Thetissue paper industry is a major player in the global hygiene market, offeringa variety of essentials like toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, andnapkins. These products are a must-have for everyday life, serving homes,offices, hospitals, and hotels with ease and practicality. Over the years, theindustry has seen significant growth, thanks to advances in technology,shifting consumer habits, and a greater push for hygiene and eco-friendlysolutions. Tissue papers are all about convenience and cleanliness, making thema go-to choice for modern lifestyles.
Tissuemarket growth is being propelled by urbanization, higher incomes, and risingawareness about staying clean, especially in developing countries. People areleaning towards greener options made from recycled or alternative materials,along with high-end products like super-soft or lotion-infused tissues. On topof that, online shopping has become a game changer, giving buyers the option toeasily subscribe for regular deliveries.
According toTechSci Research report “Global Tissue Paper Market By Product (Toilet Paper, Kitchen Towel, Facial Tissues, Napkins,and Others), By End User (Residential, Food and Beverage Industry, Hospital,and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarket/ Supermarket, DepartmentalStores, Pharmacy/Drug Stores, Online Sales Channel, and Others), By Region,Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”Global tissue paper market was valued USD49.6 billion and is expected to reachUSD67.98 billion by the end of 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.63% through 2026.
Whenit comes to regional demand, North America and Europe are the heavyweights,with people already using a lot of tissue paper and gravitating towardsustainable, premium options. Asia-Pacific, on the other hand, is thefastest-growing area, where urbanization and a growing middle class are drivingpeople to switch to disposable tissues. Meanwhile, places like Latin Americaand the Middle East & Africa are seeing more demand thanks to better retailnetworks, more urban areas, and booming tourism. Overall, the industry’s futurelooks bright, with eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge ideas steering itforward while meeting global demand.
Key Metrics forInnovation in the Tissue Paper Market
- Theaspect of Product Development includes the introduction of new tissuepaper varieties or features that enhance functionality, comfort, orconvenience. Innovations might include ultra-soft, lotion-infused, orfragrance-added tissues. It also includes the development of products made fromalternative fibers, such as bamboo, sugarcane, or recycled materials.
- Advancesin Manufacturing Processes that improve efficiency, reduce costs, andenhance product quality are crucial. Innovations in tissue production, such asusing more efficient machines or improving pulp-making technologies to maketissues thinner but stronger, can lead to cost savings and better-qualityproducts.
- Sustainability as innovation is another great metricfor innovation in this industry. Companies that innovate in terms ofsustainability are key players in the market. This includes using renewableresources, reducing environmental impact, creating biodegradable or recyclablepackaging, and optimizing production processes to reduce waste. This type ofinnovation addresses growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products andaligns with regulatory trends.
Top 10 Tissue PaperCompanies: Global Ranking
1.Essity Aktiebolag
Founding Year | 1929 |
Headquarters | Stockholm, Sweden |
Website | https://www.essity.com/ |
EssityAktiebolag is a leading Swedish hygiene and health company headquartered inStockholm, specializing in the production of essential consumer andprofessional hygiene products. Formed in 2017 from a spin-off of the hygieneoperations of SCA, Essity operates under well-known brands such as TENA, Tork,Libresse, and Lotus, offering a diverse range of products including tissuepaper, baby diapers, feminine care items, incontinence products, and wound caresolutions. With approximately 36,000 employees and sales reaching around EUR 13billion in 2023, Essity is committed to sustainability and innovation, focusingon energy-efficient solutions and digital transformation to enhance well-beingglobally. The company emphasizes its mission to improve hygiene and healthstandards while addressing societal challenges through various initiatives andpartnerships.
EssityAktiebolag is a prominent Swedish hygiene and health company based inStockholm, specializing in the production of essential consumer andprofessional hygiene products. Formed in 2017 from a spin-off of the hygieneoperations of SCA, Essity operates under well-known brands such as TENA,Tork, Libresse, and Lotus, offering a diverse range ofproducts that include tissue paper, baby diapers, feminine care items,incontinence products, and wound care solutions. With a workforceof approximately 36,000 employees and net sales reaching around EUR 13 billionin 2023, Essity is committed to sustainability and innovation, focusing onenergy-efficient solutions and digital transformation to enhance well-beingglobally.
