Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)
Since the 1800s, pulp and paper products have become an essential component of various industries. Regardless of individual usage, it is nearly impossible to avoid consuming commercial or domestic paper goods in the modern world. With the digitization of activities in both industry and everyday life, paper consumption has been significantly impacted, whether it be for documentation or a simple takeaway coffee cup.
The paper manufacturing industry is highly energy-intensive and heavily relies on raw materials, yet it has embraced resource efficiency and innovation to transition towards a low-carbon economy. Due to shifts in consumer behavior, the industry has undergone significant transformations, with many companies diversifying into other paper products as graphic paper has been negatively affected by digital communication.
Distribution of paper and paperboard production worldwide in 2023, by region
Further details: Visit original statistic Distribution of paper and paperboard production worldwide in 2023, by region
The pulp and paper industry has a notable presence in East Asia, Europe and North American countries, with Asia producing over half of the world's paper products in 2023. Within Asia, China stands out as a leading paper producer, consumer, and exporter. Paper, as a sustainable and renewable packaging material, has a significant advantage over many alternatives due to its recyclable properties, leading many countries to have developed a substantial market for paper product recycling.
Paper and paperboard production worldwide by countryProduction volume of paper and paperboard worldwide from 2010 to 2023, by type (in 1,000 metric tons)
Further details: Visit original statistic Production volume of paper and paperboard worldwide from 2010 to 2023, by type (in 1,000 metric tons)
With the decreasing need for graphic paper, such as newsprint, printing, and writing paper, the paper industry has recently started to decline. Packaging remains the largest paper consuming sector, with more than half of the paper produced being used as packaging material, but its use has decreased in the past two years despite the popularity of e-commerce. China is the largest producer of paper packaging, with a supply that was around double that of the United States.
Paper packaging industry worldwidePaper demand worldwide in 2023, by type (in million tons)
Further details: Visit original statistic Paper demand worldwide in 2023, by type (in million tons)
Due to the increase in online consumerism and the need for lightweight, reusable packaging, the corrugated packaging (containerboard) industry has been expanding. This trend is projected to continue, with a growing demand for packaging solutions, such as corrugated cardboard formats that enable the sustainable transportation of goods. Furthermore, the pulp textile market is expected to witness growth in the coming years as consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally conscious products.
Global production of containerboard by regionLeading forestry and paper companies worldwide based on revenue in financial year 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Further details: Visit original statistic Leading forestry and paper companies worldwide based on revenue in financial year 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars)
The global pulp and paper industry is a highly competitive sector. Kimberly-Clark And WestRock are the world's largest producers of paper, fiber-based packaging, and pulp, with a strong presence in America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. International Paper is also a significant player in the global pulp and paper industry, with operations in several countries. It accounted for one of the largest market capitalizations and revenues in the industry as of 2025.
International PaperThe pulp and paper category offers data on pulp and paper products, as well as fiber recycling and processing. Within this sector, Statista provides information about the production, consumption, and trade volumes of various grades and types of pulp and paper products, as well as the leading companies. Data on a global, regional, and country scale is available.
Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)
Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)
Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)
Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)
Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)