Pulp Industry Report by Regional Category Spend, Price Analysis, Key Demand, and Price Indicators, and Best Buying Practices

The global Pulp market reached a volume of about 60 MMT in 2021. The industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 3.5% in the forecast period of 2022-2027 to reach a volume of about 73.75 MMT by 2027.

The global Pulp industry report gives a comprehensive analysis of the industry, including key segments, trends, drivers, restraints, the competitive landscape, and other essential market aspects. The market is primarily being driven by the use of pulp in the manufacturing of paper products like tissues, etc. In the industry report, the key demand indicator is the highest category spender by region—Europe and the Asia Pacific.

Industry Definition and Segmentation

Pulp is a soft lignocellulosic fibrous substance produced primarily from cellulose fibres extracted chemically or mechanically from wood, fibre crops, wastepaper, or rags. Pulp is a key raw material used in papermaking and the industrial manufacturing of other paper products. It is mixed with water and other chemical or plant-based additives. The Pulp industry report comprises segments by end-use (Tissue and Fluff, Printing &Writing, Specialty, Packaging) and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South America).

Europe and Asia Pacific Regions are Driving the Growth of the Industry

Europe and the Asia Pacific account for the largest share of the industry. Due to high consumer confidence, the European pulp industry is likely to see increased demand for pulp products. France and Italy, for example, are essential market contributors in Europe. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is predicted to have the most significant market share. Rising disposable income, urbanisation, the profitable presence of market participants, and rapid economic growth are some of the reasons driving the industry's rapid rise in the Asia Pacific. Furthermore, the pulp market in the area is likely to be driven by the spread of online retailers, increased awareness of sustainable packaging goods, and digitisation.

The market is being driven by the expansion of the increased usage of pulp in the paper production industry. The use of timber pulp in manufacturing furniture and soft items for the residential sector is fuelling the market's expansion. Furthermore, an increase in consumer demand for tissue paper primarily used in kitchens, toilets, and households, is predicted to boost the market growth. Several different methods are employed to convert the wood into a form suitable for making various sorts of paper goods, such as paper for printing books, periodicals, and newspapers. Other paper goods, such as disposable paper plates, paper towels, and other typical home items, can be made from the final paper product furthering the market's expansion.

However, strict environmental restrictions governing deforestation are expected to have a detrimental influence on the growth of the wood pulp industry in the future years.

Best Procurement Practices

The global Pulp industry report by Procurement Resource gives an in-depth analysis of the best buying practices followed by major global Pulp regions, such as engagement models, contract terms, and buyer and supplier negotiation levers.

Category Management Studies

For pulp production, sawdust from sawmills and plywood factories and wood chips is used. At the mill, tree bark is used for bioenergy production. The method is essentially the same for hardwood and softwood, with the only variation being the wood's structure. Softwood is composed chiefly of cellulose and lignin, with less hemicellulose than hardwood. The lignin is removed, and the wood is separated into cellulose fibres by cooking the wood chips in the presence of sodium hydroxide and sulphide liquid under high pressure. Approximately half of the wood melts during the heating phase. Afterward, the pulp is washed, inspected for quality, and bleached. Black liquor is made out of leftover cooking chemicals and dissolved wood particles; this material is collected and burnt in a recovery boiler to provide energy for the process to continue. The cooking chemicals are treated for re-use through causticising. The pulp that has been washed and bleached resembles fluffy white cotton balls. The pulp is dried, sliced into sheets, and baled for simpler handling, storing, and shipping.

Recycled Paper, Further Propelling the Procurement of Pulp

The industry is being propelled by the increased usage of recycled paper in packaging. Sustainable packaging is used to make packaged goods last longer. Consumers worldwide are aware of the adverse effects of plastic and foam-based packaging on the environment. The requirement for paper-based print media is expected to boost demand for wood pulp in the region as the population and disposable income expand.

The regional markets for the industry can be divided into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific.

Key Industry Players Mentioned in the Pulp Industry Report

• The International Paper Company
• Domtar Corporation
• Koch Industries, Inc.
• Resolute Forest Products
• Suzano Papel e Celulose

Market Landscape

To cater to various end-use industries, market participants are focused on creating sustainable and cost-effective packaging goods. To lower their carbon footprint, packaging companies are creating biodegradable packaging materials and are investing in green packaging to generate profitable sales in a worldwide market. Consumers love green bags made of pulp because they help lower their carbon impact.

Key Initiatives by Companies

• Total wood pulp exports in 2020 were valued at USD1.49 billion, down 8.2 percent from total exports in 2019, valued at USD 1.62 billion. The total value of wood pulp imports was USD 1.83 billion.
• The FAO estimates that overall wood pulp output will reach 186.4 million metric tonnes in 2020. With 50.8 million metric tonnes, the United States is the leading producer.