Paper Catalogue Market Size - By Raw Material, By Coating, By Process, By Catalogue Applications, By Price Range, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Paper Catalogue Market Size

The global paper catalogue market was estimated at USD 2.5 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 2.7 billion in 2025 to USD 4.3 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 5.3% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

The persistent consumer preference for physical media is one of the main factors contributing to the growth of the paper catalogue market. Even with alternatives in digital form, many consumers still want to flip through a catalogue in its physical, tangible form. The physical aspect of this form certainly creates more senses which leads to a more leisurely and immersive browsing experience for products, especially lifestyle products such as fashion and home decor. Printed catalogues are more permanent in the homes because they live there, and they allow for cumulative efforts of study of products to occur through repeated exposure. This preference is strong among consumers in rural areas where the internet may not be as easily available where traditional paper catalogues are and will remain to provide products to the market.
 

In addition, physical media provides a sense of permanence and authenticity that digital media can lack. Consumers view printed media as being more intentional and vetted, and therefore, it places a higher brand value on the product. Retailers have seized on this and have created beautiful catalogues with stunning imagery and storytelling, instead of just a sales tool, their brand building tools. Therefore, paper catalogues do not exist, they are well in certain markets, particularly when included in omnichannel tactics, integrating print with digital touchpoints.
 

Emotional investment and trust are significant psychological drivers supporting the increasing popularity of the paper catalogue market. Print catalogues are perceived as more trustworthy than digital ads due to their relating to perceived intrusive tracking and misleading information. Because of its anointed nature, consumers are more open to messaging in a thoughtfully organized print catalogue vs digital equivalent. Consumers also tend to view brands that leverage print as more established brands. Purchasing decisions are often shaped by the trustworthiness of ad mediums along with considerations of long-term loyalty to a brand.
 

Beyond trust, paper catalogues provide an emotional link through a narrative platform that digital formats cannot offer. The sensory experience of leafing through a catalogue facilitates nostalgia and connection to a brand. This is important in categories like luxury retail, travel, and lifestyle, where brand experience and identity matter. By stimulating these emotional levers, paper catalogues help brands forge deeper relationships with their customers, which leads to improved engagement and conversion.
 

Paper Catalogue Market Trends

Paper catalogue business is in the early stages of a multi-faceted comeback, attributable to changes in consumer preferences, branding priorities, and omnichannel marketing. While online catalogues and digital channels provide scale and speed, brands have begun re-emphasizing printed catalogues by playing to their relationship-building strengths, emotional connections, and the opportunity to process products at-length. Consumers want to hold, flip through, and experience a carefully curated, tangible experience that not only provides an escape from excessive screen time, but also blends brand stories.
 

• The consumers will maintain durable use and a willingness to interact with physical catalogues because of their tactile experience. Unlike screen-based or other digital formats, paper catalogue creates an experience with same-format that digital catalogues cannot provide. Perhaps paper products are presented and organized differently from other references or media in physical form, which matters more for certain categories of retail, including fashion, home décor, and luxury goods, in which presentation plays an important functional role.
   

• Printed catalogues can be powerful storytelling tools. By way of thoughtful design, layouts, and quality photographic images, brands can articulate a strong sense of identity and values much more powerfully than through individual digital advertisements, and create emotional connections that spark deeper engagement, loyalty, and trust. Catalogues often evoke nostalgia and are personalized, which creates an emotional sense of being cared for, and the impact goes beyond being simple tools to drive sales and brand experiences.
   
• Modern catalogues are also increasingly less of a stand-alone marketing asset. Brands are starting to engage print as an extension of digital channels to enhance customer journeys. For example, a catalogue will have a QR code to product pages, augmented reality features, or a personalized URL to recognize who engaged. This fused experience allows companies to maximize the strengths of print to create emotional value and digital components' functions of convenience and analytics to drive conversion and customer insights.
   

