The Global Pulp and Paper Chemical Market was valued at USD 23.35 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 27.38 Billion by 2035, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.3% during the forecast period (2023–2035). This steady growth is being driven by rising paper consumption in packaging, growing demand for specialty papers, and the accelerating adoption of sustainable and bio-based chemical solutions across pulp mills and paper manufacturing facilities worldwide.

As the paper industry transforms toward eco-friendly operations and resource efficiency, the spotlight is on the key chemical suppliers who are driving innovation, quality enhancement, and cleaner production pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Pulp and Paper Chemical Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialty manufacturers, and green chemistry pioneers shaping the future of global paper production.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Functional Chemicals, Process Chemicals, Brightening Agents

BASF is one of the world’s leading suppliers of chemicals to the pulp and paper industry, offering a comprehensive portfolio that includes paper coating chemicals, sizing agents, and retention aids. Their paper chemicals division serves paper mills, converters, and packaging manufacturers globally, with significant investments in bio-based and renewable raw materials for chemical production.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Bio-based binder technologies for paper coatings

• Water treatment solutions for closed-loop mill operations

• Committed to carbon-neutral growth by 2030

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9️⃣ 2. Kemira Oyj

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Bleaching Chemicals, Retention Aids, Dry Strength Additives

Kemira is a global leader in pulp and paper chemicals, providing comprehensive solutions for water-intensive paper manufacturing processes. The company specializes in chemistry that improves paper quality while reducing environmental impact through efficient water and energy use.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Eco-friendly bleaching sequences for pulp mills

• Digital dosing systems for precise chemical application

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8️⃣ 3. Ashland Global Holdings

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Thickeners, Dispersants, Natural Polymers

Ashland provides specialty additives and process chemicals that enhance paper properties and manufacturing efficiency. Their product range includes rheology modifiers, deposit control agents, and functional additives for various paper grades.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Biodegradable and renewable-sourced paper chemicals

• Water management solutions for paper mill sustainability

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7️⃣ 4. Novozymes A/S

Headquarters: Bagsværd, Denmark
Key Offering: Enzymatic Solutions, Bio-bleaching Agents

Novozymes is the global leader in biological solutions for the pulp and paper industry, offering enzyme-based products that improve pulp processing, reduce chemical consumption, and enhance paper quality.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Enzyme technologies for reduced chlorine usage in bleaching

• Target of 100% renewable energy in operations by 2030

Download FREE Sample Report: Pulp and Paper Chemical Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. The Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Dispersants, Rheology Modifiers, Barrier Coatings

Dow’s paper chemicals business provides advanced materials and technologies that enable paper manufacturers to produce higher-value products with improved functionality and sustainability profiles.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Bio-based latex for paper coating applications

• Recycled-content compatible chemical systems

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5️⃣ 6. Solvay SA

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Hydrogen Peroxide, Surfactants, Specialty Polymers

Solvay offers a broad range of chemicals for pulp bleaching, papermaking, and recycling processes. Their peroxide products are essential for elemental chlorine-free (ECF) and totally chlorine-free (TCF) pulp production.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Green peroxide production technologies

• Commitment to circular economy principles in product design

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4️⃣ 7. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Optical Brighteners, Deinking Agents, Specialty Additives

Clariant develops high-performance specialty chemicals that enable paper manufacturers to optimize their processes and create innovative paper products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Bio-based and renewable raw material sourcing

• EcoTain® designation for sustainable product solutions

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3️⃣ 8. ERCO Worldwide

Headquarters: Mississauga, Canada
Key Offering: Sodium Chlorate, Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorine Dioxide

ERCO Worldwide is a global leader in bleaching chemicals for the pulp and paper industry, with manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Advanced on-site generation technologies for pulp mills

• Energy-efficient electrochemical processes

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2️⃣ 9. Imerys S.A.

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Kaolin, Calcium Carbonate, Talc

Imerys is a leading global supplier of mineral-based additives for paper manufacturing, providing fillers and coating pigments that improve paper opacity, brightness, and printability.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Natural mineral solutions for paper enhancement

• Water recycling and energy optimization in mineral processing

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1️⃣ 10. SNF Floerger

Headquarters: Andrézieux-Bouthéon, France
Key Offering: Polyelectrolytes, Flocculants, Retention Polymers

SNF is a global leader in water-soluble polymers for the pulp and paper industry, offering products that improve paper formation, drainage, and retention of fine particles.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Bio-sourced and biodegradable polymer alternatives

• Global production network with 26 plants worldwide

Get Full Report Here: Pulp and Paper Chemical Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Pulp and Paper Chemicals Is Sustainable and High-Performance

The pulp and paper chemical market is undergoing significant transformation. While traditional chemicals still dominate production volumes, the industry is rapidly advancing toward bio-based alternatives, closed-loop water systems, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerating adoption of green chemistry in paper manufacturing

• Digitalization of chemical dosing and process optimization

• Regulatory pressure for reduced water pollution and carbon emissions

• Growing demand for functional papers with enhanced properties

Get Full Report Here: Pulp and Paper Chemical Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential chemicals for paper production—they’re pioneering the sustainable transformation of one of the world’s most essential industries.