The Unbleached Kraft Paperboard Market is set for strong expansion, projected to grow from USD 7.61 billion in 2025 to USD 11.84 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 5.03%. Derived entirely from renewable wood resources, unbleached kraft paperboard stands out as a sustainable alternative to conventional packaging materials. Companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions to minimize environmental impact.
In 2024, the Asia Pacific region led the market, holding a 39% revenue share. Coated unbleached kraft emerged as the dominant grade type, while linerboard led product types. Food and beverages remained the largest end-use segment, with retail and e-commerce logistics growing rapidly. Direct sales led the distribution channel, though online retail is expanding at the fastest rate.
Market Highlights
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2025 Market Value: USD 7.61 billion
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2034 Forecast Value: USD 11.84 billion
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CAGR (2025–2034): 5.03%
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Top Region: Asia Pacific (39% share in 2024)
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Leading Grade Type: Coated unbleached kraft (63% share in 2024)
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Key Product Type: Linerboard (41% share in 2024)
20 Leading Unbleached Kraft Paperboard Companies
1. WestRock Company
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About: A global leader in paper and packaging solutions, headquartered in the U.S.
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Products: Linerboard, folding cartons, corrugated packaging.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 11.5 billion.
2. International Paper
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About: One of the world’s largest pulp and paper companies, based in the U.S.
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Products: Kraft paperboard, containerboard, corrugated packaging.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 15 billion.
3. Smurfit Kappa Group
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About: A leading provider of paper-based packaging, headquartered in Ireland.
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Products: Kraft paper, corrugated boxes, sustainable packaging.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 12 billion.
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4. Mondi Group
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About: A multinational packaging and paper company based in the UK and Austria.
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Products: Unbleached kraft paper, paperboard, industrial bags.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 9 billion.
5. Sappi Limited
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About: A South African company specializing in woodfibre-based products.
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Products: Paperboard, coated and uncoated kraft.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 1 billion.
6. Stora Enso Oyj
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About: A Finnish-Swedish paper and packaging company.
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Products: Renewable paperboard, unbleached kraft, bio-based materials.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 12 billion.
7. Georgia-Pacific LLC
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About: A U.S.-based pulp and paper company under Koch Industries.
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Products: Kraft paperboard, corrugated containers, building products.
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Market Cap: Private company (estimated valuation in billions).
8. Billerud AB
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About: A Swedish paper and packaging manufacturer.
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Products: Kraft paper, cartonboard, sustainable packaging.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 2 billion.
9. Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)
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About: A major U.S. producer of containerboard and packaging products.
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Products: Linerboard, corrugated products.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 15 billion.
10. Pratt Industries, Inc.
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About: A U.S. manufacturer of 100% recycled paper and packaging.
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Products: Kraft linerboard, corrugated packaging.
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Market Cap: Private company.
11. Oji Holdings Corporation
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About: A Japanese leader in paper manufacturing.
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Products: Kraft paperboard, corrugated containers, specialty papers.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 5 billion.
12. Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited
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About: China’s largest paperboard manufacturer.
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Products: Linerboard, coated kraft paperboard.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 3 billion.
13. DS Smith Plc
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About: UK-based sustainable packaging provider.
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Products: Corrugated packaging, kraft paper.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 7 billion.
14. Klabin S.A.
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About: Brazil’s largest paper producer.
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Products: Kraftliner, paperboard, corrugated packaging.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 6 billion.
15. Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.
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About: A leading paper manufacturer in China.
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Products: Kraftliner, containerboard, recycled paper products.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 2 billion.
16. CANFOR Corporation
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About: A Canadian integrated forest products company.
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Products: Pulp, kraft paperboard, lumber.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 1.5 billion.
17. UPM-Kymmene Corporation
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About: A Finnish paper and bio-products company.
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Products: Kraft paper, renewable packaging solutions.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 20 billion.
18. Rengo Co., Ltd.
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About: A Japanese corrugated packaging company.
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Products: Kraft paperboard, corrugated boxes.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 2.5 billion.
19. Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
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About: A Japanese paper and packaging company.
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Products: Kraft paperboard, pulp products, containerboard.
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Market Cap: Approx. USD 1.5 billion.
20. Green Bay Packaging Inc.
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About: A U.S.-based paperboard and packaging company.
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Products: Kraft linerboard, corrugated packaging.
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Market Cap: Private company.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is unbleached kraft paperboard?
A1: Unbleached kraft paperboard is a packaging material made from renewable wood pulp without bleaching chemicals, making it eco-friendly and strong.
Q2: Which industries use unbleached kraft paperboard the most?
A2: Food & beverages, retail packaging, e-commerce logistics, and industrial packaging are the top users.
Q3: Why is the Asia Pacific region dominating the market?
A3: Strong manufacturing capacity, growing e-commerce, and rising sustainability initiatives drive demand in Asia Pacific.
Q4: What is the main advantage of coated unbleached kraft paperboard?
A4: It offers enhanced printability, durability, and moisture resistance, making it ideal for high-quality packaging.
Q5: Which companies are leading in sustainability initiatives?
A5: Stora Enso, Mondi Group, and DS Smith are recognized for strong sustainability commitments and eco-friendly packaging innovations.
Source : https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/unbleached-kraft-paperboard-market-sizing
