Synthetic Paper Sales to Approach $850 Million in 2026

IndustryARC, an analysis, research and consulting firm based in India, with US offices in northwestern Colorado, is forecasting incremental growth of 8.5 percent annually in the worldwide synthetic paper marketplace through 2026. Sales volumes project out to reach $844 million globally at that time. Its report, Synthetic Paper Market—Forecast 2021-2026, identifies trends in raw material usage, application, end use and geographic region.

Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) held the largest share in the synthetic paper market in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5 percent in the forecast period, according to IndustryARC research. Increasing demand for frozen food, packaging and labeling, business cards, calendar, book covers, newspapers, maps, garments and others have triggered the demand for BOPP synthetic paper. Also used in manufacturing, but less popular than BOPP, are high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethyelene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinylchloride (PVC).

Packaging, as a sector, remains the primary market for synthetic paper and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7 percent for the next five years. Analysts maintained, “Various industries, such as retail, food, beverages, medical, pharmaceuticals, etc. adapted synthetic papers due to their different properties and use for various applications. While synthetic papers have been making their mark in areas such as outdoor tags and label, an emerging packaging market includes folding cartons and blister packaging—due to the pilferage resistance and security features of synthetic paper, coupled with excellent graphic qualities. In addition, synthetic papers are being used as the strength ply in multi-layer bags and flexible packaging materials for many of the same reasons.” Critical key attractions also include synthetic paper’s sustainable footprint and reputation as being 100 percent recyclable.

Food and beverages held the largest share in the synthetic paper market in 2020, IndustryARC revealed. That segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8 percent through 2026. Researchers commented, “Synthetic paper can be used for printing, packaging and labeling requirements, as they are non-tearable and oil-resistant in nature, which helps in potential food beverage leaks. Synthetic papers can reduce tampering without sacrificing graphic fidelity.”

IndustryARC noted that geographically, the greatest demand (8.6 percent) comes from the Asia/Pacific region, with North America and Europe following in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions.