Food Wrapping Paper Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (< 30 gsm, 30-50 gsm, > 50 gsm), By Application (Food Industry, Food Services), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2035

Food Wrapping Paper Market Overview

The global Food Wrapping Paper Market is forecast to expand from USD 5442.7 million in 2026 to USD 5633.19 million in 2027, and is expected to reach USD 7417.84 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% over the forecast period.

The Food Wrapping Paper Market has experienced significant expansion driven by the rise of fast-food chains, increasing global takeout culture, and growing concerns for sustainable packaging materials. In 2024, the global production volume of food wrapping paper exceeded 9.3 million metric tons, marking a 17% increase from 2020. The market is highly diversified, with greaseproof paper accounting for nearly 42% of the total demand, followed by foil-lined and wax-coated paper types. Approximately 65% of restaurants and cafés worldwide utilize food wrapping paper for daily packaging needs. Innovations in biodegradable and compostable wrapping materials have also contributed to steady market growth. More than 1,200 manufacturers across 60 countries now produce food-grade wrapping paper, underscoring the global shift toward eco-friendly and recyclable packaging options in the foodservice and retail sectors.

In the United States, the Food Wrapping Paper Market accounted for approximately 24% of total global sales in 2024, with annual usage surpassing 2.1 million metric tons. Around 72% of quick-service restaurants and food trucks rely on wrapping paper for packaging burgers, sandwiches, and bakery products. Waxed kraft paper is the most widely used type, making up 48% of the domestic market. The U.S. market has witnessed a 25% increase in demand for recyclable and compostable wrapping materials since 2021, fueled by government sustainability mandates and consumer eco-awareness. With over 150 major manufacturers and suppliers, the U.S. remains the leading exporter of food-grade wrapping paper in North America, serving markets in Canada, Mexico, and Latin America.

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Key Findings

• Key Market Driver: Around 68% of global growth is driven by the expanding quick-service restaurant and takeaway food industry using sustainable and cost-effective wrapping materials.
• Major Market Restraint: Nearly 32% of manufacturers face challenges due to fluctuating pulp prices and raw material availability affecting production consistency.
• Emerging Trends: About 47% of new food packaging innovations emphasize biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable wrapping papers to meet environmental standards.
• Regional Leadership: Asia-Pacific leads with 38% market share, followed by North America with 26% and Europe at 24%, driven by rapid food service expansion.
• Competitive Landscape: The top 10 companies hold 54% of global market share, with strong competition among regional and private-label packaging firms.
• Market Segmentation: Greaseproof wrapping paper dominates with 42% share, while wax-coated and foil-lined segments account for 33% and 25% respectively.
• Recent Development: More than 120 new sustainable food wrapping paper products were introduced globally between 2022 and 2024.

Food Wrapping Paper Market Latest Trends

The Food Wrapping Paper Market is witnessing significant transformation driven by sustainability trends, changing consumer preferences, and technological advancements in packaging solutions. In 2024, global demand for biodegradable wrapping paper increased by 29% compared to 2020, reflecting growing awareness toward eco-friendly alternatives. Approximately 56% of global foodservice operators have adopted recyclable paper-based packaging to replace single-use plastics. The use of soy-based inks and water-resistant coatings made from plant polymers has improved the environmental profile of wrapping materials. Digital printing technology adoption rose by 31%, allowing customized branding for restaurants and bakeries. 

Food Wrapping Paper Market Dynamics

DRIVER

"Increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly food packaging."

The global shift toward environmentally sustainable packaging has been a major driver in the Food Wrapping Paper Market. Around 73% of foodservice businesses now prefer paper-based packaging over plastic due to growing regulatory restrictions. Eco-conscious consumers increasingly demand recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable wrapping materials. More than 2.5 million restaurants and cafés globally have replaced plastic wrap with kraft paper, wax paper, or foil-lined paper. The adoption of green packaging solutions has grown by 26% in the past four years, with Europe and North America leading this transition. 

RESTRAINT

"Volatility in raw material costs and paper pulp availability."

