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4 MIN. READ
The paper products industry is at a crossroads. Even as paper mills are shutting their doors others are thriving as new opportunities emerge. The rise of digital communication has reduced the need for certain paper products, yet packaging and sustainable alternatives to plastic are driving growth in other areas.
While traditional segments like printing and writing paper have seen declines, other areas, particularly packaging, are experiencing growth. Consider that in 2023, U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined by 1.6% to 79.7 million tons, compared to an average annual decline of 0.9% since 2014.
In this report, we’ll explore critical industry insights, market shifts, and key statistics based on data compiled by MNI, helping you uncover fresh sales opportunities in the U.S. paper products industry.
According to data collected by MNI, publisher and compiler of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect, the U.S. paper products sector remains a large and established part of the nation’s industrial economy.
Together, these figures illustrate a sector characterized by large scale facilities, established supply chains, and companies with decades of operational history.
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The paper manufacturing sector includes several major segments that together form the supply chain for paper based products used across consumer and industrial markets.
This is the largest segment of the industry. Companies in this category take raw paper and paperboard materials and convert them into finished goods used in daily life. Products include envelopes, paper bags, sanitary paper products, and coated packaging materials.
Manufacturers in this segment produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and other packaging materials used in shipping and retail distribution. These products are essential to logistics, e commerce, food packaging, and consumer goods industries.
Paper mills produce paper directly from pulp and supply base materials used in printing paper, tissue products, and packaging applications.
Paperboard mills manufacture thick paper materials used to produce cartons and linerboard that support packaging and shipping applications. This may include coated paperboard. They may also use converted paperboard products. Some mills also manufacture pulp. Examples of their many products include:
The needs of these companies will depend on the customer base they serve.
Pulp mills operate at the beginning of the paper production process. These facilities convert wood chips and recycled paper into pulp, which is then used by paper and paperboard mills to create finished materials.
Paper product manufacturers operate across the United States, but certain regions have developed stronger industry clusters.
The U.S. South and the greater Midwest each account for 32 percent of the nation’s paper product manufacturers. The East Coast represents 20 percent of companies, while the Pacific and Mountain regions together account for 16 percent.
These geographic concentrations reflect a combination of historical pulp and paper infrastructure, proximity to forest resources, established transportation networks, and access to large consumer markets that rely heavily on packaging materials.
Below are the states with the largest concentration of paper product manufacturers.
California leads the nation in the number of paper product manufacturers. The state’s large population and major role in logistics and global trade create strong demand for packaging materials and specialty paper products. California also supports innovation in sustainable packaging solutions.
Ohio maintains a strong presence in paper product manufacturing due to its long industrial history and central location in the Midwest. The state’s transportation infrastructure supports distribution to large consumer markets across the country.
Illinois remains a key center for paper manufacturing, anchored by Chicago’s role as a major transportation and commercial hub. Demand for packaging, printing, and office paper products continues to support the sector.
Texas’s rapidly growing population and diverse economy generate strong demand for packaging materials used in retail, manufacturing, and shipping. The state also benefits from its large distribution and logistics network.
New York’s dense population and major commercial centers drive demand for printing papers, packaging materials, and specialty consumer paper products.
Pennsylvania’s long manufacturing tradition and strategic location in the Northeast support a well established paper products industry serving multiple industrial sectors.
Wisconsin has historically been one of the nation’s most important paper producing states. Abundant forest resources helped establish a strong pulp and paper industry that remains significant today.
Georgia’s extensive forest resources and strong manufacturing base make it a major center for pulp and paper production in the Southeast.
New Jersey benefits from its proximity to major metropolitan markets, creating strong demand for packaging, labeling, and specialty paper products.
North Carolina’s diversified manufacturing base supports steady demand for paper packaging used in industries such as furniture, textiles, and food processing.
Several trends are reshaping the paper products manufacturing industry.
The rapid growth of e commerce has significantly increased demand for corrugated boxes, packaging materials, and protective paper products used in shipping and logistics. This trend has helped offset declines in traditional printing paper demand.
Environmental concerns are pushing companies and consumers toward recyclable and paper based alternatives to plastic packaging. Paper manufacturers are increasingly developing biodegradable and recyclable materials designed for modern packaging needs.
Recycled fiber has become a critical component of paper production. Many manufacturers now rely heavily on recycled materials, helping reduce waste and support circular manufacturing systems.
Paper mills and converting plants are investing in automation, data monitoring systems, and advanced processing technologies to improve efficiency and maintain competitiveness in a global market.
As consumer behavior, packaging trends, and sustainability priorities continue to evolve, the U.S. paper manufacturing industry is likely to remain a critical supplier of materials that support commerce, logistics, and everyday life.
As segments of the paper products industry decline, others soar. IndustrySelect can help you direct your sales efforts toward that growth. IndustrySelect can provide profiles with contacts' names, positions, and emails empowered to close a deal. It will also identify competitors of your target companies, expanding your prospecting field. Set up your free demo account today and make the paper industry contacts that count.