Wet Strength Resin Market - Industry Dynamics, Market Size, And Opportunity Forecast To 2031

Global wet strength resin market generated a revenue of US$ 1,432.6 million in 2022 and is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 2,652.8 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period, 2023–2031.

The wet strength resins market is growing due to an increase in demand for wet strength resins in various end-use industries such as paper and packaging, tissue and hygiene, and industrial. The paper and packaging industry is a major consumer of wet strength resins. Wet strength resins are used to improve the wet strength of paper products, such as tissues, towels, and napkins. With the increasing demand for tissue and hygiene products, there is a corresponding increase in demand for wet strength resins. 

The growth of the tissue and hygiene industry is driven by the rising population, urbanization, and increasing disposable income, especially in developing countries. Wet strength resins are used to improve the wet strength of tissue and hygiene products, which is essential for their effective use.

In addition, wet strength resins are also used in the industrial sector, such as in the production of filter papers, liquid packaging, and industrial wipes. The growing demand for liquid packaging and industrial wipes is driving the demand for wet strength resin market in this sector.

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Key Dynamics of Wet Strength Resin Market

Drivers

Rising awareness for eco-friendly material

There has been a global shift towards the use of eco-friendly products as more people become aware of the benefits of paper over plastic. Rising awareness for eco-friendly materials such as wet strength resins is a trend that is driving the growth of the wet strength resin market. This is due to the increasing demand for sustainable products and the growing concern for the environment.

Eco-friendly materials, such as wet strength resins, are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of the products made with these materials. Additionally, wet strength resins have lower formaldehyde emissions, which makes them more environmentally friendly than traditional resins. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of the products they use and are increasingly looking for products made from sustainable materials. This is driving the demand for eco-friendly materials such as wet strength resins.

Governments and regulatory bodies are also promoting the use of eco-friendly materials. Many countries have implemented regulations that promote the use of sustainable materials and restrict the use of materials that have a negative impact on the environment.

Additionally, according to one-third (31%) of marketing experts polled by Pro Carton, switching to eco-friendly packaging boosts sales of FMCG goods since sustainable packaging is less harmful to the environment than traditional materials throughout its entire life cycle. Millennials continue to make up a larger portion of the consumer base, and a growing percentage of the general public chooses to support companies that they identify with as ethically. As a result, eco-friendly packaging is becoming more and more crucial to the identity of every brand.

Rapidly Expanding Packaging Industry 

The packaging industry is growing at a rapid pace and is expected to continue to do so in the coming years. This expansion will lead to increased demand for wet strength resins, which are used in the production of packaging materials. Wet strength resins are a type of resin that is used to improve the strength of paper and paperboard products. These resins are added during the manufacturing process and help to make products more resistant to moisture and humidity. The increased demand for wet strength resins is being driven by the growing packaging industry. This industry is expanding due to the increasing popularity of packaged goods, as well as the need for more sustainable and recyclable packaging materials. Wet strength resins can be used in a variety of packaging applications, including food, beverage, and pharmaceutical packaging.

Restraint

High Cost of WSR and Initiatives for Reduction of AOX Level

Recently, there has been pressure on tissue producers to reduce the levels of AOX in their effluent, which can significantly contribute to wet strength resin (WSR). Consequently, there is a critical need for strategies to reduce WSR consumption that are also financially viable. For instance, Kemira has developed state-of-the-art chemical solutions that are advantageous to the economy and the environment when manufacturing wet reinforced paper grades. Among them are high-efficiency FennoStrength resins, which deliver target wet tensile at a 10–25% lower dosage than market resins but is highly expensive. With costs of 5–20 US$/ton or more, WSR is currently the most expensive chemical used in tissue synthesis. The economics of wet-strengthened grades are therefore significantly influenced by resin efficiency.

Market Segmentation

Resin Type

In terms of resin type, the wet strength resin market is segmented into formaldehyde-based resin, polyamine-polyamide-epichlorohydrin, and glyoxal-polyacrylamide, where polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE) resin holds the larger market share and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period 2023-2031. 

There is currently a strong demand for Polyamide epichlorohydrin wet strength resin, which is used in a variety of applications including the production of paper and cardboard. This resin provides superior wet strength and moisture resistance, making it an ideal choice for products that need to withstand high levels of humidity or exposure to water. Paper and cardboard manufacturers have been quick to adopt this resin due to its many benefits, and the resulting increase in demand has caused prices to rise. 

