The Specialty Paper Additives report, published by Global Industry Analysts, has found that although the trend to communicate more via electronic means is having a negative impact on the pulp and paper industry, the demand for speciality paper is on the increase.

This is set to have a knock-on-effect on the market for recycled fibres, driven in part, by environmental concerns, but also because it is cheaper than virgin fibre, the report claimed.

And because paper made from recycled fibre holds poorer strength, growth for specialty paper chemicals, such as wet and dry strength additives, sizes, retention and drainage control aids and de-inking specialties, is on the rise.

The report said that the shift from acidic to alkaline papermaking is a global trend. As well as steady growth in specialty paper additives, it forecasts a compound annual growth between 2011 and 2015 in the pitch/control agents market in Europe of 3.4%.

The report looked at US, Japan and Europe, and covers segments including binders, wet-strength additives, dry-strength additives, biocides and de-foamers.

More details can be found at the Global Industry Analysts website.