Overview
Global Waterproof Printing Paper Market reached US$ 836.4 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 1,691.3 million by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
The usage of waterproof printing paper is rapidly expanding to more unconventional applications such as home d?cor, teaching resources and digital art. Although these are nascent and miniscule uses, such expansion of applications provides encouraging signs for the long term growth trajectory of the market.
The growth potential for the global waterproof printing paper market is stymied by the fact that the overall pace of breakthrough innovation within the sector has been declining over the past few years. Without new innovations, manufacturers are unable to generate value-driven growth that is critical for sustained long term market growth.
Dynamics
Demand for More Effective Advertisement Platforms
Even in the digital age, the appeal of large-scale outdoor advertisement hasn’t dimmed. In fact, many consumers find repetitive digital advertisements annoying and intrusive. Mass outdoor signages and billboards are still appealing for potential consumers. According to the Out of Home Advertising Association of America, outdoor advertising revenue rose 4.8% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching US$ 1.86 billion. The biggest gains in reach were recorded by government, political organizations, insurance & real estate agencies.
Many notable brands across various industries including Chobani, Omnet, Hermes, Polaris Project Organization, IWC, Shopify, U.S. Census Bureau, Facebook and others regularly engage in outdoor advertisement. Outdoor advertisers are actually looking to expand to rapidly growing emerging markets such as India and China, due to the lucrative growth opportunities offered there. Waterproof printing paper allows outdoor signage to withstand all weather conditions without degradation.
Expansion of Global E-Commerce
The global e-commerce industry is witnessing rapid growth due to strong consumer buying sentiment in emerging markets. Asia-Pacific has contributed to the largest chunk of global e-commerce growth, as cheaper internet data plans and smartphone usage becomes increasingly common. It is estimated by Forbes, that global e-commerce sales rose by 10.4% in 2023. The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) recently published an analysis, forecasting e-commerce to account for nearly 41% of all global retail sales by 2027, a major jump from just 18% a decade ago.
Waterproof printing paper is widely used within the e-commerce industry for printing shipping labels, pallet tags and records, since they need to withstand the rigors of shipping. The expansion of e-commerce will lead the major players in expanding their logistical footprint. Therefore, it will generate stable, long-term demand for waterproof printing paper from the global e-commerce industry.
Rising Concerns About Plastic Pollution
Waterproof printing paper generally utilize plastic coatings to achieve impermeability to water. Furthermore, some more durable waterproof printing papers are entirely made from plastic. It is estimated by United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) that nearly 12 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean every year. In light of the growing popularity of waterproof paper, the rising levels of plastic pollution represent a major challenge to market growth.
Although modern plastics used for manufacturing waterproof paper are designed to fully recyclable, there are many challenges that persist in ensuring a 100% recycling rate. Hurdles such as the low quality of recycling process, regulatory constraints and bureaucratic red tape are some of the key factors preventing the recycling of plastics used in waterproof printing papers. Due to the absence of viable recycling policies and rising microplastic pollution levels, global market growth is expected to witness many challenges.

Segment Analysis
The global waterproof printing paper market is segmented based on size, distribution channel, application, end-user and region.
Logistics are expected to garner the highest market share during the forecast period
The logistics industry is expected to garner the highest share among all the other end-users during the forecast period. One of the main factors behind this is the parallel growth of the global e-commerce industry. The expansion of logistical operations by major e-commerce players, especially in emerging markets, will augment demand for waterproof printing paper.
The application of waterproof printing papers in logistical operations is also expected to increase, with maintenance logs, timesheets, pallet tags, shipping invoices and labels being printed from waterproof paper. However, the proliferation of cheaply manufactured paper will be required to increase its uptake among the industries.
Geographical Penetration
Asia-Pacific Expected to Have the Highest Market Share
Asia-Pacific is expected to have the highest share within the global waterproof printing paper market due to a multitude of factors. Countries such as India, where the government has implemented policies to boost merchandise exports, will generate major demand for waterproof paper. Preliminary data from the Import-Export Bank of India indicates that Indian merchandise exports surged by 6.3% in the third quarter of FY24 over the previous year to nearly US$ 111.2 billion
Several other countries including Vietnam and Indonesia are also vying to attract manufacturing as multinational companies pursue a ’China+1’ strategy. The increasing manufacturing competitiveness among Asian countries will further boost demand for waterproof printing paper from various sectors.
Although China is currently witnessing an economic slowdown and local demand for various industrial commodities is stagnating, it is still expected to account for a major share of the regional demand. Waterproof printing paper manufacturers expect demand to improve over the medium term as economic activity picks up pace.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic led to several challenges for the global waterproof printing paper market. The pandemic created uncertainty for paper manufacturers as supply chain disruptions led to shortage of various materials. Many small and medium scale manufacturers had to cut back significantly on production due to material shortage. Large-scale manufacturers fared relatively well, since they dipped into their reserve stocks.
Waterproof printing paper witnessed growing demand from the healthcare and e-commerce sectors, whereas industrial manufacturing sectors such as aerospace and automotive witnessed reduced demand. Despite a rough start due to the pandemic, the global market is expected to make a strong recovery and continue on a growth trajectory over the coming years.
Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis
The Russia-Ukraine is unlikely to majorly impact the global waterproof printing paper market at large. However, the volatility in global energy markets caused by the severe economic sanctions on Russia are likely to influence the pricing of some input materials over the short term. It has led to slightly elevated prices for the waterproof paper over the short term.
Russia found itself unable to import waterproof paper for military applications due to the economic sanctions since most Russian imports were from western European countries. Russia had to turn to Chinese imports to fill the gap and even had to resort to grey market imports.
By Size
- A3
- A4
- Others
By Distribution Channel
- Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
- Specialty Stationery Stores
- E-Commerce
- Others
By Application
- Outdoor Signage
- Luggage Tags
- Maintenance Logs
- Pallet Tags
- Maps
- Others
By End-User
- Architecture
- Office Stationery
- Logistics
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Others
By Region
- North America
o U.S.
o Canada
o Mexico
- Europe
o Germany
o UK
o France
o Italy
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
- South America
o Brazil
o Argentina
o Rest of South America
- Asia-Pacific
o China
o India
o Japan
o Australia
o Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Middle East and Africa
Key Developments
- In November 2023, JBM, a U.S.-based manufacturer of packaging solutions, unveiled Hydroblox, a new waterproof paper for printing and packaging applications.
- In December 2023, Smurfit Kappa, a major manufacturer of packaging materials, announced the development of a waterproof paper-based cardboard, suitable for multicolor printing applications.
- In September 2023, a study by Belgium scientists found traces of PFAS, i.e., harmful forever chemicals in various samples of waterproof paper.

Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include TerraSlate Waterproof Paper, Koala Paper, JL Darling LLC, HTVRONT, Field Notes Brand, A-SUB, Gnatural Paper, Aquascribe, Weather Writer, Gloryfire.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the global waterproof printing paper market segmentation based on size, distribution channel, application, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
- Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
- Excel data sheet with numerous data points of pouch tapes market-level with all segments.
- PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
- Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global waterproof printing paper market report would provide approximately 60 tables, 66 figures and 201 Pages.
Target Audience 2023


    • Aircraft Manufacturers
    • Aircraft Maintenance Companies
    • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
    • Research Professionals