Stone Paper Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Packaging Papers, Labeling Papers, Self-adhesive Papers), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global stone paper market size was estimated at USD 831.4 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2023 to 2030. The product demand is expected to witness significant growth over the projected period, on account of the eco-friendly, recyclable, and waterproof qualities of stone paper. In addition, increasing environmental concerns regarding deforestation to synthesize wood pulp is expected to fuel the product demand over the forecast period to replace conventional paper.

The market is expected to have high growth on account of the rising demand for the product from key application segments, including packaging, labeling, and self-adhesive papers. High consumption of organic compounds including calcium carbonate is further expected to promote market growth on a positive note. In addition, bolstering global trade due to advanced e-commerce platforms are raising the demand for sustainable packaging products, including bags and cardboard boxes made from stone paper. This is expected to add immense opportunities in the market over the forecast period.

The presence of highly advanced packaging solutions is anticipated to fuel the product demand in the U.S. The presence of manufacturers such as Ball Corporation, International Paper, and Sealed Air is anticipated to further expand the packaging industry in the U.S., thus promoting the product market in the country. Manufacturers such as Stone Paper and Kapstone are located in the U.S. and they continue to make strategic investments to develop stone papers for advanced packaging applications.

The stone paper industry is in its nascent stage of development and is expected to have a tremendous positive impact on the environment. Stone paper remains key for reducing the dependence on wood pulp for paper production, and is emerging as a game changer for the environment. The production process of stone paper is not complex, but the materials used in the production go through a chain of operations and processes to be used for the manufacturing of stone paper. The value chain primarily involves various industries that are categorized under different groups, including raw material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors/suppliers, end-users, and aftermarket industries.

Furthermore, the supply chain matrix can be primarily divided into four stages, namely raw-material procurement, production, distribution, sales, and aftermarket services. The procurement process involves the operation of procuring raw materials, including calcium carbonate and high-density polyethylene. Key suppliers are vertically integrated into the value chain, as they extract limestone and further process it to form calcium carbonate. The suppliers get the limestone from countries such as China, the U.S., India, Russia, Brazil, and Japan.

Key players in the stone paper market are focused on optimizing operational costs, enhancement of product quality, maximization of production output, and expanding their geographical presence to sustain themselves in the competitive market. Product launches and expanding their reach to consumers remain the major focus areas for key global players. Moreover, R&D for innovating packaging methods is also a factor considered by the players to stay in the competition.

Application Insights

In 2022, the packaging papers application segment advanced at the fastest growth rate. It is anticipated to progress at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2023 to 2030, owing to the increasing product demand to replace plastic as a traditional packaging material. Moreover, the increasing use of recyclable stone paper containers is further expected to fuel the application industry growth over the forecast period.

The labeling papers application was valued at USD 158.9 million in 2018 and is expected to reach USD 241.9 million by 2030, advancing at a CAGR of 5.2% over the projected period. The demand for labeling applications is driven by cost-effectiveness and flexibility. Labeling applications include applications on wrappers, colored notes, sticky notes, shelf tags, and shelf signage. It also includes product tags and labeling, office uses, multi-purpose notes, flags, wine bottles, identity cards, air-line luggage, bottle tags, and door hangs.

Demand for labeling is high in food and beverage packaging applications, as the labeling provides detailed information about the ingredients used. To achieve product differentiation and draw consumer attention, manufacturers label their brands. Moreover, labeling and packaging solutions provide a visual appeal to the product. Thus, the use of stone papers in labeling applications is anticipated to expand over the forecast period.

Self-adhesive papers emerged as the second-largest application segment for the industry and it was valued at USD 216.6 million in terms of revenue in 2022. Demand for self-adhesive wall stickers is rapidly increasing in the building and construction industry. They are increasingly used in roof tiles, walls, and decorative areas. Easy installation, wide availability of choices, 3D and 2D appearances, and recent design trends in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms are anticipated to propel the demand for self-adhesive stone paper applications.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for a 50.5% share of global revenue in 2022, owing to rapid urbanization, a rise in awareness regarding sustainability, and the implementation of plastic regulations in the region. Increasing demand for advanced packaging applications acts as a key factor driving the market across the Asia Pacific region. Moreover, China’s decision to ban plastic imports is anticipated to create a substantial expansion opportunity for players in the stone paper industry in the Asia Pacific.

The rise in demand for stone paper in North America can be ascribed to the increasing investment in research and development activities aiming at developing sustainable products with advanced features. The need for high-quality materials for packaging applications is considered a key factor driving the demand. In North America, the U.S. accounted for the largest share, followed by Canada and Mexico.

The presence of a large number of manufacturers of packaging materials in European countries such as Germany, the U.K., Italy, and France is likely to enhance the demand for stone paper in the coming years, owing to the EU’s decision to ban plastic consumption. In Europe, stone paper manufacturers, namely STP STONE PAPER GmbH (Germany) and Anydesign srl (Italy) are anticipated to offer expansion opportunities for players in the stone paper industry.

The presence of packaging giants such as Empresas CMPC, Envases Venezolanos, Suzano, Klabin, and Cristalerias de Chile in Central & South America is expected to create an attractive future for stone paper, as these companies are looking for alternatives to plastic materials, offering low environmental risks. Rules for plastic reduction have already been implemented in countries such as Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia. More regulations on plastic consumption will likely result in the enhanced need for plastic alternatives such as stone papers.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is moderately competitive in nature, owing to the presence of a few manufacturers, which are consolidated in Asia-Pacific and Europe. The market is highly influenced by North America and Central & South America due to the presence of companies involved in the production of limestone and subsequently calcium carbonate. These companies include LafargeHolcim, CEMEX S.A.B de C.V., and The National Lime & Stone Company, among others. Stone paper remains high in demand globally due to its 100% environment-friendly and sustainable qualities.

Continuous research & development in the designing, production, and marketing of stone paper has led to the introduction of an ample amount of paper collections for various applications. These products are available in a wide array of multi-colored patterns, and waterproofing qualities. For instance, The Stone Paper Company produces waterproof stone papers, which demonstrate excellent waterproof qualities and are used in magazines near pool areas for recreational purposes. Some prominent players in the global stone paper market include:

• The Stone Paper Company

• Guangzhou Myhome Wallpaper Co. Ltd

• AM Packaging Company Limited

• Shenzhen Stone Paper Enterprise

• KapStone

• Taiwan Longmeng Composite Materials Co., Ltd.

• STP STONE PAPER GmbH

• Stone Paper

• TBM Co., Ltd

• Pishgaman Sanat Sabz Co.

• Sphera International

• Anydesign srl

Stone Paper Market Report Scope

Global Stone Paper Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global stone paper market report based on application and region:

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Packaging Papers

  • Labeling Papers

  • Self-adhesive Papers

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa