Recycled Paper Market Outlook and Strategic Insights by 2028

The recycled paper market is expected to grow from US$ 32,558.44 million in 2021 to US$ 42,395.79 million by 2028; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2021 to 2028.

There is a significant increase in demand for recycled paper due to the growing initiatives of governments of various nations to encourage waste paper recycling. The recycled paper is limited to the paper used in industrial applications, but it also includes household waste paper such as newspapers, magazines, and packaging papers. The generation of paper waste from these sources is very high, and this waste needs to be recycled rather than dumping it over or burning it. With the implementation of government regulations and the formation of new associations related to recycled paper, the market for recycled paper is estimated to expand rapidly in the coming years.

The recycled paper market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Many Asia Pacific countries, including Australia, China, India, and Japan, have many manufacturing industries such as steel, mining and metallurgy, petrochemicals, oil & gas, food & beverages, and textile. With rapid economic growth and urbanization, waste generation and management are becoming major social and environmental issues in Asia. Every country in Asia has specific measures of solid waste management and material-cycle policy. A landfill is the most common disposal option adopted in many Asian countries since it is inexpensive. Many countries in this region have recently introduced laws on municipal solid waste (MSW). According to the World Bank, the urban areas in APAC produce ~760,000 tons of MSW per day, and this figure is estimated to increase to 1.8 million tons by 2025. The potential demand for the products such as white & all colored paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines & brochures, shredded paper, and printed documents from various industries in Asia Pacific is increasing. Thus, it is accelerating the need for recycled paper in Asia Pacific, boosting the market growth.

Recycled Paper Market: Strategic Insights

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Recycled Paper Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had drastically altered the status of the chemical & materials sector and negatively impacted the growth of the recycled paper market. The implementation of measures to combat the spread of the virus had aggravated the situation and impacted the growth of several industrial sectors. The sudden distortion had impacted industries such as automotive and packaging in operational efficiencies and disruptions in the value chains attributable to the sudden closure of national and international boundaries. The significant decline in the growth of several industrial sectors significantly impacted the demand for recycled paper in the global market. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market has had a negative impact on its production due to factory shutdowns across the globe. This pandemic is projected to impact the recycled paper market at a moderate level, and the market is anticipated to recover in the next two to three quarters.

Market Insights

Stringent Governmental Regulations for Waste Management

The increasing awareness regarding the environmental impact of the accumulation of waste and failure to manage it have been among the major reasons driving various governments worldwide to enforce regulations associated to waste management. The paper recycling industry has been expanding across many countries such as the US, Canada, India, China, Japan, and Germany. The governments of various nations are implementing regulations to encourage the recycling of waste paper. Numerous associations such as The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Independent Waste Paper Processors Association (IWPPA), The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), and European Recovered Paper Association (ERPA) encourage the practice of recycling paper. Such associations are supporting the growth of the recycled paper market.

Type Insights

Based on type, the recycled paper market is segmented into pre-consumer waste and post-consumer waste. The pre-consumer waste segment accounted for a larger market share in 2020, and it is expected to grow faster during the forecast period. Pre-consumer recycling is the reclamation of waste materials created during the manufacturing or distribution of products before delivery to a consumer. Pre-consumer recycled materials can be broken down and remanufactured into similar or different materials. In the case of paper, pre-consumer waste refers to the scraps and trimmings that were cut off and discarded during the cutting process. Thus, the pre-consumer waste segment is anticipated to hold a potential growth opportunity in the coming years.

Application Insights

Based on application, the recycled paper market is segmented into writing and printing paper, containerboard, newsprint paper, tissue, and others. The containerboard segment is anticipated to grow due to the highest production, with more than 100 million tons produced each year. The growth of the printing and writing paper segment is attributed to wide applications across offices, homes, schools, and government agencies. The newsprint paper segment is also expected to increase its market share due to its application in printing newspapers and other publications.

The key players operating in the recycled paper market include Cascades Recovery+; Global Waste Recyclers Ltd; Hanna Paper; Heinzel Holding GmbH; Republic Services, Inc.; International Paper; Perlen Papier; Sonoco Products Company; ST PAPER RESOURCES PTE LTD; and WASCO. The key companies adopt strategies such as mergers and acquisitions and research and development to expand their customer base and gain significant share in the global market, allowing them to maintain their brand name globally.

Recycled Paper Market Players Density: Understanding Its Impact on Business Dynamics

The Recycled Paper Market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing end-user demand due to factors such as evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product's benefits. As demand rises, businesses are expanding their offerings, innovating to meet consumer needs, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further fuels market growth.

Report Spotlights

• Progressive industry trends in the recycled paper market to help players develop effective long-term strategies
• Business growth strategies adopted by developed and developing markets
• Quantitative analysis of the recycled paper market from 2018 to 2028
• Estimation of global demand for recycled paper
• PEST analysis to illustrate the efficacy of buyers and suppliers operating in the industry
• Recent developments to understand the competitive market scenario
• Market trends and outlook as well as factors driving and restraining the growth of the recycled paper market
• Assistance in the decision-making process by highlighting market strategies that underpin commercial interest, leading to the market growth
• The size of the recycled paper market size at various nodes
• Detailed overview and segmentation of the market, as well as the recycled paper industry dynamics
• Size of the recycled paper market in various regions with promising growth opportunities

Recycled Paper Market – by Type

• Pre-Consumer Waste
• Post-Consumer Waste

Recycled Paper Market – by Application

• Printing Paper
• Containerboard
• Newsprint Paper
• Tissue
• Others

Company Profiles

• Cascades Recovery+
• Global Waste Recyclers Ltd.
• Hanna Paper
• Heinzel Holding GmbH
• Republic Services, Inc.
• International Paper
• Perlen Papier
• Sonoco Products Company
• ST PAPER RESOURCES PTE LTD
• WASCO