Waste Paper Management Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Waste Paper Grade, Collection Method, Recycling Process, Service, Recovery Product, Source and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Waste Paper Management Market is accounted for $47.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $67.7 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. Waste paper management involves the collection, processing, and recycling of used paper materials to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency. It includes activities such as collection, sorting, pulping, de-inking, and recycling aimed at diverting paper waste from landfills, conserving natural resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, office paper products such as handouts, copy paper, and notebooks make up the largest percentage of landfill waste. Recycling office paper alone can save 33% of the energy needed to make paper from trees, as well as thousands of gallons of water.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising demand for recycled paper

The increasing demand for recycled paper is a key driver for the waste paper management market. As environmental concerns grow, more consumers and businesses are opting for eco-friendly products, including recycled paper. This shift in preference is fueling the need for efficient waste paper collection, sorting, and recycling processes. Recycled paper reduces the demand for virgin pulp, conserves natural resources, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the rising demand for recycled paper is positively influencing the growth of the waste paper management market.

Restraint:

Infrastructure challenges

The lack of adequate infrastructure for waste paper collection and processing is a significant restraint for the market. Many regions, particularly in developing countries, lack proper systems for segregating, collecting, and transporting waste paper. This leads to a large portion of recyclable paper ending up in landfills or being contaminated with other waste, making it unsuitable for recycling. Moreover, the high initial investment required to set up recycling facilities and the need for advanced technologies pose challenges for market growth.

Opportunity:

Innovation in recycling technologies

Innovations such as improved sorting mechanisms, more efficient pulping processes, and better contaminant removal techniques can enhance the quality of recycled paper and increase recycling rates. Furthermore, the development of new applications for recycled paper, such as in packaging and construction materials, can open up new avenues for market growth. As technology progresses, it can help overcome the limitations of traditional recycling methods and drive the demand for waste paper management solutions.

Threat:

Illegal dumping of waste paper

Illegal dumping of waste paper poses a threat to the waste paper management market. When waste paper is dumped in unauthorized locations, it not only pollutes the environment but also reduces the amount of recyclable material available for processing. Illegal dumping can occur due to a lack of awareness, insufficient collection infrastructure, or the desire to avoid disposal costs. This practice undermines the efforts of the waste paper management industry and can lead to environmental and health hazards.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the waste paper management market. The temporary closure of offices, schools, and businesses during lockdowns reduced the generation of waste paper. However, the surge in e-commerce activities and the increased use of disposable packaging materials led to a higher volume of waste paper from households. The pandemic also disrupted global supply chains, affecting the collection and transportation of waste paper.

The old corrugated containers (OCC) segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The old corrugated containers (OCC) segment is expected to hold the largest share in the waste paper management market. The growth of e-commerce and the increasing use of corrugated packaging materials are the primary drivers for this segment. OCC is highly recyclable and is in high demand for the production of new corrugated boxes and other paper products. The large volume of OCC generated, coupled with its easy recyclability, makes it a significant contributor to the waste paper management market.

The chemical recycling segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Chemical recycling is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the market. This innovative recycling method enables the recycling of complex and contaminated waste paper that cannot be processed through traditional mechanical recycling. Chemical recycling allows for the production of high-quality recycled paper and opens up new possibilities for the use of recycled materials in various applications. As the demand for high-grade recycled paper grows, the chemical recycling segment is poised for significant growth.

Region with largest share:

Europe is expected to hold the largest share in the waste paper management market. The region has a well-established waste paper collection and recycling infrastructure, supported by stringent regulations and environmental policies. The European Union's circular economy initiatives and targets for waste reduction and recycling have driven the growth of the waste paper management industry in the region. Additionally, the high consumer awareness and preference for eco-friendly products in Europe contribute to the strong demand for recycled paper and the dominance of the region in the market.

Region with highest CAGR:

The Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate in the waste paper management market. The region's rapidly growing population, urbanization, and industrialization are generating substantial amounts of waste paper. Countries like China and India are witnessing a surge in e-commerce activities and the use of packaging materials, leading to an increased generation of OCC and other waste paper. Moreover, governments in the region are implementing policies and initiatives to promote waste paper recycling and sustainable waste management practices. As awareness grows and infrastructure improves, the Asia Pacific region is poised for significant growth in the waste paper management market.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Waste Paper Management Market include Cascades Inc., DS Smith plc, Georgia-Pacific LLC, International Paper Company, Mondi Group, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., Pratt Industries, Inc., Republic Services, Inc., Resolute Forest Products, Rumpke Consolidated Companies, Inc., SAICA Group, Smurfit Kappa Group, Sonoco Products Company, SUEZ Group, UPM-Kymmene Corporation, Veolia Environnement S.A., Waste Management, Inc. and WestRock Company.

Key Developments:

In November 2023, The national Australian government and Queensland state government have joined forces with Brisbane-based company AusWaste Recycling to construct a waste paper recycling plant in Brendale, Queensland, Australia. With an investment of $137m, the Australian Recycled Pulp and Paper Project will be built in South East Queensland. The development has received $40m in combined funding from both governments via the Recycling Modernisation Fund.

In April 2021, North Pacific Paper Company is pushing further into the recycled paper market, adding a new drum pulper that will support an existing 400 mill jobs and produce recycled packaging papers from waste material previously sent to China.

Waste Paper Grades Covered:

• Old Corrugated Containers (OCC)
• Mixed Paper
• High-Grade De-Inked Paper
• Other Waste Paper Grades

Collection Methods Covered:

• Buy-Back Programs
• Commercial Collection
• Curbside Collection
• Drop-Off Centers

Recycling Process Covered:

• Pulping and Papermaking
• Deinking
• Chemical Recycling

Services Covered:

• Collection and Transportation
• Storage
• Segregation
• Processing

Recovered Products Covered:

• Containerboard
• Newsprint
• Tissue
• Other Recovered Products

Sources Covered:

• Residential
• Industrial
• Commercial
• Institutional

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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