Paper Chemicals Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global paper chemicals market size is expected to expand from USD 38.4 billion in 2023 to USD 46.5 billion by 2033. Over the forecast period 2023 to 2033, global paper chemicals sales are likely to soar at 1.9% CAGR.

The paper chemicals industry refers to the businesses involved in the production and supply of numerous chemicals and additives used in the manufacturing process of paper and paper-based products.

Businesses extensively prefer it for improving paper quality, performance, and properties, from paper production to end use. The paper chemicals market plays a key role in supporting the global pulp and paper industry.

The key types of paper chemicals are:

  • Pulping chemicals: These chemicals are used to separate fibers from wood and other raw materials in the early stages of papermaking known as pulp. Common pulping chemicals include sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and sodium sulfide.
  • Bleaching Chemicals: Bleach is used to remove impurities and color from the pulp to make lighter, whiter paper. Common bleaching agents include chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium chlorite.
  • Fillers and coatings: These chemicals are added to the paper during the manufacturing process to improve properties such as smoothness, opacity, brightness, and printability.
  • Sizing agent: Sizing agents are applied to paper to control ink absorption and improve print quality. Common sizing agents include starch, rosin, and alkyl ketene dimer (AKD).
  • Retention and Drainage Aids: These chemicals help improve the efficiency of the papermaking process by improving fiber retention and reducing water usage.
  • Wet strength resins: Wet strength resins are used to increase the strength of paper when wet. This is important in certain applications such as packaging materials that may be exposed to moisture.

Demand for paper chemicals is influenced by factors such as paper and pulp industry growth, packaging needs, print media consumption, environmental regulations, and consumer preference for green and sustainable paper products.

Furthermore, biorefineries offer new growth opportunities for paper chemicals manufacturers and rising awareness of the availability of sustainable packaging will provide more diversified growth opportunities for the paper chemicals market.

Key Trends Listed by Future Market Insights (FMI):

  • Increasing environmental concerns and regulations are driving demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in the paper chemical market.
  • The rising trend of e-commerce and online shopping has increased the need for specialty chemicals that can improve the strength, water resistance, and printability of packaging materials.
  • The pursuit of sustainable practices and waste reduction has increased the focus on the treatment of paper with specialty chemicals for better recyclability.
  • Research and development efforts in the paper chemical industry have been directed toward developing innovative chemicals that can improve the overall paper manufacturing process and the performance of the final paper product.
Attributes Key Insights
Estimated Global Paper Chemicals Market Size (2023E) USD 38.4 billion
Projected Market Value (2033F) USD 46.5 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 1.9%

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2018 to 2022 Global Paper Chemicals Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2023 to 2033

According to the Future Market Insights (FMI) analysis, paper chemicals sales grew at a CAGR of 2.6% from 2018 to 2022. Over the forecast period, the worldwide market for paper chemicals s is forecast to progress at 1.9% CAGR.

Increasing demand for paper products such as packaging, bags, and cups from the food industry and increasing use of paper in print media such as magazines and newspapers are having a significant impact on the growth of the paper chemicals market.

Thus, continued growth in packaging paper production along with the emergence of online and e-commerce websites worldwide, especially in developing countries, was the key factor driving the growth of the paper chemicals industry during the forecast period 2018 to 2022.

Strong growth in wrapping paper and paper-based packaging also has a positive impact on the growth of the paper chemicals industry. The key driver of the market growth is the increasing demand for specialty papers and chemicals, especially for sterile papers for medical applications, which is driving high growth.

In addition, the increasing importance and prevalence of functional chemicals that impart superior optical properties to improve printability are also driving the growth of the paper chemicals industry.

The decline in the production of graphic papers due to digitization could significantly restrain the growth rate of the paper chemicals industry during the forecast period of 2018 to 2022.

Factors Restraining Paper Chemicals Market Growth

The paper industry faces competition from alternative materials such as plastics, metals, and digital alternatives. In certain applications, these materials offer advantages such as low cost, lightweight, and excellent properties that can limit the growth of paper and paper chemicals.

Advances in digital technology such as e-books, e-documents, and digital advertising have replaced traditional paper-based products such as books, newspapers, and flyers.

