Introduction
In today’s market—with excess production capacity and fierce competition—the need to enhance the functionality and specialty of paper has become an urgent demand for industry transformation. As the global “dual carbon” goals progress and green environmental concepts take root, the paper industry must integrate sustainable development by innovating technologies and optimizing resources to achieve a green transformation. Meanwhile, the rapid advancement of smart technologies provides new opportunities to empower papermaking, driving the industry toward high efficiency, intelligence, and environmental friendliness. In this process, both equipment intelligence (through IoT, big data analytics, and AI) and the upgrading of papermaking chemicals (via high-performance, eco-friendly additives) have become the two core drivers of the pulp and paper industry. Their synergistic effect not only increases the added value of paper but also significantly reduces energy consumption and emissions during production, offering robust support for achieving green and low-carbon development. In the future, intelligence and chemical upgrading will be the key engines driving high-quality development in the paper industry.
1. Nano Cellulose
1.1 Characteristics of Nano Cellulose
Nano cellulose is a high-performance material obtained by processing natural cellulose into nanoscale fibers. It offers several advantages:
- Ultra-High Strength: Tensile strength can exceed 10 GPa.
- Ultra-Lightweight: With a density of only 1.6 g/cm³.
- Fully Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly and safe.
- Excellent Mechanical & Optical Properties: Its nanoscale fiber structure provides a high specific surface area (up to several hundred m²/g) and unique optical characteristics.
- Potential for Functionalization: Surface modifications can impart additional properties such as antimicrobial activity, conductivity, and self-healing.
1.2 Applications of Nano Cellulose
- Packaging: Nano cellulose-based composites have reached commercial production, used to manufacture high-strength, degradable food and logistics packaging materials with oxygen barrier performance improved by over 50% compared to traditional materials.
- Specialty Paper: Applied in the production of security paper, conductive paper (with conductivity up to 10⁻³ S/cm), and filter paper.
- Smart Paper: A breakthrough in 2025 combines nano cellulose with two-dimensional materials (e.g., MXene) to develop multifunctional smart paper with sensing, display, and energy storage capabilities, successfully applied in wearable devices and IoT.
2. Functional Coating Additives
2.1 Characteristics of Functional Coating Additives
Functional coating additives are chemicals that, through surface modification or composite techniques, impart special properties to paper. They offer multiple functions such as antibacterial, antistatic, waterproof, oil-repellent, and oxygen barrier effects. Recent research utilizing nanotechnology and biomimetic design has significantly enhanced their performance. For example:
- Composite coatings based on graphene and silver nanoparticles can achieve up to 99.9% antibacterial efficacy while providing excellent conductivity and mechanical strength.
- Lotus-leaf-inspired superhydrophobic coatings can increase the contact angle to over 160°, ensuring highly effective water and oil repellency.
- Novel photocatalytic coating additives can degrade organic pollutants under light, opening new avenues for eco-friendly packaging.
2.2 Applications of Functional Coating Additives
- Food Packaging: Waterproof and oil-repellent coating additives are widely used in fast-food packaging and bakery papers, significantly enhancing resistance to grease and barrier performance.
- Medical Paper: Antistatic and antibacterial coating additives are used in surgical instrument packaging and disposable medical dressings to reduce cross-contamination risks.
- Smart Packaging: By combining smart response technologies with coating additives, it is now possible to develop high-value packaging paper that can monitor food freshness in real time.
- Electronic & Architectural Paper: Applied in label and decorative papers to achieve multifunctional integration.
3. Enhancers & High-Performance Sizing Agents
3.1 Enhancers
Enhancers are functional chemicals used to improve both dry and wet strength of paper. Recent developments employing nanocomposite technology and bio-based materials have achieved remarkable performance improvements. Novel enhancers based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and chitosan can increase dry strength by approximately 40% and wet strength by about 50%, while reducing the use of virgin fibers by over 15%. Research indicates that introducing dynamic covalent bonds and hydrogen bond synergy further enhances water resistance and durability—especially in high-humidity environments. These enhancers are widely used in high-strength packaging paper (e.g., corrugated board, heavy-duty packaging) and specialty paper (e.g., filter and medical paper). New bio-based enhancers (such as lignosulfonates and starch derivatives) also help lower production costs and environmental impact, meeting sustainable development requirements. In the specialty paper sector, enhancers are also used to develop high-mechanical-performance 3D printing paper-based materials, opening up possibilities for emerging applications.
3.2 High-Performance Sizing Agents
High-performance sizing agents are key chemicals used in the paper industry to improve water resistance and printability. Recent innovations in sizing agents, driven by molecular structure optimization and nanotechnology, have significantly improved sizing efficiency. Novel cationic sizing agents can form a uniform hydrophobic film on fiber surfaces, increasing water resistance by over 30% while reducing the dosage by 20%. Eco-friendly, bio-based sizing agents (derived from lignin and modified starch) have achieved commercial success, with biodegradation rates exceeding 90% and performance comparable to traditional petroleum-based products. In terms of printability, recent breakthroughs include self-healing sizing agents that form dynamic cross-linked networks on the paper surface, significantly improving pick resistance and ink absorption during printing. These sizing agents are widely used in the production of cultural paper (e.g., book and magazine paper) and packaging paper (e.g., food and logistics packaging), especially in high-value paper sectors.
