The US Sizing Agents Market is poised for consistent growth driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and increasing demand across multiple industries such as textiles, paper & paperboard, and food & beverages. Sizing agents play a critical role in enhancing surface properties, texture, durability, and printability of finished products. The market is experiencing a shift towards environmentally-friendly and plant-based agents, with ongoing innovation from leading companies. Forecasts predict robust expansion through 2035, buoyed by investments in R&D and the growth of end-user industries.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Sizing Agents: Top companies like BASF SE and
are pioneering bio-based and sustainable sizing solutions to meet evolving regulatory standards and consumer preferences for environmentally safe ingredients in industries including textiles and packaging.
Expansion of the Packaging and Paperboard Industry: The rising consumption of packaged goods in the US, accelerated by ecommerce and retail trends, is driving significant demand for high-quality paper and paperboard sizing agents. Recent investments by Solenis LLC in new manufacturing capacities underscore this trend.
Key Trends
Shift Towards Biodegradable and Renewable Sizing Agents: Companies such as Ingredion Incorporated are introducing products derived from renewable resources, tapping into the sustainability push across multiple industries and reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Adoption of Advanced Nanotechnology and Enzyme-Based Solutions: Vendors like Ashland Global Holdings Inc. and Kemira Oyj are investing in nanotechnology and enzyme-based sizing agents for superior performance, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced product attributes.
Key Opportunities
Product Innovation in Food and Beverage Segments: There is a significant opportunity for companies to develop food-grade and functional sizing agents that improve texture, shelf life, and quality, with CP Kelco U.S.Inc. expanding its product line for clean label applications.
Strategic Collaborations with Sustainable Packaging Producers: Collaborations between sizing agent suppliers and innovative packaging firms present new growth avenues, exemplified by recent partnerships from Evonik Industries AG targeting the eco-friendly packaging sector.
Key Challenges
Volatility in Raw Material Prices: The market faces recurring challenges due to fluctuations in the prices of base materials like starch and cellulose, affecting profitability. BASF SE recently highlighted supply chain uncertainties impacting the cost structure.
Stringent Regulatory Compliance and Product Approval Processes: Meeting evolving US environmental and health regulations remains a challenge for both existing and new sizing agents. Companies must navigate complex authorization procedures, with Buckman Laboratories International Inc. adapting to stricter FDA and EPA requirements.
Key Restraints
Limited Awareness and Adoption Among Small Manufacturers: Despite benefits, smaller players often lack resources to shift from traditional to advanced sizing technologies. Aries Chemical, Inc. addresses this by offering tailored education but market penetration remains slow.
Competitive Pressure from Substitute Chemicals: The presence of alternative additives and chemicals limits the growth potential of conventional sizing agents. The Dow Chemical Company has diversified its offerings to remain competitive amidst this pressure.
In 2025, starch-based sizing agents are expected to command the largest share of the US market, driven by their cost-effectiveness and preference for natural, biodegradable solutions. Synthetic sizing agents remain strong due to their superior performance in selected applications. Acrylic and cellulose-based agents are gaining traction, supported by their versatility and environmental compatibility.
US Sizing Agents Market Share by Application, 2025
The paper & paperboard segment is projected to hold the largest application share in the US sizing agents market for 2025, accounting for nearly half the demand. This is propelled by the ongoing growth of the packaging and printing industries. Textile applications remain vital, while food & beverage, cosmetics, and paints & coatings together account for a growing portion with increased focus on safety and compliance.
US Sizing Agents Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
The US Sizing Agents Market revenue is expected to rise steadily, starting at $685 million in 2020 and projected to reach $1,220 million by 2035. Significant growth phases align with rising demand in packaging, textile, and food sectors, coupled with technological innovations in sustainable product development. The compound annual growth rate is forecast at 6.2% for the period. Over recent years, increased investments and regulatory support for green chemicals have further driven market expansion.
US Sizing Agents Market Year-Over-Year Growth (%), 2020-2035
Year-over-year growth rates in the US Sizing Agents Market averaged 5.2% between 2020 and 2025, peaking at 6.7% in the late 2020s as sustainability initiatives gained traction. Growth is forecast to stabilize around 4.5% towards 2035 as the market matures. Fluctuations are linked to regulatory changes, technological uptake, and macroeconomic variations in key end-user sectors.
In 2025, the Midwest region is projected to lead the US sizing agents market, bolstered by the concentration of paper, packaging, and manufacturing industries. The South follows closely, with robust textile and agriculture-based demand. The West region is emerging due to investments in green technology and food processing, rounding out national market coverage.
The US Sizing Agents Market is moderately fragmented, with the top five players holding nearly half of the market in 2025. BASF SE leads due to its diverse portfolio and investment in green offerings, followed by Kemira Oyj, Solenis LLC, and Archroma. Smaller specialized vendors add competition and innovation, contributing to a healthy market dynamic.
Large packaging companies represent the largest share of buyers in the US Sizing Agents Market due to their high-volume needs in paper & paperboard. Textile manufacturers and food & beverage processors also constitute significant segments. Rising R&D activities in specialty applications are driving share growth among smaller buyers, while cosmetics and coatings sectors contribute to overall diversification.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
Revenue (USD Million)
Regions
Midwest, South, West, Northeast, Others
Segments
By Type (Starch-Based Sizing Agents, Synthetic Sizing Agents, Cellulose-Based Sizing Agents, Rosin Sizing Agents, Acrylic Sizing Agents, Others), By Application (Textile, Paper & Paperboard, Food & Beverage, Cosmetics, Paints & Coatings, Others), By Technology (Wet-End Technology, Surface Sizing Technology, Enzyme-Based Technology, Chemical Sizing Technology, Nanotechnology, Others), By Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Distributors/Wholesalers, Online Retail, Specialty Stores, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Others), By Organization Size (Small, Medium, Large)
June 2024: BASF SE announced the launch of a new biodegradable sizing agent targeting the paper and packaging market in the US.
July 2024: Solenis LLC expanded its manufacturing facility in Georgia to increase production of eco-friendly and specialty sizing agents.
August 2024: Kemira Oyj entered a strategic partnership with a leading US packaging firm to develop advanced bio-based sizing solutions.
September 2024: Cargill Incorporated introduced a new starch-based sizing agent for the textile industry aligning with sustainability trends.
October 2024: Ashland Global Holdings Inc. received regulatory approval for its enzyme-based sizing agents for food packaging applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Lena
Senior Research Consultant
Lena is a Senior Research Consultant specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Chemical & Material. Lena brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Lena has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
Chemical & MaterialMarket ResearchIndustry AnalysisStrategic Consulting
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