etc.)

By Region:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Tracing Paper Market? 

The market is valued at USD 470.7 million in 2023. 

Who are the Prominent Market Players? 

Koehler Paper Group and Domtar Corporation are the prominent market players. 

What is the Growth Potential of the Tracing Paper Market? 

The growth potential of the market is 2.4% through 2033. 

What Opportunities Await the Market Players? 

The rapid expansion of the construction industry is boosting the market growth.

Which is the Key Segment by Material? 

The cellulose fiber segment is likely to remain preferred through 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 Thickness
		5.1. Up to 60 GSM
		5.2. 61 to 80 GSM
		5.3. 81 to 100 GSM
		5.4. Above 100 GSM
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material
		6.1. Cellulose Fiber
		6.2. Cotton Fiber
		6.3. Recycled Fiber
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		7.1. Printing
		7.2. Drawing
		7.3. Photographic & Cinema Lighting
		7.4. Embossing
		7.5. Lamination
		7.6. Others
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		8.1. North America
		8.2. Latin America
		8.3. Western Europe
		8.4. Eastern Europe
		8.5. South Asia and Pacific
		8.6. East Asia
		8.7. Middle East and Africa
	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. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	16. Key Countries Market Analysis
	17. Market Structure Analysis
	18. Competition Analysis
		18.1. Koehler Paper Group
		18.2. Domtar Corporation
		18.3. Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe GmbH
		18.4. Asia Pulp & Paper Ltd.
		18.5. Pixelle Specialty Solutions
		18.6. Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.
		18.7. Oji Papéis Especiais LTDA
		18.8. Papeles y Conversiones de México
		18.9. Reflex GmbH & Co. KG
		18.10. Nekoosa Coated Products LLC
		18.11. Thermal Solutions International Inc.
		18.12. FILA-ARCHES sas
		18.13. Arjowiggins
		18.14. Jiangxi Five Star Paper Co. Ltd
		18.15. Peters Papers
		18.16. Yulu Paper Industry Co. Ltd
		18.17. Double Tree Paper Industry Group Co. LTD
		18.18. Qingdao Focus Paper Co. Ltd
		18.19. Tekiner
	19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	20. Research Methodology
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