United States (USA) Pulp and Paper Market Overview, 2029

The U.S. pulp and paper industry consists of businesses that utilize wood, particularly pulpwood, to manufacture pulp, paper, paperboard, and various cellulose-based products. The art of papermaking is ancient, with its origins tracing back centuries when diverse fibers, mainly grasses like cereal straws, were employed. Historical records indicate that the cultivation of domesticated mulberry trees for pulp production dates back to the 6th century. Despite its long-standing history, the industry faces significant criticism from environmental organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council due to practices like unsustainable deforestation and the clearcutting of old-growth forests. The pulp and paper sector is notorious for its high consumption of water and energy; it is estimated that around 17,000 gallons of water are used per ton of paper produced in the U.S., with more efficient mills achieving lower figures through improved processes. This extensive water use results in substantial volumes of wastewater that often contain high levels of contaminants, particularly chemical oxygen demand (COD). Recent research emphasizes the effectiveness of coagulation as a pre-treatment method for industrial wastewater from pulp and paper mills. This approach not only aids in reducing COD levels but also alleviates the environmental burden on aquatic ecosystems. The industry's reliance on water-intensive processes raises concerns about sustainability, especially in regions experiencing water scarcity. Consequently, there is a growing push within the industry to adopt eco-friendly practices and technologies aimed at minimizing water usage and improving overall resource efficiency. As global awareness of environmental issues increases, the pulp and paper industry is under pressure to enhance its sustainability efforts. This includes implementing innovative technologies that reduce both water consumption and emissions while ensuring compliance with stricter environmental regulations.

According to the research report "United States (US) Sheet Pulp and Paper Market Overview, 2029,” published by Bonafide Research, the U.S. sheet pulp and paper market is anticipated to grow at more than 1.28% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The U.S. pulp and paper market is expected to grow at a modest CAGR of 0.13% from 2022 to 2029, driven by rising demand for packaging paper amid increased e-commerce and a shift towards sustainable packaging. The wrapping and packaging segment is projected to lead the market as businesses seek eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. One prominent trend is the growing emphasis on sustainable and recyclable packaging, driven by both consumer demand and stringent environmental regulations. This shift is prompting manufacturers to invest in innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions, including biodegradable materials and recycled fibers. Additionally, advancements in digital technology are impacting the paper industry, with increased automation and smart manufacturing processes improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. Another trend is the rising demand for specialty papers, particularly in sectors like food packaging and pharmaceuticals, where the need for moisture-resistant, durable, and customized paper solutions is on the rise. Despite the challenges posed by digitalization, which has reduced demand for traditional printing paper, the U.S. market is adapting by focusing more on packaging and tissue products. The emphasis on lightweight and high-strength packaging materials to cater to e-commerce growth is also expected to play a crucial role.

The U.S. pulp and paper industry is categorized into three primary sub-industries, each with distinct functions and products. Pulp mills are responsible for converting wood chips into pulp using either mechanical or chemical processes. They do not produce paper or paperboard but sell the pulp to other mills. The pulp produced can be categorized based on its production method, such as deinked recovered paper, groundwood pulp, or other types derived from chemical, mechanical, or semi-mechanical processes. The pulp mills are primarily located in the southeastern United States, where raw material availability is high. These Paper mills manufacture various types of paper from the pulp they produce or purchase. The range of products includes bond paper, kraft paper, newsprint, tissue paper, and more. Paper mills are distributed across different states, with significant concentrations in Wisconsin, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Washington. They play a crucial role in the overall paper manufacturing process and employ a large workforce. The paperboard wood is similar to paper mills but focused on producing thicker materials. Paperboard mills create products like containerboard and cardboard used for packaging. This segment has seen increased demand due to the rise in e-commerce and sustainable packaging solutions. Key states for paperboard production include New York, California, Ohio, Georgia, and Wisconsin.

The U.S. pulp and paper industry operates under a complex framework of policies and regulations aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability, product safety, and economic viability. Key regulatory bodies include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which oversees compliance with air and water quality standards, and various state and local agencies that enforce additional regulations specific to the pulp and paper sector.One significant regulatory development is the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which poses challenges for U.S. exports of timber and paper products. The EUDR requires companies to prove that their products do not contribute to deforestation, a requirement that many in the U.S. industry argue is difficult to meet due to the mixed sources of their raw materials. This situation has prompted the U.S. government to request a postponement of the EUDR's implementation, highlighting concerns about its potential impact on American pulp and paper exports. In addition to international regulations, U.S. pulp and paper manufacturers must comply with various federal laws, including the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and effluent guidelines specifically tailored for pulp and paper production. These regulations are designed to minimize emissions and wastewater discharges from mills, thereby reducing their environmental footprint.

The U.S. sheet pulp and paper market has a long history, reaching back to the colonial era when paper was created by hand from rags and plant fibers. Over time, technological and production process developments revolutionized the business, with the introduction of mechanized paper mills in the nineteenth century increasing output efficiency. The market expanded significantly throughout the twentieth century, owing to rising demand from publishing, packaging, and other industries. However, the COVID-19 epidemic affected supply systems, resulting in temporary mill closures and variations in demand. The initial decrease in paper usage owing to lower office and educational activities was offset by increased demand for packing materials, particularly as e-commerce grew. Businesses responded to the pandemic by changing their product lineups and levels of output. Some stopped producing paper in favour of concentrating on industries with strong demand, like packaging and hygiene goods. Despite the fact that the pandemic's initial shock caused major changes, the market started to stabilise in 2021 as businesses adjusted to the new normal. The market has also changed as a result of the digitisation of production processes, which includes the application of Industry 4.0 technology. Artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation are being used more and more to maximise output, decrease downtime, and enhance product quality. These developments satisfy consumer desires for more inventive and ecological products while enabling businesses to stay competitive in a world market that is changing quickly.




Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Pulp & Paper market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Category
• Wrapping & Packaging
• Printing & Writing
• Sanitary
• News Print
• Others

By End User
• Food and Beverages
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Healthcare
• Consumer Goods
• Education and Stationary
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Pulp & Paper industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.