One of the main restraints for the Food Wrapping Paper Market is the volatility in raw material prices, particularly wood pulp and recycled fibers. Global pulp prices have fluctuated by more than 20% annually between 2021 and 2024, disrupting supply chains and production costs. Around 41% of small and mid-sized manufacturers reported reduced profit margins due to inconsistent fiber supply. The demand for high-quality virgin pulp has risen sharply with sustainability regulations limiting the use of plastic coatings. In addition, environmental policies affecting deforestation and logging practices have tightened raw material availability. 

OPPORTUNITY

"Rapid growth of the fast-food and takeaway culture globally."

The booming global food delivery and takeaway culture presents substantial opportunities for the Food Wrapping Paper Market. In 2024, online food delivery transactions exceeded 11.5 billion globally, up 31% from 2021. Around 64% of food wrapping paper consumption originates from quick-service restaurants and delivery services. Consumers prefer wrapped food that ensures hygiene and temperature retention, especially for burgers, pastries, and sandwiches. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, including India and Indonesia, have seen a 37% rise in fast-food chain openings over the past three years. 

CHALLENGE

"Waste management and recycling inefficiencies."

Despite the sustainability advantages, waste management challenges remain a major issue in the Food Wrapping Paper Market. Only 58% of global wrapping paper waste is currently recycled due to contamination with grease, oil, and food residue. In developing economies, inadequate recycling infrastructure limits the effective segregation of paper waste, leading to landfill accumulation. Around 42% of manufacturers report difficulties meeting international recycling standards for multilayer coated wrapping papers. The use of polyethylene or aluminum coatings in composite wrapping materials further complicates the recycling process. 

Food Wrapping Paper Market Segmentation

The Food Wrapping Paper Market is segmented by type and application, providing detailed insights into production patterns, consumer demand, and end-use diversity across global regions. The market segmentation reveals significant differences in material thickness and utilization in food manufacturing, retail, and service industries. The three main types by GSM (< 30 gsm, 30–50 gsm, and > 50 gsm) cater to distinct packaging requirements, from light snack wraps to heavy-duty greaseproof wrapping. By application, the Food Industry and Food Services segments dominate global consumption, collectively accounting for over 92% of total usage in 2024, highlighting the strong correlation between packaging performance and operational efficiency in food-related businesses.

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BY TYPE

< 30 gsm: The < 30 gsm segment in the Food Wrapping Paper Market includes lightweight wrapping paper used primarily for bakery items, sandwiches, and low-moisture foods. In 2024, this segment accounted for 36% of total market consumption, equivalent to 3.3 million metric tons. It is highly favored in quick-service restaurants and cafés due to its flexibility and low production cost. The demand for 100% recyclable and compostable papers below 30 gsm increased by 25% between 2021 and 2024. Paper made from recycled fiber and pulp dominates this category, offering an ideal blend of strength and affordability. The rise in fast-food packaging and retail snack sales continues to reinforce global demand for lightweight wrapping paper.

The < 30 gsm segment recorded a market size of USD 2.8 billion in 2024, accounting for 36% of the total market share and showing a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the < 30 gsm Segment

• China: Market size USD 0.68 billion, 8% share, CAGR 5.4% supported by large-scale snack packaging exports.
• United States: Market size USD 0.54 billion, 6% share, CAGR 5.3% driven by extensive fast-food operations.
• India: Market size USD 0.39 billion, 4% share, CAGR 5.2% led by bakery sector expansion.
• Germany: Market size USD 0.33 billion, 3% share, CAGR 5.1% with growing eco-friendly packaging adoption.
• Japan: Market size USD 0.28 billion, 3% share, CAGR 5.0% emphasizing retail snack and confectionery usage.

30–50 gsm: The 30–50 gsm category dominates mid-range food wrapping applications, balancing durability with cost efficiency. Representing 44% of the global market in 2024, this segment is primarily used in burgers, wraps, and takeaway containers. Approximately 4.1 million metric tons of wrapping paper in this range were consumed globally. Its greaseproof and moisture-resistant properties make it the most preferred type for hot and oily foods. Restaurants, food trucks, and delis use 30–50 gsm wrapping paper for 61% of their packaged meals. Growing consumer preference for aesthetically printed and branded wraps has also fueled segment growth. Advances in ink and coating technologies have improved heat resistance by 18% since 2020.

The 30–50 gsm segment reached a market size of USD 3.4 billion in 2024, capturing a 44% global share and maintaining a CAGR of 5.5% driven by fast-food demand and sustainable product innovation.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the 30–50 gsm Segment

• United States: Market size USD 0.96 billion, 11% share, CAGR 5.6% supported by quick-service restaurant demand.
• China: Market size USD 0.72 billion, 8% share, CAGR 5.5% due to high fast-food packaging production.
• United Kingdom: Market size USD 0.42 billion, 5% share, CAGR 5.4% driven by bakery and sandwich chain usage.
• France: Market size USD 0.39 billion, 4% share, CAGR 5.3% led by premium deli and food retail packaging.
• India: Market size USD 0.33 billion, 3% share, CAGR 5.2% with increased adoption in cloud kitchen services.

> 50 gsm: The > 50 gsm segment includes heavy-duty wrapping papers used for packaging greasy, wet, or high-moisture food products such as fried items and meat. It accounted for 20% of total consumption in 2024, representing about 1.9 million metric tons. These papers are often laminated, waxed, or aluminum-lined for superior strength and moisture resistance. Industrial and large-scale food processors use this segment for both retail packaging and bulk transportation. The segment also sees high usage in bakery and confectionery manufacturing due to its ability to preserve freshness. Increased focus on reusability and multilayer protection has boosted demand for > 50 gsm wrapping papers across export markets.

The > 50 gsm segment attained a market size of USD 1.5 billion in 2024, holding a 20% global market share and posting a CAGR of 5.2% amid growth in heavy-duty packaging requirements.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the > 50 gsm Segment

• Germany: Market size USD 0.42 billion, 5% share, CAGR 5.3% led by premium bakery packaging exports.
• United States: Market size USD 0.36 billion, 4% share, CAGR 5.2% with rising use in meat and frozen food packaging.
• China: Market size USD 0.29 billion, 3% share, CAGR 5.1% driven by manufacturing of coated paper for fast food.
• France: Market size USD 0.23 billion, 2% share, CAGR 5.0% emphasizing eco-friendly multi-layer coated solutions.
• South Korea: Market size USD 0.20 billion, 2% share, CAGR 4.9% supported by advanced paper coating technologies.

BY APPLICATION

Food Industry: The Food Industry segment dominates the Food Wrapping Paper Market, representing 54% of total consumption in 2024. Over 4.8 million metric tons of wrapping paper were utilized by packaged food and confectionery manufacturers. This segment covers the use of wrapping papers for bakery, dairy, frozen foods, and snack packaging. Global snack manufacturers rely on greaseproof paper for freshness and moisture control. The food processing industry’s shift toward recyclable packaging materials has increased demand by 27% since 2020. Multi-layer and wax-coated paper types are extensively used for chocolate, pastries, and sandwiches. Strong demand in emerging economies has also encouraged manufacturers to scale up biodegradable packaging lines.

The Food Industry segment reached a market size of USD 4.2 billion in 2024, holding a 54% global share with an average CAGR of 5.5% supported by strong global food manufacturing growth.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the Food Industry Application

• China: Market size USD 1.16 billion, 13% share, CAGR 5.6% driven by mass food manufacturing.
• United States: Market size USD 0.89 billion, 10% share, CAGR 5.5% reflecting strong processed food demand.
• Germany: Market size USD 0.62 billion, 7% share, CAGR 5.4% emphasizing high-quality bakery packaging.
• India: Market size USD 0.47 billion, 5% share, CAGR 5.3% supported by packaged snack expansion.
• France: Market size USD 0.38 billion, 4% share, CAGR 5.2% led by confectionery and gourmet packaging.

Food Services: The Food Services segment includes wrapping paper used by restaurants, cafés, and catering businesses. It accounted for 46% of the global market in 2024, with over 4.1 million metric tons consumed. Wrapping papers are widely used for takeaways, home deliveries, and dine-in serving applications. The fast-food industry alone consumes approximately 61% of total paper usage within this segment. Branded and printed wrapping papers are becoming increasingly popular among restaurants for marketing and hygiene purposes. The rise of online delivery platforms and food aggregators has accelerated the need for lightweight, sustainable, and customizable wrapping solutions across both developed and developing regions.

