Unbleached Kraft Paperboard Market Snapshot

According to the Future Market Insights, the unbleached kraft paperboard market is expected to account for US$ 6.5 billion in 2023, and is going to further expand at a CAGR of 5.0% to reach valuation of US$ 10.6 billion by the year 2033. The sales of the unbleached paper market are anticipated to bolster with the top 5 countries projected to hold around 30 to 40% of the market in 2023.

Possessing properties such as durability, affordability and sustainability along with being light weight boosts the demand for unbleached kraft paperboard in the packaging industry. The unbleached kraft paperboard market is anticipated to grow 1.6x the current market value during the forecast period.

Attributes Details
Market Size 2023 US$ 6.5 billion
Market Size 2033 US$ 10.6 billion
Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.0%
Collective Value Share: Top 5 Countries (2023E) 30 to 40%

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Historic Market Outlook for Unbleached Kraft Paperboard

The global unbleached kraft paperboard market witnessed a CAGR of 4.5% during the historic period with a market value of US$ 4.5 billion in 2015 to US$ 6.5 billion in 2023.

Unbleached or natural kraft paper is a food-grade packaging product made from the recycled or natural pulp (usually wood pulp) which comprises cellulose fibers. The unprocessed pulp gives a shade of brown color to the kraft paper produced from it. This makes unbleached kraft paperboard safe for wrapping both dry and fatty food-grade products as it is not chemically treated, because of which the sales of the same in the food retailing and packaging industry are spiking.

It features superior tensile strength, high elasticity, exceptional tear resistance, and high bursting strength with easy, rapid, and complete biodegradation which makes it a green alternative. These characteristics allow this specific segment of kraft paper to be utilized for packaging hefty products as they can handle rough usage. The paper has a simple and clean appearance which has a texture that can be printed on. Several manufacturers find printing useful for branding, printing greeting cards or menus, creating specific designs, and so on which is especially escalating the sales of paper bags made from unbleached kraft paperboard.

How is the electronics industry shaping the sales for the unbleached kraft paperboard market?

The electrical grade unbleached kraft paperboard are made from a distinctive cleaning process entailing the removal of charged ions and impurities from the pulp used for the manufacturing process in order for the paper to be non-conductive. This electro-technical paper is used to insulate transformers, cables, bushings, and other electronic components. The unbleached kraft paperboard market is perpetually growing with an increase in electronics consumption.

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How are absorbent kraft papers playing a role in the expansion of the unbleached kraft paperboard market?

Absorbent kraft papers have a high degree of porosity, wet strength, and a homogenous structure with a good level of absorbency, which aids in a wide variety of applications where moisture is present. These properties prove unbleached absorbent kraft papers to be ideal for pressing onto substrates such as plywood which are used in construction as well as furniture industries. They are utilized as a base for decorative laminates, filter media in laboratories, cells in humidifiers, and evaporative climate-control systems such as poultry farms and greenhouses. The extensive usage of absorbent kraft papers is playing a significant role in the expansion of the unbleached kraft paperboard market.

How is the food industry bolstering the demand for the unbleached kraft paperboard market?

The unbleached kraft paperboard is a robust packaging product made from agro-based materials and is used in a broad spectrum of industries with the food manufacturing, processing, and retailing industries constituting a significant share of the total market.

Butcher and Freezer kraft papers are specifically used to wrap, grill, or store meat, fish, and poultry products as they are resistant to moisture. Natural kraft paper is used to wrap food products like sandwiches, donuts, and burritos. It is also used to line the interiors of boxes in which food items are delivered (pizza boxes, sweets boxes, etc.) so as to prevent any leakage and keep the item fresh. Due to a substantial number of applications in the food industry, the demand for the unbleached kraft paperboard market is being bolstered.

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Category-wise Insights

How are virgin natural kraft papers accelerating the sales of unbleached kraft paperboard?

Virgin natural kraft papers are durable and contain clean contents that make them suitable for heavy-duty utilization which requires high tensile strength and resistance from tears. They can contain up to 5% of recycled materials which exhibits sustainability. Layers of paper can also be pressed together to make corrugated boxes. Moreover, they can be printed on with customizable designs as well which makes for protective layering, patterns for wrapping papers, and brand promotion by adding a logo or a particular jingle related to it.

The applications of virgin natural kraft paper include wrapping, book covers, stationery products, dunnage, floor protection liners, carrier sheets, and pallet interleaving. This varied array of end uses accelerates the sales of unbleached kraft paperboard.

How is the pharmaceutical industry driving the unbleached kraft paperboard market?

