Paper Dry Strength Agents - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Paper Dry Strength Agents was estimated at US$834.3 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$953.6 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Paper Dry Strength Agents market.

Global Paper Dry Strength Agents Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Dry Strength Agents Crucial in Modern Papermaking Processes?

Dry strength agents (DSAs) are specialty chemical additives used to improve the mechanical properties of paper and paperboard during dry conditions. These agents enhance tensile, bursting, and internal bond strength by promoting fiber-to-fiber bonding in the sheet-forming process. Their role is critical in optimizing paper quality while allowing manufacturers to reduce the use of costly long-fiber pulps or refine energy-intensive process variables. DSAs enable the production of lighter, yet stronger papers, supporting cost-efficiency and sustainability.

These additives are particularly important in printing and writing paper, packaging board, tissue paper, and specialty grades where strength, stiffness, and printability are essential. Common types include cationic starch, polyacrylamide (PAM), glyoxylated polyacrylamide (GPAM), and other natural or synthetic polymers. They are typically applied during the wet end of the papermaking process and are chosen based on pulp type, pH conditions, and performance requirements of the final product.

How Are Formulations and Sustainability Considerations Shaping Innovation in This Market?

Formulation trends are moving toward higher efficiency polymers that provide enhanced bonding at lower dosages, minimizing chemical load and improving drainage performance. Manufacturers are developing next-generation DSAs with improved compatibility across recycled and virgin fibers, as well as better resistance to interference from fillers and contaminants in closed-loop water systems. This is especially important in mills processing mixed or recycled inputs where fiber strength is inherently reduced.

Sustainability concerns are also influencing formulation direction. Biodegradable and bio-based DSAs derived from starch, cellulose derivatives, and other plant-based polymers are gaining attention as mills seek to reduce dependence on synthetic resins and minimize effluent impact. Suppliers are exploring DSAs that perform well under neutral or alkaline papermaking conditions, which are more environmentally favorable. In parallel, innovations in multifunctional additives that combine dry strength with retention, sizing, or wet strength properties are being explored to streamline chemical use and reduce process complexity.

Where Is Demand Concentrated and Which Applications Are Expanding Most Rapidly?

Demand for dry strength agents is highest in the production of packaging materials, including corrugated board and folding cartons, driven by global e-commerce growth and regulatory shifts toward fiber-based packaging over plastic. Tissue and towel grades also represent a significant application area, where strength improvement is needed without compromising softness or absorbency. Printing paper and specialty grades, including security paper and label stock, continue to require consistent strength properties under high-speed converting conditions.

Asia-Pacific remains the largest market, supported by strong packaging production and increasing recycled paper utilization in countries like China and India. North America and Europe have mature markets with growing focus on lightweighting and sustainable fiber use. In Latin America and Africa, demand is rising due to capacity expansion in tissue and board manufacturing. Suppliers are increasingly offering customized DSAs tailored to regional raw material profiles and mill configurations.

Growth in the Paper Dry Strength Agents market is driven by several factors

Growth in the paper dry strength agents market is driven by factors such as rising demand for stronger and lighter packaging materials, increasing use of recycled fibers in papermaking, and ongoing innovation in additive chemistry to improve process efficiency. Shifts toward lightweight and sustainable paper products in retail, e-commerce, and foodservice sectors are encouraging mills to adopt more effective DSAs to meet performance targets while optimizing costs.

Increasing adoption of bio-based and multifunctional agents is expanding usage across both mature and emerging markets. As mills face greater environmental scrutiny, DSAs that support energy savings, reduced refining, and improved runnability are gaining preference. Demand is further supported by the global push for plastic substitution, where paper grades must offer enhanced strength without compromising recyclability or processing speed. These evolving material and regulatory demands are sustaining long-term interest in dry strength optimization solutions across the paper industry.

Scope Of Study:

The report analyzes the Paper Dry Strength Agents market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments: Type (Polyvinyl Amine Agent, Polyacrylamide Agent, Starch-based Polymers Agent, Amphoteric Polymer Agent, Other Types); End-Use (Paper End-Use, Paperboard End-Use, Other End-Uses)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Polyvinyl Amine Agent segment, which is expected to reach US$347.0 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 1.3%. The Polyacrylamide Agent segment is also set to grow at 3.1% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $227.3 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 4.2% CAGR to reach $179.5 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Paper Dry Strength Agents Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Paper Dry Strength Agents Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Paper Dry Strength Agents Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd., Ashland Inc., BASF SE, Buckman Laboratories International, Inc., Chemisphere Paper Technologies and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 32 companies featured in this Paper Dry Strength Agents market report include:

• Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd.
• Ashland Inc.
• BASF SE
• Buckman Laboratories International, Inc.
• Chemisphere Paper Technologies
• Chimica Pomponesco S.p.A.
• Ecolab Inc.
• Evonik Industries AG
• Harima Chemicals Group, Inc.
• Kemira Oyj
• KURARAY CO., LTD.
• Nalco Water (An Ecolab Company)
• Nitto Boseki Co., Ltd. (Nittobo)
• Omnova Solutions Inc.
• Penford Products Co. (Ingredion)
• Polestar Polymers Pvt. Ltd.
• Puyang Yintai Industrial Trading Co., Ltd.
• Seiko PMC Corporation
• Solenis LLC
• Zhejiang Zhengda Paper Chemical Co., Ltd.

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.