Paper Sizing Agent Market Outlook 2025–2031

The global Paper Sizing Agent Market size is estimated at US$ 3,180 million in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately US$ 4,520 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% during 2025–2031.

Rising paper-based packaging consumption, sustainability initiatives, and continuous technological improvements in paper manufacturing are supporting long-term market expansion across regions.

Market Historical Performance

Over the past five years, the Paper Sizing Agent Market has demonstrated stable and resilient growth despite disruptions in global pulp and paper supply chains. In 2020, the market was valued at around US$ 2,620 million, supported primarily by printing and writing paper demand.

Between 2021 and 2024, the market expanded at a historical CAGR of nearly 4.8%, reaching approximately US$ 3,020 million in 2024. Growth during this period was driven by the rapid rise of e-commerce packaging, increasing use of corrugated boxes, and gradual recovery of industrial paper consumption. Regulatory pressure to reduce plastic packaging further strengthened demand for paper sizing agents, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe.

What Is Driving the Paper Sizing Agent Market?

Paper sizing agents are critical additives used to improve water resistance, ink holdout, surface strength, and printability of paper products. Their role has become increasingly important as paper manufacturers aim to produce lightweight yet high-performance paper grades.

The global shift toward recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials is accelerating adoption of advanced paper sizing solutions. In addition, stricter environmental regulations are encouraging the replacement of traditional rosin-based sizing agents with synthetic and neutral sizing technologies such as alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) and alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA).

Market Overview & Key Statistics

• Market Size 2025: US$ 3,180 million
• Forecast Market Size 2031: US$ 4,520 million
• CAGR (2025–2031): 6.0%
• Historical CAGR (2020–2024): ~4.8%
• Major End Users: Packaging paper, printing & writing paper, specialty paper manufacturers
• Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

The Paper Sizing Agent Market is closely linked to trends in packaging, publishing, and industrial paper production, with Asia-Pacific accounting for the largest revenue share due to high paper output volumes.

Key Market Drivers

1. Expansion of Paper-Based Packaging
   Growth in e-commerce, food delivery, and retail logistics is boosting demand for moisture-resistant packaging paper, increasing consumption of paper sizing agents.
2. Shift Toward Sustainable Materials
   Global bans on single-use plastics are accelerating the use of recyclable paper products, driving consistent demand for eco-friendly sizing technologies.
3. Technological Advancements in Papermaking
   Modern paper machines require high-performance sizing agents that enhance strength while reducing fiber usage and production costs.
4. Rising Demand from Emerging Economies
   Rapid urbanization and industrial growth in India, China, and Southeast Asia are expanding domestic paper manufacturing capacities.
5. Improved Printability Requirements
   Growth in digital and high-quality printing applications requires advanced surface sizing solutions for better ink absorption and image clarity.

Market Restraints & Challenges

• Volatility in raw material prices derived from petrochemicals
• Environmental concerns related to certain synthetic sizing agents
• Operational challenges in converting older paper mills to neutral sizing systems
• Competition from alternative coating and surface treatment technologies

Paper Sizing Agent Market Segment Analysis

By Product / Technology / Type
➤ Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) – ~45% Market Share
AKD dominates the market due to its superior performance in neutral and alkaline papermaking. It is widely used in packaging and high-quality paper grades.

➤ Alkenyl Succinic Anhydride (ASA) – Fastest-Growing Segment (~7.2% CAGR)
ASA is gaining popularity because of its rapid sizing response and lower dosage requirements, especially in high-speed paper machines.

➤ Rosin-Based Sizing Agents
Still used in smaller mills, particularly in developing regions, though adoption is gradually declining due to environmental concerns.

By Application / End-User
➤ Packaging Paper (Over 50% Revenue Share)
Includes corrugated boxes, cartons, and paper bags, driven by food & beverage and e-commerce sectors.

➤ Printing & Writing Paper
Demand remains stable, supported by education and office use in emerging markets.

➤ Specialty Paper
Used in labels, thermal paper, and decorative laminates, this segment is growing steadily at around 5.8% CAGR.

By Region / Geography
➤ Asia-Pacific (Largest Market – ~48% Share)
China and India lead production, supported by strong domestic demand and export-oriented paper manufacturing.

➤ Europe
Growth is driven by sustainability regulations and advanced paper recycling infrastructure.

➤ North America
Stable demand from packaging and specialty paper applications, with emphasis on bio-based sizing solutions.

➤ Latin America & Middle East & Africa
Emerging markets with increasing investments in paper mills and packaging industries.

Emerging Trends in the Paper Sizing Agent Market

• Increasing adoption of bio-based and biodegradable sizing agents
• Rising use of ASA sizing in high-speed paper production
• Integration of sizing agents with multifunctional paper additives
• Development of low-dosage, high-efficiency sizing formulations
• Strong focus on reducing water and energy consumption in papermaking

Investment Opportunities

• Expansion of AKD and ASA production facilities in Asia-Pacific
• R&D investments in sustainable and bio-based paper sizing agents
• Strategic partnerships with paper mills for customized sizing solutions
• Capacity upgrades in emerging economies to meet packaging demand

With packaging paper demand projected to grow at over 6.5% CAGR, investments in advanced paper sizing technologies offer attractive long-term returns.

Key Companies in the Paper Sizing Agent Market

• BASF SE
• Kemira Oyj
• Solenis LLC
• Arkema Group
• Evonik Industries
• Harima Chemicals Group
• Seiko PMC Corporation
• Ecolab Inc.
• Dow Inc.

Future Outlook

The Paper Sizing Agent Market is expected to maintain robust growth through 2031, supported by sustainable packaging trends, rising paper consumption in emerging markets, and continuous innovation in paper additives. Technological advancements and regulatory compliance will remain key differentiators for market participants.

Conclusion

The Paper Sizing Agent Market plays a strategic role in enhancing paper quality, performance, and sustainability. As global industries shift away from plastics, demand for advanced paper products will continue to rise, creating significant growth opportunities for sizing agent manufacturers across regions and applications.

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