2.Procter & Gamble Co.
Founding Year | 1837 |
Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
Website | https://in.pg.com/ |
Procter& Gamble (P&G) is a leading American multinational consumer goodscorporation founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble in Cincinnati,Ohio. Renowned for its diverse product portfolio, P&G operates acrossseveral segments, including Beauty (Olay, Pantene), Grooming(Gillette), Health Care (Crest), Fabric & Home Care (Tide,Febreze), and Baby, Feminine & Family Care (Pampers, Always). Thecompany has a strong global presence, with operations in numerous countries anda commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Under the leadershipof CEO Jon Moeller since 2021, P&G continues to focus on improving livesthrough its products while adapting to evolving consumer needs and marketchallenges.
Procter& Gamble (P&G) offers a comprehensive portfolio of tissue paperproducts tailored to meet various consumer needs, particularly in household andpersonal hygiene. The flagship brand, Charmin, is recognized for itsexceptional softness and strength, featuring options like ultra-soft andultra-strong toilet paper that have become staples in many homes. For cleaningpurposes, P&G provides Bounty paper towels, known for their highabsorbency and durability, marketed as "The Quicker Picker Upper."Additionally, the Puffs brand caters to facial tissue needs, offering productsdesigned for everyday use as well as specialized options such as extra-softtissues for sensitive skin or those infused with lotion for enhanced comfort.P&G also addresses on-the-go cleaning requirements with its range of wetwipes, including flushable and hygiene wipes available under various brands. Inaddition, P&G continually develops features that cater to evolving consumerpreferences, including hypoallergenic options, fragrance-free tissues, andconvenient packaging formats.
3.Asia Pulp & Paper (APP)
Founding Year | 1972 |
Headquarters | Jakarta, Indonesia |
Website | https://app.co.id/ |
AsiaPulp & Paper (APP) is one of the largest pulp and paper companies in theworld, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. Established in 1972 as Tjiwi Kimiaand officially formed in 1994 under the Sinar Mas Group, APP has grownsignificantly, operating in over 150 countries across six continents with anannual production capacity exceeding 20 million tons. The company is known forits extensive range of products, including paper, packaging, and tissue, and iscommitted to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. APP emphasizesinnovation and environmental stewardship through initiatives like its SustainabilityRoadmap Vision 2030, aiming for carbon neutrality and biodiversityconservation while maintaining high-quality standards in its operations.
AsiaPulp & Paper (APP) produces a wide array of tissue paper products tailoredfor both consumer and professional markets. Its portfolio includes high-qualitytoilet paper brands such as Livi and Paseo, known for theirsoftness, strength, and affordability, available in various sizes and packagingformats. APP's facial tissues are designed for comfort and convenience,catering to different skin sensitivities and preferences. The company alsooffers durable and absorbent paper towels and napkins suitable for householdand commercial use, including products specifically designed for thehospitality and food service sectors. Additionally, APP manufactures wet wipesunder its consumer brands, providing practical solutions for on-the-go hygieneand cleaning needs. Furthermore, APP serves as a key supplier of private-labeltissue products for retailers around the globe, offering customizable optionsto meet diverse market demands.
4.Georgia-Pacific LLC
Founding Year | 1927 |
Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
Website | https://www.gp.com/ |
Georgia-PacificLLC is a major American pulp and paper company headquartered in Atlanta,Georgia. Established in 1927, it has grown to become one of the world's leadingmanufacturers and marketers of a wide range of products, including bath tissue,paper towels, napkins, tableware, and packaging materials. The company operatesover 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly,contributing to over 89,000 jobs indirectly across various sectors.Georgia-Pacific is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation inproduct development, utilizing resources from its own timberlands to producehigh-quality goods while minimizing environmental impact.
