
Raw materials used in the production of specialty papers are termed as specialty pulp & paper chemicals. Specialty pulp & paper chemicals are broadly classified into bleaching chemicals, functional chemicals, process chemicals, and basic chemicals. These chemicals are mixed into paper pulp to produce specialty papers. Functional chemicals such as dyes and coatings are used to give final texture and color to papers, which can then be used for various purposes such as printing and packaging. Various chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, chlorine-based bleaching agents, deinking agents, optical brightening agents (OBA), and fluorescent brightening agents are currently used to ward off discoloration and brighten specialty papers. Presently, the specialty papers market is a niche market, which accounts for approximately 5% to 7% of the overall paper production in the paper industry. However, specialty paper chemicals accounted for about half the overall paper chemicals market in terms of volume at the end of 2013. Though the chemicals used for making specialty papers have applications in the manufacture of a variety of materials such as textiles and automotive, a significant share is consumed in specialty paper manufacturing.