The paper industry is facing overcapacity in certain regions, leading to competitive pressure and lower prices, impacting the profitability of paper chemical makers.

Compliance costs and restrictions on certain chemicals and manufacturing processes can hinder market growth.

The papermaking process is energy-intensive, and fluctuations in energy costs can affect the total cost of papermaking chemicals.

Nikhil Kaitwade
Nikhil Kaitwade

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Country-wise Insights

Will China Retain its Dominance in the Paper Chemicals Market?

Growing Environmental Awareness Among Consumers in China Benefiting Sales

As per Future Market Insights (FMI), China's paper chemicals industry is expected to reach a valuation of around USD 10.8 billion by 2033. It is therefore expected to hold a prominent value share of 1.8% in the global market.

Changes in consumer behavior, and increased environmental awareness are likely to affect the overall demand for paper and paper-based products in China. The shift to digitalization is further expected to impact the position of this industry in China.

As environmental concerns remain a global priority, there is increasing pressure on the paper industry to adopt sustainable practices and environmentally friendly paper chemicals. This could undermine their competitive advantage if manufacturers of China do not adhere to stringent environmental standards.

Advances in paper-making technology and the development of innovative paper-making chemicals by competitors in other countries could affect China's dominance in the market.

Economic and geopolitical changes could affect China's export opportunities in international trade and paper chemicals industry.

What is Driving Paper Chemicals Demand in the United States?

Wide Range of End-use Applications Related to Paper Chemicals Creating Demand in the United States

According to the FMI analysis, the United States paper chemicals industry is poised to exhibit a CAGR of 1.9% during the assessment period. By 2033, the United States market size is expected to reach USD 8.1 billion.

The USA packaging industry has experienced steady growth driven by the rise of e-commerce, rising consumer spending, and demand for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. Paper chemicals are essential to improve packaging material properties such as strength, printability, and barrier properties.

The digitization of media has impacted the print and publishing sector, but there are signs of recovery, particularly in areas such as books, catalogs, and direct mail. Paper chemistry plays an important role in improving the print quality and ink acceptance of papers used in these applications.

Continuous research and development efforts in the paper chemical industry have introduced innovative products with enhanced features and improved performance. This has increased demand as companies strive to improve their products and manufacturing processes.

The growth of e-commerce and increased transportation activity have increased the demand for corrugated packaging materials, increasing the need for paper chemicals to improve their strength and durability.

Paper chemicals contributed to overall demand as they found applications beyond traditional printing and packaging in the manufacture of specialty papers, building materials, and industrial paper products.

What is the Demand Outlook for the Paper Chemicals in the United Kingdom Market?

Increasing Usage of Paper Chemicals Due to Stringent Government Guidelines Boosting Sales

Paper chemical demand in the United Kingdom is anticipated to rise at a steady CAGR of 1.7% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033. By the end of 2033, the United Kingdom is projected to reach a worth of USD 1.8 billion.

In the United Kingdom, the demand for sanitary paper products such as tissues, toilet paper, and paper towels is growing steadily. Papermaking chemicals are used to improve the softness, strength, and absorbency of tissue paper, which contributes to the increasing demand for these products.

Growing environmental awareness among the United Kingdom consumers and businesses is creating demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable paper products. There is a growing demand for papermaking chemicals that facilitate recycling, reduce environmental impact and provide environmental certification.

Compliance with the United Kingdom environmental and safety regulations introduced paper chemicals that meet stringent standards. Companies preferred chemicals that meet environmental and health guidelines.

Consumer preference for products made from recycled materials or environmentally friendly sources has impacted demand for paper chemicals that support sustainable paper production.

Category-wise Insights

Which is the Highly Sought-after Type in the Market?

Demand in the Market to Remain High for Pulp Chemicals

Based on type, demand is expected to remain high for pulp chemicals during the assessment period. As per Future Market Insights (FMI), the pulp chemicals segment expanded at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2018 to 2022. The segment is further projected to surge at a CAGR of 1.7% through 2033.

Pulp chemicals play an important role in the paper chemicals market as they are essential to the pulping process, the earliest stage of paper production. The key purpose of pulp chemicals is to decompose raw materials such as wood into pulp, which is the basis of paper manufacturing.

