Pulp and Paper Industry

History

2025

The first production of base paper for tracing paper in Russia launched for ₽1,2 billion

The Kommunar paper factory in the Leningrad Region has put into operation the first domestic production of base paper for the manufacture of tracing paper with a total investment of over ₽1,2 billion. The company also launched the production of decorative impregnated base paper for the production of furniture boards and laminated plywood. Previously, these types of products were fully supplied to Russia from European countries. The launch of the new production took place in early September 2025. Read more here.

A plant for the production of toilet paper and napkins was launched in Kaluga for 12.5 billion rubles

Arkhbum Tissyu Group LLC (ATG, a subsidiary of Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill JSC) commissioned the second stage of the plant in the Kaluga Region with an area of ​ ​ more than 70 thousand square meters. m. This became known in June 2025 at the opening ceremony. The volume of investments in production amounted to ₽12,5 billion. Production capacity doubled - up to 140 thousand tons per year. An engineering infrastructure has been created - a power unit, treatment facilities, a water treatment system; a second paper machine and seven conversion lines are installed. Read more here

2024

Production of notebooks in Russia for the year decreased by 33% to 660.5 million units

The production of school notebooks in Russia in 2024 amounted to 660.5 million units, a decrease of 33% compared to 2023. This is evidenced by the data of the analytical company Alto Consulting Group, released in October 2025.

The Central Federal District became the leader in production, providing 47.2% of the total. The concentration of production in the region is explained by the developed industrial base and the presence of large factories for the production of school products.

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Фото: Freepik

Alto Consulting Group analysts identified the main factors that led to the reduction in production:

1. Optimize the educational process.
2. Growth of digitalization of the educational process.
3. Increase demand for electronic materials.

The production of school notebooks in Russia is characterized by a strong concentration in the Central Federal District. The region has a developed infrastructure of production enterprises, qualified specialists and designers.

Logistical availability for deliveries across the country provides competitive advantages. The possibility of large-scale production with high quality and integration with other segments of the paper and printing industries strengthen the position of the region.

Despite the dominance of the Central Federal District, in other regions, the production of school products is gradually developing at the expense of small and medium-sized factories. Diversification of output geography reduces logistics costs for remote areas.

For the period from 2022 to 2024, the average cost of school notebooks among manufacturers increased by 22.5% - from ₽3 838.0 per thousand pieces to ₽5 085.8 per thousand pieces. The rise in price is associated with an increase in the cost of raw materials and transportation costs.

In May 2025, there was an increase in producer prices by 5.3%, to ₽6 517.1 per thousand units. The increase is due to seasonal adjustments before the start of the new school year. Manufacturers form stocks and increase output in anticipation of peak demand.^[1]

Growth in the production of paper and cardboard equipment in Russia by 40.4% to ₽2,36 billion

The production of equipment for the manufacture of paper and cardboard in Russia in 2024 reached the level of ₽2,36 billion, which is 40.4% more than in 2023. The result was an important signal of the recovery and growth of the domestic machine-building sector, focused on the pulp and paper industry. Russian enterprises managed not only to maintain their positions, but also to increase the production of complex technological equipment, demonstrating a high level of engineering competence and production adaptability. This was announced by the analytical company Alto Consulting Group in October 2025.

The Northwest Federal District became the leader in terms of output, providing about 38.3% of the total production. The region traditionally plays a key role in the development of the country's pulp and paper complex due to the concentration of large industrial sites, port infrastructure and human resources. Amid structural changes in the global economy, the industry has shown the ability to grow rapidly.

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Фото: Freepik

Paper and cardboard production equipment is the technological basis of the industry, providing a full cycle - from preparing raw materials and cooking the mass to molding, drying and cutting the finished product. Without updating production lines, it is impossible to ensure the competitiveness of domestic enterprises in the domestic and foreign markets. Key functions and areas of use of this equipment include the manufacture of paper machines of various capacities, the production of waste paper and pulp processing units, the creation of humidity, pressure and temperature control systems, the development of automated packaging board lines, modernization and maintenance of existing machines.^[2]

Pulp production in Russia for the year increased by 0.2% to 7.1 million tons

Pulp production in Russia increased by 0.2% and reached 7.1 million tons in 2024. This indicator is presented in a study prepared by BusinesStat and published in April 2025. The growth of production, despite the moderate pace, indicates the stability of the industry against the background of changes in foreign economic conditions and the reorientation of export flows.

According to BusinesStat, the bulk of the production was provided by wood sulfate pulp - 5.7 million tons. This corresponds to 80.3% of the total production. The growth in production of this category is due to an increase in domestic demand for packaging types of paper and cardboard, including for craftliner, labels, labels, boxes and boxes. The increase in demand was recorded by manufacturers of consumer goods and pharmaceutical products, as well as against the background of the expansion of online trading channels.

Based on sulphate wood pulp, in 2024, industrial production of new types of products began, including offset paper with specified characteristics for medical printing, as well as high-strength cardboard for packaging pharmaceuticals. In addition, the production of aseptic packaging for long-term storage products, which was previously supplied from abroad, was established.

According to BusinesStat analysts, in 2024, manufacturers adapted to foreign economic restrictions. Investment priorities were revised, the range was partially rotated, and interaction with key partners was strengthened.

The growth in production volumes is associated not only with stable demand in the domestic market, but also with the transition to import substitution models. The development of the kraft pulp direction ensured the replacement of part of the foreign supplies of critical packaging and printing products.^[3]

2023: Global pulp sales growth of 5.7% to 225 million tonnes Leading countries

In November 2024, it became known that the global pulp market showed significant growth in sales volumes. At the end of 2023, the figure increased by 5.7%, reaching 225 million tons compared to 213 million tons in the previous period.

According to Businessesstat, the leading position in the structure of global pulp consumption is occupied by China, which accounts for 77.5 million tons, which is 34.4% of global sales. The country's desire to strengthen its position in global industrial production is causing a growing need for raw materials of both local and foreign origin.

The second place in the ranking of the largest consumers is occupied by the United States of America with an indicator of 47 million tons, which is equivalent to 20.9% of the global market. The tendency to increase its own production capacity in the country is associated with the risks of deglobalization and a possible violation of established international production chains.

Closes the top three, the Brazil volume of pulp consumption in which reached 9.6 million tons, amounting to 4.3% of the global figure. The rest of the world accounts for 91 million tons, or 40.4% of global pulp consumption.

Analysts at Businessesstat note a consistently strong demand for pulp on a global scale with a trend towards further growth.

The growing popularity of cellulose products is due to its environmental friendliness, ease of disposal and rapid decomposition, which makes it an attractive alternative to synthetic materials, the study emphasizes.

According to the international pulp market survey conducted by Businessesstat in 2024, organic origin and environmental safety of products are becoming the main factors in increasing demand for pulp on a global scale.^[4]

Notes