Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) is a key chemical compound used primarily in the paper industry for imparting water resistance to paper and board products. This compound, being a waxy substance, acts as a sizing agent to enhance the hydrophobic properties of the finished paper. Its demand has surged over the past few years due to the growing requirements for high-quality paper products in various sectors, including packaging, printing, and sanitary applications. The AKD market has gained significant traction due to its favorable characteristics, including excellent resistance to water and oil, making it a preferred choice in various applications.
The market is segmented based on product type, process, application, end-use, and region. The key segments contributing to market growth are:
With the global push towards sustainability, companies are investing in research and innovation to develop bio-based and environmentally friendly AKD solutions, which is anticipated to unlock new market opportunities and applications over the coming years.
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Market Size and Share
The global AKD market was valued at approximately $800 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 5% from 2024 to 2029. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for paper products in emerging economies and the rising adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable materials in packaging. By the end of 2029, the market is expected to reach around $1.1 billion.The market is segmented based on product type, process, application, end-use, and region. The key segments contributing to market growth are:
- Product Type: Internal Sizing Agent, Surface Sizing Agent
- Process: Chemical Sizing, Mechanical Sizing
- Application: Coated Paper, Uncoated Paper, Liquid Packaging
- End-Use: Printing & Writing, Packaging, Others
- Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Trends Analysis Report
By Product Type
The AKD market is primarily segmented into:- Internal Sizing Agent: This segment accounted for nearly 60% market share in 2023. The internal sizing agent is widely used during the manufacturing process of paper, enhancing the paper's resistance to moisture and thereby increasing its durability.
- Surface Sizing Agent: The surface sizing agent segment is gaining traction due to its ability to provide surface treatment to the paper, significantly enhancing printability and reducing ink absorption.
By Key Players
The major players in the AKD market include:- Kemira
- Shandong Tianan Chemicals
- Mare
- Solenis
- SEIKO PMC
- Boxing Kelian New Materials
By Process
The AKD market can be categorized into two major processes:- Chemical Sizing: This is the dominant process, owing to its effectiveness in enhancing the paper's water resistance.
- Mechanical Sizing: Although it holds a smaller market share, the mechanical process is also notable for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
By Application
AKD is utilized across various applications, with significant contributions from:- Coated Paper: This application accounted for nearly 40% of the total AKD demand due to the rising use of coated papers in the packaging industry.
- Uncoated Paper: The uncoated segment is prevalent in printing and writing papers, accounting for a substantial market share.
- Liquid Packaging: As eco-friendly packaging solutions gain momentum, the demand for AKD in liquid packaging applications is expected to increase.
By End-Use
AKD is widely utilized in several end-use industries:- Printing & Writing: This sector holds a significant share due to the constant demand for high-quality papers.
- Packaging: The surge in online shopping and food delivery services has increased the demand for sustainable and high-quality packaging materials.
- Others: This includes applications in various industries such as construction and textiles.
Regional Analysis
The AKD market is segmented into various regions:- North America: This region holds a considerable share in the global AKD market, driven by a well-established paper manufacturing industry and increasing demand for specialty papers.
- Europe: The European market shows consistent growth due to the stringent regulations regarding sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
- Asia-Pacific: This region is expected to witness the highest growth rate, fueled by rapid industrialization and growth in the packaging and paper production industries.
- Latin America: The Latin American market is expanding, driven by increasing consumption of paper products.
- Middle East & Africa: Although this region currently holds a smaller market share, investments in infrastructure and growing demand for packaging solutions are driving market growth.
Market News on Policy and Companies
In recent years, several policies for sustainable practices in the chemical and coating industry have emerged globally, focusing on reducing environmental impact. Companies like Kemira and Solenis have introduced innovative products complying with these regulations. Furthermore, collaborations and joint ventures among key players are expected to enhance the product offerings in the AKD market.With the global push towards sustainability, companies are investing in research and innovation to develop bio-based and environmentally friendly AKD solutions, which is anticipated to unlock new market opportunities and applications over the coming years.
Segment Forecasts (2024-2029)
Looking ahead, the AKD market is poised for substantial growth, with several key forecasts from 2024 to 2029:- Internal Sizing Agent Segment: Expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5.5%, driven by its widespread adoption in the paper industry.
- Surface Sizing Agent Segment: Anticipated to witness growth due to increasing demand in high-value applications like specialty papers.
- Asia-Pacific Region: Expected to dominate the market with a CAGR of around 6%, owing to rapid industrialization and increasing demand for paper and paperboard.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Executive SummaryChapter 2 Abbreviation and Acronyms
Chapter 3 Preface
Chapter 4 Market Landscape
Chapter 5 Market Trend Analysis
Chapter 6 Industry Chain Analysis
Chapter 7 Latest Market Dynamics
Chapter 8 Trading Analysis
Chapter 9 Historical and Forecast Alkyl Ketene Dimer (Akd) Market in North America (2019-2029)
Chapter 10 Historical and Forecast Alkyl Ketene Dimer (Akd) Market in South America (2019-2029)
Chapter 11 Historical and Forecast Alkyl Ketene Dimer (Akd) Market in Asia & Pacific (2019-2029)
Chapter 12 Historical and Forecast Alkyl Ketene Dimer (Akd) Market in Europe (2019-2029)
Chapter 13 Historical and Forecast Alkyl Ketene Dimer (Akd) Market in MEA (2019-2029)
Chapter 14 Summary For Global Alkyl Ketene Dimer (Akd) Market (2019-2024)
Chapter 15 Global Alkyl Ketene Dimer (Akd) Market Forecast (2024-2029)
Chapter 16 Analysis of Global Key Vendors
List of Tables and Figures
Companies Mentioned
- Kemira
- Shandong Tianan Chemicals
- Mare
- Solenis
- SEIKO PMC
- Boxing Kelian New Materials