GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Paper Industry Statistics

The paper industry statistics include data on production, consumption, trade, and overall market trends for various paper products worldwide.

Highlights: Paper Industry Statistics

  • The global paper industry reached a value of nearly $487.2 billion in 2020.
  • It’s estimated that the paper market will reach $500 billion by 2027.
  • Nearly 115.3 million metric tons of paper was produced worldwide in 2020.
  • The US derived 68.1% of its paper from recovered paper in 2018.
  • FSE sector has the lion's share of the paper industry's capacity at 62%.
  • China is the world's largest producer of paper and cardboard, with approximately 115 million metric tons in 2020.
  • The paper packaging market is expected to reach $84.4 billion by 2024.
  • The global paper and pulp market is expected to reach $679.13 billion by 2027.
  • India is the 15th largest paper producer in the world.
  • The average American uses 700 pounds of paper each year, and most people just throw it away instead of recycling it for further use.
  • It takes 10 liters of water to produce a single piece of A4 paper.
  • The European pulp & paper industry provides direct employment for about 180,000 people.
  • 11% of all the energy used in the paper industry is used for the deinking process.
  • 50-60% of the energy used in paper production comes from renewable sources.
  • Over 90% of paper production worldwide is from trees.
  • Paper recovery rate in the United States reached a record 68.1 percent in 2018.
  • Paper and cardboard were the main contributor to municipal solid waste in the US in 2018 with almost 67 million tons.
  • As of 2017, about 25 million hectares of forests are managed for the production of paper worldwide.
  • The global progress paper market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 2.99% during the period spanning 2021 - 2025.

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The Latest Paper Industry Statistics Explained

The global paper industry reached a value of nearly $487.2 billion in 2020.

The statistic that the global paper industry reached a value of nearly $487.2 billion in 2020 indicates the total monetary worth of the industry’s output over that year. This figure represents the combined revenue from the production, distribution, and sale of various paper products worldwide. The industry encompasses a wide range of products, including printing and writing papers, packaging materials, tissues, and specialty papers. The substantial value highlights the economic importance and widespread use of paper products across various sectors, such as education, publishing, packaging, and hygiene. The growth or decline of this value from year to year can reflect trends in consumer behavior, technological advancements, environmental concerns, and global economic conditions that impact the demand for paper products.

It’s estimated that the paper market will reach $500 billion by 2027.

The statistic indicates that the paper market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated value of $500 billion by the year 2027. This forecast suggests a strong and steady increase in the demand for paper products over the next several years, likely driven by factors such as population growth, increased use of packaging materials, and continued reliance on printed materials in various industries. The projected market size reflects the anticipated scale of production and consumption of paper-based products globally by 2027, highlighting the continued importance and relevance of the paper industry in the foreseeable future.

Nearly 115.3 million metric tons of paper was produced worldwide in 2020.

The statistic that nearly 115.3 million metric tons of paper was produced worldwide in 2020 provides a quantitative measure of the total global paper production output for that year. This figure represents the total weight of paper produced across different regions and industries on a global scale. The vast amount of paper production indicates the continued demand and consumption of paper-based products, which are utilized in various sectors such as packaging, printing, publishing, and stationery. The statistic highlights the significant role that paper plays in the modern economy and underscores the environmental implications associated with paper production and waste management.

The US derived 68.1% of its paper from recovered paper in 2018.

The statistic that the US derived 68.1% of its paper from recovered paper in 2018 indicates the proportion of paper production in the country that was sourced from recycled materials. This figure highlights the importance of sustainable practices in the paper industry, as utilizing recovered paper helps reduce the demand for virgin materials and minimizes the environmental impact of paper production. A higher percentage of paper derived from recovered sources signifies a more eco-friendly approach to paper manufacturing and demonstrates a commitment to resource conservation and waste reduction within the industry.

FSE sector has the lion’s share of the paper industry’s capacity at 62%.

The statistic “FSE sector has the lion’s share of the paper industry’s capacity at 62%” means that the FSE sector, which likely refers to a specific segment or group of companies within the paper industry, controls the majority of the total production capacity in the industry. Specifically, they account for 62% of all the productive capabilities in the paper industry. This suggests that the FSE sector is a major player and has a significant influence on the overall operations and output within the paper industry, potentially indicating a dominant position in the market and the ability to shape industry trends and dynamics.

