Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market - Strategic Insights and Forecasts (2026-2031)

Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market Size:

The pulp & paper chemicals market is forecasted to rise at a 2.77% CAGR, reaching USD 27.201 billion in 2031 from USD 23.082 billion in 2025.

Pulp and paper chemicals are utilised in the manufacturing business alongside metal enamels to make generators, motors, and transformers. Wire windings, layered cores, and insulation materials are some of the several electrical industry components that call for Pulp & Paper Chemicals. The global increase in manufacturing facilities and the rising need for wire windings, iron cores, and other automotive parts are creating a profitable opportunity for the Pulp & Paper Chemicals industry's overall development.

Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market Growth Drivers:

• Increasing demand for biodegradable chemicals

A variety of chemicals are frequently used when making paper. The majority of these chemicals used in paper production are derived from fossil fuels. They consequently have a detrimental effect on the ecosystem. Paper mill manufacturers are searching for biodegradable paper processing chemicals, such as polymer-free coatings and soy chemicals, that are compliant with various government legislation in light of growing environmental concerns.  In addition to the typical uses of paper napkins and tissue paper products, the pulp & paper chemicals industry is also seeing a surge in the use of attractive paper napkins for different DIY tasks, home indoor décor, and accessories.

• Rising demand for single-sided (coated) papers

The main growth driver is anticipated to be the demand for single-sided (coated) papers. Some of the few uses for single-sided (coated) paper include labelling pads, envelopes, laminating, gift-wrapping, banners and thermal transfers. They are made with the aid of specialised chemicals, such as functional and process chemicals. In 2015, the single-sided speciality (coated) paper market had a volume of over 4,000 kilotons, and in the following three years, it is expected to reach 5,000 kilotons. Over one-third of these specialty, papers were used globally for labels, which are used more and more in business and during the papermaking process.

• Rising demand for functional and bleaching chemicals

The compounds used as coatings, pigments, and dyes are all functional compounds. The rising demand for value-added paper, which has led to the highest usage of functional chemicals, is the segment's main driver of growth. On the other hand, bleaching chemicals are anticipated to have significant market expansion during the projection period. Due to consumers' growing environmental consciousness, there is anticipated to be a rise in the demand for recycled paper, which will in turn increase the pulp & paper chemicals market share.

• High consumer demand for sustainable packaging

With increasingly environmentally conscientious consumers and tight legislation, the need for paper chemicals is mostly driven by regulations imposed by various environmental protection organisations, which also drive the need for paper packaging. Paper packaging is a flexible and economical way to store, transport, and protect a variety of products. Additionally, it can be fully customized to fit the individual needs of customers. The expansion of the pulp and paper chemicals business is entirely due to these characteristics of paper packaging, as these chemicals offer paper its essential attributes and functionality.

Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market Geographical Outlook:

• Asia Pacific is projected to dominate the pulp & paper chemicals market

During the projected period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to lead the pulp & paper chemicals market. The notable presence of pulp and paper makers in Japan and China, as well as easy access to equipment and raw materials, is likely to enhance the usage of chemicals during the forecast period. Moreover, China and India are expected to continue due to their rapid industrialization, quick economic expansion, and low labour costs. During the projected period, the growth of e-commerce in China encouraged an increase in quick delivery, which in turn increased demand for packaging paper and the market for pulp and paper chemicals.

Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market Restraints:

• Rising digitalization restrains market growth

The print media and paper industries are under threat from the widespread adoption of digital technology. The industry has witnessed a transition towards non-paper modes, which are affordable and easily available to the worldwide public, as a result of the growing popularity of the digital world. The pulp & paper chemicals market size is being constrained by the expanding digital sector, which also lowers consumer demand for paper chemicals.

• Low availability of water resources

The accessibility of water sources for the paper and pulp sector also becomes a limiting factor for the sector's growth, as paper mills are among the sectors with the highest water consumption rates. For instance, more than 99 pounds of water are needed to make one pound of pulp. Thus, the depletion of natural resources and a shortage of skilled labour prevent this company's growth. The pulp & paper chemicals market is experiencing difficulties as a result of the barriers put in the way of the end-use industry.

Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market Product Launches:

• In January 2022, Sonoco declared hikes in prices for all grades of unpainted recycled board (URB) in Canada and the US. From February 18, the price of every shipment will increase by $50 per tonne. Sonoco said in a statement that it is raising prices as a result of the ongoing increase in demand. More backlogs and rising prices on labour, energy, chemicals used in papermaking, transportation, and other production costs resulted as a result.

• In January 2022, Conmark Systems Inc. and Radix Company formed a global strategic alliance. Through cutting-edge, fully integrated technology and services aimed at the pulp and paper industry and other process sectors, both businesses seek to improve global manufacturing solutions. The primary goal of the collaboration will be to develop a fully integrated ESG system for the pulp and paper industry. A built-in shear and an extensive modelling and reporting solution are also features of an all-inclusive system that will enable mills to assess fibre loss.

List of Top Pulp & Paper Chemicals Companies:

• BASF SE

• AkzoNobel N.V

• Ashland Inc

• Kemira Oyj

• SNF Floerger

Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market Scope:

Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market Segmentation:

• By Type

  • Pulping Chemicals

    • Cooking Chemicals

    • Bleaching Chemicals

  • Functional & Processing Chemicals

    • Biocides

    • Defoamers

    • Sizing & Strengthen Chemicals

    • Coating Chemicals

    • Others

• By Chemical Type

  • Sodium Hydroxide

  • Calcium Carbonate

  • Hydrogen Peroxide

  • Chlorine Dioxide

  • Others

• By Application

  • Printing & Writing Paper

  • Tissue Paper

  • Packaging Paper

  • Industrial Paper

  • Others

• By Geography

  • North America

    • USA

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

    • Others

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • United Kingdom

    • Spain

    • Others

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Others

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Indonesia

    • Thailand

    • Others