Greaseproof Sheets Market Size, Share, Forecast, 2033

Greaseproof Sheets Market Overview

The Greaseproof Sheets Market size was valued at USD 1052.21 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1578.09 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2025 to 2033.

The global greaseproof sheets market is expanding significantly due to the increasing demand for packaging materials that offer resistance to oil and moisture. As of 2024, more than 980,000 metric tons of greaseproof paper are consumed annually worldwide. These sheets are used in both industrial and consumer-facing applications, especially in food service, bakery, confectionery, and retail sectors.

In North America alone, over 320,000 metric tons of greaseproof sheets were utilized in the food packaging industry in 2023. Europe followed with approximately 270,000 metric tons, led by Scandinavian producers who account for more than 40% of total EU output. In Asia-Pacific, usage has surged, particularly in India and China, where over 210,000 metric tons were consumed, largely due to the rapid growth of quick service restaurants (QSRs) and bakery chains.

Greaseproof sheets are now manufactured in over 45 countries, with more than 120 active manufacturing facilities globally. Demand for eco-friendly and compostable versions is also rising, with over 65,000 metric tons of biodegradable greaseproof sheets shipped in 2023. The growing push for sustainable packaging has made these products a critical component of regulatory compliance and consumer satisfaction initiatives.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Increasing demand from quick service restaurants and bakery packaging.

COUNTRY/REGION: North America leads global demand, accounting for over 320,000 metric tons of annual usage.

SEGMENT: General Wrapping Sheets dominate with over 38% of total product consumption worldwide.

Greaseproof Sheets Market Trends

The greaseproof sheets market is witnessing a shift toward sustainable, high-performance, and customized packaging solutions. In 2023, more than 29% of total greaseproof sheet production consisted of biodegradable or compostable variants, marking a 12% increase from 2022. Major food service providers have mandated the use of greaseproof sheets that meet FSC or PEFC certification, driving higher compliance across the supply chain.

Digital printing on greaseproof paper has gained momentum. Over 180 manufacturers adopted custom branding techniques in 2023 to meet consumer and brand owner demands. Customized printed greaseproof sheets were used in packaging by more than 22,000 food outlets globally. Additionally, printed greaseproof sheets now represent over 17% of all food-grade sheet orders, particularly in bakery and artisanal packaging.

Wax-coated and extrusion-laminated varieties are growing in demand for frozen food applications. Over 70,000 metric tons of waxing and extrusion sheets were sold globally in 2023. Manufacturers are investing in moisture- and oil-resistant coatings that do not compromise recyclability, with over 90 patent filings recorded related to eco-coatings in 2023 alone.

Greaseproof sheets also play a role in the rapid expansion of QSRs and cloud kitchens. In Asia-Pacific, over 14,000 new QSR locations opened between 2022 and 2023, each utilizing an average of 2.4 metric tons of greaseproof paper per year. In India, the sector consumed 19,000 metric tons of greaseproof sheets in 2023 alone, led by demand for burger wraps, sandwich liners, and bakery wraps.

Moreover, innovation in multi-ply paper technology is improving sheet strength while maintaining low grammage. In 2023, more than 40 companies launched upgraded sheet formats with enhanced tensile strength and oil barrier capabilities. These sheets are now widely used in bakery chains across North America and Europe, where over 15,000 outlets transitioned to advanced high-strength greaseproof sheets.

Greaseproof Sheets Market Dynamics

Market dynamics in the context of the Greaseproof Sheets Market refer to the key internal and external forces that influence the direction, structure, and performance of the market over time.

DRIVER

Growing demand from quick service restaurants and bakery packaging.

The surge in global quick service restaurant chains and artisan bakeries is fueling demand for greaseproof sheets. In 2023, over 78,000 QSRs and bakeries used greaseproof paper to wrap food, an increase of 11% from the previous year. Major QSR brands utilize up to 5 metric tons per outlet annually. In the U.S. and Canada alone, over 180,000 metric tons were used for sandwiches, fries, and pizza liners. The trend is also visible in emerging markets like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil, where over 16,000 new food outlets opened in the last year, most of them requiring compliant, grease-resistant packaging.

RESTRAINT

Environmental concerns regarding wax-coated and synthetic-laminated sheets.

Despite growing demand, environmental regulations and consumer awareness are discouraging the use of synthetic and non-biodegradable greaseproof papers. In 2023, over 28,000 metric tons of wax-laminated sheets were deemed non-compliant under new waste legislation in the EU and Canada. This led to supply chain disruptions, particularly for suppliers not offering recyclable or compostable alternatives. Additionally, the high cost of transitioning to environmentally friendly coatings—estimated at 15%–20% more than conventional versions—discourages small and medium manufacturers from scaling production.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of eco-friendly product lines for regulatory and consumer compliance.

