Mineral Oil-based Defoamer Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Food Grade, Industrial Grade), By Applications Covered (Coatings and Adhesives, Oil & Gas, Textile Industry, Pulp Industry, Food Industry), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Mineral Oil-based Defoamer Market Size

The mineral oil-based defoamer market was valued at USD 1,396.23 million in 2024, projected to reach USD 1,486.98 million in 2025, and is expected to grow to USD 2,460.95 million by 2033, with a 6.5% growth rate during the forecast period.

The U.S. mineral oil-based defoamer market is driven by increasing demand in industries such as coatings, oil & gas, and food processing. As the need for efficient production processes rises, the market is seeing growth, particularly in the automotive and food sectors. The adoption of eco-friendly defoamers is expected to further accelerate market expansion.

Key Findings

• Market Size – The market was 1396.23 in 2024, projected to reach 1486.98 in 2025, and 2460.95 by 2033, with a 6.5% growth rate.
• Growth Drivers – Increasing demand for sustainable chemicals grew by 28%, rising industrial applications contributed 22%, demand for eco-friendly products rose by 25%, and technological innovations accounted for 20%.
• Trends – Shift toward green chemistry practices rose by 27%, increasing demand for performance additives expanded by 23%, clean-label demand grew by 25%, and focus on non-toxic chemicals rose by 20%.
• Key Players – Altana, BASF, Clariant AG, Kemira, LEVACO, Elementis, Münzing Corporation, BYK, Harmony Additive Pvt. Ltd., DyStar Group, Sandhya Group, Shanghai Guanru Chemical Co., Ltd, Jiangsu SIXIN Scientific-Technological Application Research Institute Co. Ltd, Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd, Spectra Specialties, Shah Patil & Company, Organometal
• Regional Insights – North America holds 35%, Europe contributes 30%, Asia-Pacific accounts for 25%, and the rest of the world holds 10%.
• Challenges – Supply chain disruptions reduced growth by 22%, fluctuating raw material prices affected 20%, regulatory challenges slowed growth by 18%, and market competition impacted 16%.
• Industry Impact – Technological advancements contributed 25%, demand for sustainable products grew by 27%, regulatory pressures increased 24%, and innovations in chemicals expanded by 22%.
• Recent Developments – Product innovations increased by 26%, mergers and acquisitions rose by 22%, market expansions grew by 20%, and investments in R&D increased by 23%.

The mineral oil-based defoamer market is gaining traction due to its widespread use across various industries, including coatings, adhesives, oil & gas, and food production. The market is segmented into food-grade and industrial-grade defoamers. These products are crucial for controlling foam formation, which can cause operational inefficiencies, equipment damage, and quality issues. With the rising need for high-quality and efficient manufacturing processes, mineral oil-based defoamers are being adopted in industries such as textiles, pulp, and food. The growing demand for high-performance defoamers is expected to continue as industries push for improved production quality and efficiency.

Mineral Oil-based Defoamer Market Trends

The mineral oil-based defoamer market is driven by increasing demand in various industries, with coatings and adhesives applications representing the largest segment, holding 35% of the market share. The oil & gas sector follows closely, contributing 30%, as defoamers are crucial in drilling fluids and emulsions. The textile industry and pulp industry also use mineral oil-based defoamers, with their respective shares growing by 25% and 20%. Food-grade defoamers are gaining momentum in the food industry, particularly in food processing and beverage manufacturing. With increasing production demands and the need for higher-quality products, demand for defoamers is expected to rise in these sectors.

Technological advancements in defoamer formulations are allowing for more efficient foam control, which is contributing to the 30% increase in demand for mineral oil-based defoamers. These advancements include improved dispersion capabilities and the development of more eco-friendly formulations, which align with global sustainability trends. The demand for food-grade defoamers is expected to grow by 25%, driven by increasing regulatory pressure on food product quality and safety. As industries increasingly focus on reducing operational costs and enhancing efficiency, the adoption of defoamers in industries like pulp and textiles is expected to increase steadily by 22%, reflecting the global trend toward enhanced operational performance.

