Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Industry Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Industry is Segmented by Grade (Bleached Chemical Pulp (BCP), Dissolving Wood Pulp (DWP), Unbleached Kraft Pulp (UKP), Mechanical Pulp), Application (Printing and Writing , Newsprint, Tissue, Carton Board, Containerboard), Country (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD billion) for all the above segments.

MEA Pulp & Paper Market Size

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MEA Pulp And Paper Market Summary
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Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 16.81 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 20.00 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 3.54 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

MEA Pulp And Paper Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

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MEA Pulp & Paper Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Industry is expected to grow from USD 16.81 billion in 2024 to USD 20 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 3.54% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

  • The market for pulp and paper products is expanding in the Middle East and African region, mainly due to growing paper-based product demand and rising awareness of the need to lessen the carbon impact of traditional packaging materials. To reduce the use of non-renewable resources by limiting trash output in the nation, the Qatari government has launched several green economy programs under the National Vision 2030.
  • The need for green packaging materials is driving the market, particularly paper packaging solutions, which is further fueled by the enforcement of strict legislation regarding the ban on single-use plastic in the food and beverage sector. Also, unsustainable business practices have empowered consumers to demand a higher standard of product that has a favorable impact ecologically.
  • The expansion of e-commerce sales and the rising demand for cartons and container boards are two significant factors driving the market under consideration. Consumers now prioritize recyclability and biodegradability over reusability as crucial packaging parameters. This reflects customers' increased concerns about future packaging waste's environmental impact. Due to these factors, the market studied may continue to grow over the forecast period.
  • The increasing price of raw materials is expected to challenge the growth of the pulp and paper industry. However, as living standards in Africa improve, the continent's demand for pulp and paper products may also increase. The market is expected to continue growing in the coming years due to urbanization and rising disposable income. Moreover, there is reason to acknowledge that paper consumption in the region will increase, creating business opportunities and no longer affecting the demand for paper-based products during the forecast period.
  • During the outbreak of COVID-19, the market studied faced slow growth due to lockdowns imposed by various countries. However, Middle Eastern companies were already preparing for growth and opting for automation. Many industry professionals understand that fully-automated solutions could help address most of the challenges that COVID-19 places. For packaging businesses to regroup and take a broader approach to current processes and procedures, automation in critical areas enhanced operational productivity in the industry.

MEA Pulp & Paper Market Trends

Increase in Consumer Demand for Packaged and Fresh Food to Drive the Market

  • Food and beverage manufacturers are making significant efforts to provide sustainable materials and packaging, functional and convenient displays, and healthier and fresh food options to meet consumer demand. Paper bags are becoming increasingly popular in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and other catering establishments. Similarly, the growing popularity of on-the-go dining and online grocery delivery services has increased the demand for paper bags in the hospitality industry. Consumer expectations are changing owing to sustainability, customization, and e-commerce, which drive innovation in packaging.
  • According to Boston Survey Group August 2021, as food demand changes, African countries plan to invest strategically in creating agro and food-related industries, especially downstream ones. Africa's green and diverse primary sectors have the potential to support almost all types of businesses involved in the production, distribution, handling, storage, processing, packaging, and retailing of processed food. Growing agribusiness will help shift subsistence farmers into related industrial and service occupations, allowing them to earn higher incomes, increase their purchasing power, and increase food demand.
  • Similarly, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in March 2021, the growing demand for packaged food is due to the rapid expansion of food processing and modern distribution and packaging systems in the food supply chain, with the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and extensive domestic and international food companies. They have also stimulated the demand for processed foods through aggressive marketing campaigns and the low cost of such foods achieved through investments in economies of scale. Many of the major players in the African food market have expanded their operations through foreign direct investment.
  • With the evolving lifestyle, Middle Eastern countries have seen an increased demand for paper-based packaging products in the foodservice sector. Consumers frequently grab convenient and functional drinks, such as RTD coffee and tea, energy drinks, and other beverages that can be consumed whenever and wherever they need a boost. As such, non-alcoholic drinks that offer functional and practical benefits that are relatively healthy and natural can appeal to busy consumers. Leveraging the natural, energy-boosting characteristics of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients in new product formulations can help brands target tired consumers.
  • With the rise of urbanization, many modern consumers spend much time out of their homes, traveling to and from social venues, enjoying the weather, and attending sporting events. Consequently, consumers are increasingly drinking while on the move. Recently, in November 2022, more than 1.4 million fans from across the world visited Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Qatar rolled out the red carpet for over 1 million visitors for the FIFA World Cup and aims to attract up to six million a year by 2030. Consumption of packaged food is expected to grow based on different perspectives of regulations by the country and industry over the forecast period.
MEA Pulp And Paper Market: Total Consumer Food Expenditure, in USD, MENA, 2021

