Demand has flattened for fluff pulp, but prices have appreciated significantly - increasing by almost 50% since 2019
By 2029 it is projected that the fluff pulp market will reach volume of 8.62 million air dried tonnes, valued at $11.5 billion
Between 2024 and 2029, annual growth rates are 3.4% (volume) and 3.6% (value).
The global fluff pulp market in 2024 consists of 7.8 million air dried tonnes of capacity, produced primarily by 11 producers in 22 separate mills. This capacity includes 'swing' mill capacity (mills that can produce other products as well as fluff pulp). In 2024, it is estimated that about 88% of capable capacity is producing fluff rather than alternative materials.
Produced using the kraft (sulphate) chemical pulp process from coarse, long-fibre softwoods, fluff pulp historically has been a speciality pulp grade with higher prices and margins than the more common papermaking pulp grades. This report documents the growth of fluff pulp capacity and consumption from 2019 through 2029 and includes a detailed quantitative breakdown of fluff pulp consumption by end-use application and by geographic region. Fluff pulp production is broken down by wood species, pulping process and treatments.
Key Questions:
How swing mills will affect fluff pulp capacity to 2029
What impact changes in production costs will have on the market
What factors are causing instability in the fluff pulp market
Which end-use sectors have highest growth potential over the next five years
How the global drive to reduce plastic consumption has impacted the market for fluff pulp.
This report benefits:
Raw material suppliers and pulp producers
Machinery and equipment suppliers
Hygiene product and wipes manufacturers
Table of Contents
Executive summary
Introduction and methodology
Scope
Methodology
Definitions
Key drivers and trends for fluff pulp
Introduction
Key trends/properties driving the fluff market
Pricing trends
Capacity developments
Non-softwood fluff pulp (ie eucalyptus)
Impact of fluff-less/low fluff hygiene cores
Cost in use
Sustainability/plastics free
Pulping process (i.e. sulphate or Kraft, sulphite)