The global Yankee dryer market serves as a cornerstone within the tissue and paper manufacturing industry, facilitating rapid drying of paper through advanced mechanisms. Yankee dryers are pivotal for producing tissue, napkin, and specialty papers, with contemporary models incorporating innovations for energy efficiency and sustainability. Market dynamics in 2025 reflect a robust demand for technologically advanced solutions, with leading manufacturers such as Voith, Toscotec, and Andritz driving growth through R&D and global expansions. The market is shaped by rising demand for hygiene products, increased investments in sustainable manufacturing, and a shift to high-performance steel Yankee dryers. Regional growth visibility is notable in Asia-Pacific due to industrialization, while North America and Europe keep pace via continuous upgrades and eco-initiatives.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Escalating global demand for tissue and hygiene paper products, especially post-pandemic, is creating expanded requirements for efficient Yankee dryer systems. For example, Toscotec reported substantial growth in orders for high-efficiency dryers in 2024.
Technological advancements resulting in energy-efficient and high-durability steel Yankee dryers are significantly influencing purchase decisions for large paper mills. Voith launched their next-generation steel Yankee dryers in early 2024, emphasizing sustainability.
Key Trends
Adoption of hybrid and advanced drying technologies is gaining traction, enhancing production efficacy and energy conservation. Andritz's hybrid Yankee solutions, rolled out in 2024, are now favored for their operational flexibility.
Increased focus on sustainable manufacturing, including lowering carbon footprint and implementing eco-friendly drying technologies, is shaping purchasing priorities. Valmet's 2024 product line aims at 10%+ energy savings compared to conventional models.
Key Opportunities
Growing investments in new tissue production lines across emerging economies present substantial opportunities for Yankee dryer manufacturers. In 2024, A.Celli Paper secured contracts for new installations in Southeast Asia.
Replacement of aging cast iron Yankee dryers with more efficient steel alternatives across developed regions opens up lucrative market prospects. Kadant reported a surge in European retrofit projects in Q2 2024.
Key Challenges
High initial investment costs and extended ROI periods for advanced drying technology hinder rapid adoption by small and mid-sized paper mills. Changzhou Dingli Papermaking Machinery highlighted this barrier during their 2024 press event.
Complex integration requirements with existing manufacturing lines can delay implementation and deter potential buyers. GL&V noted challenges in aligning advanced Yankee systems with legacy equipment in client feedback.
Key Restraints
Volatility in raw material pricing, especially for specialty steels, continues to squeeze profit margins and elevate market prices. Sandusky reviewed increased steel procurement costs in its May 2024 quarterly update.
Strict environmental regulations in Europe and North America create compliance burdens for manufacturers. Voith Paper cited regulatory delays impacting project timelines in their June 2024 market report.
In 2025, steel Yankee dryers lead the market, accounting for 38% of total share, overtaking cast iron Yankee dryers due to superior efficiency and life span. High-performance and crescent former variants are also gaining prominence as paper manufacturers seek energy savings and heightened productivity. The shift toward advanced materials and engineering solutions is reshaping buyer preferences, positioning steel Yankee dryers as the market’s backbone. Cast iron models retain a foothold, especially in legacy systems, while high-performance dryers are favored in new and upgraded installations requiring lower energy consumption and improved output. The competitive landscape is increasingly influenced by technology innovation, with manufacturers rolling out smart monitoring features.
Global Yankee Dryer Market Share by Applications, 2025
Tissue paper dominates the application landscape in 2025, comprising 46% of global Yankee dryer usage due to unmatched demand from both residential and commercial hygiene segments. Towel and napkin paper production follows, representing 29% and 17% respectively, reflecting growing emphasis on personal hygiene worldwide. Specialty and packaging papers, though a smaller share, are exhibiting rising consumption trends especially in niche and luxury product segments. The tissue paper segment’s surge is closely linked to ongoing population growth, urbanization, and changing sanitary standards, driving consistent consumption and new capacity expansions globally. Innovation in dryer technologies is further consolidating Yankee dryers’ position as an industry necessity for premium-quality products.