Paper Catalogue Market Analysis

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• Wood-based raw materials include softwood and hardwood pulp which provide a unique mix of fiber qualities that are particularly suitable for creating high-quality paper catalogues. Softwoods like pine and spruce have long fibers that give the paper strength and durability, which is especially important for printed catalogue pages that will be handled and mailed. Hardwoods like eucalyptus and birch have shorter fibers which provide smoothness/bulk, printability, and visual considerations. The ideal combination of fiber types allows manufacturers to provide paper properties for specific catalogue applications, such as glossy promotional brochures or thick lifestyle catalogues.
   
• Wood is the primary raw material in the paper sector because it is plentiful and suitable supply chains have been developed to accommodate demand. Pulpwood often comes from small trees raised on pulpwood plantations, sawmill residuals, and other small thinning from existing forests. North America and Europe have significant pulpwood production, and sustainable forestry which ensures future regeneration.
   
• Wood is readily usable as pulp, garden, crating, container, and specialty paper after going through the pulping process. The wood pulping process has allowed back decades to maximize the average better-quality pulp at greater scale and consistency, in both mechanical and chemical pulping processes. It is thus economically feasible to produce billions of copies of high-quality catalogues with wood pulping.
   

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Based on coating, the market is segmented into uncoated paper, coated paper and specialty coating. The coated paper segment held the largest share, accounting for 44% of the global paper catalogue market in 2024.
 

• Multi-layer corrugated boxes feature two or more fluted layers, resulting in increased strength and superior protection. They are suitable for heavy, fragile, or high-value products and are often used for packaging items such as electronics, automotive parts, industrial equipment, etc. High-speed machinery for producing multi-layer boxes is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in past few years, which is particularly true in industries where product safety during transport is important.
   
• Due to their strength and load capability, multi-layer boxes are ideal for export packaging and bulk shipments. In international trade industries, products are packaged using multi-layer boxes to help products endure long-distance shipping as well as the challenges of transport and handling. As a result, the need for high-speed machinery that will produce multi-layer boxes in high capacity is growing, enabling capabilities such as automatic layering, gluing, and die-cutting to global packaging specifications for product safety.
   
• Multi-layer boxes provided additional space and structure stability for printing. Companies are using this capability to provide high-quality printing and branding, particularly B2B and retail packaging. Manufacturers have begun utilizing machines capable of multi-color flex-printing with customization options.
   

Based on price range, the paper catalogue market is segmented into low, medium and high. In 2024, medium segment held a major market share, generating a revenue of USD 1.2 billion.
 

• Catalogues produced for the medium price range find just the right balance between production cost and appearance, making them very desirable for retailers. Medium price range catalogues typically have coated or semi-coated paper with reasonable GSM (grams per square meter) for durability and sufficiency in print quality without the higher cost of premium quality. This balance allows for maintaining brand identity and product presentation while managing the cost of both printing and mailing, especially given the large quantities that can be required.
   
• Consumers show strong preference for mid-range catalogues, as the tactile nature is satisfying and conveys information visually, without being perceived as extravagant or wasteful. They are well suited for communicating normal, everyday style; and therefore, have value in their everyday use. Inherent to households is the familiarity and usability of mid-range catalogues, making their importance and superiority to other formats very clear.
   

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North America Paper Catalogue Market

In 2024, the U.S. dominated the North America market, accounting for around 88.8% and generating around USD 600 million revenue in the same year.
 

• The U.S. is the largest country of paper catalogues produced in North America. Taking advantage of a prime manufacturing base, strong packaging protocols, and strong demand from core industries including food & beverage and electronics, and e-commerce. The US has matured industrial ecosystem combined with a marked uptick in automation and innovation that has produced an ecosystem that favors high-speed and fully automatic machine use. Additionally, U.S. companies are demonstrating increased willingness to purchase and invest in smart, energy-efficient, and digital-based machinery.
   
• The growth of the North American region regarding paper catalogues is centered predominately on its varied industrial base, essential supply chains and established distribution networks. Offline channels for the purchase of equipment through independent dealers and industrial supply chains continue to be a dominant means of access to equipment, while online channels for research, comparative pricing, and procurements are gaining traction.
   

