AKD Wax

I. Brief Introduction of AKD Wax Powder

Full name: Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD), the primary raw material for neutral sizing agents in papermaking, appearing as white waxy solids.

Core properties: Melting point 48–50℃. It reacts with cellulose fibers under neutral or weakly alkaline conditions to form permanent hydrophobic films for durable water and moisture resistance without reversion. Compared with traditional rosin sizes, it prevents paper yellowing, avoids equipment corrosion, allows high calcium carbonate filler dosage and facilitates waste paper recycling.

Common grades

• AKD1840: General-purpose grade for offset paper, writing paper and regular packaging paper.

• AKD1865: High-carbon premium grade featuring fast sizing speed and superior water resistance, applied to food cardboard, cup base paper and high-end packaging paper.

Main applications: Internal and surface sizing in papermaking; minor uses as slip agents and release additives for coatings and inks.

Storage & transportation: Store in cool, dry and shaded places. High temperature causes caking; shelf life is 12 months.

II. Latest Industry News 2026 (Condensed)

1. Market trend: Steady industrial growth; China’s annual market scale is projected to reach nearly 9.64 billion RMB. Outdated small-capacity production lines are being phased out. Leading enterprises expand capacity and market share, with faster growth of food-grade premium AKD.

2. Upgraded demand structure: Paper mills tend to purchase grade 1865 in bidding. Demand for high-sizing food packaging and paper cup base paper rises continuously, while demand for general-grade products stays stable.

3. Technical upgrades: Solvent-free green production and low-emulsifier modified AKD are widely adopted. They deliver lower dosage, better sizing performance and reduced COD in wastewater to meet environmental regulations. Composite modified wax powder cuts overall auxiliary costs for paper mills.

4. Raw materials & prices: Steady cost of upstream stearic acid. Main factory prices range from 12,500 to 16,600 RMB/ton as of July 2026, with obvious price premium for premium AKD1865. The recycled and purified AKD circular industry matures to satisfy cost-reduction demands of small and medium paper mills.

5. Exports & policies: Domestic AKD gradually replaces imported products with surging exports to Southeast Asia. Strict wastewater discharge standards and food contact paper safety codes accelerate the replacement of traditional acid sizing agents by neutral AKD.