Price negotiations for June in the European pulp market remain incomplete in early July, particularly for bleached softwood kraft (NBSK). Deals for bleached eucalyptus kraft (BEK) pulp have been concluded at unchanged levels from May. The delays indicate market uncertainty, with buyers pushing for NBSK price cuts while BEK prices hold at peak levels.
Kraft paper markets saw a quiet summer followed by a stronger push for higher prices in September. In North America, kraftliner prices stayed unchanged in July and August after a smaller increase in June. Mills then announced a September increase, led by PCA, with other large producers following. Tight supply was the main reason, as many US mills have closed since early 2025 and some producers held inventories at only 80–85% of year-earlier levels, with order backlogs stretching several weeks. Demand from box makers stayed steady, but independent converters said the increase was not justified, which may slow its full adoption. In Europe, kraft paper makers faced rising costs as gas prices climbed quickly in August and September. Recycled containerboard prices increased in Germany and Italy, and producers announced further increases for the fourth quarter. However, buyers in Germany refused to accept the full kraftliner increase. In Asia, Chinese prices drifted lower on weak demand despite mill increase notices, while Indian prices held flat.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near term, kraft paper prices are likely to firm on tight supply and high energy costs, though buyer resistance may limit the pace of increases.
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Kraft paper showed a firmer Q2’26 trend as supply-side cost pressure met better packaging demand. In Asia, China strengthened after late April as rainfall disrupted wastepaper collection, drying, transport, and mill arrivals, tightening OCC availability. Mills responded with repeated hikes across kraft liner, recycled kraft linerboard, corrugated paper, and white-top grades. Demand support came from export packaging, FMCG cartons, e-commerce restocking, and express delivery, with China handling 82.87 billion parcels in January-May, up 5.2% year-on-year. In Europe, kraftliner and sack kraft stayed supported by fibre, energy, freight, and input-cost pressure, though April industrial production rose only 0.1% month-on-month, showing demand was moderate rather than strong. In North America, supply cuts supported producer discipline, as around 10% of containerboard capacity had been retired since February 2025. Packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments rose 12% year-on-year in May, supporting firmer producer sentiment.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near term, kraft paper may remain firm if OCC availability and capacity discipline stay tight, though weak industrial demand could limit further upside.
Kraft paper is a strong paper material produced from wood pulp through the kraft pulping process. It offers high tensile strength, durability, tear resistance, and recyclability. Available in brown and bleached grades, kraft paper is widely used for packaging, wrapping, and industrial applications due to its strength and environmentally friendly characteristics.
Kraft Paper, Brown Paper, Kraft Packaging Paper, Sulfate Paper
International Paper Company, Mondi Group, Smurfit Kappa Group, WestRock Company, Stora Enso Oyj, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Kraft paper production involves chemical pulping, fibre preparation, paper formation, pressing, drying, and finishing operations. Manufacturers control fibre quality, basis weight, moisture content, and strength properties to produce different grades of kraft paper for packaging, industrial, and commercial applications.
Kraft paper is mainly used for packaging bags, shopping bags, sacks, wrapping materials, and corrugated packaging. It is widely used in food packaging, e-commerce, construction materials, chemicals, and consumer goods industries. Kraft paper is also used for industrial laminates, insulation papers, and protective packaging due to its strength and flexibility.
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The Study Offers a Detailed Cost Analysis of Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) Pulp Production From Lumber Woods. In Addition, the Report Incorporates the Manufacturing Process With Detailed Process and Material Flow, Operating Costs Along With Financial Expenses and Depreciation Charges.
This report provides the cost structure of paperboard by pulping, bleaching, and coating processes.
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