Specialty Pulp and Paper Chemicals Market

Market Overview

The global specialty pulp and paper chemicals market size was valued at USD 21.31 billion in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 30.65 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.12% during the forecast period (2022–2030). Factors such as increasing use of functional chemicals, rise in need for tissues and packaging significantly drives the specialty pulp and paper chemicals market demand by 2030.

Specialty pulp and paper chemicals are utilized as papermaking raw materials and are derived from many substances, including acids, amines, alcohols, fatty alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and betaines.

The manufacturing requires numerous raw materials, including chelating agents, to achieve the desired brightness level and biocides to prevent and control microbial growth. Specialty paper is typically treated with chemicals to improve its printability, color, texture, water resistance, and strength. Specialty pulp and paper chemicals are typically utilized in packaging, printing, and labeling. These specialty pulp and paper products aid in the enhancement of processes, the reduction of weight, the enhancement of strength, and the reduction of water requirements, all of which reduce production costs.

Market Dynamics

Global Specialty Pulp and Paper Chemicals Market Drivers

Increasing Use of Functional Chemicals

Specialty chemicals, RCF and bleaching chemicals, process and functional chemicals, coating and functional chemicals, pigments, and filters are all used to make specialty paper. Additionally, water and energy use is reduced because these chemicals are a necessary component of the paper-making process. Tissue paper, diazo paper, laminations, magazines, and envelopes are examples of specialty papers used to increase market growth and demand for specialty chemicals. In addition, the rise in recycled paper consumption contributes to the specialty pulp and paper chemicals market growth.

Increasing Need for Tissues and Packaging

The pulp and paper chemicals market is primarily driven by the rising need for tissues and packaging grades, increasing the demand for specialty pulp and paper chemicals. The market for specialty pulp and paper chemicals is expanding due to the rising popularity of recycled paper in the paper industry and the extensive use of functional chemicals in various applications, including decoration, printing, and packaging.

Global Specialty Pulp and Paper Chemicals Market Restraint

Hazardous Effects on the Environment and Human Health

It is anticipated that the erratic price of the raw materials utilized in the manufacturing of specialty pulp and paper chemicals will impede the growth of the specialty pulp and paper chemicals market. The factors such as the implementation of stringent regulatory norms and the hazardous effects of the chemicals on both the environment and human health will be factors that will hinder the market for specialty pulp and paper chemicals.

Regional Analysis

The global specialty pulp and paper chemicals market has segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Central and South America.

Asia-Pacific is the largest shareholder in the global market. The strong presence of specialty pulp and paper producers in China and Japan is expected to increase demand for chemicals because of these countries' easy access to equipment and raw materials. Additionally, it is anticipated that the market will expand due to the rising demand for specialty pulp and paper in several end-use industries, including labeling, printing, and packaging. China and India are anticipated to experience extraordinary growth due to rising industrialization, rapid economic growth, and low labor costs. Environmental performance, adherence to regulations, and early adoption of sustainable production methods are crucial factors in determining the industry's growth in North America. Nonetheless, the market is anticipated to expand due to the rising demand for eco-friendly chemicals for recycled papers and the expanding scope of applications for specialty papers.

Segmental Analysis

The global specialty pulp and paper chemicals market is segmented by product and application.

Based on product, the market is divided into basic chemicals, functional chemicals, bleaching chemicals, and process chemicals.

Functional chemicals are the most dominant and fastest-growing product segment during the forecast period. It comprises a pigment, starch, latex, binders, dye, and other coating agents. Specialty paper is enhanced with functional chemicals to improve its printability, color, texture, water resistance, and strength. Common functional chemicals include dyeing agents, coating binders, sizing additives, dry and wet additives, and whitening agents. Non-fibrous materials, such as functional and coating chemicals like fillers, rosins, brighteners, and alum, are added to the paper during manufacturing to give it gloss, strength, and ink retention.

Based on application, the market is categorized into printing, packaging, and labeling.

Packaging is the dominant segment in the global market. Demand is anticipated to increase significantly because packaging specialty pulp and paper chemicals can offer superior print contrast and a smooth finish in laminating and vacuum metalizing applications. The widespread use of specialty paper in food packaging products, such as corrugated clamshells, carryout boxes, paper tubes, plates, and cups, also contributes to the expansion of the market.

Recent Developments

• June 2022- Confoil and BASF cooperated to develop a certified compostable dual oven-able paper tray for ready-to-eat packaging meals. The Australian food packaging manufacturer Confoil and BASF have cooperated to develop a certified compostable and dual ovenable food tray based on paper.
• June 2022- Dow Expanded Flexible Packaging Recycling Effort Across Africa. Dow (NYSE: DOW) has announced the expansion of its Project REFLEX initiative in Egypt and Guinea, following a successful pilot phase in Nigeria.
• April 2022- Buckman and Energy Drive Partner on Sustainability Efforts. Buckman, a US-headquartered specialty chemical company, partnered with Energy Drive to reduce electricity usage and water consumption at Buckman's Hammarsdale, South Africa facility.