Despite the higher cost, Polyamide epichlorohydrin wet strength resin is still an attractive option for many companies due to its superior performance. This resin is expected to continue to be in high demand in the coming years, so those who are able to secure a supply will be well-positioned to take advantage of the strong demand.

Application

In terms of applications, the market is segmented into banknote paper, tissue, paperboard, and others. The tissue segment holds the largest market share in 2022, and is also expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period 2023–2031. Tissue paper is being used everywhere now, but especially prevalent in kitchens, cafes, and restaurants where it is used for a variety of purposes including toilet paper, car tissue, table tissue, facial tissue, paper towels, and other items.

In 2022, the global consumption of tissue paper was 41 million tons and is projected to surpass 5.4 metric million tons by 2031. This was a slight increase from the previous year, when the global consumption of tissue paper was 26.2 million metric tons. The majority of tissue paper is used for personal hygiene purposes, such as toilet paper and facial tissues. However, tissue paper is also used for a variety of other purposes, such as wrapping paper and industrial wipes. The vast majority of tissue paper is produced in Asia, with China being the largest producer. In 2021, China’s tissue paper production capacity was estimated at 2.6 million tons. Other major producers of tissue paper include Japan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia. The global market for tissue paper is expected to continue growing in the coming years. The growing population and rising disposable incomes are two factors that are expected to drive demand for tissue paper products.

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Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific is the largest producer and consumer of wet strength resin (WSR). WSR is a key ingredient in the manufacturing of wet-strength paper, which is used in a variety of applications, such as food packaging, diapers, and sanitary napkins. The Asia Pacific region accounts for more than 36% of the global WSR production. Wherein, China is the largest producer of WSR. Other major producers in the region include Japan, South Korea, and India. The Asia Pacific region is also the largest consumer of WSR, with China and India being the two largest markets. The use of WSR is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the Asia Pacific region due to the increasing demand for wet-strength paper. The growing food and beverage industry in the region is one of the major factors driving the demand for wet-strength paper. The rising population and urbanization are also contributing to the growth of the market.

Key Industry Players

Solenis, Ecolab, Kemira, Kurita, and Chang Chun Group are some of the major market players worldwide.

The wet strength resin industry is a highly competitive market, with companies using various strategies to gain a competitive edge and increase market share. One of the key strategies used by companies is product innovation. Companies are constantly working to develop new and improved wet strength resins that offer better performance and efficiency. This allows them to differentiate their products from those of their competitors and gain a competitive edge.

Another strategy used by companies in the global wet strength resin market is pricing. Companies are offering their products at competitive prices to attract customers and increase market share. To reach new markets and increase their customer base, companies are expanding their distribution networks. They are also investing in branding and marketing efforts to increase awareness of their products and build a loyal customer base.

As the demand for sustainable products is increasing, companies are developing sustainable solutions, such as bio-based resins and formaldehyde-free resins, to cater to this demand. Furthermore, companies are also competing by acquiring smaller companies, which can help them to increase their market share and expand their product portfolio.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Buckman
• Chang Chun Group
• CHT Group
• Delamine
• Ecolab
• Kemira
• Korfez Kimya
• Kothari Group Of Industries
• Kurita
• Melaminska Kemija
• Seiko PMC Corporation
• Solenis
• Other Prominent Players

Key Developments adopted by key market players are:

• In October 2022, the Gold Medal of the 2022 Energy Saving Leadership Award was chosen for Chang Chun Petrochemical, Miaoli Factory by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA). In appreciation for the company's efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions, it received this award.
• In March 2021, a new patent was awarded to Kemira in the US for the use of exceptionally structured and efficient silica sols and glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM) strength technologies in recycled fiber-containing board grades. This patent was granted as a result of Kemira's significant investment in R&D and manufacturing competency to support customers' light weighting initiatives with top-performing chemistries.
• In August 2020, Synergex Sanitizer and Disinfectant from Ecolab become the first item to obtain U.S. approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for effectiveness against biofilms, a complex bacterial community on surfaces that come into contact with food.

Segmental Overview

(Note*: We also provide granular level reports, made to sub-segment level or only for niche segments. Contact us, if you require more details.)

By Resin Type

• Formaldehyde-based resin
• Polyamine-polyamide-epichlorohydrin
• Glyoxal-polyacrylamide

By Applications

• Banknote Paper
• Tissue
• Paperboard
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Western Europe
    • The UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Rest of Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
    • Poland
    • Russia
    • Rest of Eastern Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Rest of South America