Unbleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Source:

Based on source, the market is categorized into birch, maple, eucalyptus, and others.

Trends in the Source:

• Increasing focus on sustainable forestry practice is a trend supporting sustainably sourced eucalyptus pulp.

The eucalyptus segment accounted for the largest unbleached hardwood kraft pulp market share in 2024.

• Eucalyptus is the most widely planted hardwood species globally. This makes it the dominant source for unbleached hardwood Kraft pulp.
• These trees present high growth rates which enable high yields and short rotation cycles for hardwood production. This results in cost-effective and efficient production of unbleached kraft pulp.
• Additionally, eucalyptus is adaptable to a range of soil conditions and climates. As a result, companies are increasingly opting for the adoption of eucalyptus as hardwood for the production of kraft pulp.
• For instance, in August 2024, ANDRITZ launched world’s largest single-line eucalyptus pulp mill for Suzano in Brazil.
• Henceforth, eucalyptus, along with its adaptability, dominates unbleached hardwood kraft pulp market.

The birch segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Birch wood is widely employed for the production of high-quality Kraft pulp. It supports the production of kraft pulp with high strength, smoothness, and stiffness.
• Kraft pulp produced using this hardwood presents high brightness vital for producing high-quality printing and writing papers.
• It also offers high burst strength, tensile strength, and tear resistance, which makes it suitable for applications which are highly demanding.
• It finds several applications in the production of high-quality printing and writing papers, contributing to the overall quality and performance of various paper products.
• Aforementioned factors make birch a fastest growing segment in the overall unbleached hardwood kraft pulp market.

By Application:

Based on applications, the market is categorized packaging materials, tissues and towels, specialty papers, and others.

Trends in Application:

• The increasing focus on the adoption of online distribution channels across several sectors is a trend supporting segment.

The packaging materials segment accounted for the largest market share of 58.8% in the year 2024 and is also expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Unbleached hardwood kraft pulp is extensively employed for the packaging materials such as paperboard, corrugated paper, liners, and wrapping papers among others.
• In corrugated boxes forms kraft pulp forms the core and liner layers and provides durability & strength.
• Growing consumer and regulatory needs for sustainable packaging solutions is boosting the adoption of paper-based alternatives. Unbleached Kraft pulp is biodegradable as well as renewable that aligns with this requirement.
• Additionally, the growing preference for online shopping has fueled a rise in requirement for packaging materials for e-commerce shipments. This further supports the segment trajectory.
• For instance, according to the data provided by the International Trade Administration in May 2024, Singaporean eCommerce market’s gross merchandise volume shows an growth rate of 10.28% by 2025. Total number of online shoppers accounted for 3.51 million in Singapore.
• As a result, the e-commerce surge is a prominent factor for the market, particularly within the packaging materials segment.

By End Use Industry:

Based on end use industry, the market is categorized into printing and publishing, food and beverage, consumer goods, hospitality, personal care, and others.

Trends in the End Use Industry:

• Increasing focus on innovative packaging solutions such as flexible packaging is a factor positively impacting the unbleached hardwood kraft pulp market analysis.

The food and beverage segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2024.

• The food and beverage sector represents a large unbleached hardwood kraft pulp market share, owing to its extensive use in packaging applications.
• In the food and beverage sector this type of kraft pulp is widely utilized for corrugated boxes, paper bags, food trays, paper cups, and various other packaging formats.
• A number of factors support the growth of this segment. The increasing emphasis on sustainability is driving a shift towards eco-friendly packaging solutions.
• Furthermore, the increasing consumer preference for convenient and on-the-go food options, such as ready-to-eat meals and snacks, is contributing to a higher requirement for suitable and easily disposable packaging.
• For instance, according to data provided by Egg Soldiers, a hospitality professionals group, UK consumers are gravitating towards convenient and ready-to-eat puddings with revealing in March that sales of arctic rolls were up 143% compared to the 2022.
• As a result, growth in online grocery shopping coupled with the rising need for convenient food options is supporting the segment expansion in unbleached hardwood kraft pulp market demand.

The hospitality segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• The hospitality sector offers a growing market for unbleached hardwood kraft pulp.
• This type of kraft pulp finds applications in this sector include disposable tableware such as plates, cups, and cutlery. It is also utilized in products commonly found in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments, such as napkins and tissues.
• The hospitality sector is moving towards more sustainable practices, favoring eco-friendly and biodegradable options like unbleached kraft pulp.
• The global tourism sector is continuously expanding. This results in rising demand for hospitality services leading to a higher demand for this kraft pulp in several applications.