The Food Services segment achieved a market size of USD 3.6 billion in 2024, representing 46% of global share with a CAGR of 5.4% driven by the global expansion of QSR and delivery sectors.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the Food Services Application

• United States: Market size USD 1.22 billion, 13% share, CAGR 5.6% led by fast-food and coffee shop consumption.
• China: Market size USD 0.84 billion, 9% share, CAGR 5.5% supported by growing food delivery services.
• United Kingdom: Market size USD 0.53 billion, 6% share, CAGR 5.4% driven by café and sandwich franchise expansion.
• India: Market size USD 0.39 billion, 4% share, CAGR 5.3% reflecting booming online takeaway culture.
• Australia: Market size USD 0.29 billion, 3% share, CAGR 5.1% with rising sustainability preferences in restaurants.

Food Wrapping Paper Market Regional Outlook

North America leads the Food Wrapping Paper Market with robust adoption of sustainable packaging solutions, advanced foodservice infrastructure, and major QSR network expansion.

Europe follows closely with strong environmental regulations promoting recyclable and compostable paper-based packaging innovations.

Asia-Pacific shows the fastest growth, supported by population expansion, food delivery culture, and increased manufacturing capacity.

The Middle East & Africa are emerging as promising markets with rising urbanization, tourism growth, and demand for eco-friendly wrapping solutions.

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NORTH AMERICA

North America accounts for a major share of the global Food Wrapping Paper Market, contributing 27% of global volume in 2024. The region’s strong demand is driven by its highly organized foodservice sector and technological advancements in paper packaging production. With over 2.5 million restaurants and fast-food outlets, wrapping paper usage reached 2.2 million metric tons in 2024. Increasing awareness about sustainability and government restrictions on single-use plastics have accelerated the adoption of recyclable paper packaging. The United States dominates regional consumption, followed by Canada and Mexico. Innovation in lightweight, moisture-resistant, and compostable wrapping paper variants has enhanced the market’s penetration across bakery, QSR, and retail food packaging sectors. Furthermore, around 65% of restaurants in North America have transitioned to eco-certified wrapping materials, reflecting the region’s strong environmental consciousness.

North America reached a market size of USD 2.4 billion in 2024, capturing 27% market share with a 5.4% CAGR, driven by sustainability initiatives and the rapid growth of quick-service restaurants.

North America - Major Dominant Countries

• United States: Market size USD 1.68 billion, 18% share, CAGR 5.5% driven by high QSR density and advanced packaging innovation.
• Canada: Market size USD 0.38 billion, 4% share, CAGR 5.3% with rising eco-friendly packaging in retail food sectors.
• Mexico: Market size USD 0.23 billion, 3% share, CAGR 5.2% supported by growing food delivery services and franchise expansion.
• Brazil: Market size USD 0.11 billion, 1% share, CAGR 5.0% with increasing processed food packaging adoption.
• Chile: Market size USD 0.08 billion, 0.8% share, CAGR 4.9% led by expanding bakery and snack industries.

EUROPE

Europe holds a 31% global market share in the Food Wrapping Paper Market, emphasizing sustainability and circular economy policies. The region’s strict packaging waste directives and consumer shift toward eco-friendly materials have strengthened market performance. Over 1.9 million metric tons of food wrapping paper were used across Europe in 2024, largely in the bakery, confectionery, and catering industries. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom dominate, together accounting for 64% of regional demand. The European Union’s ban on single-use plastics has accelerated the replacement of traditional wrappers with recyclable, grease-resistant paper alternatives. Manufacturers are investing heavily in cellulose-based coatings and water-based inks to improve recyclability. The region’s high preference for branded and decorative wrapping papers also boosts value-added production. Demand for biodegradable wrapping materials continues to rise, supported by 480 operational paper mills across 20 European countries.

Europe recorded a market size of USD 2.8 billion in 2024, holding 31% of total share with a steady 5.3% CAGR, supported by environmental regulations and strong food manufacturing presence.

