Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co., a leading tissue paper manufacturer under the MEPCO Group, holds 20% market share in Saudi Arabia with a current production capacity of 60,000 tonnes. The company is set to double its capacity to 120,000 tonnes by 2026 to meet the rising demand in the tissue paper segment. In an exclusive interview with Paper Mart, Eng. Adel Al-Far, Operations Director, and Mr. Rizkallah Saba, Sales Manager, Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co., share insights into the company’s latest advancements in the tissue paper sector.
Paper Mart: How would you describe the current market scenario for the tissue paper segment?
Adel Alfar: The tissue paper market in Saudi Arabia is on an upward trajectory, driven by demographic shifts, increased health consciousness, and evolving consumer preferences. However, the market has become highly price-sensitive due to rising competition, as more tissue paper converter companies enter the sector. At the same time, the demand continues to grow, reinforcing the industry’s strategic importance in the segment.
PM: What are the key factors driving the growing tissue paper market in the region?
Rizkallah Saba: Several factors contribute to the growing demand for tissue paper in Saudi Arabia, including Vision 2030 initiatives, Away-from-Home (AFH) sector growth, health & hygiene awareness, and e-commerce expansion.
Under Vision 2030 initiatives, the expansion of many tissue paper converters and an increase in mother jumbo roll production capacity align with Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plans. Apart from that, the rapid expansion of restaurants, cafés, and hotels, that is, the HoReCa sector, is boosting demand for tissue products. Moreover, there is greater emphasis on personal and household cleanliness that has fueled the need for high-quality tissue paper, and lastly, the surge in online sales reflects a shift toward digital shopping, further strengthening tissue paper consumption patterns.
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PM: Can you provide background on your paper mill(s) catering to the tissue paper segment and their production capacities?
RS: Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co. operates a state-of-the-art, fully automated production facility, ensuring high efficiency and reliability. Our current tissue paper production capacity stands at 60,000 tonnes, with plans to double it to 120,000 tonnes by 2026 to meet growing market demand in the tissue paper segment.
PM: What grades of tissue paper do you currently produce?
AA: Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co. manufactures a comprehensive range of tissue paper products, including facial tissues, toilet tissues, kitchen towels, napkins, and industrial rolls.
PM: Can you describe the primary applications of your tissue paper and your key clients?
RS: Our tissue paper products cater to a diverse range of applications, including household and personal care, commercial and institutional use (restaurants, hotels, offices), and industrial applications. Our key clients include leading tissue converters, major retailers, and businesses across the HoReCa and AFH sectors.
PM: What is your market footprint in terms of domestic consumption and exports?
RS: Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co. holds a 20% market share within Saudi Arabia, covering almost all regions. Additionally, exports represent 14% of our total sales, reflecting our strong presence in international markets.
PM: What unique features or innovations set your tissue paper products and production processes apart from competitors?
AA: Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co.’s tissue production facility is fully automated, ensuring consistent quality and production efficiency. This advanced setup makes us a reliable partner in both capacity and quality, positioning the company at the forefront of the industry.
The tissue paper market in Saudi Arabia is on an upward trajectory, driven by demographic shifts, increased health consciousness, and evolving consumer preferences.
PM: How do you incorporate sustainability and eco-friendly practices into your production process?
AA: Sustainability is at the core of our operations. Our key initiatives include responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, and water recycling. We use FSC-certified pulp sourced from controlled and well-managed forests. Our cogeneration power plant operates on natural gas, which is one of the most energy-efficient technologies, and we actively reuse water in our processes to minimize consumption and reduce environmental impact.
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PM: How do you envision market demand and opportunities for the tissue paper segment considering the evolving sustainability and hygiene trends?
RS: Saudi Arabia’s tissue paper market will continue its growth trajectory, fuelled by rising hygiene awareness, population expansion, and the increasing AFH sector. Companies investing in controlled virgin fiber sourcing and energy-efficient production will have a competitive edge, attracting institutional funding and strengthening their market position.
With a current capacity of 60,000 tonnes, the company is set to double its tissue paper production capacity to 120,000 tonnes by 2026 to meet the rising demand in the tissue paper segment.
