The Global Retention Aid Market was valued at USD 1.35 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.82 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.3% during the forecast period (2023–2030). This steady growth is driven by the rising global demand for paper and packaging products, increasing focus on wastewater treatment efficiency, and the accelerating adoption of high-performance synthetic and bio-based retention aids to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce environmental impact.

As the pulp and paper industry intensifies its focus on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainability, the role of advanced chemical additives has never been more critical. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Retention Aid Industry—a blend of global chemical giants and specialized innovators shaping the future of paper manufacturing and water management.

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2023-2030 Global and Regional Retention Aid Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🔟 1. Kemira Oyj

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: FennoPol, FennoSize, and Bio-Based Retention Aids

Kemira is a global leader in water-intensive industries, offering a comprehensive portfolio of retention and drainage aids for the pulp and paper sector. Their solutions enhance fiber retention, improve paper quality, and reduce freshwater consumption and energy use in paper machines.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of biopolymers and eco-friendly retention aids

• Digital solutions for real-time dosage optimization

• Committed to achieving carbon-neutral production by 2045

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9️⃣ 2. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Basoplast, Larosan, and Synthetic Polymers

BASF provides high-performance chemical solutions for the paper industry, including advanced retention aid systems that improve sheet formation and machine runnability. Their products are designed to work effectively in both acidic and alkaline papermaking conditions.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• R&D in renewable raw materials for polymer production

• Water-saving technologies for closed-loop systems

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8️⃣ 3. Solvay SA

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Rhoximat, Peramin, and Cypro

Solvay offers a wide range of specialty chemicals for paper manufacturing, including high-efficiency retention and drainage aids. Their solutions help papermakers increase productivity, reduce costs, and meet stringent environmental regulations.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on biodegradable and renewable polymer chemistries

• Energy-efficient production processes for chemical additives

Download FREE Sample Report:
2023-2030 Global and Regional Retention Aid Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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7️⃣ 4. SNF Group

Headquarters: Andrézieux, France
Key Offering: Floerger, A110, and Polyacrylamide-based Aids

SNF is one of the world’s leading producers of water-soluble polymers, supplying advanced polyacrylamide-based retention aids to the global paper industry. Their products are critical for optimizing filler retention and improving paper quality.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Global production network with 25 plants worldwide

• Development of low-residual monomer polymers for safer operations

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6️⃣ 5. Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company

Headquarters: Naperville, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Nalco, Paper Chemistry Programs

Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, provides integrated water and process treatment solutions for the paper industry. Their retention aid programs are part of comprehensive systems designed to maximize paper machine efficiency and minimize environmental footprint.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• 3D TRASAR™ Technology for real-time monitoring and control

• Customer partnership approach for sustainable water management

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5️⃣ 6. Buckman Laboratories

Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Bulab, RetentionMax, and Custom Solutions

Buckman specializes in innovative chemistry solutions for the paper industry, offering tailored retention aid systems that address specific customer challenges. Their focus on application expertise and technical service sets them apart in the market.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Customer-centric R&D and application development

• Sustainable chemistry principles integrated into product design

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4️⃣ 7. Seiko PMC Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Polystron, Polystron K, and Specialty Polymers

Seiko PMC is a leading Asian supplier of chemical additives for paper manufacturing, with strong expertise in retention and drainage systems. The company serves paper mills across Asia-Pacific with high-performance solutions.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Strong regional focus with customized solutions for Asian paper grades

• Investment in R&D for next-generation polymer technologies

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3️⃣ 8. Arkema Group

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: Flocal, Rheomax, and Acrylamide Copolymers

Arkema offers a range of specialty chemicals for the paper industry, including high-performance retention aids that improve paper machine efficiency and product quality. Their solutions are designed for various paper and board grades.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-acrylic acid for sustainable polymer production

• Lightweight materials technologies for packaging applications

Read Full Report:
2023-2030 Global and Regional Retention Aid Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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2️⃣ 9. Imerys S.A.

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Specialty Minerals, Fillers, and Functional Additives

While primarily known as a leading mineral-based specialist, Imerys provides complementary solutions that work synergistically with retention aids. Their mineral products help optimize retention systems and improve paper properties.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Sustainable mineral solutions with reduced environmental impact

• Development of high-performance fillers for paper applications

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1️⃣ 10. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Hercules, Drewplus, and Specialty Additives

Ashland provides comprehensive chemical solutions for the paper industry, including retention and drainage aids that enhance paper machine performance. Their technical expertise spans various paper manufacturing processes and product requirements.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on bio-based and sustainable chemistries

• Application development for recycled fiber systems

Read Full Report:
2023-2030 Global and Regional Retention Aid Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Retention Aids Is Smarter and More Sustainable

The retention aid market is undergoing significant transformation as paper manufacturers seek to balance productivity gains with environmental responsibility. While traditional polyacrylamide-based products continue to dominate, the industry is increasingly investing in bio-based alternatives, digital optimization technologies, and closed-loop systems.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Growing demand for packaging grades driving retention aid innovation

• Increased focus on recycled fiber systems requiring advanced retention chemistry

• Digitalization and IoT integration for real-time process optimization

• Regulatory pressures driving development of eco-friendly and biodegradable polymers

Read Full Report:
2023-2030 Global and Regional Retention Aid Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential chemicals to the global paper industry—they’re driving the efficiency and sustainability transformation of modern paper manufacturing.