There is a growing opportunity in developing recyclable and compostable greaseproof sheets. In 2023, demand for biodegradable paper grew by over 21%, with more than 65,000 metric tons shipped worldwide. New regulations in the EU, U.S., and Japan promote compostable food packaging, opening avenues for expansion. Over 1,200 new SKUs of eco-compliant greaseproof sheets were launched globally. Producers investing in sustainable R&D are seeing a 3x rise in customer acquisition. For example, Nordic Paper increased its biodegradable product sales by 28% year-on-year, responding to high demand from bakery supply chains in Germany and Scandinavia.

CHALLENGE

Rising raw material costs and production scalability issues.

The primary challenge facing the greaseproof sheets market is the fluctuating cost of pulp and additives. In 2023, virgin pulp prices increased by 18% globally, while the cost of food-grade oil-resistant coatings rose by 22% due to supply shortages. This resulted in price hikes across all greaseproof product lines, leading to a 9% decline in bulk purchase orders from small QSR chains. Moreover, scalability remains a concern for regional players, as advanced coating and extrusion systems require capital investments exceeding USD 5 million, limiting capacity expansion.

Greaseproof Sheets Market Segmentation

The greaseproof sheets market is segmented by type and application. By type, general wrapping sheets lead in global consumption with over 38% share. Applications are largely dominated by QSR usage and confectionery handling.

By Type

General Wrapping Sheets: These sheets are the most widely used, with more than 430,000 metric tons consumed globally in 2023. They are primarily used in bakeries, QSRs, and food stalls. North America alone accounts for 150,000 metric tons, driven by the sandwich, burger, and pastry markets.
Waxing and Extrusion Sheets: Used for frozen food and high-moisture content packaging, these accounted for over 70,000 metric tons in 2023. These sheets provide high resistance to oil and moisture but face recycling limitations.
Bag Making Sheets: Over 56,000 metric tons of greaseproof bag paper were produced globally in 2023. These are used in sandwich bags and grab-and-go snack packaging, particularly in urban food stalls and chains.
Laminating Base Paper Sheets: Laminating base sheets totaled 63,000 metric tons in 2023 and are used in multipack snack wrappers and butter packaging. Europe remains a strong market, consuming 23,000 metric tons of this type.
Micro-Flute Sheets: With 26,000 metric tons sold in 2023, micro-flute greaseproof sheets are used for strength-demanding packaging, especially in trays and meat products.

By Application

Wrapping and Handling of Confectionery: This application used over 160,000 metric tons of sheets globally in 2023. India and Brazil are major consumers due to their vast domestic sweet and snack industries.
Decorative Cake Doilies: More than 40,000 metric tons were utilized in 2023, primarily in Europe and Japan. These sheets are designed for visual appeal as well as oil resistance.
Trays and Basket Liners: In 2023, 110,000 metric tons were used globally. These are common in U.S. diners, French cafes, and UK takeaway outlets, where grease resistance and branding are key.
Quick Service Restaurants: The QSR segment consumed over 290,000 metric tons of greaseproof sheets in 2023 globally. It is the fastest-growing segment, led by expansion in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Pizza Box Liners: Over 38,000 metric tons of greaseproof sheets were used specifically for pizza box liners, especially in the U.S., Italy, and Japan.
Others: This includes industrial and non-food packaging uses, totaling around 50,000 metric tons in 2023.

Regional Outlook for the Greaseproof Sheets Market

The regional outlook of the greaseproof sheets market provides a detailed analysis of how demand, production, consumption, and innovation vary across different global regions. This outlook highlights regional strengths, consumption volumes, regulatory influence, and end-user demand trends that shape the market's behavior geographically.

North America

North America is a leading consumer region, driven by the presence of large-scale fast food chains, high disposable income, and regulatory encouragement for eco-friendly packaging. In 2023, over 320,000 metric tons of greaseproof sheets were consumed in this region.

Europe

Europe shows a strong preference for sustainably sourced and biodegradable sheets, influenced by EU packaging waste regulations. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK lead the consumption, totaling approximately 270,000 metric tons.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth, especially in emerging economies like China, India, and Indonesia, due to rising urbanization, expansion of QSRs, and increasing packaged food consumption. The region used more than 210,000 metric tons in 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa is a smaller but expanding market, driven by tourism, hospitality, and food service expansion, especially in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Over 48,000 metric tons were consumed in this region in 2023.

List of Top Greaseproof Sheets Companies

Nordic Paper
Vizille Paper Mills
Troitskaya Bumazhnaya Fabrika
Paramount Packaging
Simpac
Delfortgroup
KRPA Holding CZ
Vegware
Cheever Specialty Paper & Film
Napco National Paper Products Co
Pudumjee Paper Products
Seaman Paper

Nordic Paper: Nordic Paper leads the market with more than 87,000 metric tons of annual greaseproof paper production. The company’s facilities in Sweden and Norway operate at over 90% utilization and export to more than 40 countries. In 2023, Nordic Paper supplied over 38,000 metric tons to the QSR sector alone, primarily in Europe and North America.

