Top 10 Companies in the Book Paper Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Global Publishing

In Business Insights
November 15, 2025


The Global Book Paper Market was valued at US$ 75.07 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 89.75 Billion by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.6% during the forecast period. This consistent growth is being driven by steady demand for educational materials, a resilient trade book sector, and the accelerating adoption of sustainable and recycled paper solutions across publishing and printing industries.

As the publishing industry navigates the digital age while sustaining demand for physical books, the focus is on the key paper manufacturers who are driving innovation, supply chain efficiency, and environmental stewardship. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Book Paper Industry—a mix of global pulp giants, specialty paper producers, and sustainability leaders shaping the future of printed content.

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


🔟 1. International Paper

Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Uncoated Freesheet, Coated Paperboard, Pulp

International Paper is one of the world’s largest producers of fiber-based packaging, pulp, and paper. Its uncoated freesheet papers are a staple in the North American book publishing market, serving educational, trade, and professional segments. The company’s scale and vertical integration provide a significant competitive advantage.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030

  • Signatory to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)

  • Investment in circular economy models for paper recycling


9️⃣ 2. UPM-Kymmene Corporation

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: UPM Fine Paper, UPM Finesse, UPM Star

UPM is a leading European producer of graphic papers, with a strong portfolio of book publishing grades. The company’s papers are renowned for their high opacity, excellent printability, and environmental credentials. UPM’s “Biofore” strategy emphasizes renewable and recyclable materials.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • All pulp and paper sourced from 100% certified forests

  • Pioneer in biofuels and biochemicals from forest biomass

  • Committed to 100% recyclable products and net-zero by 2040


8️⃣ 3. Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) Sinar Mas

Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
Key Offering: Lively, Paperline, Elevation book papers

APP Sinar Mas is one of the largest pulp and paper companies in the world, with a massive production capacity. It supplies a wide range of coated and uncoated woodfree papers to publishing markets across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Its integrated supply chain from plantation to paper ensures cost competitiveness.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Forest Conservation Policy (FCP) to eliminate deforestation

  • Investment in community development and fire prevention programs

  • Increasing production of recycled content paper grades

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


7️⃣ 4. Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA)

Headquarters: Sundsvall, Sweden
Key Offering: SCALA, Munken, Magno Natural book papers

SCA is Europe’s largest private forest owner and a leading producer of publication papers. Its SCALA and Munken brands are globally recognized for their high quality, archival properties, and environmental performance, making them preferred choices for art books and high-end publications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Forest management certified to FSC and PEFC standards

  • Production facilities powered largely by biofuels

  • Active in carbon sequestration through sustainable forestry


6️⃣ 5. Stora Enso

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Galerie, MultiCopy, Cordenons book papers

Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, and paper. Its communication papers division produces a comprehensive range of coated and uncoated papers for books, magazines, and catalogs. The company is actively transitioning from traditional paper to a broader portfolio of biomaterials.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Aiming for 100% regenerative solutions by 2050

  • Leader in lignin-based biomaterials innovation

  • All wood fibers from traceable and certified sources


5️⃣ 6. Oji Paper

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Aurora, Hi-Art, Saikon coated papers

Oji Paper is a major force in the Asian paper market, with a strong presence in Japan, China, and Oceania. The company offers a diverse portfolio of paper products, including high-quality coated papers for art books, magazines, and commercial printing. Its technical expertise in coating and finishing is a key differentiator.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commitment to zero deforestation in its supply chain

  • Development of paper products with high recycled content

  • Investment in water conservation and emission reduction technologies


4️⃣ 7. Nippon Paper Group

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: NPI Ultra-Light, Shiraoi TCF, Kokuyo Biz

Nippon Paper is a comprehensive paper manufacturing group with operations across the globe. It produces a wide array of printing and communication papers, including lightweight and high-bulk grades ideal for reducing shipping costs for large-volume books. The company is also a leader in developing paper-based alternatives to plastic.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on creating a circular economy with paper-based products

  • Promotion of sustainably managed forest resources

  • R&D into cellulose nanofiber (CNF) applications


3️⃣ 8. Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Ltd.

Headquarters: Dongguan, China
Key Offering: Recycled uncoated printing and writing paper

Nine Dragons Paper is the largest containerboard producer in China and a significant player in the recycled paper market. It supplies substantial volumes of uncoated woodfree paper, often with high recycled content, to the domestic Chinese publishing and printing industry, catering to the massive demand for educational and commercial printing.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Core business model centered on recycling wastepaper

  • Investment in energy-efficient production technologies

  • Commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of packaging and paper


2️⃣ 9. Chenming Paper

Headquarters: Shouguang, China
Key Offering: Uncoated Offset Paper, Art Paper, Specialty Papers

Chenming Paper is one of China’s leading paper manufacturers, with a diversified product portfolio that includes significant production of uncoated offset paper for book printing. The company has a strong domestic market share and is expanding its international presence, supported by large-scale, integrated production facilities.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Implementation of advanced wastewater treatment systems

  • Increasing use of recycled and sustainable raw materials

  • Focus on cleaner production processes and energy conservation


1️⃣ 10. Glatfelter Corporation

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: Specialty Book Papers, Airlaid Materials

Glatfelter is a global supplier of engineered materials, specializing in specialty papers and fiber-based products. Unlike the volume producers, Glatfelter focuses on high-value, technically advanced papers for specific book applications, such as Bible paper, lightweight reference book paper, and premium specialty covers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Manufacturing processes designed to minimize waste and energy use

  • Development of sustainable and compostable nonwoven materials

  • Commitment to responsible fiber sourcing and chain of custody certification

Get Full Report Here:
Book Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Book Paper Is Sustainable and Specialized

The book paper market is undergoing a strategic evolution. While traditional uncoated papers continue to dominate in volume, the industry is increasingly investing in recycled content, forest certification, and specialized papers that offer unique textures, weights, and environmental benefits.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Growing publisher and consumer demand for FSC and PEFC certified papers

  • Innovation in lightweight and high-bulk papers to reduce logistics costs

  • Rising importance of recycled content as a key purchasing criterion

  • Specialization and premiumization in book paper for art, photography, and limited editions

Get Full Report Here:
Book Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying the global publishing industry—they’re championing the sustainable transformation of how books are made.