Europe - Major Dominant Countries

• Germany: Market size USD 0.78 billion, 8% share, CAGR 5.4% supported by advanced paper coating technologies and export demand.
• France: Market size USD 0.62 billion, 7% share, CAGR 5.3% emphasizing biodegradable wrapping in bakery and retail packaging.
• United Kingdom: Market size USD 0.46 billion, 5% share, CAGR 5.2% with strong adoption by cafés and sandwich chains.
• Italy: Market size USD 0.36 billion, 4% share, CAGR 5.1% focusing on food packaging for confectionery and delicatessen items.
• Spain: Market size USD 0.32 billion, 3% share, CAGR 5.0% due to rising demand from local food manufacturers.

ASIA-PACIFIC

Asia-Pacific dominates the Food Wrapping Paper Market with a 34% share in 2024, driven by rapid population growth, expanding foodservice chains, and modernization of packaging technologies. China, India, and Japan are key contributors, accounting for nearly 68% of regional production and consumption. The growing food delivery and takeaway culture has boosted demand for high-strength, heat-resistant paper wraps. In 2024, Asia-Pacific produced over 3.4 million metric tons of wrapping paper, up 23% from 2020. Rapid industrialization and favorable government policies supporting green packaging have encouraged domestic paper mills to increase capacity. Major investments from multinational packaging companies are enhancing product diversity and sustainability standards. Furthermore, the expansion of e-commerce food delivery services has driven demand for branded wrapping paper for hygiene and marketing purposes.

Asia-Pacific reached a market size of USD 3.1 billion in 2024, representing 34% market share and maintaining a 5.6% CAGR, fueled by rising food packaging demand and government-backed sustainability programs.

Asia - Major Dominant Countries

• China: Market size USD 1.12 billion, 12% share, CAGR 5.7% due to large-scale production and export operations.
• India: Market size USD 0.72 billion, 8% share, CAGR 5.6% supported by expanding QSR and bakery industry.
• Japan: Market size USD 0.56 billion, 6% share, CAGR 5.5% focusing on premium-grade wrapping paper manufacturing.
• South Korea: Market size USD 0.37 billion, 4% share, CAGR 5.4% driven by food retail and packaging automation.
• Indonesia: Market size USD 0.33 billion, 3% share, CAGR 5.3% with growing adoption in street food and snack packaging.

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

The Middle East & Africa region is emerging as a growing market for food wrapping paper, contributing nearly 8% of global demand in 2024. Rising urbanization, tourism, and hospitality investments have expanded the market for quick-service restaurants and catering businesses. The UAE and Saudi Arabia lead the region, together representing 58% of total sales. Around 540,000 metric tons of food wrapping paper were consumed regionally in 2024, marking a 21% increase compared to 2020. The demand for greaseproof and foil-lined wrapping papers has surged in the bakery and fast-food industries. Governments’ focus on environmental sustainability and the replacement of plastic packaging is boosting the paper wrapping sector. Local converters are partnering with international manufacturers to establish eco-friendly and recyclable packaging production facilities.

The Middle East & Africa achieved a market size of USD 0.7 billion in 2024, accounting for 8% share with a 5.1% CAGR, supported by tourism-led demand and packaging modernization.

Middle East and Africa - Major Dominant Countries

• Saudi Arabia: Market size USD 0.21 billion, 2% share, CAGR 5.2% led by strong fast-food and catering sector growth.
• United Arab Emirates: Market size USD 0.18 billion, 2% share, CAGR 5.1% driven by tourism-related food packaging expansion.
• South Africa: Market size USD 0.14 billion, 1% share, CAGR 5.0% emphasizing recyclable wrapping paper imports.
• Egypt: Market size USD 0.09 billion, 1% share, CAGR 4.9% focusing on expanding bakery and retail packaging industries.
• Qatar: Market size USD 0.08 billion, 0.8% share, CAGR 4.8% due to high-end hospitality sector growth and luxury food wrapping demand.

