Sizing Agents Market Size and Growth Report, 2033

Sizing Agents Market Overview

The Sizing Agents Market size was valued at USD 3040.92 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4002.52 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2033.

The global sizing agents market is driven by the demand from key end-use industries such as paper & paperboard, textile & fibers, and paints & coatings, which collectively consumed over 3.8 million metric tons of sizing agents in 2024.

Sizing agents are crucial in enhancing surface properties, reducing absorbency, and improving printability, with their primary application seen in paper production where over 65% of the global sizing agents are utilized. As of 2024, more than 1,500 operational papermaking plants globally utilize some form of internal or surface sizing agents. In terms of production, synthetic sizing agents account for 62% of total consumption, particularly alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) and alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), with over 2.3 million metric tons used annually.

Natural variants, including starch and modified cellulose, make up 38% of the demand. The Asia-Pacific region dominates the market, contributing approximately 51% of global volume consumption, with China alone consuming over 1.1 million metric tons in 2024. The textile industry in India and Bangladesh is also a substantial consumer, contributing over 500,000 metric tons of demand for textile-grade sizing agents.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising consumption of paper packaging in e-commerce logistics and FMCG drives global demand.

COUNTRY/REGION: China leads in both production and consumption with over 1.1 million metric tons annually.

SEGMENT: The paper & paperboard segment accounts for over 65% of global sizing agent demand.

Sizing Agents Market Trends

The sizing agents market is exhibiting several prominent trends driven by material innovation, sustainability goals, and regional industrial expansion. One of the dominant trends is the shift from synthetic to bio-based sizing agents, with over 38% of global market consumption now consisting of natural products such as modified starch, a significant increase from 27% in 2019. Industries are increasingly shifting to bio-degradable alternatives, and demand for plant-derived sizing agents grew by 11.5% year-on-year in 2023. In the paper industry, lightweight paper packaging used for e-commerce shipping has increased the demand for surface sizing agents by over 600,000 metric tons between 2020 and 2024. This is further supported by the rise in food-grade packaging applications, where water-based dispersions of AKD and ASA are now being used in over 2,000 food packaging units globally. In the textile industry, over 70% of the denim and cotton processing plants in South Asia use PVA-based sizing agents due to their superior film-forming abilities. Digital printing technologies have also influenced market dynamics, with coated paper consumption increasing by 9.2% in 2023, boosting the uptake of high-performance synthetic agents. Additionally, VOC regulations in Europe led to a 14% reduction in solvent-based sizing agent usage and a parallel 21% increase in water-soluble polymer-based solutions. Innovations such as nano-sizing technology have seen early adoption in over 150 paper mills worldwide, aiming to improve strength and barrier properties using as little as 0.2% agent content.

Sizing Agents Market Dynamics

Market dynamics in the sizing agents market refer to the various forces that influence the growth, stability, and structural shifts in the market, including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. These dynamics collectively shape the behavior of supply chains, demand centers, technological innovations, and regulatory responses within the global sizing agents industry.

DRIVER

Expansion of paper-based sustainable packaging solutions

The key driver for the sizing agents market is the global shift toward paper-based sustainable packaging solutions. With plastic bans implemented in over 120 countries, industries are replacing polymer packaging with biodegradable paper, leading to increased demand for internal and surface sizing agents. In 2023, over 75 billion square meters of paper-based packaging were produced globally, with 61% requiring surface treatment using AKD and starch-based sizing agents. This translated to a direct 15% rise in demand for paper-grade sizing agents within one year. Additionally, over 85% of corrugated packaging suppliers globally now employ synthetic sizing agents to improve moisture resistance during transit.

RESTRAINT

Increasing cost volatility of raw materials

The primary restraint in the sizing agents market is the volatility in raw material prices, especially those derived from petrochemical feedstocks such as ASA and AKD. In 2023, the average cost of AKD wax increased by 23% due to supply disruptions from key producers in the Asia-Pacific region. Similarly, starch prices fluctuated by 18% owing to crop yield variations caused by droughts in major producing countries like the U.S. and Ukraine. These unpredictable cost increases challenge procurement teams and significantly affect profit margins for downstream users, particularly in small to mid-sized paper and textile mills.

OPPORTUNITY

Bio-based sizing agent innovation in textile applications

There is a significant opportunity in developing bio-based and non-toxic sizing agents for textile applications. In 2023, over 2,400 textile production units globally transitioned to using corn starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based sizing agents. A European consortium launched a $42 million funding program to scale biodegradable sizing technology, potentially replacing over 400,000 metric tons of synthetic agents annually in Europe alone. Eco-certification bodies also now require specific standards that natural agents fulfill, opening up new market entry paths for green brands.

CHALLENGE

Wastewater treatment and sizing agent recovery

A key challenge in the sizing agents market is the difficulty of recovering sizing agents from industrial wastewater. On average, 8–12% of applied sizing agents are discharged as part of process effluent in paper and textile industries. Over 65% of paper mills globally report sizing losses exceeding 4 kilograms per ton of paper produced. These losses increase treatment costs and raise environmental concerns. Although closed-loop systems have been deployed in around 300 facilities, cost and retrofitting complexities deter wider adoption, especially in developing regions.

