Top 10 Companies in the Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Sizing Agent for Waterproof Paper Market (2026): Market Leaders Driving Innovation in Sustainable Paper Sizing

In Business Insights
May 03, 2026

The Global Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Sizing Agent for Waterproof Paper Market was valued at USD 395 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 580 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast period. This growth is being driven by rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, the expansion of e-commerce and food delivery sectors, and the ongoing shift toward neutral and alkaline papermaking processes that favor AKD technology.

As the paper industry advances toward higher performance, recyclability, and moisture-resistant solutions, the spotlight is on the key chemical manufacturers who are driving innovation, efficiency, and eco-friendly sizing pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Sizing Agent for Waterproof Paper Market—a mix of global specialty chemical leaders, established papermaking additive suppliers, and regional innovators shaping the future of waterproof paper production.


🔟 1. Solenis LLC

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: AKD Emulsions, Internal Sizing Agents, Surface Sizing Solutions

Solenis is a leading global supplier of specialty chemicals for the pulp and paper industry, offering advanced AKD-based sizing agents that deliver superior hydrophobicity and compatibility with modern high-speed paper machines. Their solutions support a wide range of waterproof paper and board applications while maintaining excellent printability and strength properties.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of bio-based and low-VOC AKD formulations

  • Partnerships with paper mills for optimized chemical usage and reduced effluent

  • Focus on closed-loop systems and enhanced recyclability of treated papers

Download FREE Sample Report: Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Sizing Agent for Waterproof Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Kemira Oyj

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: AKD Sizing Emulsions, Fennosize Products, Wet-End Chemicals

Kemira is a major player in paper process chemicals with significant production capacity for high-quality AKD sizing agents. The company supports global paper producers with tailored solutions for liquid packaging board, food contact materials, and industrial waterproof papers through advanced manufacturing facilities including partnerships in Asia.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in world-class AKD production units for efficient supply chains

  • Focus on reducing chemical dosages while achieving target water resistance levels

  • Support for alkaline papermaking and recycled fiber utilization


8️⃣ 3. Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: AKD Waxes, Paper Sizing Agents, Surface Improvement Chemicals

With a long history in paper chemicals, Arakawa Chemical provides premium AKD products known for their stability and effectiveness in creating durable water-resistant barriers. Their offerings are widely used in high-value specialty papers and packaging grades across international markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Continuous R&D into high-performance, lower-impact formulations

  • Technical support for mills transitioning to neutral sizing systems


7️⃣ 4. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: AKD-Based Sizing Systems, Comprehensive Wet-End Solutions

BASF leverages its broad chemical expertise to supply effective AKD sizing agents that enhance paper hydrophobicity without compromising other critical properties. The company serves major paper producers worldwide with integrated chemical portfolios for waterproof and functional paper applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Advancement of eco-friendly paper chemical technologies

  • Collaboration on sustainable packaging innovations

  • Commitment to resource-efficient production processes

Download FREE Sample Report: Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Sizing Agent for Waterproof Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. SEIKO PMC Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: AKD Sizing Agents, Paper Chemicals Portfolio

SEIKO PMC specializes in papermaking chemicals with a strong emphasis on sizing technologies. Their AKD products are recognized for consistent performance in producing waterproof papers suitable for demanding packaging and specialty applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Innovation in sizing efficiency to minimize usage rates

  • Development of solutions compatible with recycled fibers


5️⃣ 6. Shandong Tiancheng Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong Province, China
Key Offering: AKD Wax, AKD Emulsions, Paper Sizing Chemicals

As a major producer in Asia, Shandong Tiancheng supplies high-volume, cost-effective AKD products to support the rapidly expanding paper industry in the region. Their offerings play a key role in enabling local mills to meet international standards for waterproof paper grades.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expansion of production capacity with modern, efficient technologies

  • Focus on serving growing demand for sustainable packaging in Asia


4️⃣ 7. Harima Chemicals Group

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: AKD Sizing Agents, Resin-Based Chemicals for Paper

Harima Chemicals delivers specialized sizing solutions that contribute to the water resistance and overall quality of paper products. Their technical expertise supports manufacturers in achieving precise performance requirements for waterproof applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Research into next-generation paper chemicals

  • Emphasis on environmentally conscious product development


3️⃣ 8. Atlas Organics Private Limited

Headquarters: Gujarat, India
Key Offering: AKD Emulsions, Custom Sizing Formulations

Atlas Organics provides reliable AKD-based sizing agents tailored to the needs of paper mills in emerging markets. The company focuses on quality and application support to help producers enhance the waterproof characteristics of their paper products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Support for local paper industry modernization

  • Development of efficient, low-dosage solutions


2️⃣ 9. GO YEN Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Key Offering: AKD Sizing Agents, Specialty Paper Chemicals

GO YEN Chemical offers a range of AKD products designed for effective hydrophobation in various paper grades. Their solutions help manufacturers meet the growing requirements for moisture-resistant papers in packaging and industrial uses.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Innovation in fine chemical technologies for paper applications

  • Commitment to high-quality, performance-driven products


1️⃣ 10. Amazon Chemicals Limited

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: AKD Wax, Emulsions, and Full Paper Chemical Solutions

Amazon Chemicals has established itself as a significant supplier with substantial production capabilities for AKD products. The company supports global and regional paper producers with reliable supply and technical expertise in waterproof paper manufacturing.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • High-volume production with focus on quality consistency

  • Strategic partnerships for expanded market reach

Get Full Report Here: Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Sizing Agent for Waterproof Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of AKD Sizing for Waterproof Paper Is More Sustainable and Efficient

The Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) sizing agent market for waterproof paper is undergoing steady evolution. While traditional sizing methods still hold relevance in some segments, the industry is investing in advanced formulations, better retention technologies, and solutions optimized for recycled fibers and high-speed production.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Increased adoption of AKD in alkaline papermaking and recycled content papers

  • Regulatory support for fluorine-free water barriers in packaging

  • Development of customized emulsions for specific paper grades and machine conditions

  • Collaboration between chemical suppliers and paper manufacturers for performance optimization

Get Full Report Here: Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Sizing Agent for Waterproof Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying critical sizing agents—they are enabling the transition toward higher-quality, more sustainable waterproof paper solutions that meet the demands of modern packaging and specialty applications.