United States Uncoated Paper Market Expands Robustly at 7.2% CAGR on Sustainable Printing Surge - $11.6 Billion Milestone by 2031, Led by International Paper and Domtar as Top Competitors | DataM Intelligence

Leander, Texas and TOKYO, Japan - Nov. 24, 2025. According to DataM Intelligence, the United States Uncoated Paper Market Size is growing from USD 6.7 billion in 2023 to USD 11.6 billion by 2031, registering a robust CAGR of 7.2% during 2024-2031. The surging demand for recyclable printing substrates, the expansion of eco-conscious publishing and packaging solutions, and advancements in digital-compatible fiber technologies are fueling the need for premium uncoated paper formulations that deliver superior absorbency and durability without chemical coatings. Uncoated paper, the versatile cellulosic material derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp, revolutionises the graphics and packaging sectors by integrating seamlessly into books, brochures, labels, and e-commerce wraps, enhancing print fidelity and biodegradability while ensuring compliance with FDA and FSC standards. By combining high-brightness freesheets, mechanical pulp blends, and precision calendering processes, this market provides reliable, versatile solutions for advertising reproduction, security printing, and sustainable branding throughout the United States and beyond.

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Competitive Landscape

The market is highly competitive among global pulp leaders, mill operators, and sustainable fiber innovators.

1️⃣International Paper Company expanded its US-based uncoated freesheet production in Tennessee, operational since mid-2025, enhancing supply for publishing houses with 25% improved brightness levels through recycled content integration.

2️⃣Domtar Corporation acquired a key Midwestern mill from a regional competitor in early 2025, strengthening its North American supply chain and reporting a 18% revenue boost in graphic paper segments, as noted by Dr. Elena Vasquez, forestry economist at Yale School of the Environment, who highlights the acquisition's role in bolstering domestic recycling amid import tariffs.

3️⃣Glatfelter Corporation partnered with three digital print firms to launch specialty uncoated substrates for transactional mail, achieving 90% ink absorption efficiency and securing 32% of premium security projects, backed by Glatfelter's sustainability VP affirming alignment with FSC chain-of-custody for verifiable sourcing.

4️⃣Mondi Group introduced high-smoothness uncoated variants with enhanced opacity, landing deals with major US e-commerce packagers and fueling 22% growth in domestic sales, per Mondi's annual ESG report emphasizing reduced water usage in pulping.

5️⃣Sonoco Products Company rolled out recycled uncoated paperboard optimized for flexible packaging, slashing conversion times by 35% and collaborating with retail platforms for customized grades, as validated by market analyst RISI for accelerating circular economy adoption.

Recent Developments

1. International Paper Company unveiled a post-merger uncoated paper line for sustainable labels at Pack Expo 2024 in Chicago (November 2024), with lifecycle assessments showing 30% lower carbon footprint, according to lead engineer Prof. Marcus Hale from Georgia Tech, on its scalability for high-volume digital runs.

2. Domtar Corporation opened a dedicated recycling facility in Wisconsin for uncoated groundwood grades, targeting Midwest distributors (July 2024), following the mill acquisition that added 15% more capacity, as per Domtar CEO's earnings call on fortifying against supply disruptions from global trade tensions.

3. Sappi Limited integrated AI-driven pulp optimization into uncoated freesheet testing for book publishing, boosting yield efficiency by 28% for long-run applications (May 2025), with endorsement from Dr. Lars Hansen, paper technologist at TAPPI, praising its mitigation of fiber variability in mechanical pulps.

4. Glatfelter Corporation debuted low-dusting uncoated isolates for security printing, partnering with fintech startups in New York (March 2025), reducing contamination risks by 45% in trials, as corroborated in their FSC audit and lauded by security expert Sofia Ramirez from the International Hologram Manufacturers Association for anti-counterfeiting enhancements.

5. Sonoco Products Company collaborated on fiber-blended uncoated boards for e-commerce cushions, improving cushioning performance by 50% in pilot tests (January 2025), with packaging engineer Dr. Sarah Kline from Clemson University noting its potential in replacing plastics for lightweight, recyclable shipping solutions.

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Growth Drivers

✦ The global paper market surpassed USD 200 billion in 2024, with uncoated grades accounting for 10% of printing spends, underscoring the shift to recyclable options amid sustainability mandates.

✦ US publishing sales exceeded USD 25 billion in 2024, driving over 500 million reams of uncoated products annually and accelerating integration for digital-hybrid workflows.

✦ Environmental regulations spurred USD 500 billion in green material investments by 2025, prioritising FSC-certified uncoated paper that meets EPA recyclability and consumer eco-demands.

