Pulp and paper manufacturing on the United States’ West Coast contributes to the country’s paper supply chain by providing essential wood pulp, recycled materials, and sustainably produced paper products for both domestic use and international export.
While the Midwest and Southeast dominate in overall paper production and dense paper mill networks, the West Coast plays a critical role in supplying raw materials, specifically wood pulp. With proximity to major ports, robust forestry resources, and a growing emphasis on recycled and value-added paper products, states like Washington, Oregon, and California contribute to the USA’s pulp and paper industry in unique and strategic ways.
At Atlas Columbia Warehousing, we’re strategically located in the USA’s Pacific Northwest, at the heart of one of the country’s most productive pulp export regions. Our Washington-based operations support logistics and warehousing needs for paper manufacturers and suppliers across North America and the Pacific Rim.
Here are some notable facts about the United States’ pulp and paper industry, as well as the contributions of the West Coast states.
Where Are the Most Paper Products Made in the USA?
As of late 2024, Wisconsin remains the top paper mill state in the United States, according to the Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG) (1). The state not only leads in traditional papermaking but also excels in the converting industry, with over 340 companies transforming raw rolls into products like labels, packaging, nonwovens, and specialty substrates. The paper manufacturing environment in Wisconsin, spanning the Fox River Valley (also known as Paper Valley) to Green Bay, incorporates recycled paper, wood pulp, and sustainable practices to meet both industry and consumer demands.
Beyond Wisconsin, states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio are strong in tissue, containerboard, and specialty grades, thanks to their long-standing pulp and paper industry infrastructure and access to high-demand markets.
On the West Coast, California ranks among the top states in total paper and paperboard production value, contributing over $14 billion annually. California’s industry is driven by demand for recycled paper products, sustainable packaging, and digital printing, thanks to its vast consumer base and proximity to high-tech manufacturing sectors.
The Pacific Northwest—especially Washington and Oregon—is specifically vital in pulp production. Washington is a significant producer of wood pulp, operating several large pulp mills and paper mills that export pulp and timber products to Asia. Oregon, rich in forest resources, continues to be a significant source of wood fiber and lumber that feed mills across the region.
The USA’s West Coast States and Pulp & Paper Manufacturing
1. Washington: Wood Pulp Production and Biomass Energy
Washington State is the largest pulp and paper manufacturing state in the Pacific Northwest, with several integrated pulp mills, paper mills, and paper warehouses situated near port cities such as Tacoma and Longview. Facilities here focus heavily on wood pulp production, supported by the region’s sustainable forestry initiatives. Washington’s paper manufacturing industry encompasses both chemical pulping and mechanical pulping, with advanced energy efficiency systems.
The pulp and paper industry in Washington State is a large user of wood biomass (which includes wood waste, chips, bark, and other organic wood materials) to produce energy, typically by burning or processing that biomass to generate heat or electricity for their mills and occasionally for the grid. Its ports also serve as major export hubs for wood chips and pulp products to Asia.
2. Oregon: Sustainable Recycling Papermaking Practices
Oregon’s paper industry leans heavily on its rich forest resources, providing a steady supply of wood fiber and recycled paper. Mills in Oregon often produce corrugated board, innovative packaging, and high-performance packaging products. The state’s operations are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, including a water re-use program and the use of renewable energy sources, such as biomass boilers, similar to those in Washington.
Oregon produces a wide variety of paper products, including printing papers, packaging papers, newsprint, tissue paper, and various specialty papers (such as coated and uncoated paper used in commercial printing). Oregon has a Material Impact Reduction and Reuse Program (MIRROR) recycling program (2), which industries, including paper manufacturers, incorporate into their papermaking processes, enabling them to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging and eco-certified paper.
3. California: Most Paper Product Manufacturing Companies in the USA
California leads the United States with 418 paper product manufacturing companies in 2025, representing 8.44% of all such firms in the USA, according to Manufacturers’ News Inc (3). While not historically known for heavy pulp production, California’s paper manufacturing process thrives in value-added products.
In 2023, California was the top producer of paper, paperboard, and materials and supplies for paper manufacturing in the United States, generating $14.9 billion in production value—the highest among all states. This figure is projected to more than double, increasing by 105% to reach $30.5 billion by 2050, according to Data USA (4), through its strong focus on high-value manufacturing. Many of its mills focus on producing organic recycled paper products, tissue paper, and materials for digital printing.
How Atlas Columbia Warehousing Supports Pulp & Paper Manufacturing on the United States’ West Coast
Atlas Columbia Warehousing supports the pulp and paper manufacturing industry in the Pacific Northwest region of the West Coast, specifically in the Seattle Metropolitan area of Washington State.
With our strategic location in the USA’s Pacific Northwest, one of the nation’s most productive pulp export regions, paper mills and manufacturers in nearby Washington, Oregon, and Idaho can easily benefit from ACW’s warehousing and logistics services.
How Atlas Columbia Warehousing supports paper manufacturers:
- Strategic Location: Situated at the Port of Tacoma, and an hour’s drive from Longview, facilitating smooth export of pulp and paper products throughout the USA, Canada, and Asia-Pacific.
- Paper Warehousing Expertise: Experienced in the proper handling of pulp and paper goods, including corrugated cardboard and paper rolls.
- Rail-Served Facilities: Direct connections to BNSF and Union Pacific railroads streamline transportation across North America.
- Value-Added Services: Cross-docking, transloading, and drayage minimize handling time and expedite shipments.
- Sustainable Practices Support: Enables manufacturers to meet environmental standards by efficiently managing their paper supply chains.
- Integrated Supply Chain Solutions: Combines warehousing, logistics, and transportation under one roof to reduce costs and complexity.
With hands-on experience in handling pulp, paper rolls, and finished goods, we serve as a reliable logistics partner for manufacturers across the United States.
Looking for paper logistics along the West Coast? Atlas Columbia Warehousing assists West Coast paper manufacturers in optimizing their operations, meeting growing demand, and maintaining a competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.
For more information or to discuss your specific requirements, contact us:
Atlas Columbia Warehousing
Address: 922 E 11th St, Ste 300, Tacoma, WA 98421
Call us: 253-272-9320
Visit us: atlascolumbiawarehouse.com
References:
1: https://greenbayinnovationgroup.com/wisconsin-converting-industry-summary-2024-2025/
2: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/recycling/pages/impact-reduction-and-reuse.aspx
3: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/straight-from-source-inside-us-paper-products-manufacturing-4fp2c/
4: https://datausa.io/profile/napcs/paper-paperboard-and-materials-and-supplies-for-paper-manufacturing
