Europe Paper Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The European paper market is experiencing growth driven by increased demand in e-commerce and the hygiene sector, which have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. The packaging paper and carton board segments have also seen significant expansion due to rising needs in various applications. However, the market faces challenges such as decreased graphic paper consumption due to digitalization, a shortage of raw materials, and high energy costs, all of which are impacting market size. Additionally, geopolitical factors like the Russia-Ukraine war and its effect on energy prices pose further concerns for the industry.

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Market Size of Europe Paper Industry

Europe Paper Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Forecast Data Period 2024 - 2029
Historical Data Period 2019 - 2022
CAGR 4.30 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

Europe Paper Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Europe Paper Market Analysis

The European paper market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period. The increasing demand from e-commerce applications provided a boost for the paper market in Europe as consumers turned to online shopping during the lockdown.

  • The sharp rise in the demand for the hygiene market segment has primarily supported the market growth, which is further expected to continue with elevated hygiene requirements as health and hygiene products demand remain the priority for consumers, government, and companies.
  • Furthermore, the packaging paper and carton board registered significant growth in 2021 owing to the demand for different applications. According to the Confederation of Paper Industries (CEPI), the packaging paper and board production by CEPI members increased from 49,831 thousand metric tons in 2020 to 53,545 thousand metric tons in 2021.
  • Decreasing consumption of graphic papers due to digitalization in Europe negatively impacts the paper market growth in Europe. Further, the demand for domestic wood supply by the end-users is rising continuously. The increasing utilization of wood sustainably and innovatively is creating a shortage of raw materials required for paper and restraining market growth. In addition, high energy and rising raw material prices further negativly impacting the market growth.
  • The demand for carton boards increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular spikes in demand for the production of packaging for dry foods, confectionery, frozen food, and pharmaceuticals. Another significant pandemic-related impact on European paper markets has been the trend in the hygiene paper business. Further, the pandemic accelerated e-commerce, which has given a boost to the paper market.
  • In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war also has major implications for Europe's paper industry. While soaring energy prices will also be of concern for the energy-intensive paper industry, with several countries in Europe heavily dependent on Russian natural gas.

Europe Paper Industry Segmentation

The study tracks the paper market based on the revenues generated from the sales of different types of papers offered by the vendors for various applications, as listed. The analysis is based on the market insights captured through primary and secondary research. Also, the impact of COVID-19 and the post-pandemic developments have been analyzed for this study. The European paper market is segmented by type (graphic papers, case materials, sanitary and household, wrappings, carton board, and other types (specialty paper)) and country (Germany, France, Sweden, Italy, Spain, and rest of Europe).

The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD million) for all the above segments.

By Type
Graphic Papers
Newsprint
Other Graphic Papers
Case Materials
Sanitary and Household
Wrappings
Carton Board
Other Types (Specialty Paper)
By Country
Germany
France
Sweden
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe (Finland, Poland, and Austria)
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Europe Paper Market Size Summary

The European paper market is poised for growth, driven by increasing demand from e-commerce and the hygiene sector. The shift towards online shopping during lockdowns has significantly boosted the demand for packaging paper and carton boards, as these materials are essential for packaging products sold online. The hygiene segment has also seen a surge in demand, with health and hygiene products becoming a priority for consumers and businesses alike. However, the market faces challenges due to the declining consumption of graphic papers, a consequence of digitalization, and the rising demand for sustainable wood supply, which is creating a shortage of raw materials. Additionally, high energy costs and increasing raw material prices are further constraining market growth. The geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have also impacted the industry by driving up energy prices, which are a significant concern for the energy-intensive paper sector.

Germany stands out as a major player in the European paper market, with a robust packaging industry that heavily relies on paper products. The country's shift towards sustainable packaging solutions and stricter regulations have spurred innovation and increased demand for paper-based packaging. Leading companies like Amcor and Sappi are expanding their production capabilities to meet this demand, focusing on recyclable and high-barrier papers. The market is characterized by fragmentation, with numerous players engaging in strategic activities like capacity expansion and mergers to strengthen their positions. Notable investments by companies such as Stora Enso and Mondi in new production lines underscore the industry's focus on sustainable packaging solutions. These developments are expected to further bolster the demand for paper in Europe, as companies continue to adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes.

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Europe Paper Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Industrial Value/Supply Chain Analysis

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Force Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers/Buyers

      3. 1.3.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    4. 1.4 Assessment of COVID-19 Impact on the Market

    5. 1.5 Global Overview of Paper Market

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Type

      1. 2.1.1 Graphic Papers

        1. 2.1.1.1 Newsprint

        2. 2.1.1.2 Other Graphic Papers

      2. 2.1.2 Case Materials

      3. 2.1.3 Sanitary and Household

      4. 2.1.4 Wrappings

      5. 2.1.5 Carton Board

      6. 2.1.6 Other Types (Specialty Paper)

    2. 2.2 By Country

      1. 2.2.1 Germany

      2. 2.2.2 France

      3. 2.2.3 Sweden

      4. 2.2.4 Italy

      5. 2.2.5 Spain

      6. 2.2.6 Rest of Europe (Finland, Poland, and Austria)

Europe Paper Market Size FAQs

The Europe Paper Market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.30% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

Stora Enso AB, UPM-Kymmene Oyj, Metsa Group, Smurfit Kappa Group PLC and Mondi PLC are the major companies operating in the Europe Paper Market.

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