Paper Products Distributors NAICS 4241
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Industry Summary
The 5,900 paper and paper product distributors in the US act as middlemen between paper products manufacturers and large customers, such as publishers, printers, government offices, corporate offices, manufacturers, resellers, and retailers. Companies may specialize in bulk printing and writing paper; stationery and office supplies; or industrial and personal service paper. Some large companies have retail operations.
Competition From Alternative Sources
Paper products distributors compete with a variety of alternative sources, including office supply superstores, office supply distributors, traditional retailers (mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs), manufacturers, and Internet retailers.
Push For Less Paper
Technology and the increasing concern over recycling and the environment have led to considerable efforts to reduce paper consumption.
Recent Developments
Aug 6, 2025 - US Boxboard, Containerboard Production Drops
- US boxboard production was flat in the second quarter of 2025 compared to Q2 2024, according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AFPA). The boxboard operating rate was 87.6% in the second quarter of 2024, down 1.8 percentage points from Q2 2024. US containerboard production decreased 5% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to Q2 2024, according to the AFPA. Total US containerboard production for export declined 12% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
- The global folding carton market is valued at $132.8 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach $159.6 billion by 2030, according to market research firm Smithers. Folding carton volumes are projected to increase from 52.4 million metric tons to 63.1 million metric tons by 2030. By product, growth will be driven by collation and shrink-wrap films, as well as trays for fresh produce and food service. Confectionery, chilled food, food service, soft drinks, and beer are the fastest-growing end-use markets. The industry is being driven by government and consumer pressures to improve recyclability and to reduce single-use plastics.
- The US paper distribution industry is expected to experience sluggish sales growth in the coming years, and the overall economy's growth will outpace it. The industry’s year-over-year sales rose to 1.0% in 2024 after decreasing by 7% in 2023, according to Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. Sales growth is projected to rise to 1.1% in 2025, then see average annual growth of about 0.9% through 2029, according to Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc.
- US manufacturing growth is expected to slow in 2025 amid trade strife, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainties, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s Spring 2025 Supply Chain Planning Forecast. Manufacturing revenue is forecast to rise by 0.1%, 4.1 percentage points below the ISM’s previous forecast released in December 2025. Over a third of the ISM survey respondents expect revenues to increase in 2025, 22% said revenues will fall, and 44% expect no change. Capital expenditures are projected to decrease by 1.3% in 2025, a significant drop from a 5.2% rise forecasted in the ISM’s December 2024 report. Manufacturing activity is a leading demand driver for paper and paper products.
Industry Revenue
Paper Products Distributors
Industry Structure
Industry size & Structure
The average paper products distributor operates out of a single location, employs 19 workers, and generates $31.3 million annually.
- The paper products distribution industry consists of about 5,900 companies that employ about 112,900 workers and generate about $185.3 billion annually.
- The industry is concentrated at the top and fragmented at the bottom; the top 50 firms account for about 70% of industry sales.
- Some companies are vertically-integrated; converters may act as distributors and large distributors may have retail operations.
- Large companies with paper distribution operations include Office Depot and Essendant (formerly United Stationers).
Industry Forecast
Industry Forecast
Paper Products Distributors Industry Growth
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