China is the world’s largest producer of paper and cardboard, with approximately 115 million metric tons in 2020.

The statistic that China is the world’s largest producer of paper and cardboard, with approximately 115 million metric tons in 2020, highlights the significant role that China plays in the global paper industry. This data indicates that China has a substantial market share in the production of these essential materials, which are widely used for packaging, printing, and various other applications. The sheer volume of paper and cardboard produced by China signifies its substantial industrial capacity and economic influence in the manufacturing sector. The statistic suggests that China is a key player in meeting the global demand for paper and cardboard products, contributing significantly to the overall supply chain and trade dynamics in the industry.

The paper packaging market is expected to reach $84.4 billion by 2024.

The statistic indicates that the paper packaging market is projected to grow and expand, with an anticipated revenue of $84.4 billion by the year 2024. This growth is likely driven by a variety of factors such as increasing consumer preference for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options, rising e-commerce and online shopping trends, and the ongoing push towards reducing plastic waste and environmental impact. The expected increase in revenue reflects promising opportunities and market potential for companies involved in paper packaging production and distribution, highlighting a shift towards more environmentally conscious packaging solutions in the global market.

The global paper and pulp market is expected to reach $679.13 billion by 2027.

This statistic indicates the projected value of the global paper and pulp market in terms of revenue by the year 2027, with an estimated value of $679.13 billion. This forecast suggests an anticipated growth and expansion within the industry over the coming years, driven by various factors such as increasing demand for paper-based products, technological advancements in pulp and paper production, and growing awareness towards sustainable practices in the industry. The statistic serves as a key indicator for investors, businesses, and policymakers to understand the potential opportunities and challenges within the paper and pulp market and to make informed decisions based on the forecasted growth trajectory.

India is the 15th largest paper producer in the world.

The statistic that India is the 15th largest paper producer in the world indicates that India ranks 15th globally in terms of the total volume of paper produced within its borders. This ranking reflects the country’s significant contribution to the global paper industry and highlights India’s capacity for paper manufacturing. Factors such as raw material availability, technological advancements, market demand, and investment in the paper industry likely influence India’s position as the 15th largest paper producer. This statistic provides insight into India’s industrial capabilities, economic significance, and potential for further growth and development in the paper manufacturing sector.

The average American uses 700 pounds of paper each year, and most people just throw it away instead of recycling it for further use.

The statistic that the average American uses 700 pounds of paper each year underscores both the widespread reliance on paper products in the United States and the significant environmental impact of paper consumption. Despite the emphasis on sustainability and recycling efforts in modern society, the statistic also alludes to the prevailing tendency for individuals to discard paper rather than recycle it for reuse. This highlights a concerning disconnect between paper consumption habits and responsible waste management practices, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion. Efforts to raise awareness and promote recycling initiatives are crucial in addressing this issue and fostering a more sustainable approach to paper use among the general population.

It takes 10 liters of water to produce a single piece of A4 paper.

The statistic “It takes 10 liters of water to produce a single piece of A4 paper” quantifies the amount of water needed throughout the paper production process, from sourcing raw materials to the final product. This statistic highlights one of the significant environmental impacts of paper production, as water is a crucial resource that can be depleted or polluted through industrial activities. Understanding this fact can help raise awareness about the resource-intensive nature of paper production and encourage more sustainable practices in the paper industry to minimize water consumption and environmental degradation.

The European pulp & paper industry provides direct employment for about 180,000 people.

This statistic indicates that the European pulp and paper industry directly employs approximately 180,000 individuals. This figure represents the number of people working in various roles within the industry, such as production, operations, management, and administration. The industry plays a vital role in the European economy by providing jobs and contributing to economic growth. Additionally, the employment opportunities offered by the pulp and paper sector have a ripple effect on other industries and communities, further supporting livelihoods and sustainability. This statistic highlights the significance of the pulp and paper industry as a major employer in Europe, underlining its importance in the region’s industrial landscape and labor market.

11% of all the energy used in the paper industry is used for the deinking process.

