Top 10 Companies in the Casting and Release Paper Industry (2026): Leaders Shaping Specialty Surfaces for Global Manufacturing

In Business Insights
February 18, 2026


The Global Casting and Release Paper Market was valued at USD 2.1 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3.4 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.7% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This sustained growth is primarily fueled by rising demand from the synthetic leather industry, expanding applications in pressure-sensitive labels and composites, and the accelerating adoption of high-performance, sustainable paper solutions.

As manufacturing sectors worldwide prioritize quality surface finishes, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility, the critical role of casting and release papers becomes increasingly evident. These specialized papers are indispensable for creating textured surfaces, protecting adhesives, and enabling clean release in diverse industrial processes. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Casting and Release Paper Industry—a mix of global paper giants, specialty coating experts, and innovative manufacturers driving the future of industrial surface solutions.


🔟 1. Sappi Global

Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Offering: Casting papers for synthetic leather, specialty release liners

Sappi is a leading global producer of dissolving wood pulp, paper, and packaging. Its specialty papers division is a major force in the casting paper market, supplying high-quality papers used to impart sophisticated grain patterns and textures onto synthetic leather for automotive interiors, footwear, and furniture.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of high-performance casting papers with superior finish quality

  • Investment in sustainable forestry and eco-efficient production processes

  • Focus on R&D for new textures and release technologies

Download FREE Sample Report:
Casting and Release Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. LINTEC Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Silicone-coated release papers, specialty papers for labels and industrial use

LINTEC is a dominant player in the adhesive products and specialty papers market. Its extensive portfolio includes a wide range of high-performance silicone-coated release papers that serve the label, tape, and industrial sectors with precision and reliability.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Advanced silicone coating technologies for consistent release performance

  • Expansion of product lines for electronics and high-value applications


8️⃣ 3. Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP)

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-precision release films and papers, casting papers for decorative applications

DNP is a diversified printing company with a strong presence in specialty papers and films. It produces high-quality release liners and casting papers used in demanding applications such as electronic components, decorative laminates, and precision labels.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of ultra-thin and high-heat-resistant release papers

  • Integration of digital printing technologies with release paper production


7️⃣ 4. Ahlstrom-Munksjö

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Fiber-based materials, specialty release liners, filtration and release papers

Formed from the merger of Ahlstrom and Munksjö, this company is a global leader in fiber-based materials. It offers a broad range of specialty release papers, including those used in medical, food, and industrial tape applications, known for their purity and performance.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Focus on sustainable, renewable, and recyclable fiber solutions

  • Development of release papers for next-generation battery and filter technologies

Download FREE Sample Report:
Casting and Release Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Fedrigoni Group

Headquarters: Verona, Italy
Key Offering: Premium specialty papers, casting and release papers for luxury packaging and labels

Fedrigoni is a leading European producer of premium specialty papers for packaging, publishing, and graphic arts. Its product range includes high-grade casting and release papers that cater to the luxury packaging, wine labels, and high-end adhesive markets.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Acquisition strategy to expand technical paper capabilities and geographic reach

  • Emphasis on tactile and visual excellence for premium brand applications


5️⃣ 6. Pixelle Specialty Solutions

Headquarters: Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Specialty papers, release base papers, and custom-engineered solutions

Pixelle is a leading North American producer of specialty papers, offering a wide array of base papers for silicone coating and other release liner applications. The company serves various markets, including labels, tapes, and industrial products.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Custom paper development to meet specific customer release and performance needs

  • Investment in paper machine capabilities for enhanced quality and consistency


4️⃣ 7. Nordic Paper

Headquarters: Säffle, Sweden
Key Offering: Greaseproof and specialty kraft papers, including base papers for release liners

Nordic Paper is a leading producer of greaseproof and kraft papers. It supplies high-strength, natural kraft papers that serve as robust base stocks for silicone coating, particularly in demanding industrial and food packaging release liner applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Strong focus on paper strength, purity, and barrier properties

  • Commitment to sustainable production from certified Scandinavian forests


3️⃣ 8. Gascogne Papier

Headquarters: Mimizan, France
Key Offering: Specialty kraft papers, extensible papers, and base papers for release liners

Gascogne Papier is a major European manufacturer of specialty kraft papers. The company produces high-quality base papers known for their excellent mechanical properties, which are essential for high-speed converting and reliable performance in release liner applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of extensible papers for improved convertibility and performance

  • Investment in environmental performance and reduced carbon footprint


2️⃣ 9. Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Thermal papers, specialty papers, and casting/release papers for technical applications

Mitsubishi Paper Mills is a leading Japanese company with a strong portfolio of specialty papers. It manufactures advanced casting and release papers used in electronics, industrial materials, and other high-tech sectors requiring precision and durability.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • R&D in nano-coating and surface modification technologies

  • Focus on papers for emerging applications in flexible electronics and energy storage


1️⃣ 10. Itasa (Industrial Tèxtil Aplicada, S.A.)

Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain
Key Offering: Silicone-coated release liners, casting papers for textiles and composites

Itasa is a European specialist in silicone-coated release liners and technical papers. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including textiles for lamination, composites manufacturing, and technical labels, with a focus on customized solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Specialization in custom-engineered release solutions for niche markets

  • Development of high-temperature and anti-stick papers for composite curing

Get Full Report Here:
Casting and Release Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Casting and Release Paper is Smarter and More Sustainable

The casting and release paper market is undergoing a significant evolution. While traditional applications in leather and labels continue to drive volume, the industry is heavily investing in sustainable material innovations, advanced coating technologies, and specialized papers for high-growth sectors.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated shift towards bio-based, compostable, and recyclable release liners

  • Growing demand for high-performance papers in composite materials and electric vehicle components

  • Digitalization and automation in paper manufacturing and coating processes

  • Strategic partnerships between paper producers and end-users to develop application-specific solutions

Get Full Report Here:
Casting and Release Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential industrial materials—they’re pioneering the sustainable and high-tech transformation of manufacturing surfaces across the globe.