Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Market Size, Share, Growth and Industry Analysis, By Type (Standard NBSK pulp and Reinforced NBSK pulp), By Application (Tissue Paper, Printing and Writing Paper, Specialty Paper and Other) and Regional Forecast to 2033

NORTHERN BLEACHED SOFTWOOD KRAFT MARKET OVERVIEW

The global northern bleached softwood Kraft market size was valued at 27.5 billion USD in 2024 and this is projected to increase and reach a value of 36.1 billion USD by the year 2033 with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.

Pulp obtained from softwood trees that are of high quality and is used extensively in the paper industry is known as northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK). The kraft in its name is because the pulp is obtained by the kraft pulping process. And the bleached in its name is because the pulp is bleached to get a bright white color. The pulp obtained from the softwood is considered as a benchmark grade of pulp.

In recent years the northern bleached softwood Kraft is experiencing a moderate growth and this is fueled by sustainable packaging, eco-friendly and by the tissue industry.

LATEST TRENDS

Digitization of the Industry Boosting the NBSK Market Growth

To keep up with the trends, the NBSK has also started implementing automation and modern technologies in the industry. This is done to enhance production and reduce overheads.

Modern technologies have also helped with the customization of the products which has gained focus and popularity from the younger generation.

GLOBAL CRISIS IMPACTING THE MARKET

US TARIFF IMPACT

The implementation of US tariff will lead to shortage of the NBSK based products due to increase in the price. Currently the NBSK pulp is widely used to make tissue papers, toilet papers and also paper towels. By implementing the tariff, the cost of raw materials will increase which will lead to less production and in turn reduced availability.

The tariff not only causes increase in the cost of the raw materials and end-product but it can also lead to shutting down of the small and medium scale pulp mills. This will affect the supply and distribution of the product and can heavily affect the global NBSK market.

NORTHERN BLEACHED SOFTWOOD KRAFT MARKET SEGMENTATION

BY TYPE

Based on type, the NBSK market is further classified into Standard NBSK Pulp and Reinforced NBSK Pulp.

Standard NBSK Pulp

The pulp obtained by the kraft process from the softwood tress such as pine and spruce are called as standard NBSK pulp. The key features of this pulp include long fibers and high brightness. This pulp is widely known for the production of writing paper, tissues, printing paper and specialty paper.

The paper manufactured from these pulp is preferred due to its eco-friendly and sustainable nature. The demand for standard NBSK pulp increases with the increase in the demand for eco-friendly, sustainable and recyclable products and the market is expected to have a upward trajectory in the coming years.

Reinforced NBSK Pulp

This type is known for enhancing the required properties that are required for the particular paper industries. Some of the commonly enhanced properties include strength, durability and resistance to tear. Some of the industries that uses the reinforced NBSK pulp include tissue industry, printing industry, packaging paper and also paperboards.

Due to the demand for the sustainable alternatives, the growth of reinforced NBSK pulp will increase in the coming years and this is expected to be steady growth.

BY APPLICATION

Based on Application, the NBSK market is further classified into Tissue Paper, Printing and Writing paper, Specialty Paper and Others.

Tissue Paper

One of the key ingredient in the production of tissue industry is the northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBSK). This pulp is used as its fibers are strong, durable and helps in the formation of a smooth and uniform sheets of tissue papers. The bleached pulp also provides the required bright white color needed for the tissue industry.

The demand for tissue paper especially after the pandemic has skyrocketed due to people’s increased focus on sanitation and hygiene. This has indirectly resulted in the growth of the NBSK market as well and it is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Printing and Writing Paper

The benchmark grade of the NBSK pulp is known for properties such as tensile strength, durability, brightness and strong bonding. This makes the papers less prone to tearing and helps produces uniform sheets that are high quality paper for writing and printing.

Since the printing and writing industry is having a steady growth in the recent years, the NBSK in the printing and writing paper will also have a notable growth. The growth of stationery industry also expected to fuel the growth of the NBSK market.

Specialty Paper

These papers that are used for a variety of purposes such as packaging, food industry decor paper, labeling. And for these uses the paper should be strong, less prone to tear and durable. Hence the NBSK is used for making the specialty paper.

Currently the specialty paper market is growing with a CAGR of 5.97% and the demand increases the demand for papers produced from NBSK pulp will also increase.

