Major players expanding fluff capacity to meet increasing demand levels, along with new entrants
In 2013, fluff pulp accounted for about 10% of the total paper grade market pulp industry. With emerging consumer markets continuing to drive demand for absorbent hygiene products, major pulp producers, particularly in the U.S. South, have expanded fluff capacity to meet the growing need. These and other key findings were released today in a new study by RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry.
"Increasing income levels in emerging markets such as Brazil, Eastern Europe, India and China are creating a greater demand for fluff pulp end-use products such as baby diapers, feminine napkins and adult incontinence products. As this growth is set to continue, it's expected that global fluff pulp demand will increase 3.7% annually until 2019," said Dustin Jalbert, study co-author, and Pulp Economist at RISI.
"To accommodate this growth, major pulp producers have, or are in the process of looking to convert facilities and expand their fluff capacity, along with new players entering the market. As new sources of supply come online, it's likely that pricing and profitability will come under pressure," continued Jalbert.
Outlook for the World Fluff Pulp Market provides a detailed analysis and forecast of cost, price, and capacity trends in global fluff pulp markets until 2019. The study provides a broad overview of end-use markets detailing demographic outlooks for major end-use products.
Included in Outlook for the World Fluff Pulp Market:
Analysis of price and profitability development over the next 5 years
Current and future growth rates for fluff pulp demand by region
Analysis of the expectation for capacity growth to meet demand
Identification of substitutes for fluff pulp and how they have been developing
Identification of major fluff suppliers and how their position will change by 2019
Trends and technology that will shape the future of the fluff business
Consumer and demographic outlooks for major world regions
Identification of pulp and paper facilities that could be converted to fluff pulp production in the future