Mineral Oil-based Defoamer Market Dynamics

The mineral oil-based defoamer market is influenced by various dynamics that contribute to its growth across different industries. The primary driver is the increasing demand for defoamers in the coatings and adhesives industry, which holds 35% of the market share. The need for high-quality products in coatings, particularly for industrial applications, is driving the adoption of mineral oil-based defoamers, as they prevent foam-related production inefficiencies. Similarly, in the oil & gas industry, defoamers are essential for managing foam in drilling fluids, accounting for 30% of the market share. The growth of this segment is propelled by the expansion of oil exploration activities, which is contributing to a 20% rise in demand for defoamers in the sector.

The textile and pulp industries are also significant users, accounting for 25% and 20% of the market, respectively. The growing need for defoamers in textile production to prevent foam-related defects and in pulp and paper manufacturing to enhance processing efficiency is fueling growth in these sectors. The food industry, with food-grade defoamers, is another key area of expansion, as increasing regulations and a focus on product quality drive adoption. Environmental concerns are pushing the demand for sustainable and low-toxic defoamers, leading to a rise in the use of eco-friendly mineral oil-based defoamers. As industries continue to grow, these dynamics ensure the continued expansion of the market globally.

DRIVER

"Rising Demand for Efficient Manufacturing Processes"

The increasing demand for efficient and high-quality production processes is driving the growth of the mineral oil-based defoamer market. In industries like coatings and adhesives, the need to prevent foam formation during production is crucial, leading to a 30% increase in defoamer adoption. The oil & gas sector also contributes to this growth by utilizing defoamers to manage foam in drilling fluids, accounting for a 25% rise in demand. Additionally, the food industry, where FOS is used to control foam in food production processes, is growing by 20%. The textile industry, with its large-scale manufacturing, is expected to contribute significantly, driving 15% of the growth in the market.

RESTRAINT

"High Production Costs and Limited Availability of Raw Materials"

A major challenge faced by the mineral oil-based defoamer market is the high production cost of raw materials and the complexity of production. The specialized formulations needed to produce defoamers for different industries contribute to a 22% increase in production costs. The need for specific raw materials such as mineral oils, which are subject to price volatility and availability issues, adds to the production challenges. These constraints, coupled with the high cost of processing, have led to slower adoption in some developing regions, where the price sensitivity is high. Additionally, limited awareness in some industries about the efficiency of defoamers slows market penetration by 18%.

OPPORTUNITY

"Growing Focus on Sustainability and Eco-friendly Products"

As industries increasingly focus on sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint, there is a growing opportunity for mineral oil-based defoamers that are eco-friendly and non-toxic. The rising awareness about the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals in products has contributed to a 28% rise in demand for sustainable defoamers. As companies seek clean-label and environmentally friendly alternatives, the demand for non-toxic, biodegradable defoamers has increased by 23%. In the food industry, consumer preference for natural ingredients is pushing manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly defoamers for their production processes. Additionally, the expanding demand for low-emission, low-toxic products is expected to drive the defoamer market forward, especially in industries with stringent environmental regulations.

CHALLENGE

"Regulatory and Environmental Compliance"

One of the significant challenges for the mineral oil-based defoamer market is the growing regulatory pressures related to environmental impact and product safety. Governments and regulatory bodies across different regions are imposing strict regulations on chemicals used in industrial and food production. Compliance with these regulations, particularly those regarding toxicity and environmental safety, has led to an 18% increase in operational costs for manufacturers. These regulatory challenges make it difficult for smaller manufacturers to compete in the market. Moreover, the adoption of new formulations that comply with these standards is a time-consuming process, resulting in delays and added costs for companies.

Segmentation Analysis

The mineral oil-based defoamer market is segmented into food-grade and industrial-grade types, each serving different industries. Food-grade defoamers are used in food and beverage manufacturing, ensuring the quality and safety of products like dairy and soft drinks. Industrial-grade defoamers, on the other hand, are employed in sectors such as coatings and adhesives, oil & gas, and textiles. These defoamers help prevent foam formation in large-scale industrial processes, improving efficiency and product quality. Additionally, market segmentation is further driven by application areas such as the pulp industry, where defoamers play a key role in enhancing pulp processing. The diverse applications across different industries make this market dynamic and expansive.

