AKD Emulsifier Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Sustainable Packaging- With a rising emphasis on sustainability, AKD emulsifiers play a significant role in producing environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging materials. It has been observed, that the willingness of consumers to pay more for sustainability packaging was 82 % among those aged between 18 and 34. As consumer preferences shift towards sustainable packaging solutions, the demand for AKD emulsifiers, which enable the production of eco-friendly paper and board, experiences growth.
• Growth in the Chemical and Coatings Industry- The AKD emulsifiers market is positively influenced by the growth in the chemical and coatings industry. AKD emulsifiers find applications in coatings and sizing formulations, contributing to the production of coated papers and boards. The expansion of the chemical and coatings sector, driven by various end-user industries, supports the growth of AKD emulsifier demand.
• Rising E-commerce and Packaging – The flourishing e-commerce industry contributes to increased demand for packaging materials, supporting the AKD emulsifier market. As online retail continues to grow, the need for robust and high-quality packaging solutions, where AKD emulsifiers play a role, is on the rise to ensure the protection and presentation of shipped goods.
• Increasing Demand for Speciality Papers- The growing demand for specialty papers, including packaging materials, labels, and high-quality printing papers, boosts the AKD emulsifier market. AKD emulsifiers are essential in producing specialty papers, where precise sizing and coating processes are required to meet specific performance and quality standards.

Challenges

• Fluctuating Raw Material Costs- One of the primary challenges in the AKD emulsifier market is the fluctuation in raw material costs, particularly those associated with the production of alkyl ketene dimer (AKD). Variability in raw material prices can impact the overall production costs of AKD emulsifiers, affecting the pricing and profitability for manufacturers in the market.
• Lack of awareness amongst end users about the advantages and uses of AKD emulsifiers.
• High market competition from alternative chemicals and sizing agents for paper manufacturing.