South Africa to Hold Major Share in the Industry

  • The growth of the food ingredients market in South Africa is fueled by the expansion of the food and beverage industry, increasing consumption of dairy and frozen dairy products, increased focus on innovation in the food and beverage sector, and increasing demand for processed and packaged foods.
  • The South African pulp industry is characterized by heavy use in the food industry. Consumers tend to seek low-cost, sustainable, lightweight, reusable, recyclable, convenient, and heat-resistant products, which help increase demand for food packaging. The growing demand for portable and suitable forms of food packaging helped drive the use of packaging products in various industries.
  • Pulp-based packaging is more sustainable than other materials due to its recyclability and degradability. In addition, convenience, low cost, and light weight have made flexible packaging the most desirable packaging material driving the market's growth.
  • The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), in February 2023, conducted a study focusing on paper and print in modern society. The study found that 82% of South African consumers recognize that paper and pulp are still part of their daily lives. PAMSA shares insights from a recent paper and print survey. However, many individuals need to be made aware of the benefits of the materials. This has led a large portion of the population to underestimate the contribution of the pulp and paper industry to South African society. Therefore, the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) partnered with GM Television to raise awareness. Such initiatives would drive the market for the pulp industry in the country.
  • The country anticipates an increasing demand for food and beverage packaging during the forecast period. Rising household expenditure in the country drives the demand for convenient food products, further propelling the market for sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as pulp in the coming years.
MEA Pulp And Paper Market: Consumer Price Index (CPI) of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, South Africa, Jan 2021 - May 2022

MEA Pulp & Paper Industry Overview

The industry for pulp and paper in the Middle East and African region is competitive. The major factors governing this market are a sustainable competitive advantage through innovation, levels of market penetration, barriers to exit, power of competitive strategy, and firm concentration ratio.

  • In June 2022, Mondi sold Nitto Denko Corporation, its Personal Care Components business (PCC). The sale allows Mondi to streamline its holdings and concentrate on its strategic goal of expanding. Mondi is far along in the appraisal of an investment in a new 200,000-ton kraft paper plant at one of the cost-effective locations for an anticipated total of EUR 350 million (~USD 372.3 million). This will enable the business to meet the rising demand for eco-friendly paper-based flexible packaging and expand its pulp operations.

MEA Pulp & Paper Market Leaders

  1. Westrock Company

  2. International Paper Company

  3. Lions Gate Paper & Pulp

  4. Sappi

  5. Billerud

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

MEA Pulp And Paper Market Concentration
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MEA Pulp & Paper Market News

  • October 2022 - The Saudi Arabian-listed Middle East Paper Co. invested SAR 1.5 billion (USD 400 million) in a containerboard or paper packaging plant. According to the corporation, it will have a finished capacity of 400,000 ton per year and will serve both domestic and international markets, with an anticipated internal rate of return of 15%.
  • August 2022 - Hotpack Global, the UAE-based leading food packaging manufacturer, opened an exclusive Retail Showroom in Riyadh as part of the company's aggressive growth strategy in the Kingdom. The new showroom is Hotpack's 45th sales outlet in the Middle East and African region, and the company has more extensive plans to expand its operations across the region.