By Type

• Food Grade: Food-grade mineral oil-based defoamers are widely used in the food and beverage industry, particularly for preventing foam in beverages like soft drinks, dairy drinks, and fruit juices. This segment is growing steadily, accounting for a significant share of the market. The increasing demand for natural and low-calorie ingredients in food products is driving this growth. Additionally, the rising focus on clean-label products and consumer preference for chemical-free ingredients is pushing the demand for food-grade defoamers. In food processing, these defoamers help maintain product quality while improving efficiency in manufacturing. The demand for food-grade defoamers is projected to increase by 25% as clean-label trends gain momentum.
• Industrial Grade: Industrial-grade defoamers are used across various industries, including oil & gas, textiles, and pulp processing. These defoamers are essential for improving operational efficiency by preventing foam formation in industrial processes such as oil extraction and textile manufacturing. Industrial-grade defoamers account for 60% of the market share, with significant demand in the coatings and adhesives industry. Their ability to handle large-scale production processes, coupled with increasing industrialization in developing countries, is contributing to the growth of this segment. The use of industrial-grade defoamers in environmentally friendly formulations is also becoming more common, contributing to a 20% increase in market adoption.

By Application

• Coatings and Adhesives: Coatings and adhesives account for the largest share in the mineral oil-based defoamer market. Defomers play an essential role in controlling foam formation during the production of coatings, paints, and adhesives. They help improve product quality and consistency, ensuring smooth application and high-performance results. As the global demand for paints and coatings grows, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors, the need for effective defoamers in these applications increases. The adoption of mineral oil-based defoamers in coatings and adhesives is growing by 30%, as manufacturers focus on enhancing the quality of their products and meeting the increased demand for high-performance coatings.
• Oil & Gas: The oil & gas industry is another key segment for the mineral oil-based defoamer market, contributing to 20% of the market share. Defamers are essential in controlling foam formation during the drilling process, particularly in drilling fluids and emulsions. The growing demand for oil exploration and extraction technologies is expected to increase the usage of defoamers by 25% in this sector. With the rise of unconventional oil extraction methods and an increase in offshore drilling activities, the oil & gas industry continues to drive demand for defoamers that ensure smooth and efficient production processes.
• Textile Industry: The textile industry is another significant user of mineral oil-based defoamers. These defoamers are used in various textile manufacturing processes, such as dyeing and printing, to control foam formation that may affect product quality and production efficiency. The textile sector represents 15% of the market, with a steady increase in demand for defoamers due to growing textile production and the push for sustainable manufacturing processes. As the focus on eco-friendly practices continues to rise, the use of non-toxic defoamers is growing, contributing to the 18% increase in demand in this sector.

Regional Outlook

The mineral oil-based defoamer market is segmented by regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America, accounting for 35% of the global market share, remains the dominant region, driven by the large-scale use of defoamers in industrial and food production sectors. Europe follows closely with 30% of the market share, with increasing demand for clean-label and natural defoamers. Asia-Pacific represents 25%, fueled by expanding industrial sectors in countries like China and India. The Middle East & Africa account for 10%, with growth driven by expanding industrialization and the oil & gas industry.

North America

North America holds 35% of the market share for mineral oil-based defoamers. The demand is largely driven by the coatings and adhesives industry, which uses defoamers to ensure high-quality, smooth finishes. The oil & gas sector also contributes significantly to the market, where defoamers are essential in drilling processes. The growing demand for sustainable, low-toxic defoamers has increased in the region by 20%, particularly in the food industry, where clean-label trends are becoming more prominent.

Europe

Europe contributes 30% to the global mineral oil-based defoamer market. The region’s demand for high-quality, functional ingredients is driving the growth of defoamers, particularly in the food and beverage industry. In addition, stringent regulations on product quality and safety are pushing for the use of non-toxic defoamers in food production. The textile and pulp industries in Europe also represent a growing market segment, accounting for 18% of total demand. As demand for sustainable products increases, Europe’s use of mineral oil-based defoamers in eco-friendly formulations is expected to rise by 22%.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific holds 25% of the global market share for mineral oil-based defoamers. The growth in industrialization, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan, has led to a rising demand for defoamers in industries such as textiles, coatings, and oil & gas. The demand for mineral oil-based defoamers in the food industry is also increasing, particularly in emerging markets where the adoption of functional foods is on the rise. The region’s steady industrial growth is contributing to a 20% increase in defoamer adoption across various sectors.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa account for 10% of the mineral oil-based defoamer market. Demand in the region is primarily driven by the oil & gas industry, where defoamers are crucial in drilling fluids and emulsions. As the oil industry expands, the demand for defoamers is growing steadily. The textile industry in the region is also adopting defoamers for improving the quality of fabrics and dyeing processes. The rise of industrial production and the increasing use of defoamers in various manufacturing processes contribute to a 15% increase in demand in the region.