Others

NBSK is also widely used in reinforcement and packaging. NBSK known for being durable, strong and even has low resistant to tear. And it also easily recyclable and reusable so it is highly recommended for the packaging industry. In reinforcement sector it is used due to its strength and tear resistant properties.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics includes driving and restraining factor, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

DRIVING FACTORS

Renewable Properties Driving the NBSK Market

The key point of NBSK pulp is that it is renewable. Since the world is moving towards environment friendly and less toxic approaches in the products, the use of NBSK comes in handy as they are not only eco-friendly but also a sustainable approach compared to other types of products. Hence it is noted that the renewable properties of NBSK is propelling the market growth globally.

Demand in Packaging and Printing Fueling the NBSK Market Growth

One of the key raw material for the packaging and printing paper industry is the use of NBSK pulp. Papers made from NBSK pulp are used in printing papers, corrugated boxes and paperboards. The growing demand in these industries driven by factors such as eco-friendly, sustainability, globalization, urbanization and increased consumer’s purchases which has played a great role in the NBSK market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

Digitalization Restraining the NBSK Market Growth

Increase in the use of modern technologies have a vital role in the decline of the NBSK market growth. The use of PCs, mobiles, tablets and other such gadgets have greatly affected the paper and stationary industry which in turn has heavily affected the NBSK industry leading to the decline in the market growth.

CHALLENGE

Environmental Concerns Challenging the NBSK Market Growth

NBSK pulp is obtained from softwood trees. The pulp involves cutting down of this softwood trees for the paper production which results in deforestation. This leads to higher environmental concerns such as global warning and other issues. This poses as a challenge for the NBSK market for the long run.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth of E-Commerce Platforms Opens New Opportunity for the NBSK Market Growth

E-commerce sector growth has opened to opportunities for the NBSK market growth. E-commerce allows for reviewing and customization of the products before buying which has helped. This feature is a hit among the younger generation. This has in turn also led to the growth of the northern bleached softwood kraft market in recent years.

NORTHERN BLEACHED SOFTWOOD KRAFT MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHT

NORTH AMERICA (US)

The US northern bleached softwood kraft market is heavily relied on imports from other countries especially from Canada. It is noted that US imports nearly 2 million tons of NBSK pulp from Canada every year. The US NBSK market is propelled by the need for sustainable products and alternatives to traditional packaging methods by using eco-friendly solutions. As a result, the US market will continue to grow steadily in the following years.

Among the North American countries Canada plays a vital role in the NBSK market as it produces third of the global NBSK pulp and Canada market is mainly based on export of the NBSK pulp to other countries, primarily the US.

EUROPE

The European northern bleached softwood market share is quite volatile in the recent years. Europe NBSK market mainly relay on the import of NBSK pulp from Canada. Due to factors such as COVID-19 and tariff there has been a price hike which has heavily affected the Europe paper industry which in turn has affected the NBSK market.

Although the paper for printing and writing industry has seen a decline, the packaging industry has remained stable which has immensely helped the NBSK market in Europe.

ASIA

The Asia-Pacific NBSK market is growing in a steady phase and will continue to grow due to with the help of trends and need for sustainable alternatives. So although the there is a price hike in the NBSK pulp obtained from Canada, the growing needs helps the market growth.

Increase in urbanization, infrastructure and growing population are the key factors in the Asia market that boost the NBSK market growth. Among the Asian countries China is the leading NBSK pulp product consumer.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

The key players are considered as the dominant players in the market and are responsible for setting the price of the product and raw materials and are also responsible for the smooth distribution of supply chain. They invest in the research and development and come up with new strategies to boost the market during volatile times. They implement the modern technologies in the industry so that it becomes digitalized and up to date with currents trends.

LIST OF KEY NBSK PULP COMPANIES                                               

Resolute Forest Products (Canada)

Catalyst Paper (Canada)

METSA FIBRE (Finland)

Billerud Korsnas (Sweden)

Stora Enso (Finland)

Sodra (Sweden)

Paper Excellence (Canada)

Canfor Pulp (Canada)

International Paper (US)

ND Paper LLC. (US)

Domtar Corporation (US)

Mercer (US)

West Fraser (Canada)

Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (Sweden)

UPM Pulp (Finland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

March 2023: A global wood products company called West Fraser which focuses on renewable building materials decided to invest in the northern bleached softwood Kraft pulp production capacity.

REPORT COVERAGE

This report covers the basis of the northern bleached softwood kraft, their uses and their market value globally. It also briefly covers the US tariff and its impact on the northern bleached softwood kraft market. The latest trends that boost the market growth.

It briefly describes the segmentation of the northern bleached softwood kraft market based on type and application and their contribution to the market growth. The driving factors and opportunities that fuel the market growth. The challenge and restraining factor that negatively impact the market growth.

The article briefly also mentions the regional market growth. The key industry players and their contribution, new industry development and the companies that dominate the market.