Paper straw market seen reaching $3 billion by 2031

Allied Market Research projects the global paper straw market will rise from $865.3 million in 2021 to $3.0 billion by 2031, driven by plastic-reduction policies and demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Europe led the market in 2021, while Asia-Pacific is forecast to grow the fastest.

Why it matters: - Governments are tightening rules on plastic use, and paper straws are gaining from that shift. - The market is expected to nearly quadruple over the next decade, creating room for manufacturers, suppliers and packaging firms. - The forecast points to stronger demand for bio-based substitutes across foodservice and household uses.

What happened: - Allied Market Research published a report on the global paper straw market covering virgin paper, recycled paper, printed, non-printed, foodservice and household segments. - The report estimates the market generated $865.3 million in 2021 and will reach $3.0 billion by 2031. - The forecast calls for 13.3% compound annual growth from 2022 to 2031. - The report includes a sample report and a purchase inquiry page.

The details: - Government initiatives to eliminate plastic and stricter regulation on conventional plastic utensils are the main growth drivers. - Regulation around machines used to manufacture paper straws is a restraint on market growth. - Manufacturers in packaging, textile and agriculture are shifting toward bio-based products, creating new opportunities. - Covid-19 hit construction, manufacturing, hotel and tourism activity, which hurt paper straw demand and equipment production. - As economies reopened, paper straw companies resumed operations at fuller capacity, helping the market recover by the end of 2021. - The printed segment led the market in 2021 with nearly three-fifths of global share and is projected to grow at 13.6% through 2031. - The recycled paper segment held about two-thirds of the market in 2021 and is forecast to grow at 13.7%. - The foodservice segment accounted for 90.9% of the market in 2021 and remains the largest application area. - The household segment is projected to post the fastest growth, at 16.5%, as restrictions on plastic products expand. - Europe held about one-third of global revenue in 2021 and is expected to remain the largest regional market. - Asia-Pacific is projected to post the fastest regional growth at 14.5% through 2031. - North America and LAMEA are also covered in the report.

Between the lines: - The market is being shaped less by consumer fashion and more by regulation and product substitution. - Printed and recycled products are leading because buyers appear willing to pay for presentation and sustainability at the same time. - The strong foodservice share suggests the biggest near-term demand remains in restaurants, cafés and other commercial uses rather than households.

What’s next: - The report expects Europe to keep its lead, while Asia-Pacific closes the gap faster than other regions. - Rivalry among key players is likely to intensify as companies pursue launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures and agreements. - Market players named in the report include Huhtamaki Oyj, Footprint, BioPak, Fuling Global Inc. and Transcend Packaging Ltd. - Allied Market Research says more information is available through its report request page.