(MENAFN– Straits Research) Introduction

Stone paper, also known as mineral paper, rock paper, bioplastic paper or rich mineral paper, is a strong and durable paper-like material made from calcium carbonate and bonded with HDPE resin . They are used for many of the same things as cellulose-based paper. Calcium carbonate, which comes from stone (rock), is the major component of rock paper. Stone paper is created from crushed stone mixed with a non-toxic and recyclable binder, HDPE.

Stone and conventional paper differ mainly in the raw materials used. factory Fibers are used as raw material in traditional form and a lot of water is used in the manufacturing process, while stone paper does not need plant fibers or water at all. Additionally, stone paper manufacturing generates negligible carbon emissions, requires no acids, bases or bleaching chemicals, and is recyclable.

Market dynamics

Growing Application in Paper Packaging and Minimal Environmental Impacts of Stone Paper to Drive Stone Paper Market

The growing demand for stone paper in the paper packaging industry is the key factor for market development. The product is widely used in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), healthcare and food and beverage industries in bagged bags, fast food bags, carry bags and high retail bags of range.

The success of the product in the food and beverage application market can be attributed to its durability and aesthetic qualities. The food industry appreciates paper because it does not melt on contact with water or humidity. It also maintains its shape and integrity when transporting food and drinks.

Increasing diffusion of e-commerce platforms and structured retail organizations are propelling the stone paper market. For e-commerce businesses, for example, “A Good Company” uses stone paper to make shipping materials like paper bags and boxes. Additionally, various sectors of the online economy have grown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, global e-commerce is expected to exceed $26.7 trillion in 2020.

The e-commerce sector’s requirement for stone paper for packaging is expected to increase, leading to significant growth in the stone paper market throughout the forecast period.

Several environmental variables are expected to drive the demand for stone paper during the forecast period. No trees are cut down; there is no water or air contamination, and it is recyclable and photodegradable. Global use of conventional paper has increased 400 percent over the past 40 years, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Additionally, cutting four tons of wood chips for one ton of traditional paper requires the felling of approximately 23 large trees. Monoculture farms produce the dietary fiber needed to make paper pulp, which has a negative impact on the forest ecosystem.

Stone paper should be an alternative to traditional papers to combat deforestation. Stone paper does not require the use of any fibers; therefore, no trees would be cut for this purpose. As a result, growing environmental awareness and increased use of recycled materials such as stone paper are expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period.

Growing demand for sustainable packaging to create opportunities

The growing demand for eco-friendly packaging benefits stone paper manufacturers and the industry. The sustainable and eco-friendly qualities of stone paper allow it to meet the global market for paper and paper packaging products without destroying or endangering trees. Major end users or application industries, especially in the food and beverage packaging, cosmetics and healthcare sectors, are increasingly choosing paper packaging materials from a natural source rather than an amalgam of chemicals and water.

Likewise, as modern e-commerce platforms drive global trade, the demand for sustainable packaging materials such as cardboard boxes and paper bags made from stone paper is increasing. This is expected to create several opportunities for the stone paper market throughout the forecast period.

Impact of COVID-19

The Covid-19 outbreak has had a negative impact on the market. Due to the outbreak, governments around the world have implemented containment measures and restrictions on travel and logistics. A temporary shutdown impacted the demand for stone paper in production activities. The market broke down in the second half of 2020 after causing serious damage to the supply chain and demand order in the first half.

The growing demand for paper, particularly stone paper, for sustainable packaging in many industrial areas has led to this reverse dynamic. Its use in packaging papers and labeling papers along with the rapid growth of the adhesives industry has strengthened the market demand.

For the global stone paper market, the post-pandemic period will be crucial. Supply chain disruptions could hamper recovery, affecting market dynamics and product prices. Additionally, distribution and transportation capacity constraints, unfavorable financial conditions and rising costs would challenge the global market. Limited manufacturing, support operations, labor shortages and limitations on other end-user sectors, suppliers and sellers can also prevent consumers from getting what they want. Overall, the recovery of the global stone paper market will be difficult.

Regional overviews

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, Middle East and Africa constitute the five market regions. Asia-Pacific and Europe are the two most important markets for stone paper. The growing popularity of stone paper in the Asia-Pacific region can be attributed to its low environmental impact, as it helps reduce water consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and deforestation. As many educational institutions, businesses and government agencies have mushroomed, the need for stone papers for labeling and self-adhesive applications has increased significantly.

In the Asia-Pacific region, plastic consumption is particularly high and various governments have taken precautionary measures to limit it. Plastic ban in China and Southeast Asia is expected to increase demand for stone paper. Additionally, recently passed laws on food contact materials are driving the stone paper market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Europe is expected to be the second largest stone paper market, with an expected market value of $261.45 million by 2030. During the forecast period, the demand for stone paper is expected to be driven by manufacturers of paper and packaging materials in countries such as Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and France.

The increased investment in research and development operations aimed at generating durable products with sophisticated features can be linked to the increase in demand for stone paper in North America. The stone paper market is driven by the need for high-quality materials for packaging applications. As many companies have started reducing their use of plastic and investing in sustainable materials, strict environmental rules regarding plastic consumption are expected to increase the demand for stone paper.

The highly attractive packaging industry is expected to drive the stone paper market in Central and South America. Brazil is the most revenue-generating country in Central and South America, home to many corporate headquarters. The stone paper market in the region is driven by the growing demand for innovative packaging materials.

The sought-after packaging industries in the Middle East and Africa are likely to offer prospects to the stone paper market. Compared to other regions of the world, the stone paper market is small. Demand for advanced packaging from the food, beverage and personal care sectors is expected to drive the stone paper market in the region.

Highlights

The global stone paper market was valued at $823 million in 2021 and is expected to register a CAGR of 5% by 2030.

By application, the packaging papers segment is expected to reach $597 million by 2030.

Geographically, the global stone paper market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific and Europe were the two important regional markets in 2021.

Competitive players

The Stone Paper Company

Wallpaper Co. Guangzhou Myhome Ltd.

AM Packaging Company Limited

Shenzhen Stone Paper Company

Pierre Kapstone

Taiwan Longmeng Composite Materials Co. Ltd.

STP Stone Paper GmbH

stone paper

TBM Co. Ltd.

Pishgaman Sanat Sabz Co.

International Sphere

Anydesignsrl. Recent developments

Recent developments

March 2021 – LimeAir Bag’ is a new product launched by TBM Co., Ltd under its masterbatch application products. The introduction of the new product, which contains 25% limestone and can reduce carbon emissions by 29%, is expected to strengthen the company’s position in the international stone paper products market.

June 2019 – TBM Co., Ltd introduced LIMEX bags, which do not contain any petroleum-generated resin. The new product was introduced to replace traditional plastic and paper items such as boards, notebooks and plastic bags. The company’s product portfolio in the domestic and international market would be strengthened by the launch of the LIMEX brand replacing traditional paper and plastic items.

November 2018 – WestRock Company, a multinational provider of paper and packaging solutions, purchased KapStone. The acquisition strengthened WestRock’s position in the US West Coast market. Additionally, the addition of KapStone’s innovative paper and packaging solutions to WestRock Company’s product portfolio has helped enhance its paper grades and distribution capabilities.

November 2018 – TBM Co., Ltd. received a $27 million investment from Goldman Sachs. The investment was made to support the initiative of TBM Co., Ltd. aiming to develop a stone paper made from environmentally friendly raw materials, recyclable and requiring no water in the manufacturing process.

Segmentation

By application

Wrapping papers

Labeling papers

Self-adhesive papers

Others

By material

Calcium carbonate

High density polyethylene

Others