Specialty Paper Market Analysis Report By Product, By Application, By Region And Segment Forecasts From 2019 To 2025

Industry Insights

The global specialty paper market size was worth USD 26.2 billion in the base year 2018 and it is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 4.1% throughout the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the advent of innovative packaging solutions coupled with the rising e-commerce industry.

Packaging and labeling products have garnered huge traction in the recent past owing to rapidly increasing doorstep delivery services. Consumer goods account for the maximum share in the e-commerce industry and these products required robust packaging and labeling, which was, in turn, fueling the growth of the specialty paper market.

Various e-commerce activities such as storing, packaging, transporting, and others are rapidly increasing owing to the growing e-commerce market. Further, specialty papers are also used for decoration and printing purposes in high-end products. Effective packaging and labeling attract consumers’ attention, thus making the product more appealing.

Europe occupied the largest share, in 2018 largely because of increasing e-commerce platforms in countries such as Germany and U.K. Moreover, the region is among one of the leading markets for pulp and paper processing. In addition, Europe exports a significant amount of paper to other countries across the world. The Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is expected to grow with the fastest growth rate primarily because of the rapidly increasing e-commerce sector in emerging countries such as China and India.

However, increasing digitalization is hampering market growth, as consumers prefer electronic communication instead of paper-based communication. Further, adverse effect on the environment in procuring the raw materials is restraining the market growth.

Product Insights

The market is categorized as décor, kraft, carbonless, thermal, and others based on product. In 2018, décor occupied the largest market share owing to its growing use in flooring, furniture surface, and paneling. It is estimated to generate a revenue of over 11 billion by the end of forecast years. Décor paper is sold in both single and multiple colors.

On the other hand, Kraft's paper is likely to show a CAGR of 4.9% throughout the forecast period. Rapidly increasing food delivery services and increasing demand for food packaging in emerging countries are bolstering the demand for kraft paper.

Application Insights

The printing and publishing segment occupied the largest market share, in 2018. Specialty papers are widely used in the printing of newspapers, currency, government documents, and check papers. Packaging and labeling accounted for 25% of the market share, in 2018.

Sack kraft paper is widely used in packaging materials. Increasing the use of this paper is proliferating the growth of the packaging and labeling segment. Leading players are focusing on improving the quality of sack papers, which in turn will help in gaining a larger consumer base. Further, the use of specialty paper in the infrastructure industry is getting traction as they use such papers in electrical applications.

Regional Insights

Europe held the largest market share with over 30%, in 2018. The region is one of the largest exporters of paper, which contributes to its growth. Further, increasing online shopping and food delivery services in the region bolster the demand for specialty paper. On the other hand, CSA and MEA are likely to exhibit a considerable growth rate throughout the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is projected to grow with a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast years. Rapid urbanization coupled with increasing e-commerce business drives the growth of this region. Emerging countries such as China and India are expected to contribute heavily to regional growth.

COVID-19 Impact analysis

The global specialty paper market has been negatively affected owing to the COVID-19 outbreak. These papers are mostly used for packaging & labeling and printing & publishing. However, with the closure of various industrial operations, the packaging, and printing industries have witnessed reduced demand, which, in turn, has slowed down the market growth. Further, an inadequate supply of raw materials has affected the production of specialty papers. Nevertheless, with the reopening of various economic activities, the market is estimated to recover, albeit slowly. Manufacturers should focus on the production of quality specialty papers and strengthening their distribution channels to increase their sales.

Specialty paper Market Share Insights

Some of the leading players in this market are Nippon Paper, Robert Wilson Paper Corporation, Stora Enso, Glatfelter, Fedrigoni, International Paper Company, Mondi, Griff Paper and Film, and Sappi among others. Owing to the presence of a large number of players, the market is fragmented and highly competitive. These players are relying on innovative product development to gain a competitive advantage. Further, few key players like Mondi Group are betting big on investment to develop quality kraft paper.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2025. For this study, Million Insights has segmented the global specialty paper market report based on end-use, dress code, and region:

• Product Outlook (Volume, Million Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2025)
    • Décor
    • Thermal
    • Carbonless
    • Kraft
    • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Million Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2025)
    • Packaging & Labeling
    • Printing & Publishing
    • Building & Construction
    • Industrial
    • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2025)
    • North America
        • U.S.
    • Europe
        • Germany
        • U.K
    • the Asia Pacific
        • China
        • India
    • Central & South America
    • Middle East & Africa