Market Trends of Tissue Paper Converting Machines Industry
Toilet Roll Converting Lines to be the Largest Machine Type Segment
- Regular tissue products, including toilet paper, constitute a significant portion of the market for converting machinery. The demand for toilet paper is expected to rise steadily due to factors such as population growth, urbanization, and improving hygiene standards.
- According to the Population Reference Bureau, in 2023, the degree of urbanization worldwide was 57 %. North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean were the regions with the highest level of urbanization, with over four-fifths of the population residing in urban areas.
- Moreover, manufacturers of converting machinery targeting wet paper towel applications can capitalize by developing machinery capable of efficiently producing high-quality, moisture-resistant paper towels. Additionally, innovations in packaging and dispensing systems for wet paper towels present opportunities for manufacturers to differentiate their machinery offerings and cater to evolving market needs.
- Growing environmental concerns and increasing consumer awareness of sustainability issues are driving the adoption of eco-friendly practices in the toilet paper industry. Manufacturers invest in converting machinery capable of processing recycled fibers, reducing waste, and minimizing energy consumption. Demand for biodegradable and environmentally friendly toilet paper products prompts manufacturers to invest in machinery capable of handling recycled material.
- Furthermore, consumer preferences for personalized and innovative toilet paper products are driving manufacturers to invest in flexible converting machinery. Machinery capable of producing a variety of products, including different sheet sizes, ply configurations, embossing patterns, and packaging options, are in high demand. Customization capabilities enable manufacturers to cater to niche markets and segregate their products in a competitive landscape. In addition, consumers with higher disposable incomes often are more inclined to buy and invest more in luxurious embossed toilet tissue.
- Manufacturers of tissue products are aware of consumers’ aesthetic associations with embossed tissue. Brands commonly utilize embossing to reinforce unique patterns, logos, or other special features to drive consumer loyalty and purchases consistently. Embossed toilet tissue is especially well-suited for aesthetic appeal and other consumer preferences; however, it is important not to overlook product quality.
- The embossing process can impact certain tissue attributes, particularly mechanical strength, and stiffness. By designing an appropriate embossing pattern and process, the correct combination can facilitate lamination, resulting in multi-ply finished products that customers perceive as high quality. By partnering with embossing machinery experts, toilet tissue products can be qualitatively and aesthetically distinguished.
Asia Pacific is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share
- Japan enhanced its reputation for cleanliness by introducing a unique addition to the toilets at Narita International Airport: smartphone cleaning paper. In a fresh approach to public convenience, individuals are encouraged to tear off a paper sheet from a dispenser beside the regular toilet paper roll to sanitize their phone screens. This introduction of cleaning paper was a response to research indicating that smartphone screens tend to harbor more germs than toilet seats. Surveys have consistently shown that tourists from other countries are consistently amazed by the cleanliness and adaptability of Japan's public restrooms. This is expected to impact the target market.
- The tissue paper sector in India is currently experiencing consolidation through innovation and acquisitions. This has allowed companies to enhance their market position, broaden their product range, and invest in advanced converting technologies to meet the growing demand. The escalating urbanization, increased focus on hygiene resulting from government initiatives like Swachh Bharat, and a significant rise in the demand from the healthcare and hospitality industries are projected to drive the consumption of tissue paper, napkins, and toilet and towel-grade paper.
- In January 2024, Andhra Paper Limited (APL), a top player in the paper and pulp industry, received approval from its Board of Directors to install a cutting-edge tissue paper machine at its Kadiyam manufacturing facility. The machine will employ state-of-the-art technology and have a daily production capacity of 100 tons, allowing diversification of the company's product portfolio. The proposed capacity addition is set at 35,000 Tons Per Annum (TPA) for producing various grades of tissue paper, including facial, toilet, napkin, and towel-grade tissue. The company aims to commence production within an estimated 15 months.
- To enhance production capacity within China's domestic market, high-end tissue machines, including the latest TAD technology, have been imported. For instance, Hengan incorporated two additional Valmet Hybrid tissue machines primarily used to produce superior facial tissue and kitchen towels.
- Before this, Hengan had implemented two Toscotec TAD tissue machines. The initial step involved the development of differentiated products using advanced technology and equipment to enhance the performance of products during usage. For instance, products with improved thickness were introduced by implementing novel tissue machine technology and converting machines. Cloud series tissue by Mind Act Upon Mind, cashmere sensory series toilet roll by Vinda, and hot air kitchen towels with TAD technology by Virjoy are some examples of such product launches.
- The proliferation of the paper industry in Indonesia is poised to drive growth in the tissue paper machine market. This growth will be fueled by surging demand for tissue paper products, investments in manufacturing capacity, technological advancements, and evolving environmental considerations.
- Tissue paper machine suppliers can capitalize on these opportunities by offering innovative solutions and addressing the specific needs of paper manufacturers. In November 2023, the Indonesia International Paper Chain Industry Exhibition (Paper Chain Indonesia) was launched at the JIEXPO Exhibition Center in Jakarta, Indonesia.