Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) is an organic compound used as a sizing agent in paper production to improve paper quality, printability and writing smoothness. It allows ink to stay on paper during the printing process and prevents paper fibers from absorbing too much water. AKD is applied as an aqueous emulsion during the paper manufacturing process.

The global alkyl ketene dimer market is estimated to be valued at US$ 340.98 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

Market Dynamics:

The increasing demand from the paper industry is expected to drive the growth of the alkyl ketene dimer market over the forecast period. AKD finds wide application as a sizing agent in paper production to improve paper quality and printability. It allows ink to remain on paper during and after the printing process. With rising paper production across the globe due to increasing packaging and publishing industry, the demand for alkyl ketene dimer is also projected to rise substantially. According to the Eurocorrugated Facts and Figures Report 2020, the European paper and cardboard packaging industry produced around 97 million tons of paper and cardboard in 2020. Another key factor propelling the market growth is the ability of AKD to prevent paper fibers from absorbing too much water. This water resistance property makes paper smooth and hard thereby improving writing quality. However, stringent environmental regulations pertaining to the acrylamide monomer present in AKD may hinder the market growth.

SWOT Analysis

Strength: Alkyl ketene dimer has superior sizing abilities and provides enhanced stiffness and opacity to the paper. It reacts efficiently with cellulose fibers forming covalent bonds which makes the paper sheets sturdier. The chemical reaction with cellulose is instantaneous allowing for higher production speeds.

Weakness: Manufacturing alkyl ketene dimer involves hazardous chemicals like isopropenyl acetate and sulfuric acid which are toxic in nature. Strict environmental regulations around the usage of such chemicals can hamper the market growth. The price of alkyl ketene dimer is higher as compared to other paper sizing chemicals which can reduce its adoption rate.

Opportunity: Growth in paper packaging and tissue industry worldwide due to rising e-commerce activities is driving the demand for alkyl ketene dimer. Expanding graphite & copper clad laminate sectors utilizing alkyl ketene dimer for improved insulation properties also presents new avenues.

Threats: Availability of alternatives like rosin size press, AKD-free paper and starch based paper chemicals poses threat to the alkyl ketene dimer market. Environmental consciousness among paper manufacturers towards minimizing chemical usage can restrict the market scope.

Key Takeaways

The Global Alkyl Ketene Dimer Market Demand is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period. The global alkyl ketene dimer market is estimated to be valued at US$ 340.98 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030.

Regional analysis revealed that Asia Pacific is currently the largest as well as the fastest growing market for alkyl ketene dimer. China, India, Japan and South Korea have emerged as major consumers owing to large paper manufacturing bases and expanding end-use industries in the region.

Key players operating in the alkyl ketene dimer market are Aries Chemical, Inc., Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd., Atlas Organics Private Limited, GO YEN Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd., Haihang Industry, Kemira Oyj, Longkou Longpai Fine Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Oleon NV, Plasmine Technology, Inc. and SEIKO PMC Corporation. The market is moderately consolidated with top five companies accounting for over 50% of the total share. Kemira and SEIKO PMC are the market leaders having robust production and distribution networks across Asia Pacific and Europe.

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