The statistic stating that 11% of all the energy used in the paper industry is allocated to the deinking process reflects the significant energy demand required for this specific stage in paper production. Deinking is a crucial step where ink and impurities are removed from recycled paper to produce high-quality paper products. The high energy consumption in this process highlights the importance of optimizing energy efficiency and exploring sustainable practices within the paper industry to reduce overall environmental impact and operational costs. Addressing energy usage in the deinking process can contribute to enhancing the industry’s sustainability efforts and reducing its carbon footprint.

50-60% of the energy used in paper production comes from renewable sources.

The statistic stating that 50-60% of the energy used in paper production comes from renewable sources indicates that a significant portion of the energy required for producing paper is derived from sustainable sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or biomass. This is a positive sign for the environmental impact of paper production as it suggests a reduced reliance on non-renewable resources like fossil fuels. Utilizing renewable energy sources in paper production helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the overall environmental footprint of the industry. However, there is still room for improvement to further increase the proportion of energy from renewable sources and enhance the sustainability of paper manufacturing processes.

Over 90% of paper production worldwide is from trees.

The statistic suggests that the vast majority of paper production globally is derived from trees, indicating a significant reliance on this natural resource for paper manufacturing. This fact underscores the prominent role of trees in the paper industry, highlighting the substantial impact of paper production on deforestation and ecosystem preservation. It also emphasizes the importance of sustainable forestry practices and the potential environmental consequences of excessive paper consumption. Overall, the statistic serves as a reminder of the critical need to balance the demand for paper products with environmental conservation efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of both the paper industry and global ecosystems.

Paper recovery rate in the United States reached a record 68.1 percent in 2018.

The statistic that the paper recovery rate in the United States reached a record 68.1 percent in 2018 indicates the proportion of paper products that were collected and recycled, rather than being sent to landfills or incinerated. A higher recovery rate signifies a more efficient and environmentally friendly waste management system, as recycling paper helps to conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving a recovery rate of 68.1 percent reflects positive efforts in promoting sustainable practices and indicates progress towards a more circular economy where materials are reused to their fullest extent.

Paper and cardboard were the main contributor to municipal solid waste in the US in 2018 with almost 67 million tons.

The statistic indicates that paper and cardboard materials accounted for the largest proportion of municipal solid waste generated in the United States in 2018, totaling nearly 67 million tons. This suggests that paper and cardboard products are significant contributors to the overall waste stream in the country. The high quantity of paper and cardboard waste highlights the importance of recycling and waste reduction efforts to minimize environmental impacts, conserve resources, and promote sustainability. Additionally, it underscores the need for effective waste management strategies to address the challenges posed by the disposal of these materials and work towards a more circular economy that prioritizes resource efficiency and minimizes waste generation.

As of 2017, about 25 million hectares of forests are managed for the production of paper worldwide.

The statistic indicates that as of 2017, approximately 25 million hectares of forests globally are being managed specifically for the purpose of paper production. This figure provides insight into the scale of forest resources dedicated to meeting the paper demand on a global scale. Forest management for paper production involves sustainable practices aimed at maintaining the health and productivity of these ecosystems while also meeting the needs of the paper industry. The statistic underscores the importance of sustainable forest management practices to ensure the long-term availability of paper resources while preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The global progress paper market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 2.99% during the period spanning 2021 – 2025.

This statistic indicates that the global progress paper market is expected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 2.99% during the years 2021 to 2025. The CAGR represents the average annual growth rate over a specified period of time, in this case, the projection for the next five years. This growth rate suggests a positive trend in the market for progress paper products, indicating an anticipated increase in demand and consumption. Factors driving this growth may include technological advancements, increasing environmental awareness, and expanding applications for progress paper across industries. Businesses operating in this market may use this information to make strategic decisions and plan for potential opportunities for expansion and innovation.

Conclusion

Overall, the paper industry statistics provide valuable insights into the current state and future trends of the sector. By analyzing key metrics such as production, consumption, and trends in technology and sustainability practices, stakeholders in the paper industry can make informed decisions to drive growth and innovation. As the industry continues to evolve in response to changing consumer demands and environmental considerations, staying up to date with the latest statistics is crucial for success.

References

0. – https://www.www.eea.europa.eu

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3. – https://www.www.fortunebusinessinsights.com

4. – https://www.www.epa.gov

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8. – https://www.www.statista.com

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10. – https://www.www.watercalculator.org

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15. – https://www.www.ibef.org

16. – https://www.www.recyclingproductnews.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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