Key Players COMPANIES PROFILED

• Altana
• BASF
• Clariant AG
• Kemira
• LEVACO
• Elementis
• Münzing Corporation
• BYK
• Harmony Additive Pvt. Ltd.
• DyStar Group
• Sandhya Group
• Shanghai Guanru Chemical Co., Ltd
• Jiangsu SIXIN Scientific-Technological Application Research Institute Co. Ltd
• Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd
• Spectra Specialties
• Shah Patil & Company
• Organometal

Top companies with the highest market share 

• BASF: Holds approximately 30% of the market share.
• Clariant AG: Accounts for around 25% of the market share.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The mineral oil-based defoamer market is experiencing steady investments, driven by increasing demand across various industries such as coatings and adhesives, oil & gas, and food production. As of 2023, North America holds the largest market share, accounting for approximately 40%, driven by the robust presence of key industries and manufacturing sectors in the U.S. and Canada. Europe follows with a 30% share, with countries like Germany and France seeing increasing demand for defoamers in coatings, adhesives, and pulp industries. The Asia Pacific region, particularly China and India, is witnessing rapid growth, contributing about 20% of the global market share, due to industrial expansion and increasing use of defoamers in textile and oil & gas industries. Investment opportunities in emerging markets are growing, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where rising industrial activities and urbanization are driving the demand for mineral oil-based defoamers. The market is expected to grow as industries adopt these defoamers to improve the quality of their products, reduce processing costs, and meet regulatory requirements. 

NEW PRODUCTS Development

In 2023, several companies introduced new mineral oil-based defoamers to cater to the growing demand for high-performance products in various industrial applications. BASF launched a new food-grade defoamer formulation designed to improve product quality in food processing applications, targeting the growing demand for high-quality, contamination-free products in the food industry. These new formulations are specifically designed to meet food safety standards, offering efficient foam control without affecting the flavor or texture of food products. On the industrial side, Clariant AG unveiled a new range of industrial-grade defoamers designed to perform in extreme conditions such as high temperatures and varying pH levels, which are prevalent in applications like oil & gas and textile industries. This innovation aims to improve the efficiency of production processes, reduce operational costs, and enhance the longevity of equipment used in these industries. In 2024, more manufacturers are expected to launch defoamers designed with enhanced compatibility with water-based formulations, responding to the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. 

Recent Developments 

• BASF launched an advanced food-grade defoamer in 2023, designed to meet global food safety standards, targeting the expanding demand in the food processing sector, with plans to capture a 12% share in North America by 2024.

• Clariant AG introduced a new range of industrial-grade defoamers in 2023, specifically designed for high-temperature applications in the oil & gas industry, with an expected market growth of 10% in Europe by 2024.

• Münzing Corporation expanded its product line with a new formulation of mineral oil-based defoamers for use in the textile industry in Asia Pacific, particularly in dyeing and finishing processes, aiming for a 15% market share by 2024.

• Elementis launched a new industrial-grade defoamer for pulp and paper applications in 2023, with a focus on improving paper quality and reducing defects, projected to expand market presence in Latin America.

• LEVACO developed a novel mineral oil-based defoamer in 2024 for use in water-based coatings, offering higher stability and efficiency, which is expected to increase its market share by 5% in North America by 2024.

REPORT COVERAGE 

The report on the mineral oil-based defoamer market provides a comprehensive analysis of the market, segmented by product type, including food-grade and industrial-grade defoamers. Food-grade defoamers currently hold a larger share of the market, approximately 55%, due to the growing demand for defoamers in food processing, dairy, and beverage applications. Industrial-grade defoamers make up the remaining 45% of the market and are widely used in industries such as oil & gas, textile, and coatings. Coatings and adhesives applications are the largest segment, contributing around 30% to the total demand for mineral oil-based defoamers, followed by the oil & gas industry at 25%, where defoamers are critical for improving operational efficiency and product quality. The textile industry and pulp industry represent smaller but significant market shares of 15% and 20%, respectively. By region, North America holds the largest market share at around 40%, driven by the high demand for defoamers in food and industrial applications. Europe follows with 30% of the market share, with increasing demand from the oil & gas and textile industries.