South & Central 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 Polyac

The South and Central America paper dry strength agent market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 44.33 million by 2031, up from US$ 35.91 million in 2024. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2025 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The South and Central America region stands out as a major hub for paper and pulp production and exportation globally. According to a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Brazil alone produced 25 million metric tons of pulp in 2022, marking a 10.9% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the Brazilian Tree Industry reported that Brazil's paper production reached 11 million metric tons in 2022, with packaging paper constituting 6.1 million metric tons of that total. The surge in pulp and paper production is largely driven by the rising demand for paper packaging materials across various sectors, including e-commerce, retail, consumer goods, and food packaging. This growing demand is a key factor propelling the market for dry strength agents, which are essential for enhancing the quality and durability of paper products.

Strategic Insights

Market Segmentation Analysis

The South and Central America paper dry strength agent market can be segmented based on type and application.

By Type: The market is divided into several categories, including polyvinyl amine, polyacrylamide, starch, and others. Among these, the starch segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2024. The polyacrylamide segment is further categorized into amphoteric polyacrylamide, cationic glyoxalated polyacrylamide, cationic solution polyacrylamide, and others.
By Application: The market is also segmented by application, which includes printing and writing paper, tissue paper, packaging paper, specialty paper, and others. The packaging paper segment is anticipated to dominate the market in 2024, reflecting the increasing demand for packaging solutions in various industries.

Market Outlook

The paper and pulp industries are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. This shift is driven by growing concerns over climate change and the need for eco-friendly practices. As a result, many manufacturers are transitioning from traditional petroleum-based additives to more sustainable, plant-based polymers. These alternatives include cellulose derivatives and natural plant gums such as guar gum and locust bean gum, as well as other bio-based materials like carrageenan and chitosan. These eco-friendly options not only enhance the performance of dry strength agents but also help in minimizing carbon footprints.

For example, Kemia Oyj, a leading manufacturer in this sector, 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 conventional synthetic polymers may not perform well. ECA is designed to improve paper strength and machine runnability, even in challenging conditions, and is unaffected by high conductivity or calcium levels in the papermaking process.

Moreover, companies are innovating to create products with advanced chemical properties that allow for on-site generation of dry strength agents. This innovation 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, and a 20% performance boost compared to traditional additives. This product also significantly lowers freight costs and delivery frequency, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint for packaging materials.

Country Insights

The South and Central America paper dry strength agent market is primarily composed of Brazil, Argentina, and other countries in the region. Brazil is the dominant player in this market, holding the largest share in 2024. The Brazilian Tree Industry report indicates that Brazil ranks among the top ten paper-producing countries globally, with a production of 11 million metric tons in 2022, reflecting a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Notably, packaging paper accounted for over 55% of Brazil's total paper production, followed by printing and writing paper and sanitary paper. This robust production capacity underscores the significant growth potential for the paper dry strength agents market, as these agents are crucial for enhancing the resistance of paper to tearing, folding, and stretching.

Company Profiles

Key players in the South and Central America paper dry strength agent market include Solenis LLC, Ecolab Inc, Buckman Laboratories International Inc, Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd, Kemira Oyj, and several others. These companies are actively pursuing strategies such as expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance their market presence and offer innovative solutions to their customers. As the demand for sustainable and effective dry strength agents continues to rise, these companies are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing market opportunities. Show more