4. Other Key Additives & Eco-Friendly Products
4.1 Functional Fillers
Functional fillers are key materials used to improve the optical, printing, and mechanical properties of paper. New fillers, modified via surface treatments and nanotechnology, offer high whiteness (ISO whiteness of 95+), excellent covering power (light scattering coefficient over 50 m²/kg), and low wear (abrasion values below 5 mg), thereby significantly enhancing printability and visual appeal. Research shows that introducing porous structures and surface functionalization increases the specific surface area by 30% and further strengthens fiber bonding, improving mechanical properties by over 20%. These fillers are widely used in high-end cultural paper (e.g., art paper, coated paper) and packaging paper (e.g., label and decorative paper). Moreover, the development of eco-friendly fillers (such as bio-based fillers and industrial by-product fillers) further reduces production costs and environmental impact, supporting the industry’s green transformation.
4.2 Eco-Friendly Deinking Agents
Eco-friendly deinking agents are crucial chemicals used in waste paper recycling and production of recycled paper. They efficiently remove ink and impurities from waste paper while minimizing environmental pollution. Recent advancements in eco-friendly deinking agents through green chemistry and enzyme technology have significantly improved deinking efficiency and environmental performance. Composite deinking agents based on lipase and cellulase can achieve ink removal rates exceeding 95% under mild conditions (pH 6–8, 40–60°C), while reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of wastewater by over 30%. Novel nano-emulsified deinking agents enable easier separation of ink particles and reduce chemical usage by 20%. These agents are widely applied in the recycling production of newsprint, office paper, and packaging paper, particularly for waste paper with high ink content. The latest breakthrough is the development of biodegradable deinking agents with degradation rates over 90%, which do not compromise the strength or brightness of recycled paper, thereby supporting a circular economy in the paper industry.
4.3 High-Performance Defoamers
High-performance defoamers are key chemicals used in the papermaking process to eliminate foam, thereby enhancing production efficiency and product quality. Recent developments in high-performance defoamers utilizing nano-emulsification and advanced surfactants have significantly improved both the speed and durability of foam suppression. Composite defoamers based on silicone and modified polyether can eliminate foam within 1–2 seconds and maintain stable performance under high shear and high-temperature conditions. New bio-based defoamers, produced via microbial fermentation, exhibit low toxicity and biodegradability, having been certified by EU REACH and US FDA. These defoamers are widely used throughout the papermaking process, particularly in high-speed paper machines and large-scale production lines. The latest breakthrough is the development of self-healing defoamers that automatically activate when foam reappears, further enhancing production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
4.4 Eco-Friendly Dyes and Pigments
Eco-friendly dyes and pigments are essential chemicals for producing colored paper and packaging, designed to deliver vibrant colors while reducing environmental impact. Recent innovations using bio-based raw materials and green synthesis have significantly enhanced their environmental performance and stability. Dyes based on plant extracts and microbial pigments exhibit low toxicity and low VOC emissions, with color vibrancy improved by over 15% compared to traditional dyes. Novel nano-pigments, developed via surface modification technology, achieve higher covering power and light stability while reducing pigment usage by 20%. These dyes and pigments are widely applied in the production of high-end cultural paper, packaging paper, and decorative paper, especially in food packaging and children’s paper applications. A recent breakthrough is the development of eco-friendly dyes with antibacterial and antioxidant functions, providing new options for functional colored paper. Eco-friendly dyes and pigments have also made significant progress in 3D-printed paper-based materials.
4.5 High-Performance Biocides
High-performance biocides are crucial chemicals used in papermaking to prevent microbial growth and extend paper storage life. Recent developments utilizing green chemistry and new antimicrobial agents have significantly enhanced their antibacterial performance and eco-friendly characteristics. Composite biocides based on quaternary ammonium salts and silver nanoparticles can achieve up to 99.9% bacterial inhibition at low concentrations while being harmless to both the environment and human health. Novel slow-release biocides employing microencapsulation technology maintain long-term antimicrobial activity in pulp, effectively preventing pulp spoilage and paper mildew, while reducing biocide usage by 30%. The latest breakthrough is the development of smart-responsive biocides that automatically release active ingredients based on microbial concentration, further improving antimicrobial efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These high-performance biocides have also made significant progress in specialty papers (e.g., medical and food packaging paper), ensuring paper safety and durability.