Georgia-Pacificoffers a comprehensive portfolio of tissue paper products catering tohouseholds, businesses, and institutions. Its key offerings include flagshiptoilet paper brands such as Angel Soft and Quilted Northern, which arerecognized for their softness, strength, and affordability, available invarious sizes and options to suit consumer preferences. The company’s Brawnybrand leads the market in durable and highly absorbent paper towels designedfor residential use, while the enMotion line provides efficient and sustainablesolutions for commercial applications. For facial tissues, Georgia-Pacificmanufactures premium products under the Quilted Northern and Angel Soft brands,focusing on comfort and skin sensitivity. Additionally, through its GP PROdivision, the company produces bulk tissue products tailored for high-trafficenvironments like offices, schools, and healthcare facilities, featuringcost-effective refills and smart dispensing systems. Georgia-Pacific alsooffers specialty tissue products, including private-label solutions designedspecifically for the food service and hospitality industries. Overall, thecompany is committed to delivering high-quality tissue products whilemaintaining a focus on sustainability and innovation in its manufacturingprocesses.
5.Sofidel Group
Founding Year | 1966 |
Headquarters | Porcari (Lucca), Italy |
Website | https://www.sofidel.com/en/ |
Sofidelis an Italian multinational company established in 1966, specializing in theproduction of tissue paper for sanitary and domestic use. Headquartered inPorcari, Lucca, it has become one of the world leaders in the tissue papermarket and the second largest producer in Europe, operating subsidiaries in 13countries and employing over 6,600 people. The company is well-known for itsflagship brand, Regina, along with several other brands such as Sopalin, Hakle,and Softis. Sofidel is committed to sustainability and environmentalresponsibility, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and activelyparticipating in initiatives like the WWF Climate Savers program. With aproduction capacity exceeding 1.4 million tons annually, Sofidel focuses on an integratedproduction cycle that encompasses everything from raw material processing tothe creation of finished tissue products.
SofidelGroup’s tissue paper portfolio is extensive, catering to both individualhouseholds and large organizations. Its flagship brand, Regina, is recognizedfor premium toilet paper that combines softness, strength, and sustainability,offering a variety of options including standard rolls, jumbo rolls, andeco-friendly alternatives. The Regina brand also features highly absorbentkitchen towels designed for cleaning and everyday use, with innovative designsthat emphasize durability and efficiency. For facial tissues, Sofidel producessoft and gentle options under brands like Regina, available in boxes,pocket-sized packs, and other convenient formats. In the professional sector,the Papernet brand serves the Away-from-Home (AfH) market by providing tissuesolutions for businesses in healthcare and hospitality, while also being amajor supplier of private-label products for retail chains globally.Additionally, Sofidel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in itsportfolio of eco-friendly products made from recycled fibers and sustainableraw materials, reflecting its dedication to environmentally consciousproduction practices.
6.Hengan International GroupCompany Ltd.
Founding Year | 1985 |
Headquarters | Jinjiang City Fujian Province PRC |
Website | https://en.hengan.com/ |
HenganInternational Group Company Ltd. is a leading Chinese manufacturer specializingin personal hygiene products, including sanitary napkins, disposable diapers,and household paper products. Founded in 1985, Hengan has established itself asone of the largest producers in its sector, with a strong market presence inChina and a growing international footprint. The company went public on theHong Kong Stock Exchange in 1998 and was included in the Hang Seng Index in2011, reflecting its sustained growth and financial stability. Hengan operatesmultiple brands, such as Anerle for sanitary napkins and baby diapers, andHearttex for tissue paper products. With a workforce of approximately 24,000employees and commitment to quality and innovation, Hengan emphasizesenvironmentally friendly practices and has implemented advanced managementreforms to enhance its competitiveness in the global market.
HenganInternational Group Company Ltd. boasts a diverse portfolio of tissue paperproducts designed to serve both households and businesses. Its offeringsinclude high-quality toilet paper produced under popular brands such asHearttex and Space 7, recognized for their softness, durability, andaffordability, with options ranging from standard rolls to jumbo packs. Thecompany also provides facial tissues that prioritize comfort and convenience,available in boxed and portable formats to cater to various customerpreferences, including fragrance-free and skin-friendly options. Hengan's papertowels are designed for household cleaning and kitchen use, offering highabsorbency and durability. Additionally, the company supplies a variety ofnapkins for dining and catering purposes, along with specialty tissue productstailored for specific applications. Hengan further supports businesses andretail partners by offering private-label manufacturing services and commercialsolutions designed to meet institutional needs.