Businesses prefer pulp chemicals since they improve the quality, strength, and properties of the final paper product. Proper combination and dosage of pulp chemicals are very important to achieve desired properties such as brightness, opacity, strength, and printability.

Demand for pulp chemicals is directly related to the overall demand for paper and paper-based products.

The choice of pulp chemistry depends on the type of pulp used, the type of paper produced, and environmental considerations. The paper industry continues to focus on using sustainable and environmentally friendly pulp chemicals to reduce the environmental impact of paper production.

Thus, the paper chemical market continues to research and develop new alternatives that are more environmentally friendly.

Which is the Leading Form in the Paper Industry?

Speciality Chemicals Segment Fuelling the Demand for Paper Chemicals

The specialty chemicals segment is expected to register a CAGR of 1.5% from 2023 to 2033. The target segment grew at a CAGR of 2.4% during 2018 to 2022.

Specialty chemicals play an important role in the paper chemicals market, as they are designed to add specific functions and properties to paper and paper-based products beyond the traditional functions of commodity chemicals.

These specialty chemicals are tailored to the specific needs of numerous applications and end-use industries. End-users apply specialty chemicals to improve the performance and properties of paper for specific purposes.

The use of specialty chemicals in the paper industry enables the production of high-quality, bespoke paper products for a variety of end uses. As consumer demands and environmental regulations evolve, research and development efforts continue to focus on developing innovative and sustainable specialty chemicals for the paper chemicals industry.

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Competitive Landscape

Leading paper chemicals manufacturers are constantly launching a new range of products to meet consumer demand. They are also using strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, distribution agreements, collaborations, advertisements, and celebrity endorsements to gain a competitive edge in the market.

For instance,

  • In April 2023, Ammor India announced strategic expansion plans for chemical and steel-related products with delivery reaching 52 weeks.
  • In March 2023, Nippon Paint announced the strategic expansion of the construction chemicals marketplace.

Scope of the Report

Attribute Details
Market Size (2023) USD 38.4 billion
Market Forecast Size (2033) USD 46.5 billion
Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 1.9% CAGR
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2018 to 2022
Market Analysis Volume (MT) and Value (USD billion)
Key Regions Covered Latin America; North America; Europe; South Asia; East Asia; Oceania; and Middle East & Africa
Key Market Segments Covered Type and Form
Key Companies Profiled Akzo Nobel NV; Archroma; Ashland Global Holdings Inc.; BASF SE; Behn Meyer Chemicals (Qingdao) Co. Ltd.

Paper Chemicals Market by Category

By Type:

  • Pulp Chemicals
  • Process Chemicals
  • Functional Chemicals

By Form:

  • Specialty Chemicals
  • Commodity Chemicals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the market?

Currently, it is valued at USDF 38.4 billion in 2023.

What is the projected growth rate?

The market is expected to reach a 1.9% CAGR by 2033.

What is the CAGR for the pulp chemicals segment?

A CAGR for pulp chemicals is forecast to be 1.7% by 2033.

What is the expected value of China?

A market share of 1.8% is expected to be achieved by 2033.

What is the projected size of the market?

The projected value is to reach USD 46.5 billion by 2033.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Type
		5.1. Pulp Chemicals
		5.2. Process Chemicals
		5.3. Functional Chemicals
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Form
		6.1. Specialty Chemicals
		6.2. Commodity Chemicals
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		7.1. North America
		7.2. Latin America
		7.3. Western Europe
		7.4. Eastern Europe
		7.5. South Asia and Pacific
		7.6. East Asia
		7.7. Middle East and Africa
	8. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	9. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	10. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	11. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. Key Countries Market Analysis
	16. Market Structure Analysis
	17. Competition Analysis
		17.1. Akzo Nobel NV
		17.2. Archroma
		17.3. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
		17.4. BASF SE
		17.5. Behn Meyer Chemicals (Qingdao) Co. Ltd.
		17.6. Buckman Laboratories International Inc
		17.7. Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund
		17.8. ERCO Worldwide
		17.9. Evonik Industries AG
		17.10. FMC Corporation
	18. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	19. Research Methodology
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