Top 10 Companies in the Global Dryer Releasing Agent Market (2026): Market Leaders Driving Paper Manufacturing Innovation

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global Dryer Releasing Agent market size was valued at USD 1,425.60 million in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 1,482.90 million in 2026 to USD 2,098.45 million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.40% during the forecast period.

Dryer releasing agent, also referred to as a papermaking dryer stripping agent or cylinder stripping agent, is a specialized in‑pulp additive and dryer coating agent primarily used in the production of household paper, coated paper, and cultural paper. These agents are formulated to improve the contact between the paper sheet and the paper dryer, impart effective stripping performance, and lubricate the scraper blade to protect the dryer surface. By doing so, they resolve common production challenges such as sticking cylinder, broken head, hair, and powder defects, while simultaneously enhancing the surface smoothness and finish of the finished paper sheet.

The market is steadily expanding, driven by rising global demand for paper and packaging products, increased adoption of high‑efficiency papermaking processes, and growing awareness of dryer surface protection in continuous production environments. Furthermore, the expanding paper industry across Asia‑Pacific – particularly in China, India, and Southeast Asia – is contributing significantly to demand. Key players operating in the global Dryer Releasing Agent market include Shijiazhuang City Horizon Chemical, Hangzhou Hanghua Harima Chemicals, Kao, DAIKIN CHEMICALS, DOW, SEIKO PMC Corporation, and Münzing Chemie, among others, offering a broad portfolio of product types including polymer wax, silicone, mineral oil, vegetable oil, and polyether‑based formulations.

Global Dryer Releasing Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Top 10 Companies in the Global Dryer Releasing Agent Market

1. Kao Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Advanced silicone‑based releasing agents, polymer wax solutions, and specialty additives for high‑performance paper mills.

Kao’s portfolio is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of high‑speed, high‑temperature drying sections. The company’s silicone chemistry delivers consistent sheet release and protects dryer surfaces, reducing maintenance downtime for integrated mills. Its polymer wax line adds film‑forming properties that improve surface finish for coated paper grades.

In 2024, Kao announced a joint venture with a leading Asian paper producer to develop a bio‑derived vegetable oil formulation, targeting the growing sustainability agenda in the packaging sector.

• Silicone chemistry for high‑speed operations
• Polymer wax for coated paper finish
• Bio‑derived vegetable oil line for eco‑friendly markets
• Integrated technical support for machine configuration

2. DOW Inc.

Headquarters: Midland, USA
Key Offering: Proprietary polymer wax and silicone emulsions tailored for large integrated mills.

DOW’s formulations focus on delivering superior lubrication and surface protection while minimizing energy consumption. The company’s research team has recently optimized a polyether blend that reduces fouling on dryer fabrics, extending fabric life by up to 15% in pilot trials.

Strategic investment in a new manufacturing line in Southeast Asia has positioned DOW to capture emerging demand from fast‑growing tissue and hygiene paper producers.

• Polymer wax for coated paper
• Silicone emulsions for high‑temperature drying
• Polyether blend for fabric longevity
• Regional production hub in Vietnam

3. DAIKIN CHEMICALS

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Fluoropolymer‑based releasing agents and advanced silicone blends.

DAIKIN’s fluoropolymer line delivers unmatched resistance to high‑temperature degradation, making it the preferred choice for mills operating at speeds above 1,800 m/min. The company has recently expanded its R&D focus to incorporate bio‑based fluorine alternatives, aiming to reduce VOC footprints without sacrificing performance.

DAIKIN’s partnership with a leading European paper manufacturer showcases its commitment to global technical collaboration.

• Fluoropolymer for extreme conditions
• Advanced silicone blends for speed
• Bio‑fluorine research program
• Technical partnership with European mills

4. Münzing Chemie GmbH

Headquarters: Bensheim, Germany
Key Offering: Mineral‑oil‑based and polymer‑wax formulations for European and North American markets.

Münzing’s mineral‑oil chemistry provides reliable performance at lower cost, making it attractive to mills focused on cost control. The company’s polymer wax line is recognized for its superior film‑forming ability, improving surface quality for coated paper grades.

Recent investment in a digital monitoring platform allows Münzing to offer real‑time dosing recommendations to customers, enhancing process efficiency.

• Mineral‑oil base for cost‑effective solutions
• Polymer wax for coated paper finish
• Digital dosing platform
• Strong presence in Europe and North America

5. SEIKO PMC Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Silicone‑based and polyether‑based releasing agents for tissue and specialty paper segments.

SEIKO PMC’s silicone chemistry is tailored for tissue mills, providing excellent sheet release and reduced sheet breakage. The company’s polyether line offers flexibility across a range of paper grades, enabling mills to switch between coated and uncoated products without changing formulations.