7.CMPC S.A.
Founding Year | 1920 |
Headquarters | Santiago, Chile |
Website | https://www.cmpc.com/en/ |
CMPCS.A. is a prominent Chilean holding company established in 1920, headquarteredin Santiago. It operates as a leader in the integrated forest industry,focusing on the production and marketing of a wide range of products, includingcellulose, paper, tissue, and wood products. CMPC is one of the largestcorporations in Chile and is part of the Matte Group, which engages in varioussectors such as forestry, energy, banking, and manufacturing. The company has asignificant presence across Latin America and beyond, with operations incountries including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. CMPC is committedto sustainability and innovation, utilizing man-made plantations for its rawmaterials and aiming for environmentally responsible production practices.
CMPCS.A. offers a diverse portfolio of tissue paper products designed to meet theneeds of both consumers and commercial clients, marketed under well-knownbrands and private-label options. Its toilet paper range includes high-qualityproducts from brands like Elite, Confort, and Softys, which are recognized fortheir softness, strength, and eco-friendly choices, including recycled andFSC-certified variants. The company also produces facial tissues that emphasizecomfort and performance, available in various sizes and formats such as boxedtissues and portable packs. Hengan’s paper towels are designed for durabilityand absorbency, making them suitable for household cleaning as well ascommercial use. Additionally, CMPC provides a wide selection of napkins andspecialty tissue products tailored for dining, catering, and industrialapplications. Through its Softys division, CMPC supplies Away-from-Home (AfH)products that cater to institutions, businesses, and the hospitality sector,including jumbo rolls, hand towels, and advanced dispenser systems.
8.Unicharm Corporation
Founding Year | 1961 |
Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
Website | https://www.unicharm.co.jp/en/home.html |
UnicharmCorporation is a leading Japanese manufacturer established in 1961,specializing in sanitary products and personal care items. Headquartered inTokyo, the company has grown to become one of the largest producers in itssector, particularly known for its innovative offerings in feminine care, babycare, and adult incontinence products. Unicharm's product range includeswell-known brands such as Moony for baby diapers, Mamy Poko for premiumdisposable diapers, Sofy for feminine hygiene products, and Lifree for adultcare solutions. The company has expanded its operations across Asia, withsubsidiaries in countries like China, Thailand, and South Korea, reflecting itscommitment to meeting the diverse needs of consumers in various markets.
UnicharmCorporation's tissue paper portfolio is designed to meet a wide array ofconsumer and professional needs, emphasizing functionality, quality, andsustainability. The company offers premium toilet paper known for its softnessand strength, providing a luxurious experience with various sizes andeco-friendly options available. Unicharm also produces high-quality facialtissues under its Moony and MamyPoko brands, which are gentle onsensitive skin and suitable for everyday use. Its paper towels and napkins arecrafted for superior absorbency and durability, making them ideal for bothhousehold and professional applications. Additionally, Unicharm developsspecialized tissue products such as wet wipes and hygienic tissues tailored forspecific markets, including healthcare and childcare. The company furthersupports retailers by supplying private-label tissue products and offeringinnovative solutions for businesses in the Away-from-Home (AfH) sector.
9.WEPA Hygieneprodukte GmbH
Founding Year | 1961 |
Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
Website | https://www.unicharm.co.jp/en/home.html |
WEPAHygieneprodukte GmbH is a prominent German manufacturer of hygiene paperproducts, headquartered in Arnsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia. Founded in 1948,the company has grown to become the third largest producer of hygiene paper inEurope, employing approximately 4,000 people and generating a turnover ofaround €1.6 billion. WEPA specializes in a wide range of products includingtoilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, and napkins, primarily marketedunder private labels for European food retailers. The company operates 22 papermachines across 13 locations in six European countries, focusing onsustainability and innovative production methods that utilize recycled fibers.With a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility, WEPA aims to provideeffective hygiene solutions that contribute to the well-being of millions ofconsumers throughout Europe.
