Top 10 Companies in the High Barrier Food-grade Paper Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Sustainable Packaging Solutions

In Business Insights
August 13, 2025

The Global High Barrier Food-grade Paper Market was valued at USD 5.24 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 7.89 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period (2023–2030). This growth is propelled by increasing regulatory bans on single-use plastics, rising demand for eco-friendly food packaging, and advancements in paper-based barrier technologies.

As the packaging industry shifts toward circular economy principles, high barrier food-grade paper has emerged as a critical solution combining product protection with environmental responsibility. This report profiles the Top 10 Companies in the High Barrier Food-grade Paper Industry—innovators developing paper-based alternatives to plastic packaging while maintaining superior barrier properties.


🔟 1. UPM Specialty Papers

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Fibre-based barrier papers, Greaseproof solutions

UPM leads the market with its fully recyclable barrier papers for food packaging applications. Their solutions replace plastic in critical areas like confectionery, bakery, and frozen food packaging while maintaining excellent barrier properties.

Recent Developments:

  • Launched new mineral oil-free barrier paper grades in 2023
  • Invested €15 million in biobased barrier coating R&D
  • Achieved 98% recycling rate for production waste

Download FREE Sample Report: High Barrier Food-grade Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Huhtamaki

Headquarters: Espoo, Finland
Key Offering: FutureSmart™ paper packaging, Sustainable foodservice solutions

Huhtamaki provides innovative paper-based packaging with integrated barrier properties for foodservice and consumer goods. Their solutions ensure food safety while meeting stringent sustainability targets.

Recent Developments:

  • Opened new circular economy R&D center in 2023
  • Launched 100% fiber-based sandwich wrapper solution
  • Committed to 100% recyclable packaging by 2030

8️⃣ 3. Oji Holdings Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: PLANIC™ barrier papers, Water-resistant solutions

Oji Paper develops advanced functional papers with moisture, oxygen, and grease barriers. Their proprietary technologies enable paper to replace multi-material packaging structures.

Recent Developments:

  • Developed new nanocellulose-based coating technology
  • Expanded sustainable packaging portfolio in ASEAN markets
  • Partnered with major snack food brands for paper packaging transitions

Download FREE Sample Report: High Barrier Food-grade Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Sappi Limited

Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Offering: Algro® Nature barrier products, Functional packaging papers

Sappi specializes in high-performance barrier papers that combine renewable materials with advanced functionality for food contact applications.

Recent Developments:

  • Introduced new bio-based moisture barrier in 2023
  • Achieved 85% reduction in fossil-based materials usage
  • Expanded European production capacity by 25% in 2022

6️⃣ 5. Mondi Group

Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Key Offering: Advantage StretchWrap paper, BarrierBag paper

Mondi develops paper packaging solutions with integrated barrier properties that maintain product freshness while being recyclable in standard paper streams.

Recent Developments:

  • Launched paper-based alternative for frozen food packaging
  • Developed compostable coffee capsule paper with oxygen barrier
  • Invested €50 million in sustainable packaging innovation

5️⃣ 6. Felix Schoeller Group

Headquarters: Osnabrück, Germany
Key Offering: Technical specialty papers, Release liner solutions

Felix Schoeller produces high-performance coated papers for demanding food packaging applications requiring exceptional grease and moisture resistance.

Recent Developments:

  • Introduced new biodegradable greaseproof paper grade
  • Reduced CO2 emissions by 38% since 2018
  • Partnered with chemical companies for next-gen barrier coatings

4️⃣ 7. BillerudKorsnäs

Headquarters: Solna, Sweden
Key Offering: FibreForm®, SolidBoard Pro

BillerudKorsnäs specializes in high-barrier paperboard solutions that enable brand owners to transition from plastic to paper packaging technologies.

Recent Developments:

  • Launched paper-based alternative for dry food pouches
  • Achieved 100% fossil-free production in 2022
  • Developed breakthrough water-based barrier technology

3️⃣ 8. Stora Enso

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Eco-barrier board, Cupforma Natura

Stora Enso provides renewable packaging materials with excellent barrier properties made from wood-based fibers and bio-based coatings.

Recent Developments:

  • Invested €80 million in new barrier coating line
  • Developed lignin-based barrier solution
  • Partnered with Nestlé for sustainable food packaging

2️⃣ 9. Arjowiggins

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Sylvicta® greaseproof papers, Translucent barrier papers

Arjowiggins produces specialty papers with natural barrier properties for food contact applications including baking, dairy, and confectionery.

Recent Developments:

  • Introduced new range of home-compostable barrier papers
  • Achieved 100% renewable energy use in production
  • Expanded greaseproof paper capacity by 20% in 2023

1️⃣ 10. Koehler Paper

Headquarters: Oberkirch, Germany
Key Offering: Koehler NexPlus® barrier papers, Thermal papers

Koehler develops innovative barrier paper solutions that combine sustainability with excellent product protection for food packaging applications.

Recent Developments:

  • Achieved carbon neutral production in 2023
  • Launched new oxygen barrier paper for food packaging
  • Invested €50 million in sustainable paper production

Get Full Report Here: High Barrier Food-grade Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Sustainable Food Packaging

The high barrier food-grade paper industry is transforming packaging across food categories as brands accelerate their plastic reduction commitments and consumers demand eco-friendly alternatives.

📈 Key Market Trends:

  • Accelerating adoption of bio-based and water-based barrier coatings
  • Strong growth in flexible paper packaging formats (15% CAGR through 2030)
  • Regulatory pressure driving innovation in recyclable and compostable barriers
  • Brand commitments to reduce plastic usage by 50-100% by 2030

Get Full Report Here: High Barrier Food-grade Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above represent the industry leaders driving the transition to sustainable packaging solutions that don’t compromise on performance or food safety requirements.