The global Yankee dryer market revenue is projected to surge from USD 1,020 Million in 2020 to USD 1,560 Million by 2025, reaching approximately USD 2,430 Million by 2035. This growth trajectory is fuelled by a combination of rising hygiene product demand, technological upgrades, and the replacement of outdated equipment. North America and Europe contribute significantly to early market value, while Asia-Pacific's share expands swiftly through new installations and local manufacturing investments. Year-over-year increases align closely with broader trends in the paper and tissue sector, underpinned by sustainable manufacturing priorities and regulatory compliance. The outlook signals continued double-digit CAGR through the forecast period, making the market attractive for both established and emerging players.
Global Yankee Dryer Market YOY (%) Growth (2020-2035)
Year-over-year (YOY) growth rates for the Yankee dryer market demonstrate consistent upward momentum, averaging around 8% between 2020 and 2025 before gradually stabilizing to 6% by 2035. The early years capture a post-pandemic investment wave and increased demand for sanitary products, with growth moderating as the industry matures. Intermittent spikes coincide with major technological rollouts and legislative changes in environmental standards. This sustained positive trajectory underscores the resilience of the tissue production segment, as manufacturers race to boost capacity and comply with new efficiency guidelines. The market’s YOY growth profile is further bolstered by emerging market expansion and periodic replacement cycles.
Asia-Pacific commands the largest regional share for Yankee dryers in 2025 at 36%, attributed to rapid industrialization, rising disposable incomes, and robust investments in tissue production capacities, particularly in China and India. North America follows with 28%, leveraging modernization efforts and replacement cycles, while Europe accounts for 22% driven by strict sustainability mandates. Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa together contribute the remaining 14%, supported by urbanization and evolving hygiene standards. Regional shifts reflect changing industrial priorities, resource allocation, and regulatory climates, indicating that future market expansions will increasingly rely on technology transfer and local production partnerships.
Voith leads the Yankee dryer market in 2025 with a 21% share due to its expansive global footprint and proprietary engineering solutions, followed closely by Toscotec (17%), Andritz (15%), and Valmet (11%). Remaining players such as Sandusky, Kadant, and A.Celli Paper collectively account for 36%, reflecting market fragmentation and regional specialization. Continued innovation and targeted expansion strategies shape competitive differentiation, with top companies investing heavily in R&D, digital monitoring, and energy optimization. The rise of local players in emerging economies is adding further depth and healthy competition to the global landscape.
Large paper manufacturing conglomerates account for 40% of Yankee dryer market purchases in 2025, reflecting their significant capacity expansion activities. Medium-sized firms represent 35%, while small manufacturers comprise 25%, focusing on selective upgrades and niche market expansion. Larger buyers typically prioritize integrated solutions and automation features, whereas smaller and mid-sized firms seek value-for-money and adaptability to varying production lines. The evolving buyer mix highlights the need for vendors to offer tailored product portfolios, responsive service models, and flexible financing options to capture a wider range of customer segments globally.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
Revenue (USD Million)
Regions
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East, Africa
Segments
By Type (Steel Yankee Dryer, Cast Iron Yankee Dryer, High-Performance Yankee Dryer, Conventional Yankee Dryer, Crescent Former Yankee Dryer, Others), By Application (Tissue Paper, Towel Paper, Napkin Paper, Specialty Paper, Packaging Paper, Others), By Distribution Channels (Direct Sales, Distributors/Dealers, Online Sales, OEM Sales, Aftermarket Sales, Others), By Technology (Conventional Drying, Through-Air Drying, Advanced Drying Technology, Hybrid Technology, Steam Heated Technology, Gas-Fired Technology), By Organization Size (Small, Medium, Large)
June 2024: Voith launched a new line of energy-efficient steel Yankee dryers targeting sustainability awareness across European mills.
July 2024: Toscotec secures multiple contracts for their high-performance crescent former Yankee dryers in Southeast Asia.
June 2024: Andritz introduces an integrated digital monitoring platform for its hybrid Yankee dryers, optimizing operation and maintenance cycles.
August 2024: Kadant announced a strategic partnership with a Brazilian tissue producer, expanding its aftermarket sales reach in South America.
July 2024: Valmet upgrades its steam-heated Yankee dryer portfolio with smart environmental controls, aiming to reduce emissions by 12%.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Clara
Senior Market Research Analyst
Clara is a Senior Market Research Analyst specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Machinery and Equipments. Clara brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Clara has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
Machinery and EquipmentsMarket ResearchIndustry AnalysisStrategic Consulting
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