North America Paper Dry Strength Agent Market Size and Forecast (2021-2031), Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Type [Polyvinyl Amine, Polyacrylamide (Amphoteric Polyacrylamide, Cationic Glyoxalated Polyacrylamide,

The North America paper dry strength agent market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 196.90 million by 2031, up from US$ 150.19 million in 2024. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2025 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The market for paper dry strength agents in North America is divided into three primary regions: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to data from the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement Inc (NCASI) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), North America is home to over 450 paper and pulp mills, which collectively produced approximately 76.5 million metric tons of paper in 2022. The robust presence of the paper and pulp industry in this region is a key driver of the increasing demand for dry strength agents.

In addition, the retail e-commerce sector is experiencing substantial growth, with the Census Bureau reporting that e-commerce sales reached an estimated US$ 308.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous quarter. This growth in e-commerce is leading to a heightened demand for durable packaging materials that can endure the rigors of handling and shipping. Consequently, there is a growing adoption of dry strength additives, particularly polyacrylamide resins, within the packaging sector, further propelling market growth.

Strategic Insights

Market Segmentation Analysis

The North America paper dry strength agent market can be segmented based on type and application.
By Type: The market is categorized into polyvinyl amine, polyacrylamide, starch, and other types. In 2024, the starch segment is expected to hold the largest market share. The polyacrylamide segment is further divided into amphoteric polyacrylamide, cationic glyoxalated polyacrylamide, cationic solution polyacrylamide, and others.
By Application: The market is segmented into printing and writing paper, tissue paper, packaging paper, specialty paper, and others. The packaging paper segment is anticipated to dominate the market in 2024.

Market Outlook

The paper and pulp industries are increasingly focused on minimizing their environmental impact and carbon footprint, driven by growing sustainability concerns. As a result, many manufacturers are transitioning from traditional petroleum-based additives to eco-friendly, plant-based polymers. These alternatives include cellulose derivatives, plant gums such as guar gum and locust bean gum, carrageenan, and chitosan, which not only provide superior performance compared to conventional dry strength agents but also help reduce carbon emissions.

For example, Kemia Oyj, a leading manufacturer of paper dry strength agents, offers Kemira's ECA (Engineered Cellulose Additive), which is derived from wood pulp. This bio-based dry strength additive is particularly effective in paper mills where traditional synthetic polymer-based agents may not perform well. ECA is resilient against high conductivity, calcium levels, and other contaminants in the papermaking process, enhancing paper strength and machine runnability even under challenging conditions.

Moreover, companies are innovating to provide advanced products that allow paper manufacturers to generate dry strength agents on-site. This approach reduces shipping and logistics costs, handling expenses, and carbon emissions. For instance, Solenis has developed Hercobond Plus, an on-site generated dry strength additive that boasts a longer shelf life, reduced waste, a 20% performance improvement, and a 60% decrease in freight costs compared to traditional additives. Such innovations are gaining traction in the paper industry, as they align with the increasing demand for sustainable practices and bio-based alternatives to fossil fuel-derived agents.

Country Insights

The North America paper dry strength agent market is primarily composed of the US, Canada, and Mexico, with the US holding the largest market share in 2024. The US has a well-established pulp and paper industry that produces a variety of paper products, including writing paper, packaging paper, and specialty paper. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paper manufacturing sector employed approximately 354.4 thousand individuals in 2024, and the American Forest and Paper Association reported that the industry produced 79.7 million metric tons of paper in 2023. This strong manufacturing base drives the demand for paper dry strength agents, particularly as the e-commerce sector expands and the need for robust packaging materials increases. Dry strength agents enhance the structural integrity of paper packaging, thereby supporting market growth.

Company Profiles

Key players in the North America paper dry strength agent market include Solenis LLC, Ecolab Inc, Buckman Laboratories International Inc, Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd, Kemira Oyj, Applied Chemicals International Group AG, SEIKO PMC CORP, BIM Kemi AB, Shandong Tiancheng Chemical Co Ltd, Axchem Korea Co Ltd, Qingzhou Jinhao New Material Co Ltd, Wuxi Lansen Chemicals Co Ltd, Mare SpA, Benzson GROUP, and Lanyao Water Treatment Co Ltd, among others. These companies are pursuing various strategies, including expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, to enhance their market presence and offer innovative solutions to their customers. Show more