Sizing Agents Market Segmentation

The sizing agents market is segmented by type and application, each playing a crucial role in determining end-use performance. By type, the market is classified into natural and synthetic sizing agents. By application, it is divided into paper & paperboard, paints & coatings, textile & fibers, and others, including food packaging films and adhesives.

By Type

Natural Sizing Agents: Natural agents accounted for approximately 1.5 million metric tons in 2024. Starch and its derivatives dominate this category, with over 60% usage in Asia-Pacific. Corn starch is the most used variant, with over 850,000 metric tons processed in 2024 for paper and textile sizing. Hydroxyethyl starch and modified guar gum are gaining popularity due to their water retention and film-forming properties. Biodegradability and low toxicity make these preferred in environmentally conscious regions such as the EU.
Synthetic Sizing Agents: Synthetic agents accounted for over 2.3 million metric tons in 2024. AKD dominates, with more than 1.1 million metric tons used globally, especially in high-speed paper machines requiring enhanced hydrophobic properties. ASA accounted for 750,000 metric tons, with high adoption in alkaline paper processing. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) are widely used in textile and coating industries, with PVA being applied in over 1,000 denim factories worldwide.

By Application

Paper & Paperboard: Over 3.1 million metric tons of sizing agents were consumed in this segment in 2024. AKD and starch blends are commonly used, with nearly 90% of paper mills applying some form of sizing. Recyclable food packaging and disposable paper-based cutlery saw a surge in demand, contributing over 400,000 metric tons of sizing consumption.
Paints & Coatings: Sizing agents such as PVA and SMA are used to improve viscosity, adhesion, and surface finish. In 2024, more than 350,000 metric tons were used globally in decorative and industrial coatings. Water-based paints represented over 78% of demand for these agents.
Textile & Fibers: Over 500,000 metric tons of sizing agents were used in textile applications. India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam together accounted for 62% of global textile sizing consumption, largely using PVA and modified starch.
Others: In niche applications like edible films, adhesives, and biodegradable plastics, sizing agent demand crossed 200,000 metric tons in 2024. These are primarily starch-based and biodegradable.

Regional Outlook for the Sizing Agents Market

The regional outlook of the sizing agents market examines geographical variations in demand, production capabilities, regulatory frameworks, and end-use industry expansion across major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. This outlook provides insights into how location-specific industrial activities, resource availability, policy directives, and technological adoption influence sizing agent consumption patterns.

North America

North America consumed over 680,000 metric tons of sizing agents in 2024. The U.S. leads in paperboard manufacturing, accounting for more than 450,000 metric tons of demand. The rise in recycled paper processing has increased demand for synthetic sizing agents with better retention. Over 300 paper mills in the U.S. utilize surface sizing technology. Bio-based innovations are also emerging, with over 20 manufacturers exploring starch substitutes in coatings.

Europe

Europe accounted for 790,000 metric tons of sizing agent consumption. Germany, Finland, and Italy are top consumers, together importing and producing over 520,000 metric tons. Strict EU regulations on VOC emissions led to a 17% decline in solvent-based agents and a surge in demand for water-dispersible starch derivatives. Over 400 textile plants in the region now use only eco-certified sizing agents.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates with over 2.2 million metric tons consumed in 2024. China is the largest single market, producing and using more than 1.1 million metric tons. India’s textile industry utilized over 300,000 metric tons, while Japan and South Korea focus on high-purity agents for electronics and specialty paper. Over 60% of synthetic agent production is concentrated in this region.

Middle East & Africa

This region accounted for over 180,000 metric tons of sizing agents. The paper industry in the UAE and Egypt shows strong growth, with synthetic agents imported for packaging applications. Textile hubs in Morocco and South Africa consumed over 70,000 metric tons in 2024. Water scarcity drives interest in low-effluent sizing technologies, particularly in arid countries.

List of Top Sizing Agents Companies

Akzo Nobel
BASF
Dow
Dupont
Kemira Oyj
ADM
Solvay SA
Ashland
Cargill
Evonik Industries AG
CP Kelco
FMC
Ingredion
Archroma
Buckman Laboratories International

BASF: BASF supplies over 320,000 metric tons of sizing agents globally, with its products used in more than 2,000 manufacturing facilities across the paper and coatings industries. The company operates in over 80 countries and leads in synthetic AKD and ASA production.

