Top 10 Companies in the Non-Wood Pulp Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving Sustainable Fiber Solutions

In Business Insights
June 05, 2025

The Global Non-Wood Pulp Market was valued at USD 850 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.31 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.4% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This expansion is driven by stringent environmental regulations, corporate sustainability goals, and the rapid growth of eco-conscious packaging and textile industries.

As global industries transition toward circular economy models, non-wood pulp has emerged as a vital alternative to traditional wood-based fibers. This report profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Non-Wood Pulp Industry—from established pulp manufacturers to innovative fiber specialists revolutionizing sustainable material production.


🔟 1. Sappi Limited

Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Offering: Dissolving wood pulp, specialty papers, non-wood fiber solutions

Sappi stands as a global leader in sustainable pulp production, with significant investments in non-wood pulp R&D. Their portfolio includes pioneering agricultural residue-based pulps for packaging and textile applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 50% recycled/renewable raw materials target by 2025
  • Advanced sugarcane bagasse pulp processing
  • 28% reduction in water usage since 2010

Download FREE Sample Report: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/download-sample/286954/global-nonwood-pulp-forecast-market-2025-2032-877


9️⃣ 2. Asia Pulp & Paper (APP)

Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
Key Offering: Bamboo pulp, straw pulp, recycled fiber products

APP dominates Asia’s non-wood pulp sector through extensive bamboo and agricultural waste processing operations across Indonesia and China.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Zero deforestation commitment since 2013
  • 1.5 million tons annual non-wood pulp capacity

8️⃣ 3. Stora Enso

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Nordic non-wood fibers, biomaterials innovation

This Nordic leader specializes in developing novel fiber sources like wheat straw and hemp for premium paper and packaging solutions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • €50 million investment in bio-based materials
  • Carbon-negative packaging technologies

7️⃣ 4. UPM-Kymmene Corporation

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: High-performance non-wood fibers, sustainable labels

UPM leads in agricultural byproduct fiber solutions for specialty papers and eco-friendly packaging applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 65% CO₂ emissions reduction since 2008
  • Biofore concept integrating bioeconomy with forestry

Download FREE Sample Report: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/download-sample/286954/global-nonwood-pulp-forecast-market-2025-2032-877


6️⃣ 5. Metsä Group

Headquarters: Espoo, Finland
Key Offering: Northern non-wood fibers, innovative bioproducts

Metsä focuses on creating value from agro-industrial side streams for paperboard and packaging applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Fossil-free production target by 2030
  • 50% bio-based packaging materials portfolio

5️⃣ 6. Nine Dragons Paper

Headquarters: Dongguan, China
Key Offering: Recycled fiber, agricultural residue pulps

Asia’s largest containerboard producer with substantial investments in wheat straw and bamboo pulp capacity across China.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 3 million tons annual non-wood pulp production
  • Closed-loop water recycling systems

4️⃣ 7. BillerudKorsnäs

Headquarters: Solna, Sweden
Key Offering: High-barrier fiber packaging, specialty pulps

This Swedish innovator develops premium packaging materials incorporating straw and grass fibers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% fossil-free energy usage
  • 80% water usage reduction since 2010

3️⃣ 8. Lee & Man Paper

Hong Kong, China
Key Offering: Bamboo pulp, recycled fiberboard

Major Chinese paper producer expanding bamboo fiber operations for packaging and tissue applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 500,000 tons annual bamboo pulp capacity
  • Waste-to-energy biomass integration

2️⃣ 9. Nippon Paper Industries

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Rice straw pulp, nanocellulose technologies

Japanese leader in high-value applications for agricultural residue fibers in packaging and composites.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Carbon-neutral pulp production pilots
  • Advanced biorefinery development

1️⃣ 10. Appvion

Headquarters: Appleton, Wisconsin, USA
Key Offering: Specialty non-wood papers, carbonless products

US-based specialist in performance papers from alternative fibers for technical applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 45% waste reduction since 2015
  • Closed-loop manufacturing processes

Get Full Report Here: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/reports/286954/global-nonwood-pulp-forecast-market-2025-2032-877


🌱 Outlook: The Future of Fiber Innovation

The non-wood pulp sector is undergoing rapid evolution as manufacturers develop new fiber sources and processing technologies to meet sustainability requirements without compromising performance.

📈 Key Market Trends:

  • Asian dominance in agricultural residue processing capacity
  • Breakthroughs in alternative fiber refinement technologies
  • Integration with biorefinery models for comprehensive resource utilization
  • Growing packaging sector demand for sustainable materials

Get Full Report Here: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/reports/286954/global-nonwood-pulp-forecast-market-2025-2032-877

The featured companies represent the forefront of sustainable fiber innovation—transforming agricultural byproducts into valuable materials while reducing pressure on global forest resources.