Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market

Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market Procurement and Buyer Behavior Forecast Outlook 2026 to 2036

The alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) market is projected to reach USD 860 million in 2026 and grow to USD 1,336 million by 2036, with a CAGR of 4.5%.

Key Takeaways from Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market

• Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market Value (2026): USD 860 million
• Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market Forecast Value (2036): USD 1,336 million
• Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market Forecast CAGR (2026 to 2036): 4.5%
• Leading Segment in Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market: Standard AKD Emulsions (54%)
• Key Growth Region in Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market: Asia Pacific
• Key Players in Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market: Solenis, Kemira, BASF, SNF Group, Ecolab (Nalco Water), Nouryon, Arxada, Italmatch Chemicals, Shandong Sun Paper (chemical arm), Xuzhou Lianxing Chemical

Procurement priorities in this market are shaped by the need for cost efficiency, product consistency, and regulatory compliance, with buyers placing high importance on the reliability and quality of suppliers. Risk aversion is evident, as purchasing decisions are often guided by long-term supplier relationships to mitigate supply chain disruptions.

Vendor lock-in occurs frequently in this sector, where switching costs are high due to specialized product formulations and performance expectations. As a result, buyers face challenges in exploring alternative suppliers without incurring significant transition expenses. These dynamics influence market outcomes by fostering customer loyalty to established suppliers, while also constraining flexibility in procurement strategies. The ability to manage switching costs and maintain stable supplier relationships will be a key factor in shaping future market performance.

Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market

Metric	Value
Estimated Value in (2026E)	USD 860 million
Forecast Value in (2036F)	USD 1,336 million
Forecast CAGR (2026 to 2036)	4.5%

Category

Category	Segments
Grade	Standard AKD Emulsions; High-Efficiency AKD; Low-Temperature Curing AKD; Other
Application	Paper Sizing (Packaging); Printing and Writing; Tissue; Specialty Papers; Other
Fiber Source	Virgin Fiber Mills; Recycled Fiber Mills; Other
Region	North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

Segmental Analysis

What Is the Impact of Grade on the Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market?

In the alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) market, grade plays a crucial role in determining the performance and suitability of the product for various applications. Standard AKD emulsions lead the market with a 54% share, primarily due to their effectiveness in enhancing paper strength and water resistance during the papermaking process. These emulsions are commonly used in standard paper and packaging production, where consistent quality and performance are key. As industries continue to focus on improving paper quality and sustainability, standard AKD emulsions will remain a dominant product, driving the growth of the AKD market.

How Does Fiber Source Influence the Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market?

Fiber source plays a significant role in shaping the demand for AKD, with virgin fiber mills holding a 48% share. AKD is commonly used in virgin fiber mills to improve paper properties such as strength, printability, and water resistance. Virgin fiber provides better performance and quality when treated with AKD emulsions, making it a preferred choice for high-quality paper products. As the demand for high-performance paper continues to grow, the use of AKD in virgin fiber mills will remain a key driver in the market, supporting the production of high-quality, sustainable paper.

What are the Drivers, Restraints, and Key Trends of the Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market?

• Drivers: Demand for alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) has been shaped by requirements in paper and board production to impart internal sizing that improves resistance to liquid penetration. Paper producers specify AKD to meet performance criteria for packaging, printing, and tissue grades. Operational goals for runnability, sheet strength, and efficient use of furnish influence selection of AKD chemistries and application systems.
• Restraints: Variability in recycled fiber furnish affects binding efficiency and sizing uniformity, prompting adjustments in dosing and operational practices. Price sensitivity in mature paper segments constrains chemical spend where margins are tight. Regulatory requirements for emissions and effluent quality influence acceptance of specific formulations.
• Trend 1: Movement toward AKD emulsions tailored for automated addition and consistent distribution across high speed paper machines.
• Trend 2: Development of analytical tools that link AKD application rates with real time sheet properties to improve performance predictability.

Analysis of the Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market by Key Country

Country	CAGR (2026-2036)
India	5.9%
China	5.4%
Vietnam	5.3%
Brazil	4.3%
USA	2.6%

The report covers an in-depth analysis of 40+ countries; top-performing countries are highlighted below.

What is the Growth Outlook for Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market in India?

India’s Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2026 to 2036. As India’s paper and packaging industries continue to expand, the demand for AKD, which is used as a sizing agent to improve the strength, water resistance, and printability of paper, is increasing. The growing need for high-performance paper products, coupled with India’s rapid industrialization, is driving the market for AKD. With the country’s increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, the market for AKD is expected to grow steadily, supported by both industrial demand and regulatory incentives for better-quality paper products.

How is the Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market Performing in China?