The pharmaceutical industry manufactures a colossal amount of medicinal pills on a daily basis which are predominantly stored in plastic bottles or plastic film-covered aluminum pallets. When prescribed to patients, they are generally handed out in bags made from unbleached kraft paperboard or wrapped inside the same. This is on the grounds that they are approved by the FDA as safe since they are produced from natural materials and do not consist of any bleaching agents or chemicals. Medicines can also be stored in such bags as the material provides protection from pests, moisture, or any other factors that might harm the product inside it.

Country-wise insights

Country USA
Market Share (2023) 18.8%
Market Share (2033) 15.5%
Basis Points (BPS) Analysis -330
Country China
Market Share (2023) 10.6%
Market Share (2033) 10.9%
Basis Points (BPS) Analysis 30
Country India
Market Share (2023) 5.2%
Market Share (2033) 5.8%
Basis Points (BPS) Analysis 60
Country Germany
Market Share (2023) 6.1%
Market Share (2033) 4.9%
Basis Points (BPS) Analysis -120
Country United Kingdom
Market Share (2023) 4.4%
Market Share (2033) 3.7%
Basis Points (BPS) Analysis -60

How does the ban on single-use plastic products in India boost sales of unbleached kraft paperboard?

India banned single-use plastic items in 2021 that have low utility and are frequently seen littered on the streets which included products such as polythene bags, plastic plates, cups, wrapping and packing film, etc. With the prohibition of these items, the necessity of an alternative product that is also sustainable, emerged. Unbleached kraft paper seemed to be the perfect solution for the aforementioned problem and manufacturers quickly caught on to the trend which paved the way for a surge in production and sales of the same as the paper could be crafted into bags, wrapping papers, the lining of plates, etc. This led the unbleached kraft paperboard market to surge in the second half of 2021 and reach a valuation of US$ 3.4 Million.

How is the USA a lucrative market for unbleached kraft paperboard market?

According to the Housing Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE), the U.S. has the largest consumer economy with a share of a whopping 29% of the global market. The sales of goods skyrocket around Thanksgiving and Christmas during which the sales of printed as well as plain unbleached kraft market also increase by a huge margin. It is used as a means of protective packaging in the form of bags, shock-absorbing stuffing in boxes, sturdy sheets under folded clothes, wrapping paper for gifts, stationery, meat, and other food consumables, and so on. With the increase in the sales of consumables, the sales of unbleached kraft paperboard also surge. These facts prove the USA to be a lucrative market for the same.

Competitive Landscape

The leading players in the unbleached kraft paperboard market are focusing on increasing their sales as well as revenues by making the most of their capabilities and innovating new products in order to meet the rising quantity customers and their demands. These players are attempting acquisition and partnership strategies to expand their resources. The key players are also upgrading their facilities to ameliorate quality control and manufacturing processes. Some of the recent developments by the leading players are mentioned below.

  • In Nov 2022, Smurfit Kappa invested over US$ 21 Million in Central and Eastern Europe for manufacturing plants by installing state-of-the-art equipment which will expand the production capacity for packaging solutions.
  • In Jul 2022, Canfor Corporation invested US$ 210 Million to build a new sawmill complex in Alabama that is expected to have an annual production capacity of 250 million board feet on a two-shift basis.
  • In Dec 2021, Nordic Paper acquired Glassine Canada Inc. which will strengthen its position as the largest greaseproof paper market in North America.
  • In Nov 2021, The Segezha Group launched two new lines for the production of paper sacks with a wide array of sizes along with valves of any degree of complexity for each and every type of packaging.
  • In Feb 2021, Graphic Packaging International launched ProducePack, an innovative paperboard-based packaging carton that protects and preserves fresh produce from field to store.

Scope of the Report

Attribute Details
Growth Rate CAGR of 5.0% from 2023 to 2033
Base Year for Estimation 2022
Historical Data 2015 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units Revenue in USD Million, and CAGR from 2023 to 2033
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis
Segment Covered Product Type, Coating Type, End Use, Region
Regions Covered North America; East Asia; South Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; Central Europe; Southeast Asia; Russia & Belarus; Balkan Countries; Baltic Countries; Middle East; Northwestern Europe
Key Countries Profiled USA, Germany, India, Russia, Norway, Estonia, Italy, Canada, China, Finland, UAE, Turkey, France, Poland, Bosnia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Indonesia
Key Companies Profiled Nordic paper; Pak Factory; Stora Enso; Arabian Kraft Paper Manufacturing LLC; Cagdas Kagit; The Gascogne Group; Marco Packaging; MM Kwidzyn sp. z.o.o; B N Papers; Natron-Hayat doo; WestRock Company; Canfor Corporation; Smurftit Kappa; Mondi Group PLC; Graphic Packaging International LLC.; Asia Pulp and Paper Sinar Mas.; Segezha Packaging LLC.; Horizon Pulp and Papers; Cartiera Del Chiese Spa.; Sinar Hoperindo Inc.; Delta Paper
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Unbleached Kraft Paperboard Market by Category

By Product Type, Unbleached Kraft Paperboard Market is segmented as:

  • Folding Carton Boxes
  • Rigid Boxes
  • Rigid Tubes
  • Others (Inserts, Dividers, Mailers, etc.)

