Recent studies show that the current usage demand for paper is around two pieces of paper, per hour, per person, for every person on earth, making the global consumption around 400 million metric tons a year. Even in this era of digitalization the demand for paper continues to grow in select sectors. Packaging, wipes, gift wrapping, books, magazines, paper is an intrinsic part of our daily lives. Obviously the paper industry is one of the most important ones in the word. China and Hungary make paper pulp from straw while a few other countries have started to use crushed sugar cane to make paper pulp.
This March, there will be a tissue exhibition in Miami, USA. The Tissue World Miami expo is expected to attract prominent industry players and paper companies. This is an exhibition you do not want to miss if you want to be up to date about the future of the paper industry.
Here is a list of the ten countries producing the most paper in the world.
1) China
Both China’s manufacturing and export of paper has increased over the years. In 2015 the country produced almost 107.1 million metric tons of paper.
2) USA
Starting in 1730 the paper industry in USA is an old one. Previously it was the both the top producer and top consumer of paper. USA produces almost 72 million metric tons of paper in a year.
3) Japan
Traditional papermakers are regarded as national treasures in Japan. It is the hme of beautiful art papers like Ito-iri and Unryu. Japan produces almost 22 million metric tons of paper in an year.
4) Germany
Germany is not the top producer of paper in the world, as is evident from its current rank of 4, but it is the world’s leading exporter of paper. Increasing demand in the packaging sector keeps the manufacturing game strong with a production of almost 22 million metric tons of paper goods in a year.
5) The Republic of Korea
South Korean Manufacturing units produce almost 11.5 million metric tons of paper annually, in an average.
6) Brazil
There are paper and pulp mills in Brazil which hold world records. With an emphasis on reforestation Brazil produces almost 10.357 million metric tons of paper annually.
7) Finland
Extensive research and flexible operating models with a range of training modules account for competent workers and a production method with lesser environmental hazards. Finland produces almost 10. 310 million metric tons of paper and paperboards, in a year.
8) Canada
Paper production is Canada centers around Ontario and Quebec. The country has been producing paper since the early 1800s. In 2015, Canada produced 10.266 million metric tons of paper.
9) Sweden
Sweden is very rich in forest resources. Almost 80% of the total land is covered by forests, 70% of these are in use. Swedish industry and government funds spend a lot of money on R&D, this has led to increased production while lowering the risk of environmental hazards. Sweden produces almost 10 million metric tons of paper in a year.
10) Italy
The Lucca region in Italy has been producing paper from as early as the 13th century. It is the only official “paper district” in Europe. Italy produces almost 8.840 million metric tons of paper pulp every year.
With thousands of billions of dollars being invested in the paper industry all its segments from paper plants to tissue converting companies will show a steep rise.
