A new study on paper market in North America and South America shows that the total consumption of special paper in these two regions is 5.88 million tons in 2019. According to the forecast of the article “future of special paper in North America and South America 2025″, the market demand will decrease to 5.71 million tons in 2020, and then recover to positive growth (annual composite growth rate of 1.4%), and reach 6.13 million tons by 2025.
Key factors driving the changes in the special paper market in North America and South America show that society is increasingly interested in cheaper, more efficient and environmentally friendly choices. Due to the market downturn, large-scale high-speed paper machines producing conventional paper have stopped production or reduced production, many paper enterprises have turned to produce special paper varieties, such as parting paper and soft packaging. In return for their customers, they are using innovative technology to provide lighter, tougher paper or higher quality finishes.
The focus on the environment and circular economy model has promoted the demand for more sustainable materials. The ideal material is not only biomass based, but also reusable, recyclable and compostable, and paper meets all of the above requirements. This includes the transition from multi-layer packaging made of paper, plastic and aluminum foil to paper-based packaging with water-based barrier coating.
Smithers’ detailed study outlines the needs of 37 different paper types in South America and North America and six major national markets (the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile), in the past, the current and the future (2015-2025). The survey found that the fastest growth was paper related to the retail of food and other goods. In addition, the demand for single-sided paper, oil proof paper, parchment paper, single-sided coating packaging, single-sided coating label and parting paper and heat sensitive paper also showed an increase; on the contrary, demand for photo paper, check paper, ticket paper, stamp paper, cigarette paper and so on is declining.
The new crown virus epidemic has a certain impact on the sales of special paper, but not all special paper is affected the same. Paper related to food packaging is least directly affected, and other retail related paper types are more affected, such as paper for barcode labels used for pricing. The most affected will be industrial paper, such as electrical paper and car filter paper, and ticket paper affected by the widespread cancellation of cultural and sports events.
Innovation will be the necessary condition for the survival of special paper market. Many new ideas and inspiration come from third parties, such as chemical suppliers or research institutions, or from open innovation concepts. Smithers research found that the following technologies are most important for the future of the industry:
Microns cellulose and nanocellulose used as reinforcement additive or coating;
Green chemical concepts without BPA and PFAS;
Water based barrier coating for food packaging, cups and meal boxes, etc;
Coating with anticorrosion, antibacterial or other special function characteristics;
The concept of industry 4.0 is implemented on paper machine to realize more accurate control and produce higher quality paper varieties.
Post time: Mar-29-2021