A shift in product mix toward higher-priced chemicals will support pulp and paper chemical demand, which will reach $8.7 billion in 2011. In general, pricing for pulp and paper chemicals jumped abnormally during the 2004 to 2006 period due to a rise in energy costs. However, price increases should moderate going forward. Increases in paper and board production will support overall demand for chemicals, as will the use of recycled paper and trends toward brighter paper and board products that meet international standards. These and other trends, including market share and company profiles, are presented in Pulp & Paper Chemicals, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.
Specialty additives will show the fastest growth and account for half of total chemical demand in the
Fillers and coating pigments will continue to represent the largest pulp and paper chemical segment in terms of volume. Fillers are widely used by papermakers to reduce the amount of more expensive fibers. Growth will largely be centered in calcium carbonates, which are the principal filler and coating chemicals in use. Clays will remain widely used, although growth will be below average as kaolins lose ground to both precipitated and ground calcium carbonate.
The use of recycled paper and board will continue to support demand for a wide variety of chemicals. Although prices for recovered paper have risen significantly in recent years as strong demand from developing countries (especially
The Freedonia Group is a leading international business research company, founded in 1985, that publishes more than 100 industry research studies annually. This industry analysis provides an unbiased outlook and a reliable assessment of an industry and includes product segmentation and demand forecasts, industry trends, demand history, threats and opportunities, competitive strategies, market share determinations and company profiles.