Global Natural Sizing Agents Market Overview

The Global Natural Sizing Agents Market is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing demand for sustainable, bio-based additives across paper, packaging, textile, and coatings industries. Natural sizing agents—primarily derived from starches, rosins, and other plant-based or naturally occurring materials—are widely used to improve surface strength, water resistance, printability, and processing efficiency of substrates.

The Natural Sizing Agents Market Report 2025 provides a detailed evaluation of market size, industry structure, and growth dynamics. The study analyses historical trends and current market conditions to forecast future development. Extensive primary and secondary research have been employed to examine key influencing factors such as environmental regulations, sustainability initiatives, paper and packaging demand, advances in bio-based chemical processing, technological improvements in surface treatment, and competitive developments. The report also assesses supply-chain dynamics and evolving end-use requirements shaping the global natural sizing agent’s market.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Natural Sizing Agents Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the natural sizing agents market in 2020. Temporary shutdowns of manufacturing facilities, disruptions in raw material supply, and reduced industrial activity affected short-term demand, particularly from textiles and coatings. However, demand from paper and paperboard applications remained resilient due to increased consumption of packaging materials, hygiene products, and e-commerce shipments. Post-pandemic recovery has been supported by renewed industrial activity and accelerated adoption of sustainable and bio-based additives.

Global Natural Sizing Agents Market Segmentation

By Type

Starches
Starch-based sizing agents represent the largest segment due to their renewable origin, cost effectiveness, and wide availability. They are extensively used in paper and paperboard applications to improve surface strength, stiffness, and print quality.

Rosins
Rosin-based sizing agents are primarily used in paper manufacturing to enhance water resistance and ink holdout. This segment benefits from established use in traditional paper sizing processes.

Others
This category includes natural gums, proteins, cellulose derivatives, and other bio-based materials used in specialized sizing applications where specific performance characteristics are required.

By Application

Paper & Paperboard
Paper and paperboard account for the largest application segment, driven by strong demand from packaging, printing, and hygiene products. Natural sizing agents are essential for improving water resistance, surface integrity, and printability.

Paints & Coatings
In paints and coatings, natural sizing agents are used to control viscosity, improve film formation, and enhance surface properties. Demand is supported by increasing preference for eco-friendly and low-VOC formulations.

Textile & Fibers
Natural sizing agents are widely used in textile processing to improve yarn strength, reduce breakage during weaving, and enhance fabric quality. Growth is linked to expanding textile manufacturing in emerging economies.

Others
Other applications include construction materials, specialty industrial products, and niche surface treatment uses where bio-based sizing solutions are preferred.

Key Players in the Global Natural Sizing Agents Market

Leading companies in the natural sizing agents market focus on sustainable product development, performance optimization, and expansion of application-specific solutions. Major players include:

• Akzo Nobel
• BASF
• Dow
• DuPont
• Kemira Oyj
• ADM
• Solvay SA
• Ashland
• Cargill
• Evonik Industries AG
• CP Kelco
• FMC
• Ingredion
• Archroma
• Buckman Laboratories International

These companies compete on factors such as bio-based product portfolio strength, performance consistency, regulatory compliance, pricing, and global distribution capabilities. Strategic initiatives include investment in renewable raw materials, development of high-efficiency starch and rosin derivatives, and partnerships with paper mills, textile manufacturers, and coating formulators.

Regional Analysis

North America

North America represents a mature market for natural sizing agents, driven by strong demand from paper packaging, printing, and specialty coatings. The United States leads regional consumption due to its advanced paper manufacturing infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.

Europe

Europe is a high-value market supported by strict environmental regulations and strong adoption of bio-based chemicals. Germany, the U.K., France, and Italy are major contributors, particularly in paper, packaging, and specialty coatings applications.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding paper and textile industries, and rising packaging demand. China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia dominate regional growth due to large-scale manufacturing and increasing sustainability awareness.

South America

South America shows moderate growth potential, supported by expanding paper production, agricultural feedstock availability, and growing textile industries. Brazil and Argentina are key markets in the region.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is experiencing gradual growth, supported by infrastructure development, packaging demand, and expanding textile production. Saudi Arabia and South Africa are emerging markets.

Drivers, Restraints, Trends & Opportunities (DRTO)

Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Sustainable and Bio-Based Additives
Increasing environmental regulations and sustainability targets are accelerating the adoption of natural sizing agents as alternatives to synthetic and petroleum-based additives.

Growth of Paper, Packaging, and Hygiene Products
Expansion of packaging, e-commerce, and hygiene paper products is driving strong demand for natural sizing agents that enhance water resistance, surface strength, and printability.