MEA Pulp & Paper Market Report - Table of Contents

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    1. 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition

    2. 1.2 Scope of the Study

  2. 2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

  3. 3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  4. 4. MARKET INSIGHTS

    1. 4.1 Market Overview

    2. 4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

      3. 4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 4.2.4 Threat of Substitutes

      5. 4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    3. 4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis

    4. 4.4 Assessment of the Impact of the COVID-19 on the Market

  5. 5. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 5.1 Market Drivers

      1. 5.1.1 Increase in Consumer Demand for Packaged and Fresh Food

    2. 5.2 Market Challenges

      1. 5.2.1 Increasing Costs of Raw Materials

  6. 6. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 6.1 By Grade

      1. 6.1.1 Bleached Chemical Pulp (BCP)

      2. 6.1.2 Dissolving Wood Pulp (DWP)

      3. 6.1.3 Unbleached Kraft Pulp

      4. 6.1.4 Mechanical Pulp

    2. 6.2 By Application

      1. 6.2.1 Printing and Writing

      2. 6.2.2 Newsprint

      3. 6.2.3 Tissue

      4. 6.2.4 Cartonboard

      5. 6.2.5 Containerboard

      6. 6.2.6 Other Applications

    3. 6.3 By Country

      1. 6.3.1 United Arab Emirates

      2. 6.3.2 Saudi Arabia

      3. 6.3.3 Iran

      4. 6.3.4 Israel

      5. 6.3.5 Jordan

      6. 6.3.6 Syria

      7. 6.3.7 Bahrain

      8. 6.3.8 Kuwait

      9. 6.3.9 Lebanon

      10. 6.3.10 Egypt

      11. 6.3.11 Tunisia

      12. 6.3.12 Morocco

      13. 6.3.13 Algeria

      14. 6.3.14 South Africa

      15. 6.3.15 Rest of Middle East and Africa

  7. 7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

    1. 7.1 Company Profiles*

      1. 7.1.1 WestRock Company

      2. 7.1.2 International Paper Company

      3. 7.1.3 Lions Gate Paper & Pulp

      4. 7.1.4 Sappi

      5. 7.1.5 Billerud

      6. 7.1.6 Stora Enso OYJ

      7. 7.1.7 Mondi PLC

      8. 7.1.8 Oji Holdings Corporation

      9. 7.1.9 Resolute Forest Products

      10. 7.1.10 Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA

  8. 8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS

  9. 9. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

**Subject to Availability
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MEA Pulp & Paper Industry Segmentation

Pulp and paper are used by various industries as raw materials and produce pulp, paper, paperboard, and other cellulose-based products. Pulp is widely used as a raw material across various end-user industries to produce paper-based products and packaging. The report covers a detailed country-level analysis of various pulp grades used for different applications across industries in the Middle East and Africa.

The Middle East and Africa Pulp and paper industry is segmented by grade (bleached chemical pulp (BCP), dissolving wood pulp (DWP), unbleached kraft pulp (UKP), mechanical pulp), application (printing and writing, newsprint, tissue, carton board, containerboard), country (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD billion) for all the above segments.

By Grade
Bleached Chemical Pulp (BCP)
Dissolving Wood Pulp (DWP)
Unbleached Kraft Pulp
Mechanical Pulp
By Application
Printing and Writing
Newsprint
Tissue
Cartonboard
Containerboard
Other Applications
By Country
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Iran
Israel
Jordan
Syria
Bahrain
Kuwait
Lebanon
Egypt
Tunisia
Morocco
Algeria
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
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MEA Pulp & Paper Market Research FAQs

The Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Market size is expected to reach USD 16.81 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.54% to reach USD 20.00 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Market size is expected to reach USD 16.81 billion.

Westrock Company , International Paper Company , Lions Gate Paper & Pulp , Sappi and Billerud are the major companies operating in the Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Market.

In 2023, the Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Market size was estimated at USD 16.24 billion. The report covers the Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.

Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Industry Industry Report

Statistics for the 2024 Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Industry market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceā„¢ Industry Reports. Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Industry analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.

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Middle East and Africa Pulp and Paper Industry Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)