Nation’s paper stationery manufacturing keeps going backward

Paper stationery manufacturing in Australia is on the decline, with current revenues estimated at $339.3 million and shrinking at 5.6 per cent per year between 2020 and 2025, according to new market research from IBISWorld.

According to the firm’s Paper Stationery Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030), the sector is made up of 152 businesses and 903 employees. The largest two businesses are named as Avery Dennison Australia and Opal.

Avery Dennison Australia is part of NYSE-listed Avery Dennison Corporation, which reported revenues of $US 8.4 billion and 36,000 employees across more than 50 countries in 2021.

The IBISWorld report predicts that revenues will continue to decline over the next five years, following a downward trend going back to 2008.

The decline in revenues in the last five years was put down to a slowing need for “traditional paper products as many consumers and businesses shift towards digital solutions.”

Companies are being pushed to pivot, according to the report, citing Australia Post’s 2023 report highlighting a 2.3 per cent drop in letter volumes, “encouraging manufacturers to diversify into sustainable and niche products to stay relevant.”

More information on the report can be seen here.

Picture: credit Avery Dennison Corporation