Kemira Oyj: Kemira dominates the paper sizing market in Europe and Asia, with more than 280,000 metric tons of product sold in 2024. The company partners with over 350 paper mills and leads in water-based sizing innovations.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The sizing agents market has witnessed heightened investment activity due to growing environmental regulation, consumer preferences for biodegradable materials, and demand from expanding manufacturing sectors. In 2023, global investments in sizing agent manufacturing facilities and technology upgrades exceeded $1.2 billion, with over 200 new projects initiated across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. Multinational corporations have intensified funding toward bio-based sizing agent development. For instance, over $150 million was allocated in 2023 by leading chemical companies to enhance corn-starch refining for sizing in Europe and the U.S. This investment supports the replacement of over 250,000 metric tons of synthetic agents by 2027. In Asia-Pacific, the Indian government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme led to $90 million of investment in new textile chemical units, including natural sizing agent production hubs in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Similarly, China reported over 20 new facilities set up in 2024 dedicated to AKD and PVA manufacturing, collectively projected to increase national production capacity by over 300,000 metric tons per annum. Opportunities also exist in recycling and recovery technologies. Approximately 35% of paper mills in the U.S. and Canada plan to invest in closed-loop systems to reduce sizing losses, with $200 million budgeted over the next three years. Water treatment firms are collaborating with chemical manufacturers to develop agent-recovery membranes, potentially reducing waste by 70% and recovering over 1.8 million liters of sizing agents annually across pilot plants.

New Product Development

Innovation in the sizing agents market has accelerated, focusing on biodegradable, high-performance, and application-specific formulations. In 2023, over 180 new products were launched globally, with a strong focus on green chemistry and high-strength bonding agents. Kemira Oyj introduced “FennoSize Next,” a bio-based sizing solution for packaging applications. It showed a 23% improvement in water resistance and enhanced bonding in recycled kraft paper. Trials conducted across 50 paper mills showed savings of up to 8% in overall sizing usage. BASF launched “HydroSize F88,” a high-retention internal sizing agent targeting high-speed printing paper machines. This formulation includes a hybrid mix of cationic polymers and emulsifiers, improving fiber adhesion and reducing water absorption by over 30%. The product is currently being used in over 150 installations globally. Archroma developed “TexSize Pure,” a starch-modified polymer for textile warping and weaving applications. The product demonstrated improved abrasion resistance and is now used by over 100 textile processors in Bangladesh and Turkey. It complies with Oeko-Tex and ZDHC regulations, positioning it for wide adoption in Europe and South Asia. Cargill invested in a new plant in Nebraska to develop their “Biogel Sizing Series,” derived from agricultural waste cellulose and potato starch. This line targets biodegradable paper packaging for food applications and has undergone validation by 30+ packaging firms. Dupont has introduced a new AKD dispersion under its “AQUA-KD” line, focused on cold-water application processes. The product reduces processing time by 18% and significantly reduces energy consumption, now being piloted across several Korean and U.S. paper mills.

Five Recent Developments

Kemira Oyj expanded its China manufacturing facility in 2024, increasing AKD wax production capacity by 40%, equivalent to 120,000 metric tons per year.
BASF entered into a joint R&D partnership with a European pulp manufacturer in 2023 to co-develop next-gen water-based internal sizing agents for food-safe packaging.
Evonik Industries launched a novel surface sizing agent “EcoCoat-DF21” for anti-grease paper applications, now adopted in over 300 food packaging units worldwide.
CP Kelco developed a biodegradable sizing product using citrus peel residues, which underwent commercial trials in 2023 across North America and was found to reduce chemical oxygen demand in wastewater by 25%.
Ashland introduced a new PVA-based formulation for technical textiles in 2024, which improves warp tension consistency by over 35% in high-speed weaving.

Report Coverage of Sizing Agents Market

This comprehensive report on the sizing agents market provides an extensive evaluation of key growth indicators, manufacturing trends, product innovation, and regulatory influences shaping global demand. The study covers the entire value chain, from upstream raw material sourcing to downstream application in industries such as packaging, textiles, and industrial coatings. The report spans more than 20 countries across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, highlighting over 200 major facilities and 50 major suppliers involved in the production and supply of sizing agents. It investigates consumption volumes, export-import balances, technological adoption rates, and eco-regulatory landscapes influencing buyer preferences and supplier capabilities. Detailed segmentation analysis distinguishes between natural and synthetic sizing agents, assessing the current installed capacities, usage patterns, and future viability. In the natural category, starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and plant-based gums are analyzed, while the synthetic category includes AKD, ASA, SMA, and PVA variants. The report also assesses application-specific demand in four primary industries: paper & paperboard, paints & coatings, textile & fibers, and others such as adhesives and biodegradable films. With over 4.5 million metric tons of total sizing agents consumed globally in 2024, the report identifies emerging growth clusters, such as bio-starch demand in Southeast Asia and hybrid synthetic sizing adoption in digital printing in North America. Key players are profiled with competitive positioning matrices, market share by volume, production location mapping, and product portfolios. Additionally, the report includes detailed investment outlooks, with over $1.2 billion in declared and proposed funding tracked and assessed for commercial feasibility and alignment with ESG mandates. Moreover, the report integrates an innovation tracker identifying over 180 new sizing products launched in 2023–2024, and a technology roadmap forecasting shifts toward nano-sizing agents, green surfactants, and closed-loop effluent systems. The document also provides a five-year outlook on sizing agent material substitutions based on regional policy developments and shifts in consumer demand for sustainable packaging and textiles.