Delfortgroup: Delfortgroup operates in over 5 major production hubs and produced 76,000 metric tons of greaseproof sheets in 2023. The company is known for its specialty coatings and compostable product lines. Delfort supplies more than 19,000 metric tons to bakery packaging applications and serves key markets in France, Germany, and Southeast Asia.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the greaseproof sheets market has seen a sharp increase as manufacturers focus on expanding capacity, improving sustainability, and integrating advanced coating technologies. Between 2022 and 2024, over USD 280 million was invested globally into greaseproof paper manufacturing and technology enhancement projects.

In North America, three major paper mills announced capacity expansions in 2023, totaling 63,000 metric tons in additional annual output. These expansions are designed to meet the rising demand from QSR and retail bakery chains. Meanwhile, in Europe, more than USD 96 million has been allocated toward R&D in compostable coatings and high-barrier materials. Scandinavian producers are leading this initiative, driven by regional regulations and consumer pressure for greener packaging.

There is also a noticeable shift toward vertical integration. Several major food chains, including bakery conglomerates in Europe and fast-food brands in the Middle East, have invested directly in paper mills or exclusive contracts to ensure supply stability. Over 30 such agreements were reported in 2023, contributing to a more stable and forecastable supply chain.

New Product Development

The greaseproof sheets market has experienced substantial innovation in product formulations, coatings, and end-use designs. In 2023, more than 85 new product variants were introduced globally, many focusing on eco-compliance, high customization, and enhanced performance.

Nordic Paper developed a new line of fluorochemical-free greaseproof sheets that meets stringent European recyclability norms. This product was adopted by over 400 bakery chains within six months of launch. These sheets maintain high oil resistance with a permeability level under 1 g/m² per 24 hours and are compostable under industrial standards.

Delfortgroup launched “ultra-light” greaseproof paper in 2024, reducing grammage by 15% while maintaining performance. This format is especially popular in pastry and snack wrapping in high-volume retail. The company shipped more than 11,000 metric tons of this variant within the first two quarters.

Paramount Packaging introduced digitally printable greaseproof sheets using water-based ink technology in early 2023. Over 2,300 restaurants and cafes adopted the new format for custom-branded packaging. The printed sheets have shelf stability for up to 12 months and are compatible with laser and flexographic print systems.

Five Recent Developments

Nordic Paper opened a new converting line in Sweden in Q3 2023 with a capacity of 19,000 metric tons/year, focused on eco-certified greaseproof paper production.
Delfortgroup signed a three-year supply deal with a major German bakery chain in December 2023 to supply 22,000 metric tons of custom-printed biodegradable greaseproof sheets.
Vegware expanded operations into the Middle East, establishing distribution in UAE and Saudi Arabia with over 2 million units sold in the first six months of 2024.
Simpac launched a new compostable greaseproof bag series in May 2023, recording sales of over 5.4 million units across Europe by early 2024.
Pudumjee Paper Products received national environmental clearance in India for a new green-coating plant with capacity to produce 12,000 metric tons of eco-greaseproof papers annually.

Report Coverage of Greaseproof Sheets Market

This report offers a detailed examination of the global greaseproof sheets market across various segments, geographies, and applications. It includes comprehensive data on production volumes, consumption trends, technological developments, and manufacturer-level initiatives. Over 120 manufacturing sites were analyzed, along with data from 18 countries with high consumption or export relevance.

The report categorizes the market by product type—such as general wrapping sheets, waxing and extrusion sheets, bag making sheets, laminating base paper, and micro-flute sheets—and outlines their specific usage metrics, growth patterns, and regional preferences. Applications are similarly analyzed, covering QSRs, bakery packaging, pizza box liners, confectionery handling, and specialty uses like cake doilies and tray liners.

The regional breakdown spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. The report quantifies the volume consumed in each region, highlighting North America’s dominance with over 320,000 metric tons, followed by Europe at 270,000 metric tons, and Asia-Pacific at 210,000 metric tons. The report also discusses infrastructure, such as expansion projects, facility upgrades, and investment deals amounting to over USD 280 million from 2022–2024.

Key players are profiled based on production capacity, innovation pipelines, and export reach. Nordic Paper and Delfortgroup emerge as the dominant market leaders, accounting for a significant share of global production and product diversity. The report includes updates on more than 85 new product launches, sustainability certifications, and over 30 global contracts between producers and foodservice clients.

The report serves as a critical decision-making tool for packaging producers, retailers, and logistics partners involved in food-safe, moisture-resistant, and environmentally compliant packaging products. It supports strategic planning for procurement, product development, and market entry, backed by verified data and trend mapping across global markets.