Top 10 Companies in the Paper Strength Enhancer Industry (2025): Market Leaders Strengthening Global Paper Products

In Business Insights
December 04, 2025


The Global Paper Strength Enhancer Market was valued at USD 1.65 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.25 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is being driven by increasing demand for high-performance packaging, the rise of sustainable paper products, and the accelerating adoption of bio-based and eco-friendly strength agents across printing, packaging, and specialty paper sectors.

As the paper industry evolves toward higher efficiency and sustainability, the focus is on the key chemical suppliers who are driving innovation in fiber bonding and paper performance. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Paper Strength Enhancer Industry—a mix of global chemical giants, specialty manufacturers, and green chemistry pioneers shaping the future of papermaking.

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🔟 1. Seiko PMC Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Wet Strength Agents, Dry Strength Agents, Retention Aids

Seiko PMC is a leading global supplier of paper chemicals, renowned for its innovative strength enhancer solutions. The company specializes in polyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins for wet strength and starch-based derivatives for dry strength, serving paper mills worldwide with a focus on performance and environmental compatibility.

Innovation Focus:

  • Development of low AOX (Adsorbable Organic Halides) wet strength resins

  • High-efficiency cationic starches for improved dry strength

  • Global R&D centers dedicated to pulp and paper applications


9️⃣ 2. Kemira Oyj

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Wet Strength Resins, Dry Strength Additives, Bio-based Solutions

Kemira is a key player in the pulp and paper chemicals market, offering a comprehensive portfolio of strength enhancers. The company’s expertise in water-soluble polymers and emulsion technologies makes it a preferred partner for paper manufacturers seeking to improve product durability and operational efficiency.

Innovation Focus:

  • Sustainable strength agents with reduced carbon footprint

  • Digital solutions for precise chemical dosing and optimization


8️⃣ 3. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Cartasol®, Basosoft®, Paper Strength Polymers

BASF’s paper chemicals division provides advanced strength enhancement solutions for various paper grades. Their product range includes innovative polymers that improve tensile strength, burst strength, and surface properties, helping papermakers meet stringent quality requirements while optimizing raw material usage.

Innovation Focus:

  • Bio-based and biodegradable strength additives

  • Multifunctional products that combine strength with other paper properties


7️⃣ 4. Harima Chemicals Group, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Tall Oil-Based Additives, Dispersants, Strength Resins

Harima Chemicals specializes in tall oil-derived chemicals for paper strengthening applications. The company’s natural product-based approach provides effective strength enhancement while aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals, particularly in packaging and board applications.

Innovation Focus:

  • Renewable raw material utilization from pine chemicals

  • Customized solutions for specific paper mill requirements

Download FREE Sample Report:
Paper Strength Enhancer Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Solenis LLC

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Performance Technologies, Strength Polymers, Process Aids

Solenis offers a diverse range of paper strength enhancers designed to improve paper quality and manufacturing efficiency. The company’s technical expertise spans wet-end chemistry, surface treatment, and water management, providing integrated solutions for paper strength optimization.

Innovation Focus:

  • Advanced polymer chemistry for superior fiber bonding

  • Sustainability-focused product development and water conservation technologies


5️⃣ 6. Tianma Specialty Chemicals

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Starch Derivatives, Wet Strength Agents, Dry Strength Additives

Tianma is a significant player in the Asian paper chemicals market, manufacturing a wide array of strength enhancement products. The company serves the rapidly growing Chinese and Southeast Asian paper industries with cost-effective and high-performance chemical solutions.

Innovation Focus:

  • Localized production for regional market needs

  • Expansion of product portfolio for specialty paper applications


4️⃣ 7. Changhai Refinement Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Modified Starches, Cationic Polymers, Retention & Drainage Aids

Changhai Refinement Technology specializes in modified starch products for paper strength enhancement. The company’s extensive product line supports various paper grades, from packaging materials to cultural paper, with a strong focus on technical service and customer support.

Innovation Focus:

  • Continuous improvement of starch modification technologies

  • Development of environmentally friendly strengthening agents


3️⃣ 8. Chengming Chemical

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Paper Chemicals, Strength Additives, Process Chemicals

Chengming Chemical manufactures chemical additives for the paper industry, with a focus on strength enhancement solutions. The company serves domestic and international markets with products designed to improve paper quality and production efficiency.

Innovation Focus:

  • Cost-performance optimized products for mass-market applications

  • Expansion into high-value specialty paper segments


2️⃣ 9. Richards Chemicals & Electricals

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Paper Chemicals, Strength Enhancers, Specialty Additives

Richards Chemicals & Electricals is a prominent supplier of paper chemicals in the Indian subcontinent. The company provides strength enhancement solutions tailored to the specific needs of South Asian paper mills, with a strong distribution network and technical support capabilities.

Innovation Focus:

  • Local formulation development for regional raw materials

  • Partnerships with international technology providers


1️⃣ 10. CP Kelco

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: Biopolymers, Specialty Ingredients, Natural Thickeners

CP Kelco, a Huber Company, offers natural biopolymer solutions that can function as paper strength enhancers. While primarily known for food ingredients, their expertise in hydrocolloids and natural polymers provides unique opportunities for sustainable paper strengthening applications.

Innovation Focus:

  • Application of food-grade materials in industrial contexts

  • Renewable and biodegradable strengthening solutions

Read Full Report:
Paper Strength Enhancer Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Paper Strength Enhancement Is Smarter and Greener

The paper strength enhancer market is undergoing significant transformation. While traditional chemicals continue to dominate, the industry is increasingly investing in sustainable alternatives, smart application technologies, and multifunctional solutions that address multiple paper properties simultaneously.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid adoption of bio-based and renewable strength agents in Europe and North America

  • Regulatory push for reduced AOX and halogen-containing chemicals in paper products

  • Digitalization of chemical dosing and process optimization in paper mills

  • Paper manufacturer-chemical company collaborations for customized solutions

Read Full Report:
Paper Strength Enhancer Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only strengthening paper products—they’re driving the sustainable evolution of the global paper industry.