Paper

Paper is a thin material manufactured from processed cellulose fibres, typically derived from wood pulp, recycled fibre or other plant matter, pressed into flexible sheets. The paper industry spans production of newsprint, printing and writing paper, tissue and packaging-grade paper and board, serving sectors from publishing and education to retail and logistics. Manufacturing involves pulping, bleaching, pressing and drying processes carried out at large integrated mills that often combine forestry operations with converting plants. In many economies the sector is closely linked to packaging, as paper and board are widely used for boxes, cartons and wrapping as alternatives to plastic. South Africa has a significant paper and packaging manufacturing base, supported by domestic forestry plantations and companies such as Mondi, which operate pulp and paper mills across the region. The industry faces competition from low-cost imports, prompting manufacturers to seek protection through trade remedies such as anti-dumping duties administered by bodies like the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa. Global trade in paper products is also governed by World Trade Organisation rules on tariffs and dumping. Demand trends in the sector are shaped by digitalisation, which has reduced demand for printing and writing paper, while e-commerce growth has boosted demand for packaging paper and board. Environmental considerations, including sustainable forestry certification and recycling rates, increasingly influence industry practices and investment decisions. The sector remains an important contributor to manufacturing output, exports and rural employment in paper-producing countries.