China’s Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2026 to 2036. As one of the world’s largest producers of paper and packaging materials, China’s demand for AKD is strong. These sizing agents are essential for improving the strength, water resistance, and durability of paper products, especially in packaging and tissue paper. China’s focus on improving its paper industry’s performance, coupled with increasing demand for high-quality and sustainable packaging, will drive the market for AKD in the coming years. The market growth will be further supported by the country’s ongoing industrial modernization and environmental initiatives.

What is the Market Outlook for Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2026 to 2036. As Vietnam’s paper and packaging industries continue to expand, the need for AKD to enhance paper quality and performance is increasing. AKD is a crucial component in improving the water resistance, printability, and strength of paper products, making it essential for the growing packaging sector. With the country’s rising industrial base and increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions, the market for AKD in Vietnam will continue to grow steadily. Additionally, the focus on sustainable manufacturing practices will further boost the adoption of AKD in the coming years.

What is the Growth Potential for Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market in Brazil?

Brazil’s Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2026 to 2036. Brazil’s growing paper and packaging industry, driven by increasing demand for high-quality, water-resistant, and durable packaging materials, is supporting the demand for AKD. As the country focuses on improving the performance of its paper products while adhering to sustainability standards, AKD plays a critical role in enhancing paper quality. Brazil’s market for AKD will continue to grow, driven by industrial modernization, government support for the paper industry, and the rising demand for eco-friendly and high-performance paper products.

What is the Demand for Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market in the USA?

The USA’s Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) market is set to grow at a CAGR of 2.6% from 2026 to 2036. While the growth rate is slower compared to other regions, the demand for AKD remains steady, particularly in the paper industry, where it is used to improve paper strength, water resistance, and printability. The USA’s focus on sustainability and the need for high-quality, durable paper products will continue to drive demand for AKD, especially in the packaging and tissue sectors. Despite a slower growth rate, the USA’s market for AKD will remain essential for maintaining quality standards in paper products and meeting environmental requirements.

How is Competition Structured in the Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market?

Competition in the AKD market is shaped by emulsion stability, sizing efficiency, and compatibility with paper machine conditions. Solenis and Kemira compete with broad portfolios of AKD emulsifiers and application support services, targeting varied paper grades. BASF and Nouryon focus on engineered chemistries that enhance internal sizing performance while maintaining good runnability.

SNF Group and Ecolab (Nalco Water) position offerings with polymers and AKD blends backed by technical service for optimization on high speed machines. Arxada and Italmatch Chemicals emphasize specialty formulations tailored to niche sizing needs. Shandong Sun Paper’s chemical arm and Xuzhou Lianxing Chemical compete regionally with cost competitive AKD products suited to Asian markets. Competitive differentiation arises from ease of dispersion, sizing strength at low dosages, and documented performance under diverse furnish compositions. Buyers evaluate suppliers based on product consistency, technical support availability, and integration with existing wet end additive regimes.

Key Players of the Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market

• Solenis
• Kemira
• BASF
• SNF Group
• Ecolab (Nalco Water)
• Nouryon
• Arxada
• Italmatch Chemicals
• Shandong Sun Paper (chemical arm)
• Xuzhou Lianxing Chemical

Scope of the Report

Items	Values
Quantitative Units (2026)	USD Million
Grade	Standard AKD Emulsions, High-Efficiency AKD, Low-Temperature Curing AKD, Other
Application	Paper Sizing (Packaging), Printing and Writing, Tissue, Specialty Papers, Other
Fiber Source	Virgin Fiber Mills, Recycled Fiber Mills, Other
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Countries Covered	United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia & New Zealand
Key Companies Profiled	Solenis, Kemira, BASF, SNF Group, Ecolab (Nalco Water), Nouryon, Arxada, Italmatch Chemicals, Shandong Sun Paper (chemical arm), Xuzhou Lianxing Chemical
Additional Attributes	Dollar revenue by grade, application, and fiber source; regional demand trends, competitive landscape, technological advancements in AKD emulsions and their applications, and innovations in paper sizing technologies

Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) Market Key Segments

• Grade :

  • Standard AKD Emulsions
  • High-Efficiency AKD
  • Low-Temperature Curing AKD
  • Other

• Application :

  • Paper Sizing (Packaging)
  • Printing and Writing
  • Tissue
  • Specialty Papers
  • Other

• Fiber Source :

  • Virgin Fiber Mills
  • Recycled Fiber Mills
  • Other

• Region :

  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Nordic Countries
    • BENELUX
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Australia
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    • United Arab Emirates
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle East and Africa
  • Other Regions
    • Oceania
    • Central Asia
    • Other Markets

Bibliographies

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2023). Chemical additives in paper and paperboard manufacturing: sizing agents and functional performance. FAO.
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2023). Functional chemicals in paper production: internal sizing systems and sustainability considerations. OECD Publishing.
• Yu, L. (n.d.). Mechanism of internal sizing with alkyl ketene dimers (AKD).
• European Commission. (2024). Sustainability and chemical use in paper and board manufacturing under circular economy frameworks. EU Publications.