Top 10 Companies in the Biobased Sizing Chemicals Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Paper Sustainability

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global biobased sizing chemicals reached USD 609 million in 2025. The sector is projected to grow from USD 628 million in 2026 to USD 749 million by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate of 3.1% across the forecast period.

These additives, derived from starch, rosin, and plant‑oil chemistries, function by coating fibers or the sheet surface during size press or film press stages, thereby limiting liquid uptake and reinforcing surface integrity. They are essential for improving runnability, pick resistance and printability while remaining compatible with other papermaking chemicals.

Production volume hovers around 980 kilo‑metric tons, with an average selling price of USD 680 per metric ton. Demand is reinforced by the shift from plastic packaging to paper‑based alternatives, though feedstock cost volatility remains a sensitivity. Key players such as Cargill, Ingredion and Kemira are channeling R&D toward higher‑efficiency chemistries that balance sustainability with operational productivity and cost‑effectiveness.

Biobased Sizing Chemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report

TOP 10 COMPANIES

1. Cargill (USA)

   Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
   Key Offering: Starch‑based sizing agents for packaging and printing papers

   Cargill leverages its extensive agricultural supply chain to produce commodity‑grade starch derivatives that deliver consistent performance across high‑speed paper mills. The company’s focus on scalable production ensures a reliable feedstock supply, mitigating price swings that often affect smaller producers.

   Sustainability Initiatives: Investing in precision fermentation to reduce land use and carbon footprints of starch production.

   • Global sourcing of non‑GMO corn and wheat.
   • Partnerships with paper mills to co‑develop low‑add‑on formulations.
   • Carbon‑neutral operations target by 2035.

2. Ingredion (USA)

   Headquarters: Dublin, Ohio, USA
   Key Offering: Advanced starch‑based and modified starch sizing solutions

   Ingredion’s proprietary enzymatic modifications enhance hydrophobicity and reduce foaming, allowing mills to maintain high throughput without compromising paper quality.

   Sustainability Initiatives: Launch of a circular feedstock program that recycles agricultural by‑products into starch feedstock.

   • Zero‑waste processing facilities in the Midwest.
   • Collaborations with organic farms to secure certified feedstocks.
   • Annual sustainability reporting aligned with GRI standards.

3. Kemira (Finland)

   Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
   Key Offering: High‑performance rosin‑tall oil and cellulose‑derived sizing chemistries

   With a strong technical service portfolio, Kemira customizes formulations for specific machine speeds and paper grades, delivering superior runnability and reduced deposit formation.

   Sustainability Initiatives: Development of bio‑based additives that lower the overall environmental impact of the paper supply chain.

   • Integrated R&D labs across Europe and North America.
   • Product lifecycle assessment for every new formulation.
   • Targeted reduction of volatile organic compounds by 30% by 2030.

4. Solenis (USA)

   Headquarters: New York, New York, USA
   Key Offering: Tailored biobased sizing solutions for specialty and high‑grade printing papers

   Solenis’s focus on precision chemistry enables mills to achieve higher print clarity while maintaining lower additive levels, directly addressing cost‑sensitivity.

   Sustainability Initiatives: Integration of renewable energy in manufacturing plants.

   • Use of solar and wind power for 40% of energy needs.
   • Supply chain audits to ensure ethical sourcing of raw materials.
   • Continuous improvement program for product efficiency.

5. Arakawa Chemical Industries (Japan)

   Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
   Key Offering: High‑performance rosin‑based sizing for printing and writing papers

   Arakawa’s formulations are engineered for compatibility with synthetic fibers, a critical requirement for modern hybrid paper grades.

   Sustainability Initiatives: Use of forestry residues as a renewable feedstock.

   • Partnerships with Japanese forestry cooperatives.
   • Closed‑loop production processes to minimize waste.
   • Certification under ISO 14001.

6. Harima Chemicals Group (Japan)

   Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
   Key Offering: Biobased sizing agents for high‑performance packaging papers

   Harima’s focus on nano‑cellulose additives enhances barrier properties, allowing mills to meet stringent moisture resistance standards.

   Sustainability Initiatives: Investment in green chemistry to reduce solvent use.

   • Reduction of solvent emissions by 25% in 2025.
   • Development of biodegradable emulsions.
   • Collaboration with academic institutions on sustainable materials.

7. Roquette (France)

   Headquarters: Le Grand-Quevilly, France
   Key Offering: Starch‑based sizing for packaging and specialty papers

   Roquette’s extensive research network ensures rapid adaptation of new starch modifications to meet evolving performance demands.

   Sustainability Initiatives: Commitment to 100% renewable electricity in production.

   • Renewable energy procurement contracts.
   • Zero‑waste production lines.
   • Annual sustainability metrics disclosed to stakeholders.

8. Tereos (France)

   Headquarters: Bouchain, France
   Key Offering: Starch derivatives for industrial and packaging papers

   Tereos combines agribusiness expertise with chemical innovation, delivering sizing solutions that support high‑speed mills.

   Sustainability Initiatives: Integration of precision agriculture to reduce pesticide use.

   • Smart farming technologies for feedstock cultivation.
   • Carbon‑offset programs for transportation.
   • Transparent reporting on land‑use impacts.

9. Chemigate (Finland)

   Headquarters: Oulu, Finland
   Key Offering: Bio‑based additives including nano‑cellulose and modified starches

   Chemigate’s niche focus on advanced biobased chemistries positions it as a provider of high‑efficiency solutions for specialty grades.

   Sustainability Initiatives: Development of waste‑derived bio‑sizing agents.

   • Use of post‑consumer waste streams as raw material.
   • Life‑cycle assessment for every product line.
   • Partnerships with local municipalities for waste collection.

10. Primient (USA)

    Headquarters: Syracuse, New York, USA
    Key Offering: Starch‑based sizing for printing and specialty papers

    Primient’s focus on high‑add‑on‑level formulations supports mills that prioritize print quality over additive cost.

    Sustainability Initiatives: Use of renewable energy in production facilities.

    • Installation of solar panels on plant roofs.
    • Energy‑efficiency upgrades across the supply chain.
    • Regular audits to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

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Outlook

The biobased sizing chemicals market is poised for steady expansion as paper mills intensify the adoption of renewable additives to meet brand‑owner sustainability targets. The sector’s trajectory hinges on the balance between cost competitiveness and the performance advantages that biobased chemistries deliver.

Future Trends

• Emergence of nano‑cellulose additives that provide superior barrier properties at lower additive levels.
• Expansion of circular feedstock programs that transform agricultural and post‑consumer waste into high‑value sizing chemistries.
• Increased emphasis on application engineering, allowing mills to fine‑tune formulations for specific machine speeds and paper grades.
• Growth of regional manufacturing hubs in Asia‑Pacific to reduce logistics costs and feedstock volatility.
• Enhanced technical service offerings that integrate real‑time monitoring and predictive maintenance for sizing processes.