✦ North American packaging revenues climbed 12% recently, utilising more than 200 million tons of uncoated fibers yearly as e-commerce booms fuel protective and branding applications.

✦ Pulping innovations trimmed production costs by 20%, forecasting USD 300 million in yearly efficiencies for US mills by 2030 through energy-efficient refining systems.

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type: Uncoated groundwood paper dominates with a 57% market share, valued at USD 3.82 billion in 2023 and projected to grow to USD 6.61 billion by 2031 at a 7.1% CAGR. Uncoated woodfree paper holds 30% of the market, valued at USD 2.01 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 3.48 billion by 2031 at a 7.3% CAGR. Others account for 13%, valued at USD 0.87 billion in 2023 and forecasted to USD 1.51 billion by 2031 at a 7.4% CAGR. The groundwood segment's growth is driven by increasing demand for cost-effective, newsprint-alternative products compliant with FSC and EPA standards, while woodfree sustains demand through high-quality applications in premium printing.

By Application: Packaging applications lead with a commanding 40% market share, valued at USD 2.68 billion in 2023 and forecasted to reach USD 4.64 billion by 2031, favoured for their biodegradability and e-commerce versatility. Advertising and publishing hold a 35% share, worth USD 2.35 billion in 2023 and projected to grow to USD 4.06 billion by 2031, attracting sectors seeking vibrant, short-run prints. The remaining 25% comprises security, transactional, and others, growing fastest at 7.5% CAGR to USD 2.9 billion by 2031, catering to niche demands for durable, tamper-evident substrates.

By End-User: Publishing houses constitute the largest segment with 45% market share, valued at USD 3.02 billion in 2023 and expected to expand to USD 5.22 billion by 2031, powered by textbook and magazine trends. Packaging converters hold 30% share, valued at USD 2.01 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 3.48 billion by 2031, fueled by sustainable wrap solutions. Commercial printers and others account for 25% of the market, reflecting growing awareness of uncoated's digital compatibility and targeted eco-applications.

🌍Regional Insights

United States (North America): The U.S. uncoated paper market was valued at USD 6.7 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 11.6 billion by 2031 at a 7.2% CAGR. It holds nearly 30% of the global market share, driven by advanced recycling infrastructure and high demand in printing/packaging. Key players like International Paper and Domtar lead through mill innovations, sustainable certifications, and expanded logistics. Adoption of digital enhancements and diverse end-use channels reinforces its dominance. Recent mergers and capacity adjustments position the U.S. as the global uncoated leader.

Canada (North America): Canada's market size was USD 1.2 billion in 2023, expected to grow to USD 2.1 billion by 2031 at a 7.0% CAGR, holding roughly 6% of the global market share. Growth is fueled by federal green incentives and regulatory alignment, boosting premium uncoated demand. Leading U.S. firms are investing in Canadian forests, accelerating maturity. End-user preference for traceable, FSC fibres continues to rise. Canada complements U.S. leadership with a strong adjacent presence.

Europe (Key countries: UK, Germany, France): Europe constitutes 30% of the global uncoated paper market and is steadily growing due to EU circular economy directives and rising print sustainability awareness. While the exact 2023/2031 values are firming up, Europe is the second-largest regional market following North America. The UK, Germany, and France drive expansion through recycled blends and diversified grades. Market growth is supported by robust publishing demand and North American technology transfers. Europe's regulatory evolution and expanding eco-base make it a crucial growth region.

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Innovation and Consumer Trends Fueling Market Expansion

Manufacturers are investing heavily in fiber recycling and digital optimization technologies, such as mechanical pulping and smoothness enhancements, to elevate print quality, reduce costs by an estimated 20%, and meet regulatory benchmarks. End-user momentum stems from broadened recognition of uncoated paper's role in green supply chains, incorporation into hybrid workflows, and education on biodegradable alternatives. North American markets, especially the U.S., show peak adoption, bolstered by lifecycle studies, partnerships, and evidence-based sustainable grades.

Market Outlook and Opportunities: The Global uncoated paper market stands at an inflection point, propelled by circular economy imperatives and every ounce of fiber tech progress in print substrates. Valued at USD 21.7 billion globally in 2023, it is projected to reach USD 35.0 billion by 2031 at a steady 7.2% CAGR. North America, claiming nearly a third of the global share, pioneers growth via packaging and publishing demands, while Asia Pacific leverages pulp abundance. Advances in recycled derivation and refined processing sync with EPA sustainability targets, though obstacles like digital shifts, tariff volatilities, and pulp price swings persist. Post-pandemic emphasis on e-commerce protections and surging uptake of personalized prints alongside traceability tools unlock vast potential for absorbency enhancement and waste reduction in graphics, packaging, and security sectors.

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