KPP Group is a trading company specializing in the pulp and paper field, founded in 1924.
Consolidated sales are the largest in Japan and the third largest in the world (as of March 31, 2025).
As of March 31, 2025, KPP operates in 46 countries, 194 cities, and 213 locations.
- Domestic
- Overseas
1924
KPP Group Holdings was established in 1924. With our sights set on meeting the needs of every era, we have continuously contributed to cultural development.
No.1
※As of March 31, 2025
No.3
(Estimation)
※As of March 31, 2025
670.042
billion yen
※FY2024
13.544
billion yen
※FY2024
9.5%
※FY2024
2.3%
※FY2024
5,974employees
※FY2024
Suppliers: Approx.4,000companies
Companies: Approx.100,000companies
The history of KPP Group Holdings is divided into four major periods.
Foundation period
(1924–1972)
Daido Yoshiten, the predecessor of Kokusai Pulp & Paper, was established during the rise of modern paper manufacturing
Daido Yoshiten, the predecessor of Kokusai Pulp & Paper, was established during the rise of modern paper manufacturing Daido Yoshiten, the predecessor of Kokusai Pulp and Paper, was founded in Osaka in 1924, and opened its first overseas branch in Shanghai in 1925. Later, it opened representative offices in Singapore in 1956 and Melbourne in 1969, actively expanding overseas from the early days of the Company. Rapid growth of the Company driven by the increasing demand for paper during the postwar reconstruction period and the high economic growth period.
Development period
(1973–2012)
Expanded business through mergers and proceeded to operate globally at the center of industry reorganization
At the time, mergers and integration of manufacturers and trading companies were being repeated as industry reorganization progressed. The Company also merged with trading company of pulp Oji Group Trading in 1973 and was renamed to DaiEi Papers. It later merged with major paper distributor Nichia in 1999 and was renamed to the current name of Kokusai Pulp & Paper. The Company also merged with Hattori Paper & Board in October 2006. It also expanded overseas into various areas in Asia during this period.
Second period of expansion
(2013–2019)
Proceeded with business structural reform and expansion of business domains, evolving into one of the world’s leading pulp and paper trading companies
The Company absorbed Sumisho Paper in 2013, and expanded business portfolio to include raw materials. It also achieved its longstanding goal of being listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2018, obtaining social credibility and strengthening its business foundation. After being listed, the Company adopted a global inorganic strategy, and acquired Spicers, a major paper distributor in Australia in 2019.
Evolution into one of the world’s leading pulp and paper companies
(2020–)
Aiming to become the top paper distributor in the world while looking to the 100th anniversary in 2024 and beyond
The Company acquired Antalis, the top paper distributor in Europe, in 2020, resulting in the expansion of the Group’s network to 133 cities in 45 countries and territories. It entered a new stage by becoming a global paper distributor with around 50% of sales from overseas and 5,530 employees on a consolidated basis. Going forward, we will create synergies through collaboration with overseas Group companies and transform our business portfolio. The KPP Group will continue to evolve as it moves toward its 100th anniversary in 2024 and across the century beyond that.
While pursuing the potential of paper -our founding business- we are also advancing the transformation of our business portfolio and striving to create new businesses and expand into new domains. We aim to become a world-class global company by continuing to deliver high-quality, value-added products, services, and solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.
KPP Group Holdings Co., Ltd. renewed its Group philosophy "KPP Group Way" in line with the transition to a holding system.
The revision incorporates the concept of Purpose Management and reflects the significance of the KPP Group's existence, which has been discussed and reflected in a project launched in 2021 for organizational reform. As a global company with offices around the world, we aim to be a company that contributes to the creation of a sustainable society based on the KPP Group Way.