4.6 Eco-Friendly Flame Retardants
Eco-friendly flame retardants are key chemicals used to enhance the flame resistance of paper, meeting the safety requirements of flame-retardant and specialty papers while reducing environmental pollution. Recent developments in eco-friendly flame retardants using green chemistry and bio-based raw materials have significantly improved their performance and environmental attributes. Flame retardants based on phosphorus-nitrogen compounds can raise the Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of paper to over 30% and reduce smoke and toxic gas emissions by 50% during combustion. Novel nano-composite flame retardants that incorporate layered double hydroxides (LDH) greatly enhance heat resistance and the durability of flame retardancy. These flame retardants have been widely applied in flame-retardant paper (e.g., building and decorative papers) and specialty paper (e.g., electronic component packaging), with the latest breakthrough being the development of self-healing flame retardants that restore flame-retardant properties after damage, further improving product safety and lifespan. Eco-friendly flame retardants have also made significant progress in biodegradable packaging paper, offering new directions for green packaging.
4.7 High-Performance Lubricants
High-performance lubricants are key chemicals used in papermaking to reduce friction and increase production efficiency. Recent developments utilizing nanotechnology and advanced surfactants have significantly enhanced their lubricating effects and stability. Composite lubricants based on silicone and modified polyether can reduce friction coefficients by over 30% on high-speed paper machines while maintaining excellent thermal and chemical stability. New bio-based lubricants, produced using plant oils and microbial metabolites, are low in toxicity and biodegradable, and have been certified under EU REACH. These lubricants are widely used in high-speed paper machines and specialty paper production, particularly under high shear and high-temperature conditions. A recent breakthrough is the development of smart-responsive lubricants that automatically adjust lubricating performance based on production conditions, further boosting efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
4.8 Functional Antistatic Agents
Functional antistatic agents are essential chemicals used to eliminate static electricity, enhance printability, and improve paper usability. Recent innovations using nanotechnology and conductive materials have significantly improved their antistatic performance and durability. Composite antistatic agents based on graphene and conductive polymers can reduce the surface resistance of paper to below 10⁶ Ω/sq while maintaining excellent flexibility and printability. New environmentally responsive antistatic agents can automatically adjust their conductivity based on humidity changes, further stabilizing antistatic effects. These agents are widely used in packaging paper (e.g., electronic product packaging, logistics packaging) and specialty papers (e.g., medical and label papers). A recent breakthrough is the development of antibacterial antistatic agents that simultaneously eliminate static and achieve a 99% antibacterial rate, providing new multifunctional options for paper.
4.9 Functional UV-Resistant Agents
Functional UV-resistant agents protect paper from aging due to ultraviolet exposure, extending its service life and broadening its outdoor applications. Recent developments in UV-resistant agents, enhanced by nanotechnology and optical optimization design, have significantly improved their UV-blocking performance and eco-friendly properties. Composite UV-resistant agents based on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can reduce UV transmittance to below 5%, while maintaining excellent whiteness and mechanical properties. New bio-based UV-resistant agents, modified using plant extracts (such as aloe and green tea), are low in toxicity and biodegradable, and have been certified under EU REACH. These agents are widely applied in outdoor papers (e.g., advertising and poster papers) and specialty papers (e.g., map and decorative papers), with a recent breakthrough involving self-healing UV-resistant agents that restore UV-blocking properties after damage, further extending paper durability.
4.10 High-Performance Abrasion-Resistant Agents
High-performance abrasion-resistant agents are key chemicals used in the paper industry to enhance wear resistance, extend paper lifespan, and broaden application scenarios. Recent developments utilizing nanotechnology and polymer design have significantly improved abrasion resistance, increasing the number of wear cycles by over 50% while maintaining excellent flexibility and printability. Bio-based abrasion-resistant agents, modified with plant oils and starches, have been widely applied in packaging and specialty paper production, with some products featuring smart-responsive capabilities that adjust performance based on friction conditions, thereby offering new directions for smart packaging. These agents have also achieved important progress in 3D-printed paper-based materials, significantly enhancing paper functionality and market competitiveness.
4.11 High-Performance Oil-Resistant Agents
High-performance oil-resistant agents are crucial chemicals in the paper industry, designed to enhance the oil resistance of paper to meet high-performance requirements for food packaging and specialty papers. Recent developments utilizing nanotechnology and surface modification have significantly improved oil resistance, extending oil penetration time to over 30 minutes while maintaining excellent breathability and mechanical performance. New bio-based oil-resistant agents, modified with plant oils and starches, have been certified under both EU REACH and US FDA, making them suitable for food packaging and specialty papers. The latest breakthrough is the development of smart-responsive oil-resistant agents that automatically adjust oil resistance according to the type of oil, providing new solutions for smart packaging, while also enhancing paper functionality and market competitiveness in 3D-printed paper-based materials.
Conclusion
Through continuous optimization of materials, processes, and equipment, papermaking additives are driving comprehensive enhancements in paper performance while meeting the demands for high quality and green sustainability. The future will see further innovations driven by smart-responsive and bio-based technologies, providing continuous momentum for the paper industry’s green, low-carbon transformation.
