Wood Chips Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Soft Wood Chips, and Hard Wood Chips), By Application (Pulp and Paper Industries, Wood-based Panels, Combined Heat and Power (Boiler Fuel), and Others), and Regional Forecast to 2035

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WOOD CHIPS MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Wood Chips Market is set to rise from USD 6.36 billion in 2025 to USD 6.49 billion in 2026, on track to hit USD 7.81 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 2.08% between 2025 and 2035.

Growing demand for biomass energy, pulp and paper production, and landscaping uses are fueling steady expansion of the wood chips market. Commonly employed as renewable fuel, raw material for paper production, and soil enrichment mulch are wood chips obtained from thinning, sawmill leftovers, and logging waste.

Rising demand of biomass power generation, higher attention of sustainable forestry practices, and more industrial use of wood chips all fuel market growth. Furthermore supporting demand for woodbased biofuels are government programs on carbonfree options and renewable energy. Still, market growth might suffer from logistical costs, seasonal supply fluctuations, and competition with other biofuels.

Region, application (bioenergy, pulp & paper, landscaping, animal bedding), and source (forest residues, sawmill residues, recycled wood) subdivide the market. Rising financing in biomass power stations drive the bioenergy sector.

Whereas increased use of sustainable materials and industrial applications push North American and Europe's markets, high paper production and strong renewable energy policies drive Europe and Europe. Major players highlight sustainable sourcing, supply chain optimization, and advanced processing techniques as essential to enhance product quality and efficiency.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Wood Chips Market Had a Negative Effect due to reduced industrial activities, including paper manufacturing and biomass energy production, led to lower demand for wood chips

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Lockdowns and restrictions broke supply chains, delayed production and shipping, therefore COVID-19 adversely affected the wood chips market. Lower demand for wood chips resulted from decreased industrial operations, including paper production and biomass energy generation. Labor shortages and logging restrictions additionally impacted the availability of raw resources. Though demand gradually came back, the first upheavals created major market volatility.

LATEST TRENDS

Rising adoption of wood chips for bioenergy production, as industries and governments seek carbon-neutral solutions to Drive Market Growth

Rising need for sustainable fuel choices and biomass energy is driving the wood chips market. Rising use of wood chips for bio-energy production is a major development since governments and businesses are looking for carbon free options. Driving demand for top wood chips is the implementation in many nations of biomass energy facilities to lessen reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore rising efficiency and energy output is the use of sophisticated drying and processing technologies. In the next few years, the wood chips industry will be transformed by this move toward renewable energy alternatives.

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, over 320 biomass power plants in the U.S. rely on wood chips for renewable energy generation.

• The European Biomass Association reported that in 2023, 44% of EU bioenergy consumption came from wood-based resources, with chips being a major contributor.

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WOOD CHIPS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Soft Wood Chips, and Hard Wood Chips

• Softwood Chips Mainly used in the manufacture of pulp and paper as well as biomass energy generation are softwood chips obtained from trees like pine and spruce. Less dense and more resinous, these are perfect for tasks demanding quick decomposition and effective combustion. The increasing call for clean energy sources is propelling the use of softwood chips in biomass power generation.

• Hardwood ChipsCommonly employed in high quality paper production, landscaping, and fuelwood is hardwood chips taken from oak, maple, and eucalyptus. Their greater density and lower moisture content make them perfect for making long-lasting mulch and tough paper goods. Rising demand for sustainable landscaping ideas and top paper is driving the hardwood chip industry.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Pulp and Paper Industries, Wood-based Panels, Combined Heat and Power (Boiler Fuel), and Others

• Pulp and Paper Industries In the pulp and paper industry, wood chips are a vital raw material turned into pulp used to produce envelopes, paper, and tissues. The chosen paper quality and strength will determine whether hard or soft wood will be used. The rising need for paper and packaging materials that are eco-friendly is driving the use of wood chips in this industry.

• Wood-Based Panels For interior applications, construction, and furniture, wood-based panels including particleboard, MDF, and OSB are manufactured using wood chips. These are a comparatively cheap and environmentally friendly option to solid wood. Compound wood goods popularity is driven by rising building works and growing demand.

• Combined Heat and Power (Boiler Fuel) Renewable fuel source for CHP plants, provided by wood chips, produces energy and heat for commercial and domestic applications. Their carbon neutrality and effective combustion characteristics make them an appealing substitute for fossil fuels. The increasing emphasis on carbon emissions reduction and biomass energy is driving the use of wood chips in CHP uses.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving factor

Rising Demand for Biomass Energy to Boost the Market

The increasing focus on renewable sources of energy is driving demand for wood chips as green biomass fuel. Wood chips are often used in combined heat and power (CHP) systems to generate power and heat with less carbon emissions than fossil fuels. Supporting biomass energy projects will help governments and companies to meet their sustainability goals hence accelerating Wood Chips Market Growth.

• According to the International Energy Agency, global bioenergy use rose by 7% in 2022, with wood chips playing a key role in renewable heating solutions.

• The Food and Agriculture Organization stated that industrial roundwood production exceeded 1.9 billion cubic meters in 2022, boosting wood chip supply for energy and paper industries.

Growth in the Pulp and Paper Industry to Expand the Market

Driven by increased demand for packaging materials, tissues, and paper goods, the growing pulp and paper industry is driving the Wood Chips Market Growth. Many firms are turning to environmentally friendly and recycling paper production in response to growing environmental worries, therefore supporting market growth. Rising consumption of paper based packaging driven by the expanding e-commerce industry has added to demand for wood chips.

