Top 10 Companies in the Global Papermaking Blanket Market (2026): Market Leaders Driving Paper Industry Innovation

MARKET INSIGHTS

The Global papermaking blanket market was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2032, reaching USD 1.9 billion by 2032. This growth is primarily attributed to the sustained expansion of the packaging industry, increased demand for sustainable paper‑based packaging solutions, and technological advancements in papermaking machinery.

Papermaking blankets, also known as forming fabrics or paper machine clothing, are critical components in paper manufacturing. They are permeable belts or fabrics made from synthetic materials like polyester or polyamide, designed to facilitate water drainage, provide surface uniformity, and support the paper sheet during formation. These blankets are installed on paper machines and play a crucial role in determining paper quality, texture, and production efficiency.

The market’s robust growth is driven by several key factors. The rapid expansion of e‑commerce has increased demand for corrugated boxes and other paper‑based packaging materials, directly increasing demand for papermaking blankets. Simultaneously, the global shift toward sustainable packaging solutions to reduce plastic waste has accelerated paper consumption across various sectors. Furthermore, technological improvements in papermaking blankets, such as enhanced durability and better drainage capabilities, are enabling longer operational lifetimes and reduced downtime, contributing to market expansion.

Regionally, Asia‑Pacific dominates the market due to high production capacity in China, India, and Japan. North America and Europe remain significant markets due to their established paper industries and increasing focus on sustainable packaging. Key players include Albany International, AstenJohnson, and Heimbach, who are focusing on product innovation and strategic partnerships to strengthen their market position.

Source: Smithers, Grand View Research, and industry reports (2024‑2025)

Global Papermaking Blanket Market – View in Detailed Research Report

📊 Market Size & Growth (2025‑2034)

The Global papermaking blanket market is projected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2032, with a steady CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period. In 2026, the market is expected to expand to USD 1.3 billion, reflecting the growing demand for high‑performance forming and press fabrics across the packaging, tissue, and specialty paper segments.

🧵 What is a Papermaking Blanket?

Papermaking blankets are permeable fabrics or belts that line the paper machine’s forming and press sections. Made from synthetic monofilaments such as polyester or polyamide, these blankets enable efficient water removal, provide a smooth surface for paper sheet formation, and protect the paper machine from abrasion. Their performance directly influences paper quality, texture, and production efficiency.

🔟 10. Sino‑Paper Blanket Co.

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: High‑performance pressure and dry blankets with advanced monofilament technology

Sino‑Paper Blanket Co. has positioned itself as a leading supplier of durable, high‑efficiency blankets for the Asia‑Pacific market. Leveraging state‑of‑the‑art weaving techniques, the company delivers blankets that reduce energy consumption and extend machine uptime.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Use of recycled polyester monofilaments to reduce carbon footprint
• Collaboration with paper mills to optimize blanket lifespan
• Implementation of closed‑loop water recycling in blanket production

🗾 9. Albany International

Headquarters: Minneapolis, USA
Key Offering: Specialty forming fabrics for kraft and corrugated paper

Albany International has a long history of innovation in papermaking textiles. Its product portfolio includes pressure and dry blankets designed for high‑speed kraft and corrugated paper production, offering superior dewatering and reduced energy consumption.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low‑energy blankets that cut drying section power usage by up to 15%
• Investment in R&D for biodegradable monofilaments
• Partnerships with paper mills to implement circular economy practices

🗺️ 8. AstenJohnson

Headquarters: Nuremberg, Germany
Key Offering: Advanced pressure blankets with sensor integration

AstenJohnson focuses on high‑precision blankets that incorporate real‑time monitoring sensors, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing unplanned downtime.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Integration of IoT sensors for wear monitoring
• Use of recycled nylon blends to lower raw material emissions
• Collaboration with European paper mills to achieve net‑zero targets

🏭 7. Heimbach

Headquarters: Mönchengladbach, Germany
Key Offering: Multi‑layer composite blankets for specialty and recycled paper

Heimbach delivers multi‑layer blankets that combine abrasion‑resistant outer layers with high‑absorbency inner layers, ideal for high‑value specialty and recycled paper grades.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low‑energy blankets for high‑speed mills
• Use of bio‑based monofilaments in selected product lines
• Active participation in EU circular economy initiatives

🌏 6. Jiangsu Jinni Group

Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Comprehensive blanket solutions for the Asia‑Pacific market

Jiangsu Jinni Group supplies a full range of pressure and dry blankets, backed by strong relationships with local paper mills and a robust R&D pipeline focused on durability and performance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Use of recycled polyester in blanket production
• Energy‑efficient manufacturing processes
• Partnerships with local mills to extend blanket lifecycle

🌐 5. Leshan Chuanfeng Papermaking Blanket Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Leshan, China
Key Offering: High‑performance forming fabrics for kraft and tissue papers

Leshan Chuanfeng specializes in pressure blankets that deliver superior dewatering for kraft and tissue paper production, reducing energy consumption in the drying section.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Adoption of recycled nylon blends
• Implementation of water‑recycling systems in manufacturing
• Collaboration with paper mills on circular economy projects

📦 4. Longmen County Papermaking Blanket Factory

Headquarters: Longmen, China
Key Offering: Durable pressure and dry blankets for high‑speed paper machines

The factory offers blankets engineered for high‑speed operations, featuring advanced weave patterns that enhance water removal and reduce downtime.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Use of recycled polyester fibers
• Energy‑efficient production lines
• Partnerships with mills to optimize blanket lifespan

🧪 3. Zhangjiagang Baoquan Packaging Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Zhangjiagang, China
Key Offering: Specialty blankets for corrugated and packaging papers

Baoquan Packaging provides blankets tailored for corrugated board production, focusing on high abrasion resistance and efficient water drainage.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low‑energy blankets for packaging mills
• Use of recycled monofilaments in selected products
• Collaboration with suppliers to reduce carbon footprint

🔬 2. Sichuan Huanlong Technical Fabric

Headquarters: Sichuan, China
Key Offering: High‑performance felts for demanding papermaking processes

Sichuan Huanlong specializes in felts that deliver superior abrasion resistance and durability for high‑speed paper machines.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Use of recycled nylon blends
• Energy‑saving manufacturing practices
• Partnerships with mills to extend blanket lifecycle

📈 1. Henan Shuanglong Papermaking Felt

Headquarters: Henan, China
Key Offering: Advanced dry and pressure blankets for specialty and recycled papers

Henan Shuanglong delivers blankets that combine high‑absorbency inner layers with abrasion‑resistant outer layers, ideal for specialty and recycled paper grades.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Use of recycled polyester and nylon monofilaments
• Energy‑efficient production processes
• Collaboration with paper mills on circular economy projects

Global Papermaking Blanket Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Global Papermaking Blanket Market – View in Detailed Research Report

🌍 Outlook: The Future of Global Papermaking Blanket Market

The Global papermaking blanket market is set to maintain steady growth driven by the expansion of the packaging industry, the rise of e‑commerce, and a global shift toward sustainable packaging solutions. Technological advancements such as sensor‑enabled blankets and multi‑layer composite designs will further enhance energy efficiency and product performance, reinforcing the market’s upward trajectory.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid growth in e‑commerce logistics fuels demand for corrugated and packaging blankets.
• Increased focus on sustainability drives the adoption of recycled monofilaments and low‑energy blankets.
• Integration of IoT sensors for real‑time wear monitoring and predictive maintenance.
• Development of multi‑layer composite blankets that combine abrasion resistance with high absorbency.
• Shift toward customized solutions tailored to specific paper grades and machine configurations.