Global antifoaming agent market

Market Size and Trends

The Antifoaming Agent Market is estimated to be valued at USD 6.08 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8.28 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2024 to 2031.  

A wide range of applications across various end-use industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, and others are expected to drive the demand for antifoaming agents over the forecast period. The market is witnessing increased demand from developing economies where industrial growth is robust. Also, stringent environmental regulations regarding the use of harsh chemicals with aquatic toxicity are prompting manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly antifoaming agent formulations. Regulations coupled with sustainability priorities of end users are defining the current market trend that seeks environmentally acceptable products.

Increasing Demand from Petrochemical Industry

The petrochemical industry has seen tremendous growth over the past few decades owing to rising demand for plastics, chemicals, and other petroleum products from various end-use industries such as construction, automotive and packaging. Foaming is a commonly observed problem in petroleum refining and petrochemical operations due to the presence of surfactants in crude oil, refined products, and chemical intermediates. Left uncontrolled, foaming can cause loss of product quality, reduction in yields, equipment damage, and disruption of plant operations. To address this issue, antifoaming agents are widely utilized across various units involved in exploration, extraction, transportation, storage, refinement, and processing of oil and gas. They help breakdown foam and prevent its further formation, ensuring a smooth production process. With rising petroleum consumption globally to meet expanding needs of evolving economies, production volumes from refineries and petrochemical plants have increased substantially. This has driven up demand for defoaming agents to maintain efficiency and optimize output. Furthermore, stringent quality and safety regulations imposed by regulatory authorities have compelled petroleum companies to deploy advanced antifoaming techniques. Growing complexities in refining associated with processing of heavier crude varieties also accentuate the need for effective defoaming chemicals. Overall, the massive growth trajectory of the petrochemical sector worldwide is a major factor propelling the antifoaming agent market growth, therefore growing petrochemical industry is expected to drive the market growth. For instance, according to data published by Ministry of Petroleum in January 2024, India's chemical and petrochemical industry is expected to grow to about USD 300 billion by 2025.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

Increased Usage in Wastewater Treatment Applications

Mounting global concern about water pollution and scarcity has amplified focus on wastewater treatment. Advanced treatment methodologies involving processes like coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation are increasingly being adopted worldwide to remove contaminants from industrial and municipal wastewater before recycling/reuse or safe disposal. However, these processes often lead to excessive foaming which hinders the separation of solids from liquid. Left unabated, foaming severely undermines treatment effectiveness. It is here that antifoaming agents play a vital role by controlling foam and ensuring successful sludge separation. Their usage allows for higher throughput and compliance with stringent discharge standards. With urbanization and rapid industrialization worldwide, volumes of wastewater requiring treatment have risen immensely. Also, tightening environmental regulations across many countries mandate advanced treatment of wastewater before disposal. These factors have significantly propelled the application of antifoaming chemicals in water treatment plants as well as various industrial wastewater handling.

Market Challenge: Strict regulations on use of certain chemicals

The antifoaming agent market is facing several challenges. Regulations on the use of certain chemicals is increasing globally which may affect raw material supplies and drive up product costs. Environmental concerns around hazardous chemicals and their disposal pose compliance issues. Market saturation in developed nations is prompting manufacturers to focus on emerging markets for growth. However, developing nations present difficulties like price sensitivity, less stringent compliance, and lack of awareness about product benefits. Overall demand could slow if global economic conditions weaken industry sectors that utilize antifoaming agents extensively.

 Market Opportunities: Leveraging Bio-based and Natural Products through Strategic Partnerships

Expanding into developing markets before they saturate can gain early mover advantage. Introducing bio-based and natural products answers the call for sustainability. Partnering with end-use industries provides unique insights into innovations.

Insights, By Type: Efficiency Drives Silicone Based Adoption

In terms of Type, Silicone Based contributes the 39.1% share of the market owing to its high efficiency in various applications compared to other types. Silicone-based agents offer stronger and longer-lasting foam control relative to other options, owing to silicone's unique properties. Being hydrophobic and lipophobic, silicones are able to spread easily at interfaces and form an effective barrier against foam and bubble formation. They also tend to be more thermally and chemically stable than alternatives like oil and water based agents. This durability means silicone formulations provide persistent anti-foaming without degradation over time under different conditions.

Insights, By Application: Food Safety Drives Demand in Food Processing

In terms of Application, Food Processing contributes the 35.6% share of the market owing to stringent quality and safety norms. Foam control is critical in food manufacturing to ensure optimal processing and packaging while preserving product purity. Even miniscule traces of unwanted residues from antifoaming agents could lead to health issues or non-compliance penalties. Food processors therefore prioritize agents with complete removal from the final foodstuff. Water based antifoams pose a high risk of leaving moisture that aids microbial growth if not thoroughly purged. Oil based versions also face challenges in complete separation from aqueous food matrices. By contrast, silicone based antifoams can be nearly 100% recoverable from food products after use due to their hydrophobicity. Advanced silicone emulsions have also been developed for easy washing away without leaving undesirable deposits. Their chemical inertness means silicones will not compromise food safety through unexpected reactions or degradation into harmful compounds either. Such characteristics satisfy strict international food contact substance standards. With a proven safety profile supporting regulatory approval for food applications, silicone antifoams meet the stringent performance needs of food and beverage manufacturers.

