Top 10 Companies in the Virgin Wood Pulp Industry (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Paper and Packaging

In Business Insights
February 25, 2026

The Global Virgin Wood Pulp Market was valued at USD 76.5 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 105.4 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.1% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This growth is being driven by the surging demand for sustainable packaging, expansion of tissue and hygiene product industries, and the accelerating adoption of certified sustainable forestry practices across global paper and packaging sectors.

As the world shifts towards eco-friendly materials and circular economy principles, the spotlight is on the key pulp producers who are driving innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable supply chains. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Virgin Wood Pulp Industry—a mix of global giants, integrated paper producers, and sustainability pioneers shaping the future of fiber-based solutions.


🔟 1. Suzano S.A.

Headquarters: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Key Offering: Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp (BEKP), Fluff Pulp, Special Pulps

Suzano is the world’s largest market player in hardwood pulp, controlling approximately 15% of global production capacity. The company leverages its vast, fast-growing eucalyptus plantations in Brazil to achieve industry-leading cost efficiency and scale. Suzano’s pulp is a critical raw material for high-quality printing and writing papers, tissue, and specialty packaging applications worldwide.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Over 1 million hectares of certified forests (FSC, CERFLOR)

  • Commitment to removing 40 million tons of carbon from the atmosphere by 2025

  • Investments in lignin-based bio-products and next-generation biorefineries

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Virgin Wood Pulp Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. International Paper

Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK), Southern Bleached Softwood Kraft (SBSK), Fluff Pulps

International Paper is a global leader in paper and packaging with significant operations in virgin pulp production. The company operates large-scale pulp mills across North America, supplying both its integrated paper facilities and external markets. Its pulp is renowned for its strength properties, making it ideal for corrugated packaging and high-strength paper grades.

Sustainability Initiatives:

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

  • Investment in fiber regeneration and recycling technologies


8️⃣ 3. Stora Enso

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Nordic Softwood Pulp, Hardwood Pulp, Dissolving Pulp

Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction. Its pulp division produces high-quality virgin fibers from sustainably managed Nordic forests, serving global markets for paperboard, tissue, and specialty applications. The company’s focus on innovation has positioned it at the forefront of the bioeconomy transition.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% traceable wood raw materials

  • Pioneering lignin-based batteries and carbon materials


7️⃣ 4. UPM-Kymmene Corporation

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Bleached Softwood and Hardwood Pulps, Specialty Pulps

UPM is a frontrunner in sustainable bioforestry, operating modern pulp mills in Finland and Uruguay. The company’s pulp products are known for their excellent technical properties and environmental credentials, serving demanding applications in labeling, flexible packaging, and specialty papers. UPM is also a major player in developing new biomaterials from wood components.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Committed to 100% certified wood sourcing

  • Developing novel biochemicals from pulp mill side streams


6️⃣ 5. Metsä Fibre (Part of Metsä Group)

Headquarters: Espoo, Finland
Key Offering: Botnia Nordic Softwood and Hardwood Pulps

Metsä Fibre is a leading producer of softwood and hardwood pulp, with its state-of-the-art bioproduct mill in Äänekoski, Finland, representing one of the most modern pulp facilities globally. The company’s pulp is favored for its brightness, strength, and purity, making it suitable for high-end tissue, fine paper, and board products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • World’s first pulp mill to produce no fossil-fuel-based CO2 emissions

  • Comprehensive utilization of wood raw material in a biorefinery model

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Virgin Wood Pulp Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 6. APP (Asia Pulp & Paper)

Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
Key Offering: Acacia and Eucalyptus Pulps, Paper, and Packaging

APP is one of the world’s largest pulp and paper companies, with extensive operations across Indonesia and China. The company’s massive scale allows it to serve a vast global customer base with a wide range of paper grades. APP has made significant strides in implementing its sustainability roadmap, focusing on responsible sourcing and conservation.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Forest Conservation Policy and zero-deforestation commitment

  • Support for peatland restoration and biodiversity protection


4️⃣ 7. Oji Holdings Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Hardwood and Softwood Kraft Pulps, Dissolving Pulp

Oji Holdings is a major integrated forest products company with a significant presence across Asia and Oceania. The company produces a diverse portfolio of pulp grades used in its extensive paper, packaging, and converting operations. Oji is actively expanding its biomass business and developing new cellulose nanofiber applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Promotion of sustainable plantation forestry in overseas operations

  • R&D in cellulose nanofibers for lightweight composites


3️⃣ 8. ARAUCO

Headquarters: Santiago, Chile
Key Offering: Radiata Pine Pulp, Eucalyptus Pulp, Forest Products

ARAUCO is a leading global forestry company with plantations and manufacturing facilities in South America and North America. The company is a major supplier of high-quality softwood and hardwood pulps, known for their consistent quality and performance. ARAUCO’s products are essential for tissue, paperboard, and specialty paper manufacturers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneer in sustainable forestry practices in South America

  • Development of value-added wood products and bioenergy


2️⃣ 9. CMPC (Empresas CMPC S.A.)

Headquarters: Santiago, Chile
Key Offering: Bleached Softwood and Hardwood Pulps, Tissue, Packaging

CMPC is a major integrated forestry company with operations across Latin America. The company produces a range of pulp grades from its sustainably managed plantations, supplying both its internal paper and tissue production and external markets. CMPC is focused on innovation and operational excellence across its value chain.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Comprehensive biodiversity conservation programs

  • Commitment to circular economy principles and water stewardship


1️⃣ 10. Sappi Limited

Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Offering: Dissolving Pulp (DP), Graphic Paper Pulps, Packaging Pulps

Sappi is a leading global provider of dissolving wood pulp, a specialty grade used to create viscose fiber for textiles and apparel. The company also produces various paper-grade pulps from its mills in South Africa, North America, and Europe. Sappi’s strong R&D focus drives innovation in both traditional and new biomaterial applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Global leader in sustainable dissolving pulp production

  • Initiatives to reduce water usage and increase energy efficiency

Get Full Report Here: Global Virgin Wood Pulp Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Virgin Wood Pulp Is Sustainable and Diversified

The virgin wood pulp market is undergoing a profound transformation. While traditional paper applications continue to drive volume, the industry is investing significantly in sustainable forestry, biorefinery concepts, and high-value bioproducts.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid expansion of sustainable packaging driven by e-commerce and plastic substitution

  • Increasing regulatory focus on deforestation-free supply chains (EUDR)

  • Growth in demand for dissolving pulp for textile applications (viscose, lyocell)

  • Digitalization and advanced analytics optimizing pulp mill operations and supply chains

Get Full Report Here: Global Virgin Wood Pulp Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential fibers for global industries—they’re pioneering the sustainable bioeconomy of tomorrow.