Brief Introduction to Paper Wet‑Strength Agent

Wet‑strength agent is a critical papermaking auxiliary. Its core function is to prevent paper from disintegrating and losing strength upon contact with water.Ordinary paper breaks easily when exposed to water as hydrogen bonds between fibers rupture. After adding wet‑strength agent, water‑resistant cross‑linked structures are formed, greatly improving the wet strength of paper.

Main Types

1. PAE (Formaldehyde‑free Polyamide‑Epichlorohydrin): The mainstream product on the current market. Environment‑friendly and formaldehyde‑free. Suitable for food‑grade paper, paper cups, paper food containers, kitchen paper and paper bags, with only trace organic chlorine content.

2. Formaldehyde‑containing resins (MF/UF): Low‑cost with strong wet‑strength performance. Largely phased‑out due to formaldehyde risk, only applied in a small quantity of low‑grade paperboard.

3. Bio‑based / Reversible wet‑strength agents: Green, biodegradable and flushable. Mainly used in premium toilet paper and eco‑friendly packaging paper, yet with relatively high costs.

Major ApplicationsFood‑grade packaging paper, household paper, pulp molding, water‑proof paper shopping bags and special industrial paper.

Latest Industry Updates (Condensed)

• Policy tightening: Formaldehyde is prohibited in food‑contact paper; strict limits are imposed on organic‑chlorine residues. Low‑chlorine, formaldehyde‑free PAE has become the industry standard.

• Technology upgrade: High‑solid‑content & ultra‑low‑chlorine PAE is widely adopted. Biodegradable and reversible wet‑strength agents are key R&D focuses to address poor waste‑paper repulping issues.

• Market trends: Rising demand for food‑service paper‑plastic products and biodegradable packaging boosts consumption of wet‑strength agents. Low‑end defective products are being eliminated; the industry is shifting toward greener, low‑residue and high‑stability products.

• Existing pain points: Conventional PAE causes difficulties in waste‑paper repulping; high‑end eco‑friendly alternatives carry high costs.