Europe Paper Catalogue Market

Europe paper catalogue industry, Germany leads the market with 23% share in 2024 and is expected to grow at 5.8% during the forecast period.

• Europe’s paper catalogue sector is bolstered by strong sustainability regulations, a high degree of customer preference for eco-textiles and sustainable packaging, and a mature printing industry. Countries such as UK, France, and the Nordic region are developing recycled paper standards and using environmentally friendly inks to intertwine catalogue production with larger ESG goals. Additionally, European shoppers indicate a degree of higher participation in printed formats that exhibit brand integrity and sustainability; in this regard, paper catalogues become a tactical, ethical branding and product storytelling engagement method.
   
• Europe is also home to a variety of well-connected printing and distribution providers, which the consumers have come to rely on to create and distribute catalogues throughout the region's diverse and distinct markets. Moreover, European retailers are increasingly using catalogues as the basis for connectivity in an omnichannel approach by using QR codes or personal URLs to drive movement to their digital platforms. This hybrid approach posits catalogues as existent methods to continue traditional consumer engagement while nesting e-commerce conversion, as the use of paper becomes a value in today’s digitally transitioning retail.
  
   

Asia Pacific Paper Catalogue Market

The Asia Pacific leads the paper catalogue industry China holds a market share of around 30.8% in 2024 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 6.2% from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The paper catalogue industry in APAC is experiencing expedited growth due to the expanding retail infrastructure, increased consumption by the middle-class, and an increase in omnichannel marketing strategies. Countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian countries are ramping catalogue usage as brands attempt to reach the consumer in both urban and semi-urban geographies. The demand for catalogues is strongest in the fashion, electronics, and FMCG sectors, where catalogues have proven to be effective tools for product discovery and brand engagement.
   
• The manufacturing landscape in APAC is also a contributing factor to market growth. Regional players are providing cost-efficient printing solutions and more scalable production. Local paper manufacturing sites, as well as printing facilities, are beginning to adopt sustainable practices with regards to recycled paper, and eco-friendly printing options, and meeting global environmental standards. The combination of affordability, scalability, and sustainability has allowed APAC to become a significant growth engine for the paper catalogue industry overall. 
   

Middle East and Africa Paper Catalogue Market

Middle East and Africa market is growing at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.
 

• The Middle East and Africa region is beginning to experience growth in the paper catalogue market due to the growth of organized retail, consumers becoming more aware of and active brands in sectors like fashion, electronics and home. The catalyst to the growth is evident in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Africa as these are the countries experiencing catalogue-based marketing as progress to the greater picture of evolving retail in the region.
   
• This demand is sustained by a growing middle class and transition towards curated shopping, which catalogues have presented a formula for product education and brand engagement. In addition to this, brands are adopting hybrid marketing for the region, by utilizing digital platforms to accompany printed platforms to reach tech savvy urban consumers, as well as reaching out to offline audiences in rural areas. This opportunity has allowed brands to utilize channels efficiently and to capture local cultural relevance to reach diverse audiences.
   

Paper Catalogue Market Share

International Player is leading with 12% market share. International Paper, Westrock, Mondi, Smurfit Kappa, and Kimberly Clark collectively hold around 20-25%, indicating moderately fragmented market concentration. These prominent players are proactively involved in strategic endeavors, such as mergers & acquisitions, facility expansions & collaborations, to expand their product portfolios, extend their reach to a broad customer base, and strengthen their market position.
 

International Paper is a significant figure in the global paper industry, and a top player in the paper catalogue category. The company has strong manufacturing capability, advanced pulp processing capabilities, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable forestry practices. Its extensive product portfolio includes premium printing and packaging papers, which are common for catalogues across retail, e-commerce, and industrial segments.
 

