Top 10 Companies in the Coated Paper Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving Sustainable Printing and Packaging Innovation

In Business Insights
September 28, 2025

The Global Coated Paper Market was valued at US$ 5696 Million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 6625.4 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.2% during the forecast period (2022–2030). This growth is being driven by increasing demand for high-quality printing materials, expanding packaging applications in e-commerce, and the rising adoption of sustainable coated paper solutions across printing, labeling, and other sectors.

As the printing and packaging industries shift toward eco-friendly practices and superior print quality, attention turns to the major producers who are pioneering advancements in coating technologies, resource efficiency, and recyclable materials. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Coated Paper Industry—a blend of established paper giants, innovative manufacturers, and sustainability-focused leaders defining the future of coated paper globally.


🔟 1. Resolute Forest Products

Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Key Offering: Coated groundwood, coated freesheet, and specialty coated papers

Resolute Forest Products stands as a prominent North American player in the coated paper sector, supplying high-gloss and matte coated papers for magazines, catalogs, and commercial printing. With mills optimized for efficiency, the company caters to publishers and printers seeking durable, high-performance substrates that enhance color reproduction and image sharpness.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commitment to 100% certified sustainable fiber sourcing

  • Investments in water recycling and energy-efficient production

  • Aiming for carbon-neutral operations by 2050 through reforestation programs

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


9️⃣ 2. Catalyst Paper

Headquarters: Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Key Offering: Coated mechanical papers, lightweight coated (LWC) grades

Catalyst Paper specializes in coated papers for advertising, retail inserts, and educational materials, operating facilities that produce millions of tons annually. The company excels in delivering cost-effective solutions that balance quality and affordability for high-volume print runs.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Utilization of renewable energy in manufacturing processes

  • Partnerships for responsible forestry management


8️⃣ 3. Lecta

Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain
Key Offering: Coated wood-free papers, digital coated sheets

Lecta is a key European supplier of premium coated papers tailored for graphic arts, brochures, and packaging. Its product range supports both offset and digital printing, ensuring versatility for modern publishing needs while maintaining consistent surface properties for superior ink adhesion.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Production of FSC-certified papers with low environmental impact

  • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through optimized logistics


7️⃣ 4. Stora Enso

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Coated magazine papers, barrier-coated packaging solutions

Stora Enso, one of the world’s largest paper producers, offers innovative coated papers that enhance print quality and functionality. The company serves the publishing and flexible packaging markets, with a focus on developing renewable alternatives to plastic coatings for sustainable applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Goal to replace fossil-based materials with bio-based coatings by 2030

  • Extensive use of renewable raw materials and closed-loop recycling

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


6️⃣ 5. Chenming Paper

Headquarters: Shouguang, Shandong, China
Key Offering: Coated art papers, duplex coated boards

Chenming Paper is a leading Asian manufacturer, producing coated papers for books, calendars, and high-end packaging. With large-scale production capabilities, it meets the growing demands of China’s printing industry while exporting to international markets for premium print media.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Implementation of eco-friendly pulping technologies

  • Targets for zero-waste manufacturing and biodiversity conservation


5️⃣ 6. Nippon Paper Industries

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Coated printing papers, functional coated grades

Nippon Paper Industries delivers advanced coated papers optimized for Japanese publishing standards, including lightweight coated stocks for books and magazines. The company’s research-driven approach ensures papers that offer excellent smoothness and opacity for professional results.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Current production exceeding sustainable fiber quotas annually

  • Expansion plans for recycled content integration by 2025


4️⃣ 7. Oji Paper

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-quality coated papers, label and packaging coatings

Oji Paper is a dominant force in Asia, providing coated papers that support vibrant printing for advertising and consumer goods packaging. Its global network ensures reliable supply chains, with innovations in water-based coatings to improve durability without compromising aesthetics.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Heavy investment in low-carbon production methods

  • Collaborations for forest certification across supply chains


3️⃣ 8. Verso Corporation

Headquarters: Miamisburg, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Coated groundwood, coated freesheet for publishing

Verso Corporation focuses on North American markets, offering coated papers ideal for catalogs, direct mail, and inserts. Known for its versatile grades, the company helps printers achieve cost savings while delivering sharp, colorful outputs that stand out in competitive spaces.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Advanced paper recycling programs to minimize landfill waste

  • Public-private efforts to enhance recyclable coated options


2️⃣ 9. Burgo Group

Headquarters: Altavilla Vicentina, Italy
Key Offering: Coated graphic papers, flexible packaging papers

Burgo Group excels in European coated paper production, supplying materials for magazines, brochures, and sustainable packaging. Its facilities produce papers with precise coatings that improve print fidelity, meeting the needs of luxury brands and everyday printing alike.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Aspiration to produce high volumes of recycled coated papers

  • Ongoing expansions in eco-friendly supply networks


1️⃣ 10. UPM-Kymmene Corporation

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Premium coated papers, bio-based coated innovations

UPM leads the global coated paper market as a pioneer in sustainable forestry and advanced manufacturing. It supplies high-end coated papers for international publishing and packaging, with proprietary technologies that ensure exceptional gloss and print performance compatible with modern equipment.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Full integration of renewable and recyclable materials

  • Key alliances with global printers for low-impact solutions

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


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Coated Paper Is Sustainable and Innovative

The coated paper market is experiencing a steady evolution. Although traditional printing remains strong, the sector is channeling significant resources into eco-friendly alternatives, advanced coating techniques, and expanded applications in packaging and labels.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated growth in sustainable, recyclable coated papers in Europe, North America, and Asia

  • Regulatory incentives for reducing plastic use through bio-coated options by 2030

  • Integration of digital tools for customized paper production and quality control

  • Collaborations between paper mills and end-users for greener supply chains

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

The companies profiled here are not just producing coated paper—they’re leading the sustainable evolution of printing and packaging worldwide.

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