Thecompany has grown to become the third largest producer of hygiene paper inEurope, employing around 4,000 people and generating approximately €1.6 billionin revenue. WEPA specializes in a wide range of products, including toiletpaper, facial tissues, paper towels, and napkins, primarily marketed asprivate-label products for European food retailers. With 22 paper machinesoperating across 13 locations in six European countries, WEPA emphasizessustainability by focusing on the production of hygiene paper from recycledfibers. The company is committed to providing innovative and environmentallyfriendly solutions that contribute to the well-being of consumers whilemaintaining high standards of quality and performance in its product range.
10.Kruger Inc.
Founding Year | 1904 |
Headquarters | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
Website | https://www.kruger.com/ |
KrugerInc. is a Canadian private company founded in 1904, specializing in themanufacturing of a diverse range of products, including publication papers,tissue products, lumber, and renewable energy solutions. Headquartered inMontréal, Québec, Kruger has established itself as a leader in the pulp andpaper industry while also expanding into sectors such as green energy andrecycling. The company operates multiple facilities across Canada and theUnited States, employing approximately 6,000 people. Kruger is committed tosustainability and innovation, focusing on transforming renewable resourcesinto high-quality essentials for everyday life. Its well-known brands includeCashmere, Scotties, and Purex in the tissue segment, reflecting its dedicationto quality and customer satisfaction.
KrugerInc. has an extensive tissue paper portfolio that addresses the needs of bothresidential and commercial markets. The company produces premium toilet paperunder well-known brands such as Cashmere and Purex, which are celebrated fortheir softness, strength, and high quality. These products are available invarious sizes, ranging from standard rolls to jumbo packs, and includeeco-friendly options made from 100% recycled materials. Kruger alsomanufactures soft and gentle facial tissues under the Cashmere and Purexbrands, offering choices suitable for everyday use, including fragrance-freeand skin-sensitive varieties. The company’s paper towels are designed formaximum absorbency and durability, catering to both home cleaning andprofessional environments, with the Cashmere brand particularly recognized forits quality. Additionally, Kruger provides a variety of napkins and other paperproducts tailored for the food service and hospitality industries, focusing onfunctionality and environmental sustainability. In the Away-from-Home (AfH)sector, Kruger offers bulk tissue products such as jumbo rolls and paper toweldispensers aimed at institutional customers like schools, offices, and hospitals.
According toTechSci Research report “Organic Tissue Paper Market – GlobalIndustry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type(Bamboo Pulp, Recycled Pulp, Straw Pulp, Mix Wood Pulp, Others), ByDistribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, By Competition, 2018-2028”The Global Organic Tissue Paper Market has valued at USD 35.25 Million in 2022and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGRof 4.7% through 2028.
Market Leaders andTheir Impact
- Essity Aktiebolag – With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and digitaltransformation, Essity stands out for its broad product range and commitment toimproving hygiene and health standards globally. It also has a strong presencein both consumer and professional hygiene markets. This makes it a strongcontender for "better" if sustainability and innovation are keycriteria.
- Procter & Gamble (P&G) – Known for its global reach andwell-established brands like Charmin and Bounty, P&G excels in consumerbrand recognition and premium product offerings. Its continuous innovation,particularly in tissue paper products with features like lotion-infusedtissues, sets it apart in terms of market-leading comfort and convenience.
- Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) – APP has a massive global footprintand is one of the largest players in the industry. Its emphasis onsustainability with initiatives like the Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030shows a significant commitment to environmental responsibility. However, itmight not have as wide a range of high-end products compared to P&G orEssity.
- Georgia-Pacific LLC – With a diverse portfolio and a focus on sustainability,Georgia-Pacific is a major player, particularly in the U.S. It offers productsthat cater to both residential and commercial needs, making it versatile inserving a broad market. Its focus on sustainability also positions it as a keycompetitor.
- Sofidel Group– Sofidel emphasizes sustainability and has a strong presence in Europe. Itsdedication to eco-friendly practices and high-quality products like Regina andPapernet make it a strong competitor in terms of environmental consciousnessand product reliability.