The Global Biocides and Preservatives for Pulp and Paper Market was valued at USD 1.32 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.98 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.9% during the forecast period (2023–2030). This growth is being driven by the expanding pulp and paper industry, stringent regulations on microbial contamination to ensure product quality, and the rising demand for eco-friendly additives that minimize environmental impact while supporting hygiene standards in packaging and hygiene papers.

As the pulp and paper sector evolves toward sustainable manufacturing practices and enhanced product safety, the focus turns to specialized chemical providers who innovate in microbial control solutions, process efficiency, and regulatory compliance. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Biocides and Preservatives for Pulp and Paper Industry—a blend of multinational chemical leaders and niche experts pioneering advanced, low-toxicity formulations to safeguard global paper production processes.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Glutathione-based biocides, isothiazolinone preservatives, and customized microbial control solutions

BASF stands as a global powerhouse in chemical manufacturing, with its Water Chemicals division delivering comprehensive biocides and preservatives tailored for the pulp and paper sector. These products effectively combat slime-forming bacteria and fungi in wet-end processes, preventing defects in end products like tissue and packaging materials. The company’s broad portfolio supports mills worldwide in maintaining operational efficiency and meeting international hygiene standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of biodegradable biocides to reduce aquatic toxicity
• Partnerships with paper mills for closed-loop water systems that minimize chemical usage
• Commitment to carbon-neutral production by 2050, including greener preservative formulations

Download FREE Sample Report: Biocides and Preservatives for Pulp and Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. LANXESS AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Preventol preservatives, Kathon biocides, and oxidizing agents for deposit control

LANXESS excels in microbial control technologies, supplying a range of biocides that target bacterial growth in pulp processing and paper machines. Operating across more than 60 countries, the company fuels efficient production lines for leading paper manufacturers, emphasizing solutions that enhance machine runnability and reduce downtime caused by biofouling. Their expertise helps clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes while optimizing costs.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in non-halogenated biocides to lower environmental persistence
• Collaborations with industry associations to promote sustainable water treatment in mills

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8️⃣ 3. Dupont de Nemours, Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Proxel preservatives, Spectrum biocides, and enzyme-compatible antimicrobial systems

Dupont’s nutrition and biosciences segment provides advanced preservatives that protect pulp slurries and finished paper from degradation. Through innovative R&D, they offer products that integrate seamlessly with modern papermaking processes, supporting high-speed operations in both virgin and recycled fiber applications. This enables paper producers to achieve superior quality without compromising on safety or efficiency.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Targets for 100% bio-based preservatives by 2030
• Partnerships with recycling facilities to extend product life cycles and reduce waste

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7️⃣ 4. Kemira Oyj

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Fennosperse biocides, OptiGuard preservatives for slime and rot control

Kemira is a prominent supplier in the Nordic region and beyond, specializing in functional chemicals for pulp and paper. Their biocides address microbial challenges in bleaching and refining stages, ensuring consistent paper strength and printability. With a strong emphasis on process optimization, Kemira helps mills reduce freshwater consumption and improve overall yield in sustainable fiber production.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Aim to integrate 15% renewable content in biocide formulations by 2028
• Europe’s leading program for zero-discharge mill operations using advanced preservatives

Download FREE Sample Report: Biocides and Preservatives for Pulp and Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Thor Group Limited

Headquarters: Stanmore, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Metasite preservatives, Proxel XL biocides, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial blends

Thor Group delivers specialized solutions for wet-end microbial control, serving paper producers in Europe and Asia with products that prevent biodeterioration in stock chests and headboxes. Their formulations are designed for easy dosing and compatibility with existing systems, allowing mills to maintain high productivity while adhering to food-contact safety regulations for packaging grades.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Offers registered low-VOC preservatives to support green certifications
• Focus on R&D for enzyme-stabilized biocides that enhance recyclability

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5️⃣ 6. Vink Chemicals GmbH & Co. KG

Headquarters: Kahl am Main, Germany
Key Offering: Vinkon biocides, Vanquish preservatives for fungal and bacterial inhibition

Vink Chemicals leads in custom antimicrobial solutions, providing preservatives that extend the shelf life of pulp and finished paper products. Their portfolio supports the hygiene paper market, including tissues and disposables, by ensuring microbial stability without affecting material properties. The company’s technical support helps clients implement precise application strategies for optimal results.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Current production of over 500,000 tons/year of eco-friendly antimicrobials
• Expansion plans to double sustainable product lines by 2027

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4️⃣ 7. KLK Kolb Specialitäten GmbH

Headquarters: Heddernheim, Germany
Key Offering: Kolbiod biocides, Kolbion preservatives derived from natural sources

KLK Kolb focuses on specialty chemicals for the paper industry, offering biocides that control legionella and slime in cooling towers and process waters. As a key player in Central Europe, they supply solutions that align with EU REACH regulations, helping mills transition to more sustainable operations while maintaining product integrity in high-volume production.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Limited reliance on traditional halogens, shifting to green alternatives amid regulatory pressures
• Ongoing R&D in plant-based preservatives under European innovation grants

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3️⃣ 8. City Cat International Pvt. Ltd.

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Catfloc biocides, Catguard preservatives for deposit and rot prevention

City Cat is a rising force in Asia’s pulp and paper chemical market, distributing biocides that support the booming packaging sector in India and Southeast Asia. Their products enhance fiber quality in recycled pulp processing, addressing contamination issues that plague high-recycle content mills and ensuring compliance with local environmental standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Local development of bio-derived biocides for indigenous fiber sources
• Collaborations with Indian mills to scale up low-impact preservative use

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2️⃣ 9. Dadia Chemicals Industries

Headquarters: Vadodara, India
Key Offering: Dadiax biocides, Dadi preservatives for microbial control in wet processes

Dadia Chemicals provides cost-effective solutions for emerging markets, focusing on preservatives that prevent microbial-induced breaks in paper machines. Their expertise in Asian supply chains ensures reliable delivery to mills producing newsprint and board, where biofouling can significantly impact output and quality control measures.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Goals to produce 1 million tons/year of sustainable biocides by 2030
• Expansion of supply networks for eco-friendly options in developing regions

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1️⃣ 10. Thor Specialties (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Acticide biocides, Nuosept preservatives, and integrated microbial management systems

Thor Specialties, an extension of global operations, specializes in logistics and distribution of biocides for the pulp and paper value chain in Asia. They support over 200 mills with end-to-end solutions, including on-site monitoring services that optimize dosage and reduce overuse, ultimately lowering operational costs and environmental footprints.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Comprehensive programs for biocide recycling and waste minimization
• Strategic alliances with Asian producers for next-gen, low-toxicity preservatives

Read Full Report: Biocides and Preservatives for Pulp and Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Biocides and Preservatives for Pulp and Paper Is Greener and More Efficient

The biocides and preservatives market for pulp and paper is experiencing significant transformation. Although conventional chemical additives remain essential for microbial management, the sector is channeling substantial investments into bio-based alternatives, low-impact formulations, and smart dosing technologies to align with global sustainability goals and stricter effluent regulations.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid adoption of bio-based and non-biocidal alternatives in the EU, US, and Asia-Pacific regions
• Regulatory mandates for reduced biocide usage and zero-discharge systems by 2030
• Digital tools for real-time microbial monitoring and automated preservative dosing
• Growing alliances between chemical suppliers and paper mills for joint sustainability projects

Read Full Report: Biocides and Preservatives for Pulp and Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled here are not only protecting pulp and paper production—they’re leading the charge toward a more sustainable and resilient industry.