By Coating Type, Unbleached Kraft Paperboard Market is segmented as:

  • Coated
  • Uncoated

By End Use, Unbleached Kraft Paperboard Market is segmented as:

  • Food & Beverage
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Consumer goods
  • Electrical & Electronics
  • Automotive & Chemical

Frequently Asked Questions

What was unbleached kraft paperboard market size reported by FMI for 2022?

The unbleached kraft paperboard market was US$ 6 billion in 2022.

What is the unbleached kraft paperboard market estimated to reach in 2023?

The unbleached kraft paperboard market is estimated to reach US$ 6.5 billion by the end of 2023.

What is the unbleached kraft paperboard market valuation expected for 2033?

By the end of 2033, the unbleached kraft paperboard market is projected to reach US$ 10.6 billion.

What value CAGR did the unbleached kraft paperboard market exhibit over the last 4 years?

The unbleached kraft paperboard market exhibited a CAGR of 4.8% over the last 4 years.

What is the projected CAGR for the unbleached kraft paperboard market from 2023 to 2033?

The unbleached kraft paperboard market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.0% from 2023 to 2033.

Which product type will garner significant CAGR by 2023?

The rigid tubes segment will garner significant value share by 2023.

Which end use is predicted to expand rapidly between 2023 and 2033?

The food and beverage segment is predicted to expand rapidly between 2023 and 2033.

Table of Content
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Industry Introduction, including Taxonomy and Market Definition
  • 3. Market Trends and Success Factors, including Macro-economic Factors, Market Dynamics, and Recent Industry Developments
  • 4. Global Market Demand Analysis and Forecast, including Historical Analysis and Future Projections
  • 5. Pricing Analysis
  • 6. Global Market Analysis and Forecast
    • 6.1. Product Type
    • 6.2. Coating Type
    • 6.3. End Use
  • 7. Global Market Analysis and Forecast, By Product Type
    • 7.1. Folding Carton Boxes
    • 7.2. Rigid Boxes
    • 7.3. Rigid Tubes
    • 7.4. Others (Inserts, Dividers, Mailers, etc.)
  • 8. Global Market Analysis and Forecast, By Coating Type
    • 8.1. Coated
    • 8.2. Uncoated
  • 9. Global Market Analysis and Forecast, By End Use
    • 9.1. Food & Beverage
    • 9.2. Pharmaceutical
    • 9.3. Consumer goods
    • 9.4. Electrical & Electronics
    • 9.5. Automotive & Chemical
  • 10. Global Market Analysis and Forecast, By Region
    • 10.1. North America
    • 10.2. East Asia
    • 10.3. South Asia
    • 10.4. Western Europe
    • 10.5. Eastern Europe
    • 10.6. Central Europe
    • 10.7. Southeast Asia
    • 10.8. Russia & Belarus
    • 10.9. Balkan Countries
    • 10.10. Baltic Countries
  • 11. North America Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 12. East Asia Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 13. South Asia Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 14. Western Europe Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 15. Eastern Europe Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 16. Central Europe Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 17. Southeast Asia Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 18. Russia & Belarus Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 19. Balkan Countries Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 20. Baltic Countries Sales Analysis and Forecast, by Key Segments and Countries
  • 21. Sales Forecast by Product Type, Coating Type, and End Use for 30 Countries
  • 22. Competition Outlook, including Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard
  • 23. Company Profile
    • 23.1. Nordic Paper
    • 23.2. Pak Factory
    • 23.3. Stora Enso
    • 23.4. Arabian Kraft Paper Manufacturing LLC
    • 23.5. Cagdas Kagit
    • 23.6. The Gascogne Group
    • 23.7. Marco Packaging
    • 23.8. MM Kwidzyn sp. z.o.o
    • 23.9. B N Papers
    • 23.10. Natron-Hayat doo
    • 23.11. WestRock Company
    • 23.12. Canfor Corporation
    • 23.13. Smurfit Kappa
    • 23.14. Mondi Group PLC
    • 23.15. Graphic Packaging International LLC
    • 23.16. Asia Pulp and Paper Sinar Mas
    • 23.17. Segezha Packaging LLC
    • 23.18. Horizon Pulp and Papers
    • 23.19. Cartiera Del Chiese Spa
    • 23.20. Sinar Hoperindo Inc

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