Restraining factor

Supply Chain Disruptions and Seasonal Availability to Potentially Impede Market Growth

The dependence on forestry activities—themselves subject to seasonal variations, weather, and supply chain disturbances, is one significant constraint in the Wood Chips Market. Limited availability of raw materials may result in price variations, brought on by harsh winters, logging constraints, and transport difficulties. Furthermore influencing wood chip output are regulatory rules on deforestation and environmental conservation. Taken together, these variables cause supply uncertainty, hence challenging industries depending on a consistent wood chip supply.

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency highlights that wood chip combustion contributes to 25% of particulate matter emissions from biomass plants, raising environmental concerns.

• According to the European Commission, rising land-use restrictions impacted the sourcing of over 18 million hectares of forest land in 2023, limiting sustainable chip production.

Expansion of Bio-Based Products and Sustainable Packaging to create Opportunity for the product in the market

Opportunity

The Wood Chips Market stands to benefit greatly from the increasing trend toward biobased goods and environmentally friendly packaging. Used more and more in biodegradable packaging, molded fiber goods, and compostable goods, wood chips offer companies seeking renewable replacements for plastic. Innovations in fiber composites and woodbased chemicals at least complement increasing market possibility. The demand for goods derived from wood chips is anticipated to rise as consumers become more conscious and laws support environmentally friendly solutions.

• The International Renewable Energy Agency reported that renewable energy capacity increased by 295 GW in 2022, creating opportunities for wood chips as a low-cost fuel alternative.

• According to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the country imported over 12 million tons of wood biomass in 2023, opening strong market opportunities in Asia.

Competition from Alternative Biomass and Raw Materials Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers

Challenge

Alternative biomass sources such as agricultural residues, sawdust, and wood pellets offer industrial benefits and energy similar to those provided by the wood chips market, hence strong competition. Some businesses find these options preferable given their lower cost, better performance, or more possible availability. Further, improvements in synthetic and recycled materials present a threat to construction and packaging products based on wood chips. For the wood chips business to remain competitive, it has to center on processing and use sustainability, efficiency, and technology improvements.

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that transportation costs account for 30–40% of total wood chip supply chain expenses, reducing profitability.

• According to the World Bank, global timber price volatility increased by 15% in 2022, creating instability in wood chip trade markets.

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WOOD CHIPS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North America leads the United States Wood Chips Market because of its large forest resources, sophisticated logging sector, and great need for paper production and biomass energy. Particularly in Europe and Asia, the area is a major source of wood chips for local consumption and international trade. Strong government backing of sustainable forestry methods and renewable energy helps additionally to drive market expansion. Leading wood processing firms also help to increase innovation and productivity in the sector.

• Europe

Europe leads the Wood Chips Market Share owing to its pronounced emphasis on sustainable energy, stringent environmental laws, and great need for sustainable raw materials. Driven by regulations supporting carbon reduction and clean energy, the area is a significant user of wood chips for biomass power generation. Well-developed forestry sectors in Sweden, Finland, and Germany guarantee a constant supply of wood chips. Growing demand for woodbased panels and environmentally friendly packaging also reinforces Europe's market position.

• Asia

Asia controls the Wood Chips Market Share owing to its rising pulp and paper sector, rising demand for biomass energy, and expanding wood-based panel manufacturing. Many important buyers and consumers of wood chips for paper, MDF, and particleboard production live in countries like China, Japan, and India. The fast industrialization and urbanization of the region are driving the call for sustainable components. Furthermore driving up Asia's wood chip market development are major investments in green building and renewable energy sources.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market through investing in sustainable forestry practices, expanding biomass energy applications, and enhancing processing technologies

By developing processing technologies, expanding bioenergy uses, and supporting sustainable logging methods, major sector players drive the growth of the Wood Chips Market. Stora Enso, West Fraser, and Enviva are among the corporations at the forefront of advances in wood chip creation for renewable energy, wood panels, and pulp and paper. These athletes are using sustainable forestry techniques, refining supply chains, and creating top quality wood chips to satisfy increasing demand.

• Midway Limited: The company processed over 800,000 tons of hardwood chips annually, making it a leading exporter to Japan and China.

• La.So.Le. Est: The company operates with over 35 years of specialization in wood chip production for energy and animal bedding industries across Europe.

Furthermore expanding the potential of the market are higher levels of funding in biomass power generation and biobased goods. Further driving acceptance are tactical collaborations with industries dedicated to carbon emissions and government departments. Key actors are supporting the market and guaranteeing a constant source of timber chips for many uses globally by increasing efficiency, sustainability, and scalability.

List of Top Wood Chips Companies

• Midway Limited - (Australia)
• La.So.Le. Est - (Italy)
• Great Northern Timber - (Canada)
• Rentech, Inc. - (U.S.)
• Roseburg Forest Products - (U.S.)
• Sierra Pacific Industries - (U.S.)
• Sojitz Group - (Japan)
• Axpo - (Switzerland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

September 2024: One industrial development in the Wood Chips Market is announced by Drax Group, a UK-based power producer. They constructed wood-fired electricity generators in the American South. Seeking to boost local economies, these installations will use wood chips obtained from areas where pulp and paper mills have shut down. The plants will use BECCS technology to embed bioenergy, sequestering carbon emissions below and generating carbon credits. Intended to meet environmental issues related with woodfired power generation, this project helps timber producers, generates employment, and draws large investments.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The Wood Chips Market is poised for a continued boom pushed by increasing health recognition, the growing popularity of plant-based diets, and innovation in product services. Despite challenges, which include confined uncooked fabric availability and better costs, the demand for gluten-unfastened and nutrient-dense alternatives supports marketplace expansion. Key industry players are advancing via technological upgrades and strategic marketplace growth, enhancing the supply and attraction of Launch Vehicle. As customer choices shift towards healthier and numerous meal options, the Wood Chips Market is expected to thrive, with persistent innovation and a broader reputation fueling its destiny prospects.