Paper production in the Asia-Pacific or APAC region dates as far back as ancient history, with China first establishing paper production about 105 AD.
However, industrial development took off during the 20th century with countries like Japan and South Korea putting themselves in a position to lead the region in improved paper productions because of growth in the rate of literacy, population, and industrialization. China, Indonesia, and India are growing very fast during the late 20th century, they have also been supported by the technological breakthroughs, large size paper mills, and automation in maximizing production efficiency.
Major trends found in the APAC pulp and paper market are changes in consumer demand, environmental issue, and economic trend. Policies, such as reducing overcapacity and improving product quality, still are the driving forces in the markets dominated by the largest region’s producers and consumers-in this case, China. Indonesia and India will continue to increase production to meet internal needs and export markets. The region also is moving towards more eco-friendly practices, with several companies investing in sustainable products and recycling, resulting from increased regulatory pressure to be cleaner.
The APAC pulp and paper market is experiencing steady growth due to a growing need for packaging materials, especially paper-based options, attributed to the burgeon rise of the e-commerce industry. The market for tissue paper and hygiene products also experiences growth, supported by personal hygiene awareness. The growth in this region is expected to remain quite strong, driven by economic development, rising disposable incomes, and industrial activity.
Investments in production capacity and sustainable practices are also translating this growth trajectory. Technological advancements are changing the pulp and paper market in APAC. Companies continue using automation and digital monitoring technologies to achieve maximum productivity with minimum by-products. New recycling and de-inking technologies now make it possible for many more paper products to be recycled with even greater efficiency. In addition, considerable attention is given now to other types of pulp processing, namely bamboo and agricultural residues, in order to reduce dependence on the more traditional wood-based pulps.