Expansion of Textile Manufacturing in Emerging Economies
Rising textile production, particularly in Asia-Pacific, is supporting demand for natural sizing agents used to improve yarn strength and weaving efficiency.

Shift Toward Eco-Friendly Paints and Coatings
Growing preference for low-VOC and environmentally friendly coatings is encouraging the use of natural sizing agents as rheology modifiers and surface-property enhancers.

Market Restraints

Performance Limitations Compared to Synthetic Alternatives
In certain high-performance applications, natural sizing agents may offer lower durability or water resistance than synthetic counterparts.

Dependence on Agricultural Feedstocks
Availability and pricing of starches, rosins, and other natural raw materials are subject to seasonal and climatic variability.

Price Sensitivity in Cost-Driven Industries
Paper and textile manufacturers operating on thin margins may be reluctant to absorb higher costs associated with premium bio-based sizing agents.

Market Trends

Innovation in Modified Natural Sizing Agents
Manufacturers are developing chemically modified starches and bio-based hybrids to improve performance while maintaining renewable content.

Growing Use in Recyclable and Compostable Packaging
Natural sizing agents are increasingly tailored for recyclable and biodegradable paper-based packaging solutions.

Integration with Process Optimization Technologies
Advanced dosing and application systems are being adopted to improve sizing efficiency and reduce material consumption.

Regional Shift Toward Asia-Pacific Manufacturing Hubs
Production and consumption of natural sizing agents are increasingly concentrated in Asia-Pacific due to large paper and textile manufacturing bases.

Market Opportunities

Expansion of Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Replacement of plastic and synthetic coatings with paper-based packaging presents strong growth opportunities.

Rising Demand for Green Textiles
Eco-friendly textile processing offers new avenues for natural sizing agent suppliers.

Technological Advancements in Bio-Chemistry
Improved processing technologies can enhance product performance and reduce cost barriers.

Growth in Emerging Markets
Industrial expansion in Asia-Pacific, South America, and Africa provides long-term demand opportunities.

SWOT Analysis – Natural Sizing Agents Market

Strengths

• Renewable and biodegradable raw material base
• Strong alignment with sustainability and regulatory trends
• Wide applicability across paper, textiles, and coatings
• Established usage in large-volume industries

Weaknesses

• Variable performance compared to synthetic agents
• Dependence on agricultural supply chains
• Sensitivity to moisture and processing conditions

Opportunities

• Growth in eco-friendly packaging and textiles
• Innovation in modified natural sizing formulations
• Expansion in emerging manufacturing regions
• Increasing corporate sustainability commitments

Threats

• Competition from low-cost synthetic sizing agents
• Raw material price volatility
• Economic downturns affecting paper and textile demand

Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

Threat of New Entrants – Moderate

While production technology is accessible, scale, formulation expertise, and customer relationships create moderate barriers.

Bargaining Power of Suppliers – Moderate

Suppliers of starches and rosins have moderate influence, affected by agricultural yield and commodity pricing.

Bargaining Power of Buyers – High

Large paper mills, textile manufacturers, and coating producers exert strong negotiating power due to high volume purchasing.

Threat of Substitutes – Moderate

Synthetic sizing agents and alternative surface-treatment chemicals can substitute natural options in performance-driven applications.

Competitive Rivalry – High

The market is highly competitive, with multinational chemical companies and regional suppliers competing on performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

Competitive Landscape Matrix

Executive Summary

The Global Natural Sizing Agents Market is expected to grow steadily from 2025 to 2035, supported by rising demand for sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable additives across the paper, packaging, textile, and coatings industries. Natural sizing agents—primarily starches, rosins, and other bio-based materials—play a critical role in enhancing surface strength, water resistance, and processing efficiency.

Paper and paperboard applications dominate market demand, driven by growth in packaging, hygiene products, and e-commerce logistics. Textile and fiber applications represent a significant growth segment, particularly in Asia-Pacific, while paints and coatings provide incremental demand as sustainability regulations tighten. Although performance limitations and raw-material variability pose challenges, ongoing innovation in modified natural sizing agents is improving competitiveness.

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market due to expanding paper and textile manufacturing bases. Europe and North America remain high-value markets, driven by strong regulatory frameworks and sustainability adoption. Competitive dynamics are characterized by intense rivalry, with major chemical companies and bio-based specialists focusing on product innovation, efficiency improvements, and application-specific solutions.

Overall, the natural sizing agents market offers attractive long-term growth potential, underpinned by sustainability mandates, expansion of paper-based packaging, and continued innovation in bio-based surface treatment technologies.