Asia Pulp & Paper, a subsidiary of the Sinar Mas Group, is a leading paper supplier in Asia-Pacific and worldwide. APP is a go-to for medium to high-volume catalogue printing because of its scale, reliable pricing, and product consistency. The company has invested heavily in sustainability initiatives, including a commitment against deforestation and use of renewable energy. APP's wide selection of paper grades, in addition to its international network of fulfillment, allows for catalogue production for various domestic or international brands. 
 

Paper Catalogue Market Companies

Major players operating in the paper catalogue industry are:

• Asia Pulp & Paper (APP)
• Domtar
• DS Smith
• International Paper
• Kimberly-Clark
• Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing
• Mondi
• Nine Dragons Paper
• Nippon Paper Industries
• Oji Holdings
• Sappi
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Stora Enso
• UPM-Kymmene
• WestRock
   

Kimberly-Clark is best known for consumer hygiene products, however its important, strategic function in the paper market is to provide superior tissue and paper-based materials. More specifically to the case of paper catalogs, Kimberly-Clark provides its innovations in lightweight and durable paper substrates used in print formats for promotional and informational purposes. The company's efforts in sustainability and responsible sourcing are in sync with market demand for sustainable catalog materials, particularly in the case of product and service providers focused on environmental branding.
 

Mondi is a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper solutions, with a strong footprint in Europe and emerging markets. The company has a good reputation for its reliable high-performance paper grades for catalogue reproduction.  Mondi recognizes the importance of using circular economy principles and is vertically integrated from forestry to finished paper to offer consistent quality and compliance with environmental requirements. Mondi's catalogues are used broadly in retail, fashion and lifestyle marketing where visual appeal and print clarity are very important.
 

Paper Catalogue Industry News

• In September 2025, Mondi plc announced the launch of its new premium-range office papers, IQ ULTRA and MAESTRO Expert designed for quality printing or catalogue printing. Both papers boast the highest levels of whiteness and print quality which is ideal for catalogue print. In both cases, WRAP is PE-free and accomplishes the FSC standard. There is also a new high whiteness 75 g/m² grade being introduced to allow a cost-competitive solution for catalogue printing without compromising quality or environmental standard.
   
• In August 2025, The Nippon Paper Industries company today announced an eco-friendly printing paper derived from recycled raw materials, intended for catalogue and promotional printing uses. This offers a solution to the growing appetite for sustainable paper options within commercial printing, reducing detrimental environmental impacts of printed materials while still offering the performance criteria required for high-volume run processes. Today's announcement reinforces Nippon Paper’s commitment to principles of a circular economy and innovation in low impact papermaking.
   
• In June 2025, Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) launched its Foopak Bio Natura product line, a biodegradable paper-based packaging solution that is intended to replace plastic in household, FMCG, and food packaging applications. The product is designed to meet increased demand for sustainable catalogue-grade and specialty papers, particularly in developing markets, such as the MEA region.
   
• In May 2025, Sappi in partnership with Swiss paperboard laminator Kapag, presented the Changemaker packaging concept, which is a 100% paper-based, mono-material, recyclable solution that is intended to replace plastic in food packaging. The Changemaker concept was first introduced at FachPack and shows Sappi’s focus on sustainable innovation and technical excellence in packaging applications that share material and design characteristics with high-end paper catalogues.
   

The paper catalogue market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Raw Material

• Wooden-based raw materials
• Recycled materials
• Non-wooden fibers

Market, By Coating

• Uncoated paper
• Coated paper
• Specialty coatings

Market, By Process

• Mechanical
• Chemical
• Semi-chemical
• Deinked

Market, By Catalogue Applications

• Retail
• Industrial & equipment catalogues
• Travel & hospitality catalogues
• Educational catalogues
• Healthcare & pharma catalogues
• Fashion & lifestyle catalogues
• Furniture & home décor catalogues
• Automotive catalogues
• Real estate catalogues
• Food & beverage catalogues
• Govt & Administration
• BFSI
• Others

Market, By Price Range

• Low
• Medium
• High

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online
  • E-commerce
  • Company website
• Offline
  • Specialty stores
  • Mega retail stores
  • Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE