Coated Paper Global Market Report 2026

Coated paper refers to a type of paper that undergoes a process of adding a layer of gloss, semi-gloss, or matte finish to enhance its surface properties. This involves applying agents, including chemical additives like resins and dispersants, to the paper surface, resulting in improved attributes such as brightness, smoothness, and other printing properties. The coating process involves adding an extra layer to the paper, reducing its porosity.

The main types of coated paper include coated fine, standard coated fine, and coated groundwood. Coated fine paper is utilized for writing, packaging, and printing, especially in offset printing. It consists of a fibrous layer with at least one coating. The coating materials employed include kaolin clay, precipitated calcium carbonate, and ground calcium carbonate, offering finishes such as matte, gloss, and semi-gloss. Coated paper finds applications in various industries, including printing, packaging, and labeling.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the coated paper market by increasing costs of imported pulp, coating chemicals, calcium carbonate, and processing equipment. Printing and packaging industries in North America and Europe are most affected due to reliance on imported raw materials, while Asia-Pacific faces pricing pressure on coated paper exports. These tariffs are increasing production costs and affecting profit margins. However, they are also encouraging domestic pulp sourcing, regional paper manufacturing investments, and development of alternative coating materials.

The coated paper market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides coated paper market statistics, including coated paper industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a coated paper market share, detailed coated paper market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the coated paper industry. This coated paper market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The coated paper market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $46.01 billion in 2025 to $48.55 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of commercial printing activities, expansion of publishing and advertising industries, increasing demand for premium print quality, availability of advanced coating materials, growth of packaging applications.

The coated paper market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $59.46 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing focus on sustainable paper solutions, expansion of eco-friendly packaging demand, increasing adoption of digital printing technologies, rising investments in lightweight coated paper, innovation in biodegradable coating materials. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for high-quality print finishes, rising adoption of coated paper in packaging applications, growing use of matte and specialty coated papers, expansion of digital printing compatible coated papers, enhanced focus on recyclable coating materials.

The rise of e-commerce platforms is expected to drive growth in the coated paper market going forward. E-commerce platforms are software applications that facilitate online buying and selling of products and services. The increasing popularity of smartphones, easy and cost-effective access to technology, and the flexibility of purchasing from anywhere have boosted online retail sales, thereby increasing demand for coated paper in product packaging. Coated papers are made from paper or paperboard with a plastic layer or surface treatment, reducing the risk of product damage during handling and shipping. For instance, in July 2025, according to the International Institute for Sustainable, a Canada-based non-profit think tank, the global B2C e-commerce market size reached $5.47 trillion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 19% from 2024 to 2030. Therefore, the growth of e-commerce platforms is supporting the coated paper market.

Leading companies in the coated paper market are focusing on innovative solutions such as ternary nanocomposite coatings to enhance barrier properties, improve sustainability, and reduce reliance on conventional plastics. Ternary nanocomposite coatings combine a polymer matrix with two additional components, such as nanoparticles and other fillers, to achieve superior performance. For instance, in July 2024, Smart Planet Technologies, a US-based provider of environmental composite materials for the packaging industry, launched HyperBarrier, a coating designed for paper-based flexible packaging. HyperBarrier addresses challenges in barrier performance, recyclability, and cost, supporting the transition from plastic to paper packaging.

In November 2025, TIPA Corp Ltd., a global provider of compostable flexible packaging solutions, acquired SEALPAP B.V. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables TIPA to expand its sustainable packaging portfolio by integrating SEALPAP's recyclable paper-based packaging technologies, offering brands a wider selection of compostable or recyclable packaging formats and extending its presence in Europe and North America. SEALPAP B.V. is a Netherlands-based provider of coated, recyclable paper-based packaging solutions for food and consumer goods companies.

Major companies operating in the coated paper market are Nippon Paper Industries Co Ltd, Oji Holdings Corporation, Stora Enso Oyj, Sappi Limited, UPM Kymmene Corporation, Asia Pulp and Paper Sinar Mas, Burgo Group SpA, Lecta Group, Domtar Corporation, Resolute Forest Products, Verso Corporation, Catalyst Paper Corporation, Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited, Lee and Man Paper Manufacturing Limited, Chenming Group, Shandong Sun Paper Industry Joint Stock Co Ltd, JK Paper Limited, Emami Paper Mills Limited, WestRock Company, International Paper Company

North America was the largest region in the coated paper market in 2025. The regions covered in the coated paper market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the coated paper market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The coated paper market consists of sales of chemical pulp, pigments, bentonite, and talc. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Coated Paper Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses coated paper market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

Reasons to Purchase

• Gain a truly global perspective with the most comprehensive report available on this market covering 16 geographies.
• Assess the impact of key macro factors such as geopolitical conflicts, trade policies and tariffs, inflation and interest rate fluctuations, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
• Create regional and country strategies on the basis of local data and analysis.
• Identify growth segments for investment.
• Outperform competitors using forecast data and the drivers and trends shaping the market.
• Understand customers based on end user analysis.
• Benchmark performance against key competitors based on market share, innovation, and brand strength.
• Evaluate the total addressable market (TAM) and market attractiveness scoring to measure market potential.
• Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high-quality data and analysis
• Report will be updated with the latest data and delivered to you within 2-3 working days of order along with an Excel data sheet for easy data extraction and analysis.
• All data from the report will also be delivered in an excel dashboard format.

Where is the largest and fastest growing market for coated paper ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The coated paper market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Coated Fine; Standard Coated Fine; Coated Groundwood
• 2) By Coating Material: Kaolin Clay; Precipitated Calcium Carbonate
• 3) By Finish: Matte; Gloss; Semi-Gloss
• 4) By Application: Printing; Packaging And Labeling
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Coated Fine: Gloss Coated; Matte Coated; Silk Coated
• 2) By Standard Coated Fine: Gloss Standard Coated; Matte Standard Coated
• 3) By Coated Groundwood: Gloss Groundwood; Matte Groundwood
• Companies Mentioned: Nippon Paper Industries Co Ltd; Oji Holdings Corporation; Stora Enso Oyj; Sappi Limited; UPM Kymmene Corporation; Asia Pulp and Paper Sinar Mas; Burgo Group SpA; Lecta Group; Domtar Corporation; Resolute Forest Products; Verso Corporation; Catalyst Paper Corporation; Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited; Lee and Man Paper Manufacturing Limited; Chenming Group; Shandong Sun Paper Industry Joint Stock Co Ltd; JK Paper Limited; Emami Paper Mills Limited; WestRock Company; International Paper Company
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery Format: Word, PDF or Interactive Report
• + Excel Dashboard
• Added Benefits
• Bi-Annual Data Update
• Customisation
• Expert Consultant Support

Added Benefits available all on all list-price licence purchases, to be claimed at time of purchase. Customisations within report scope and limited to 20% of content and consultant support time limited to 8 hours.