Insights, By End-Use: Process Efficiencies Drive Adoption in Pharmaceuticals

In terms of End Use, Pharmaceuticals contributes the 39.8% share of the market owing to its stringent quality norms. Eliminating foam is crucial in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure accurate dosing and mixing of active ingredients as well as avoiding product contamination. Even trace residuals of improper antifoaming agents could compromise sterile drug production. Water based agents require more wash steps and risk water introduction that hinders drying efficiency. Oil based versions also face challenges in guaranteeing complete removal from products. Compared to alternatives, silicones demonstrate long-lasting and consistent foam control without risk to pharmaceutical purity. Being non-polar and hydrophobic, silicones easily separate from water-based drug formulations after use without leaving moisture or residues. They also enable simpler validation of cleaning procedures compared to other antifoaming technologies. Additionally, silicone fluids exhibit thermal and chemical stability approved for high temperature sterilization without degradation. Their inertness avoids unwanted reactions and maintains product integrity throughout manufacturing and the drug product’s shelf life. These advantages of silicone antifoams support compliance with rigorous cGMP and ICH guidelines for pharmaceutical processing. Their processing benefits have made them the standard for most sterile drug and medical applications.

Regional Insights

North America has historically dominated the global antifoaming agent market with 36.7% share owing to the strong presence of end-use industries such as oil & gas, paints & coatings, pharmaceuticals, and detergents in the region. Countries such as the U.S. and Canada have an advanced industrial infrastructure with wide distribution networks to support the supply of antifoaming agents. Moreover, regulatory guidelines such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the U.S. necessitate the use of defoamers to ensure worker safety in industries such as oil & gas. Leading antifoaming agent manufacturers have also established production facilities as well as research & development centers in the region to cater to the local demand as well as for exports.

The Asia Pacific region has been witnessing the fastest growth in the antifoaming agent market over the past few years. Rapid industrialization, growing population, and rising disposable income in countries such as China, India and other Southeast Asian countries have been driving the consumption of end-use products that require antifoaming agents. China, in particular, has emerged as a major importer of antifoaming agents to meet the demand from its powering chemicals sector. Meanwhile, India is also seeing an expansion of end-use industries like pharmaceuticals and food & beverages, which presents significant opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers of antifoaming agents to increase exports to India.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• Evonik's launch of a new defoaming agent in October 2023 marked a significant advancement in the industry. This innovative product combines the desirable properties of silicone and bio-based materials, offering a solution tailored for water-based ink and coating applications. The incorporation of a novel mixing technology enhances its effectiveness, ensuring superior performance in defoaming applications.
• Jio-bp's introduction of a new diesel variant in May 2023 represented a significant advancement in the commercial vehicle industry, offering substantial cost savings and operational benefits for truck drivers and fleet owners. This innovative diesel formulation is designed to cater to a wide range of commercial vehicles, providing a cost-effective solution that enhances efficiency and performance.
• Evonik's introduction of TEGO Foamex 812 in January 2021 represented a strategic expansion of its product portfolio, specifically targeting wood coating formulations. This new antifoaming agent is designed to address the unique challenges associated with foam control in wood coatings, offering a tailored solution that enhances the performance and quality of the final product.

*Definition: The antifoaming agent market consists of substances added to liquids to reduce and inhibit the formation of foam during production or transportation. Antifoaming agents work by lowering the surface tension of liquids so bubbles cannot form or their coalescence is accelerated. Common applications include preventing foaming in paints, coatings, pharmaceuticals, concrete mixtures, paper pulp, fermentation processes, and water treatment. Major antifoaming agent types used are oils, polymers, and silicone-based formulations.

Market Segmentation

•  Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Water Based
  • Oil Based
  • Silicone Based
  • Alkyd Based
  • Others (Polymer Based, etc.)
•  Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Adhesives
  • Coatings
  • Detergents
  • Wood Pulp
  • Food Processing
  • Others (Wastewater Treatment, etc.)
•  End Use Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Oil and gas
  • Paint and coatings
  • Food and Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Textile
  • Others (Pulp and Paper, etc.)
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • BASF
  • Evonik Industries
  • Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
  • Wacker Chemie AG
  • DOW Corning Corporation
  • Mohini Organics Pvt. Ltd
  • Harmony Additives Pvt Ltd.
  • Vizag chemical
  • Dadia Chemicals
  • Sri Saibaba Chemical Industries
  • CDH Fine Chemicals
  • Kemira
  • Ashland
  • Sinograce Chemical Company
  • Clariant AG