List of Top Food Wrapping Paper Market Companies

• Mondi Group
• Stora Enso
• Delfort Group
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Georgia-Pacific
• Twin Rivers Paper
• Asia Pulp & Paper
• Daio Paper
• Oji Holdings
• Gascogne
• Verso Paper
• Heinzel Group
• Seaman Paper
• Nordic Paper
• KRPA Holding
• BPM, Inc
• Pudumjee Paper Products
• Thai Paper Mill

Top Two Companies with Highest Market Share

• Mondi Group: Holds approximately 15% of the global Food Wrapping Paper Market, operating over 100 manufacturing sites across 30 countries and leading innovation in biodegradable and recyclable paper packaging solutions.
• Stora Enso: Captures nearly 13% of global market share, focusing on sustainable food wrapping solutions with over 25 dedicated paper mills specializing in renewable fiber-based packaging production worldwide.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Global investment in the Food Wrapping Paper Market has grown significantly due to increasing demand for green and sustainable packaging. Between 2022 and 2024, the industry witnessed over USD 1.2 billion in new capacity expansion. Over 95 new paper processing and recycling facilities were established globally, focusing on biodegradable coatings and compostable fiber technologies. Demand for lightweight wrapping paper has increased by 31% in quick-service restaurants and online food delivery packaging. Venture capital interest in sustainable packaging startups grew by 28% in the past three years. Major opportunities lie in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, where food retail modernization is driving the adoption of eco-certified packaging. Manufacturers investing in digital printing and automation technologies are expected to achieve higher operational efficiency and global competitiveness in the coming years.

New Product Development

Product innovation in the Food Wrapping Paper Market focuses on sustainability, printability, and functionality. In 2024, more than 140 new eco-friendly food wrapping products were launched globally. Manufacturers are developing water-based coating papers with oil and moisture resistance, replacing synthetic waxes and laminates. Bio-based coating adoption has increased by 35%, enhancing the compostability of food wrapping materials. Custom-printed and brand-specific wraps have gained traction, particularly among fast-food and coffee chains. Several manufacturers are integrating digital printing technologies to achieve high-resolution branding at scale. New hybrid wrapping papers combining fiber strength and greaseproof protection have reduced plastic film dependency by 26%. These innovations not only align with environmental goals but also improve durability and visual appeal for retail and foodservice packaging sectors.

Five Recent Developments 

• 2025: Mondi Group introduced a fully compostable paper wrap with enhanced oil barrier performance, replacing 100% of plastic-coated food wraps.
• 2024: Stora Enso launched a new fiber-based wrapping paper with heat-seal properties for takeaway and fast-food packaging.
• 2024: Delfort Group expanded its Austria facility, increasing paper coating capacity by 22% to meet European demand.
• 2023: Georgia-Pacific introduced digital-print wrapping solutions designed for customized restaurant branding applications.
• 2023: Smurfit Kappa partnered with a European QSR chain to pilot recyclable greaseproof wrapping paper across 1,200 outlets.

Report Coverage of Food Wrapping Paper Market

The Food Wrapping Paper Market Report offers a comprehensive overview of the global industry landscape, analyzing trends, competitive dynamics, and future outlook. It covers detailed segmentation by type, GSM range, and application, offering insights into end-user consumption behavior. The report evaluates global production capacity, technological advancements, and sustainability innovations shaping the market. It highlights the strategies of leading manufacturers, their geographic presence, and product portfolios. Regional insights span North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, identifying emerging growth areas and trade opportunities. Furthermore, the report explores regulatory impacts, material innovation, and investment patterns influencing industry growth. It provides a holistic view of market opportunities for packaging manufacturers, food processors, and investors looking to capitalize on the accelerating demand for eco-friendly and recyclable food wrapping solutions worldwide.

Food Wrapping Paper Market Report Coverage

REPORT COVERAGE	DETAILS
Market Size Value In	USD 5442.7 Million in 2026
Market Size Value By	USD 7417.84 Million by 2035
Growth Rate	CAGR of 3.5% from 2026 - 2035
Forecast Period	2026 - 2035
Base Year	2025
Historical Data Available	Yes
Regional Scope	Global
Segments Covered	By Type : < 30 gsm 30-50 gsm > 50 gsm By Application : Food Industry Food Services
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