Abstract: A non-latex composition for saturating paper comprising a suitable hydrophobic sizing agent, ethylene acrylic acid co-polymer, and a softening agent. The ethylene acrylic acid copolymer is provided as bulk or solvent polymerized solid and rendered soluble in an aqueous alkali solution. The paper may be formulated to be repulpable. Methods for making the paper-saturating composition, methods for saturating paper, and the resulting paper are also disclosed.