Laminated Paper Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Grade (Bleached Laminates and Unbleached Laminates), By Product Type (Bags & Pouches, Blisters, Sachets, Stick Packs, and Others), By End User (Food & Beverages, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Healthcare, Homecare, and Others), and Regional Forecast 2025-2032

The global laminated paper market is expanding owing to extensive usage in the packaging sector due to its strength, moisture resistance, and ability to preserve product quality. The paper is bonded with one or more layers of plastic or other materials for added durability, moisture resistance, and strength. For instance, in food packaging, laminated paper helps keep contents safe from contamination and damage.

Laminated Paper Market Driver

Rising Demand for Sustainable Packaging Solutions to Drive Market Growth

The push toward using recyclable materials has influenced the development of laminated papers made from more environmentally friendly materials. With increasing demand for sustainable solutions, laminated paper, especially paper with recyclable plastic layers, is becoming a preferred choice for eco-conscious brands looking for an alternative to plastic. The rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions boosts the growth of the global market.

• As per Plastic Europe, 5.5 million tonnes of post-consumer recycled plastics were used in new products and parts in the EU27+3 in 2021, representing about 10% recycled content rate in plastics conversion and an increase of about 20% compared to 2018.

Laminated Paper Market Restraint

High Production Costs and Waste Disposal Issues May Obstruct Market Growth

Laminating paper adds extra layers, which can increase the overall cost of production compared to plain paper. The materials used for lamination, such as plastic films, can be expensive. The layers of plastic in laminated paper can make it harder to compost or recycle, resulting in landfill accumulation and higher disposal costs. Such factors may hinder the market growth.

• In 2022, the EU generated an estimated total volume of 83.4 million tonnes of packaging waste – a decrease of 1.6% (or 1.4 million tonnes) compared to 2021, with declines for all main packaging material categories. Overall, the decline in total packaging waste was mainly due to a decrease of 1.3 million tonnes (-8.6%) in waste from packaging made of wood.

Laminated Paper Market Opportunity

Expansion of Online Retail Sector to Open Doors to New Avenues

The growth of online retail presents a lucrative opportunity for market players. As e-commerce grows, there is a greater demand for durable and aesthetically appealing laminated paper-based packaging. Integrating NFC chips or QR codes into laminated packaging for interactive customer engagement. Such factors offer potential growth opportunities.

• As per UNCTAD, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed online shopping behaviors, according to a survey of about 3,700 consumers in nine emerging and developed economies. The survey, titled “COVID-19 and E-commerce”, examined how the pandemic has changed the way consumers use e-commerce and digital solutions. It covered Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Laminated Paper Market
• Key Industry Trends
• Regulatory Landscape for the Laminated Paper Market
• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Analysis by Grade

On the basis of grade, the market is subdivided into bleached laminates and unbleached laminates.

The bleached laminate segment is the dominating grade segment. Bleached paper is strong and durable, making it a good choice for packaging and wrapping. Laminated bleached paper is also stronger and more durable than paper or cardstock, boosting segmental growth.

Analysis by Product Type

On the basis of product type, the market is fragmented into bags & pouches, blisters, sachets, stick packs, and others.

The bags & pouches segment is the leading product type segment. Laminated paper bags are made by bonding several layers of paper with each other, resulting in a durable and sturdy packaging alternative. The lamination process involves applying a thin layer of plastic film to the paper’s surface, enhancing its strength, water resistance, and overall appearance. These bags and pouches come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, making them ideal for expensive applications.

Analysis by End User

Based on end user, the market is subdivided into food & beverages, personal care & cosmetics, healthcare, homecare, and others.

The food & beverages segment is the dominating segment. Laminated paper is used extensively for packaging food products due to its ability to preserve the freshness of items, protect them from moisture, and extend shelf life. This trend is a major driver, especially in the growing global food market.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific is the dominating region of the global laminated paper market. Government bodies in major countries such as China have increasingly focused on green buildings and sustainable construction practices. It has encouraged the utilization of eco-friendly materials, such as paper-based laminates, in the construction sector, boosting regional market growth.

North America is the second-dominating region of the global market. Laminated paper is used in medical packaging to provide an additional barrier to contaminants and maintain sterility. Pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. majorly use laminated paper for packaging drugs and medical devices to comply with stringent industry regulations for safety and integrity, driving the market growth. Biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies continue to expand their economic footprint across the U.S., which also generates growth opportunities.

• According to PHRMA (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America), as of April 2023, biopharmaceutical companies and their suppliers operated 1,580 production facilities across the country in 48 states and Puerto Rico. In recent years, the number of manufacturing facilities in the U.S. has grown by more than 50%.

Europe is the third-leading region of the global market. Governments and organizations are setting stricter regulations on waste management, recycling, and sustainability, encouraging the development and adoption of laminated paper solutions that align with green initiatives contributing to market growth.

• According to the Paper Bag Organization, after the Directive (EU) 2015/720 regarding the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags was enacted, the national governments of the member states introduced different regulations in their countries to reduce consumption. By the end of 2025, the target is that only 40 bags should be consumed per citizen.

Latin America and the Middle East & African markets are anticipated to experience moderate growth due to the rising demand from the food and beverages sectors.

Key Players Covered

The global laminated paper market is fragmented, with the presence of a large number of group and standalone providers.

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• Durafibre (U.S.)
• Henan Jianwei Paper Co., Ltd. (China)
• Sierra Coating Technologies (U.S.)
• RELYCO (U.S.)
• Nihon Matai Co. Ltd. (Japan)
• Holland Manufacturing Company (U.S.)
• MDV Group (Germany)
• HOMPAK Packaging Inc. (Taiwan)
• Omkar Paper (India)
• Lathikasri Packaging (India)

Key Industry Developments

• In April 2024, Parkside announced the launch of Recoflex, a range of recyclable paper-based flexible packaging materials offering durability, barrier performance, and heat sealability. The new range of papers is available as a single-ply or laminate in several specifications and offers durability, barrier performance, and heat sealability.
• In December 2020, BASF and the Swedish packaging material manufacturer BillerudKorsnäs developed a unique home-compostable paper laminate for flexible packaging. It can produce wraps with individually adjusted barrier properties, e.g., cookies, ice cream, cereal bars, and dairy items, as well as wrappers for fish, meat, and cheese that are freshly sold in supermarkets.