Top 10 Companies in the Latin America Uncoated Testliner Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Regional Packaging

MARKET INSIGHTS

The Latin America uncoated testliner market was valued at USD 1.38 billion in 2024. The industry is expected to rise from USD 1.45 billion in 2025 to USD 2.08 billion by 2034, reflecting a steady compound annual growth of 5.2% over the forecast horizon.

Uncoated testliner, a recycled paperboard used primarily as the outer liner in corrugated board, presents a cost‑effective and environmentally friendly alternative to kraftliner. Its growing adoption is driven by a robust uptick in demand for sustainable packaging across the region, with Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina together accounting for roughly 75% of the market volume.

Industrial packaging remains the largest consumer, representing about half of total demand in 2024, while the e‑commerce sector fuels an estimated 11% annual growth in packaging needs. A notable 14% increase in demand for high‑strength grades during the last year has narrowed the performance gap with more expensive kraftliner, prompting key players to invest in advanced recycling and production technologies.

Latin America Uncoated Testliner Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Top 10 Companies

1️⃣ Suzano S.A.

Headquarters: Brazil
Key Offering: High‑strength and premium‑printability uncoated testliner for industrial and e‑commerce packaging

Suzano leverages its extensive eucalyptus plantations and integrated pulp operations to secure a stable supply of recycled fibers. The company’s recent capacity expansion has increased regional production by 18% year‑over‑year, positioning it as the dominant supplier for corrugated core manufacturing.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investments in closed‑loop recycling to boost recycled content to 90%
• Partnerships with logistics providers to reduce freight emissions
• Digital monitoring of fiber quality to minimise waste

2️⃣ Klabin S.A.

Headquarters: Brazil
Key Offering: Advanced de‑inking technology and high‑performance testliner for premium printing applications

With a strong focus on sustainability certifications, Klabin has positioned itself as a trusted partner for packaging brands seeking high printability and low environmental impact. Its multi‑plant network spans the southeast and north of Brazil, ensuring rapid response to regional demand.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Implementation of ISO 14001 across all mills
• Carbon offset projects tied to pulp production
• Research into bio‑based coatings to enhance surface properties

3️⃣ Grupo Gondi

Headquarters: Brazil
Key Offering: Cost‑effective uncoated testliner for mid‑tier packaging solutions

Grupo Gondi’s strategy centers on efficient production and rapid distribution across Latin America. Its recent investment in automated stock‑preparation has reduced lead times for high‑strength grades.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Adoption of renewable energy in mill operations
• Enhanced water recycling in pulping processes
• Collaboration with e‑commerce firms to tailor grades for online retail

4️⃣ Empresas CMPC

Headquarters: Chile
Key Offering: High‑strength and print‑ready uncoated testliner for industrial and consumer goods

CMPC’s Chilean facilities are strategically located near major ports, enabling efficient export to the Caribbean and North America. The company has recently expanded its capacity by 12% to meet growing demand.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Certification under Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• Investment in low‑energy pulping technologies
• Partnerships with local governments to promote circular economy projects

5️⃣ Cartones Ponderosa

Headquarters: Argentina
Key Offering: Lightweight, low‑basis‑weight testliner for e‑commerce cartons

Cartones Ponderosa has carved a niche by offering grades that reduce shipping weight while maintaining structural integrity, a feature highly valued by online retailers.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Use of post‑consumer recycled fibers in all grades
• Zero‑waste policy in production lines
• Collaboration with logistics firms to optimise packaging design

6️⃣ Papel San Francisco

Headquarters: Argentina
Key Offering: Medium‑strength testliner for industrial packaging and specialty applications

By focusing on medium‑strength grades, Papel San Francisco offers a cost‑effective alternative for manufacturers that require a balance between durability and price.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Implementation of a closed‑loop water system
• Use of bio‑based additives to improve printability
• Engagement with local communities to support sustainable forestry

7️⃣ Arauco

Headquarters: Chile
Key Offering: High‑surface‑smoothness testliner for high‑resolution printing

Arauco’s joint venture in the testliner space has leveraged its expertise in panel manufacturing to deliver grades that meet the stringent visual requirements of premium brands.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Use of sustainably sourced hardwoods in pulp feedstock
• Investment in digital printing platforms for real‑time quality control
• Partnerships with NGOs to promote forest conservation

8️⃣ Smurfit Kappa Group

Headquarters: Ireland (Latin America operations)

Key Offering: Design‑to‑value uncoated testliner for premium packaging across multiple sectors

Smurfit Kappa’s global footprint allows it to transfer best practices from Europe to Latin America, driving innovation in product design and sustainability.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Carbon neutral production targets for 2030
• Digital print‑ready coatings to reduce post‑processing steps
• Investment in circular‑economy initiatives across its supply chain

9️⃣ Papelera Nacional S.A.

Headquarters: Mexico
Key Offering: Mid‑strength testliner for industrial and e‑commerce packaging

Papelera Nacional has focused on delivering consistent quality at competitive pricing, making it a preferred supplier for Mexican packaging manufacturers.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Adoption of renewable energy in mill operations
• Implementation of a closed‑loop water recycling system
• Collaboration with local governments to support waste‑to‑resource projects

🔟 Celulosa Argentina

Headquarters: Argentina
Key Offering: High‑strength testliner for industrial packaging and specialty applications

Celulosa Argentina has invested in advanced de‑inking technologies to enhance fiber quality, enabling it to compete in premium segments.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Use of post‑consumer fibers in all product lines
• Carbon‑offset projects linked to pulp production
• Engagement with research institutions to develop next‑generation coatings

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Outlook

Over the next decade, the Latin America uncoated testliner market will continue to benefit from the convergence of sustainable packaging mandates and the rapid expansion of e‑commerce logistics. The region’s leading economies—Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina—will drive the bulk of growth, supported by strategic investments in pulp and paper infrastructure and digital manufacturing platforms.

Future Trends

Key trends shaping the market include:

• Enhanced bio‑based coatings that improve printability without compromising recyclability.
• Expansion of export corridors to the Caribbean and North America, leveraging lower labor costs and proximity.
• Adoption of real‑time quality monitoring systems that reduce waste and improve supply reliability.
• Increased focus on high‑strength grades to meet the performance demands of premium packaging, reducing the need for kraftliner.