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

In Business Insights
September 07, 2025

The Global Barrier Packaging Paper Market was valued at USD 20.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 29.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period (2023-2030). This growth is fueled by strict plastic regulations, booming e-commerce, and increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly food packaging solutions across pharmaceutical, food service, and industrial sectors.

As the packaging industry transitions toward circular economy models, barrier paper technologies are replacing traditional plastic laminates. In this comprehensive analysis, we examine the Top 10 Companies in the Barrier Packaging Paper Industry that are pioneering high-performance, sustainable packaging solutions while meeting evolving regulatory and consumer demands.


🔟 1. Toppan Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: GL BARRIER® paper solutions

Toppan leads the market with its patented GL BARRIER technology that provides aluminum foil-level protection using paper substrates. The company supplies major food brands and pharmaceutical companies with oxygen/moisture barrier papers that maintain product freshness while being fully recyclable.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Plastic-free barrier solutions across product lines

  • Closed-loop recycling partnerships with major brands

  • 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 target

Download FREE Sample Report: Barrier Packaging Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. UPM-Kymmene Corporation

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: UPM Barrier papers

UPM’s innovative barrier papers combine renewable wood fibers with advanced coatings to deliver grease resistance and heat-sealability for food packaging. Their solutions are certified for direct food contact and compatible with existing packaging machinery.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% fossil-free production by 2030

  • FSC-certified fiber sourcing


8️⃣ 3. Sappi Limited

Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Offering: Algro® Guard barrier papers

Sappi’s portfolio includes high-performance barrier solutions for dry foods, pet food, and frozen applications. Their water-based barrier coatings provide exceptional protection while maintaining paper recyclability in standard waste streams.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Science-based emissions reduction targets

  • Blue Angel certified products


7️⃣ 4. Mondi Group

Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Key Offering: FunctionalBarrier papers

Mondi develops paper-based packaging that meets stringent food safety requirements while being industrially compostable. Their solutions balance product protection with end-of-life sustainability across food service and consumer packaging applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% reusable/recyclable packaging by 2025

  • 28% reduction in specific water consumption since 2015

Download FREE Sample Report: Barrier Packaging Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Jujo Thermal Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: ShieldPlus thermal papers

Jujo Thermal specializes in high-performance thermal paper substrates with built-in barrier properties for food packaging. Their heat-sealable papers offer excellent resistance to grease, moisture, and vapor transmission.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Bio-based barrier coating development

  • Energy-efficient manufacturing processes


5️⃣ 6. Mitsubishi HiTec Paper

Headquarters: Bielefeld, Germany
Key Offering: Pergafast barrier papers

Mitsubishi’s specialty papers provide essential barrier functions for medical packaging, food service, and technical applications. Their solutions meet stringent EU and FDA regulations while maintaining paper recyclability.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • PFAS-free barrier technologies

  • Closed-loop water systems in production


4️⃣ 7. Stora Enso

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: EcoBarrier solutions

Stora Enso’s renewable packaging materials include high-barrier paperboard and molded fiber alternatives to plastic packaging. Their innovations target fresh food, takeaway, and e-commerce packaging segments.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Traceable, sustainably-managed fibers

  • Carbon neutral production targets


3️⃣ 8. WestRock Company

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: EverGrip® barrier packaging

WestRock develops paper-based packaging with functional barriers for food, beverage, and healthcare markets. Their solutions combine performance with sustainability through optimized material usage and recyclable designs.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Plant-based barrier coating innovations

  • Fiber procurement from certified sources


2️⃣ 9. DS Smith

Headquarters: London, UK
Key Offering: Greencoat barrier papers

DS Smith designs recyclable paper packaging with integrated barrier properties for food protection. Their solutions replace multi-material packaging while maintaining product shelf life and performance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Circular Design Principles implementation

  • 30% CO₂ reduction per ton of product by 2030


1️⃣ 10. International Paper

Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Barrier food packaging solutions

International Paper provides sustainable paperboard packaging with integrated barriers for fresh and frozen food applications. Their solutions are designed for compatibility with existing recycling infrastructure.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005

  • 100% FSC-certified fiber sourcing

Read Full Report: Barrier Packaging Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Market Outlook: Sustainable Barrier Papers Gaining Momentum

The barrier packaging paper sector is transforming as brands seek alternatives to multi-layer plastic packaging. While traditional laminates still dominate certain applications, water-based and bio-based barrier technologies are experiencing rapid adoption across food service and e-commerce segments.

📈 Key Industry Trends:

  • Increasing regulatory bans on single-use plastics in EU and North America

  • Advancements in bio-based barrier coatings using cellulose, starch, and algae

  • Growing demand for home-compostable food packaging solutions

  • E-commerce growth driving need for protective yet sustainable packaging

Read Full Report: Barrier Packaging Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

These industry leaders are not just responding to current market needs – they’re actively shaping the future of sustainable packaging through material innovations, closed-loop solutions, and cross-value chain collaborations that reduce environmental impact without compromising product protection.