SEIKO PMC has launched a sustainability initiative that includes a closed‑loop recycling program for its polyether feedstock, reducing raw‑material waste.

• Silicone for tissue mills
• Polyether for multi‑grade flexibility
• Closed‑loop recycling program
• Global technical support network

6. Hangzhou Hanghua Harima Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Hangzhou, China
Key Offering: Water‑based and mineral‑oil formulations for domestic and export markets.

Hangzhou Hanghua Harima leverages its joint‑venture roots with Japanese technology to deliver high‑performance, cost‑competitive products. The company’s water‑based line has gained traction among mills prioritizing low‑VOC compliance, while its mineral‑oil products remain popular for cost‑sensitive customers.

Strategic expansion of its production capacity in Zhejiang province positions the company to meet rising demand from the rapidly growing Chinese paper industry.

• Water‑based for low‑VOC compliance
• Mineral‑oil for cost efficiency
• Expanded production in Zhejiang
• Technical support for diverse machine configurations

7. Shijiazhuang City Horizon Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shijiazhuang, China
Key Offering: Polymer wax and silicone formulations for domestic mills.

Shijiazhuang Horizon focuses on delivering high‑quality polymer wax solutions that improve surface finish for coated paper. Its silicone line is engineered for high‑temperature drying sections, providing reliable sheet release and reducing cylinder wear.

The company has recently introduced a bio‑derived vegetable oil formulation aimed at the growing eco‑friendly packaging market.

• Polymer wax for coated paper finish
• Silicone for high‑temperature drying
• Bio‑derived vegetable oil for sustainability
• Local manufacturing advantage

8. Weifang Greatland Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Weifang, China
Key Offering: Silicone and mineral‑oil formulations for integrated mills.

Greatland’s silicone chemistry is optimized for high‑speed operations, delivering consistent sheet release across a range of dryer temperatures. The company’s mineral‑oil line provides a cost‑effective alternative for mills seeking to balance performance and budget.

Recent collaboration with a leading European paper manufacturer demonstrates Greatland’s commitment to cross‑regional technical knowledge exchange.

• Silicone for high‑speed drying
• Mineral‑oil for cost control
• Cross‑regional collaboration
• Technical support for diverse dryer configurations

9. Henan Jingxin Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Zhengzhou, China
Key Offering: Water‑based and polymer wax formulations for emerging markets.

Jingxin’s water‑based line has gained popularity in Southeast Asia and Latin America, where mills prioritize low‑VOC solutions. The company’s polymer wax offers superior film‑forming properties, enhancing surface quality for coated paper grades.

Henan Jingxin has invested in a regional distribution network to improve lead times for customers in emerging economies.

• Water‑based for low‑VOC compliance
• Polymer wax for coated paper finish
• Regional distribution network
• Support for emerging market dynamics

10. Dainichi Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Silicone‑based and polyether‑based releasing agents for specialty paper segments.

Dainichi’s silicone chemistry is tailored for tissue and specialty paper mills, providing excellent sheet release and reducing energy consumption. The company’s polyether line offers versatility across a range of paper grades, enabling mills to adapt to changing product portfolios.

Recent partnership with a leading Asian paper manufacturer focuses on developing a bio‑derived polyether formulation aimed at reducing environmental impact.

• Silicone for tissue and specialty paper
• Polyether for multi‑grade flexibility
• Bio‑derived polyether research
• Technical partnership with Asian mills

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Dryer Releasing Agent Market

Get Full Report: Global Dryer Releasing Agent Market

Market Outlook

The next decade will see the paper industry continue to integrate advanced process chemicals, with dryer releasing agents positioned as a critical enabler of higher throughput and lower energy use. The shift toward sustainable packaging and the rise of e‑commerce logistics will drive demand for high‑performance releasing agents that can handle recycled fibers and maintain surface quality under variable feedstock conditions. Digitalization of mill operations, coupled with predictive dosing systems, will create a new value proposition for suppliers who can offer data‑driven service contracts, aligning chemical usage with real‑time process metrics.

Future Trends

• Advanced silicone and fluoropolymer chemistries engineered for speeds above 1,800 m/min, reducing downtime and improving sheet quality.
• Growth of bio‑derived vegetable oil and polyether formulations, driven by stricter VOC regulations and consumer demand for green products.
• Integration of connected dosing equipment and machine‑learning analytics, enabling dynamic, demand‑responsive chemical application.
• Expansion into the tissue and hygiene paper segment in emerging economies, where new through‑air drying and conventional cylinder drying technologies are proliferating.
• Increased collaboration between chemical suppliers and paper mills on joint R&D, focusing on process optimization and sustainability metrics.