Paper Machine Clothing Market Report

“The paper machine clothing market size was US$ 1,620 million in 2023 and is likely to grow at a CAGR of 1.8% in the long run to reach US$ 1,854 million in 2030.”

Market Dynamics

Introduction

Paper Machine Clothing (PMC) is belts applied in the paper production line. PMC provides a significant move in the papermaking process aiding in the weaving of the paper through the formation, pressing, and drying phase of the paper development. Such fabrics are specifically developed for application on distinct paper machine configurations and are critical for effective paper making, quality assurance, and the functionality of the paper machine.

With the global growth of e-commerce, wrapping & packing paper is seeing significant demand. Paper machine clothing for this segment must be optimized for handling high-speed production while maintaining strength and flexibility in final products.

There is an increasing focus on sustainability in paper production, leading to a higher demand for energy-efficient PMCs that can reduce the overall energy consumption during paper production. Materials that offer longer operational life and lower maintenance are preferred.

Recent Market Acquisition:

Companies pursue acquisitions in the Paper Machine Clothing (PMC) market to consolidate their market positions, expand product portfolios, and gain access to advanced technologies. This strategy also provides opportunities to access a broader customer base and strengthen relationships with key industry players. For instance,

• In 2023, Albany International Corp. completed the acquisition of Heimbach Group (Heimbach), headquartered in Duren, Germany, Heimbach is a global supplier of paper machine clothing to produce all grades of paper and cardboard on all machine types, as well as high-tech textile products used in a variety of industries, such as food processing, chemicals, construction materials, and automotive.
• In 2019, Valmet completed the acquisition of GL&V. GL&V is a global provider of technologies and services to the pulp and paper industry. The enterprise value of the acquisition is approximately EUR 113 million on a cash and debt-free basis, subject to ordinary post-closing adjustments. 

Market Segments' Analysis

By Application Type

“Wrapping & Packing Paper is poised to lead the Paper Machine Clothing market through 2030.”

• Growing demand from e-commerce has increased the usage of high-density kraft paper owing to its durability, flexibility, and recyclable nature. Kraft paper is becoming popular in shipping bags, envelopes, and protective packaging due to its excellent tear and puncture resistance. Currently, manufacturers are incorporating strategies to increase the weight-to-tensile strength ratio of kraft paper to meet the increasing demand for environmentally sustainable and lightweight packaging materials.
• To meet the growing demand for eco-friendly and moisture-resistant packaging, there is an increasing focus on developing barrier-coated carton paper. These coatings replace traditional plastic or wax linings, offering enhanced barrier properties against moisture, grease, and oxygen while maintaining recyclability. Technological advancements in water-based and biodegradable coatings are enabling carton paper to be used in a wider range of packaging applications, such as food and beverage containers, contributing to sustainable packaging trends.

By Product Type

“Forming fabrics had the largest share of the market throughout the study period.”

• Forming fabrics ensures even distribution of pulp as well as controls water during the initial stage of paper making. They directly impact paper sheet quality, fiber retention, and overall machine efficiency, making them essential for producing high-quality paper products. As the packaging and printing industries push for higher quality standards, these fabrics remain crucial across the board, driving paper machine efficiency and ensuring the production of superior paper products that meet evolving market demands.
• Advancements in multi-layered forming fabrics, specifically in the areas of fabric construction, have helped in improving the fabrics’ strength, permeability, and resilience to shrinkage. They enable the manufacturers to raise the speeds of the machines, lower the retention of water, and make the overall efficiency of the process higher. Multi-layered fabrics are specific to provide the best results in sheet formation and water drainage, therefore, proving to be crucial in the modern paper machines moving at high speed, thus attributing to their high demands in the market.

By Material Type

“Polyester holds the largest share of the market and is expected to grow at the fastest rate by 2030.”

• Polyester is widely preferred in PMC, especially in forming and dryer fabrics, due to its excellent mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and dimensional stability under high temperatures. These properties make polyester ideal for the demanding environments of paper production, where high machine speeds and elevated temperatures require fabrics that resist wear, maintain shape, and offer long operational lifespans. Polyester fabrics help reduce machine downtime and maintenance costs, driving their popularity.

Regional Analysis

“Asia-Pacific is expected to maintain its reign over the forecast period.”

• Countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are experiencing significant growth in the pulp and paper industry, driven by increasing demand for packaging, printing, and sanitary paper products. This growth is primarily fueled by the rise of e-commerce, urbanization, and industrialization, which are creating strong demand for paper-based packaging and household paper products. The expansion of paper production facilities in these regions is driving substantial demand for PMC products like forming fabrics and dryer fabrics.

Key Players

Many top companies in the Paper Machine Clothing (PMC) market are now focusing on making that difference, covering the demand for high-performance polymers, fabrics, and solutions. Strategic alliances and joint ventures remain important as to attain their goals firms are now forming alliances to improve technology, sourcing, and experience. Thus, the two companies are stronger and more competitive players within the industry and will be able to meet the new needs of the global paper production industry.

The following are the key players in the Paper Machine Clothing Market (Based on Dominance)

• Albany International Corp.
• Valmet
• Heimbach Group (Acquired by Albany in 2023)
• ANDRITZ AG
• Voith
• Asten Johnson
• Cristini SpA
• WOVEXX
• Hebei Hehuang Paper Machine Clothing Co., Ltd.
• Czech Industrial Fabrics s.r.o.

Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.

Are you the leading player in this market? We would love to include your name. Please write to us at sales@stratviewresearch.com

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

• Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
• Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
• Market trend and forecast analysis.
• Market segment trend and forecast.
• Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
• COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve
• Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
• Emerging trends.
• Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
• Key success factors.

The paper machine clothing market is segmented into the following categories. 

Paper Machine Clothing Market, by Application Type

• Household & Sanitary Paper
• Newsprint Paper
• Printing & Writing Paper
• Wrapping & Packing Paper

Paper Machine Clothing Market, by Product Type

• Forming Fabrics
• Dryer Fabrics
• Press Felts
• Others

Paper Machine Clothing Market, by Material Type

• Nylon
• Polyester
• Others

Paper Machine Clothing Market, by Region

• North America (Country Analysis)
• Europe (Country Analysis)
• Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis)
• Rest of the World (Country Analysis)

Research Methodology

• This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s Paper Machine Clothing realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period. 
• The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market.
• The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as to formulate growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
• This report offers high-quality insights and results from a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
• More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
• We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Report Customization Option

With this detailed report, Stratview Research offers one of the following free customization options to our respectable clients:

Company Profiling

• Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
• SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players)

Competitive Benchmarking

• Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Service portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances

Custom Research: Stratview Research offers custom research services across sectors. In case of any custom research requirement related to market assessment, competitive benchmarking, sourcing and procurement, target screening, and others, please send your inquiry to sales@stratviewresearch.com