Canada Pulp and Paper Market Research Report, 2029

Canada's pulp and paper industry originated in the early 1800s, beginning as a small, localized sector that primarily relied on imports from the United States to meet its paper needs. As the population of the colony grew, so did the demand for paper, prompting local production to flourish. Early paper manufacturers were concentrated in urban centers such as Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia, strategically located near their raw materials—primarily rags—and their markets. The first significant paper mill was established by James Brown in St. Andrews East around 1805, marking a pivotal moment in Canadian papermaking. The industry's evolution accelerated in the latter half of the 19th century, characterized by both diversification and specialization. While producers began to manufacture larger quantities of various products—including book paper, printing paper, and wallpaper—the demand for newsprint surged, leading many entrepreneurs to focus exclusively on this segment. John Riordon emerged as a key figure during this period, earning recognition as the "father of the Canadian newsprint industry”for his innovative approaches and establishment of mills that transitioned from rag-based to wood-based pulp. By the early 20th century, Canada became a vital supplier of newsprint to the United States, particularly as American sources dwindled. However, the industry faced challenges in recent years due to declining newspaper circulation driven by digital media consumption. Major companies like Domtar and Resolute Forest Products have adapted by focusing on fine paper production and diversifying their product lines. Innovations in wood processing techniques, such as developing micro- and nanofibers from wood pulp, hold promise for creating sustainable alternatives to plastics and expanding product offerings in a changing market landscape. According to the research report "Canada Sheet pulp and Paper Market Research Report, 2029,” published by Actual Market Research, the Canadian sheet pulp and paper market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 7,390 Million by 2029. This growth is largely attributed to rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, a trend bolstered by the expansion of e-commerce. As consumer preferences shift towards eco-friendly options, there is a heightened need for recyclable and biodegradable packaging alternatives to traditional plastics. Manufacturers are responding by developing innovative solutions, aligning with the growing call for sustainable practices. In addition to the packaging sector, demand for specialty papers—especially in areas like food packaging and pharmaceuticals are also increasing. These segments are benefiting from the industry's focus on eco-conscious and regulated packaging, as both consumers and policymakers prioritize environmental sustainability. Consequently, companies in the Canadian pulp and paper industry are investing in sustainable technologies and practices to remain competitive and comply with evolving regulations.

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The Canadian pulp and paper industry is governed by a range of policies and regulations aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental protection. One of the key initiatives is the Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program (PPGTP), established in 2009 with a budget of $1 billion. This program focuses on improving the environmental performance of pulp and paper mills through investments in green technologies, which have led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced energy efficiency, and the generation of renewable energy. The PPGTP has supported various projects across Canada, resulting in positive economic impacts, including job creation and improved air quality. In addition to the PPGTP, the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations, enacted under the Fisheries Act in 1992, play a critical role in managing the environmental impact of pulp and paper mills. These regulations set strict limits on the discharge of harmful substances into water bodies frequented by fish, requiring mills to monitor their effluent and conduct environmental effects monitoring. Compliance with these regulations involves maintaining monitoring equipment, submitting regular reports, and preparing emergency response plans to address any non-compliance issues. Furthermore, the Canadian pulp and paper industry faces challenges related to climate change policies. While it contributes a relatively small percentage of national emissions, there is increasing pressure for the sector to adopt decarbonization strategies. The industry is exploring options to reduce emissions from combustion processes and improve energy efficiency through innovative practices. As part of this effort, there is a growing emphasis on utilizing biomass as a renewable energy source, although debates continue regarding its classification as carbon-neutral. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the Canadian pulp and paper industry, leading to both challenges and opportunities. Initially, the market faced significant disruptions due to supply chain issues, reduced demand for certain paper products, and economic uncertainties. As the pandemic unfolded, mills in Canada experienced low pulp prices, particularly in British Columbia, where limited fiber availability and high costs compounded the difficulties faced by producers. The pandemic also led to a temporary halt in production at some mills due to health concerns and operational adjustments necessary to ensure worker safety. As the situation evolved, Canadian pulp and paper mills were deemed essential businesses by provincial governments, allowing them to continue operations while implementing health and safety measures to protect workers. The pandemic prompted many companies to innovate and modernize their processes, leading to advancements in automation and efficiency. Looking ahead, while challenges remain—particularly regarding the decline in demand for graphic papers—the Canadian pulp and paper industry is expected to adapt by focusing more on packaging products and specialty papers that cater to growing sectors such as e-commerce and food packaging. The Food and Beverage segment is the largest application, owing to the growing need for environmentally friendly and practical packaging solutions. As customer preferences shift toward environmentally friendly materials, the food and beverage industry has adopted more recyclable and biodegradable paper-based packaging choices. This tendency is fueled by increased awareness of environmental issues and legislative demands to minimize plastic consumption. Furthermore, the expansion of the e-commerce sector, notably in food delivery and meal kit services, has increased the demand for effective packaging that protects product safety and freshness during transportation. Packaging technology innovations, such as moisture-resistant sheets and barrier coatings, have made paper packaging more viable for perishable items, hence cementing its market position. West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., Domtar Corporation, and Graphic Packaging International are the leading domestic players in this area. West Fraser has capitalized on the desire for sustainable packaging by providing a line of paper products designed specifically for the food industry. Domtar’s comprehensive portfolio includes high-quality packaging materials tailored to the unique demands of food and beverage enterprises. Graphic Packaging International focuses on creative, sustainable packaging solutions to maintain a strong presence in the food and beverage business. These companies work together to shape the Canadian pulp and paper market, focusing on sustainability while satisfying the different demands of consumers and industries.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Pulp & Paper market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Category • Wrapping & Packaging • Printing & Writing • Sanitary • News Print • Others

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By End User • Food and Beverages • Personal Care and Cosmetics • Healthcare • Consumer Goods • Education and Stationary • Others The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Pulp & Paper industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.