Global Defoamers Market Expected to Reach USD 8.2 Billion by 2033 - IMARC Group

Global Defoamers Market Statistics, Outlook and Regional Analysis 2025-2033

The global defoamers market size was valued at USD 5.7 Billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 8.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.69% from 2025 to 2033.

The growing demand for sustainable, eco-friendly solutions in various industrial sectors has been a key driver of recent innovations in surfactant and defoaming technologies. In contrast, companies are increasingly focusing on developing products that not only meet performance requirements but also address environmental concerns, especially regarding the use of harmful substances like PFAS. As the pressure for greener alternatives intensifies, industries, such as automotive and turf management are embracing more sustainable chemical solutions. For example, in February 2024, DIC Corporation introduced a PFAS-free antifoaming agent specifically designed for lubricating oils in electric vehicles (EVs). This product provides superior antifoaming properties, thermal stability, and shear stability, outperforming traditional PFAS-based agents. The development of this PFAS-free solution reflects the industry’s broader shift toward eliminating harmful chemicals while maintaining high-performance standards. Also, DIC aims for annual sales of ¥2.0 Billion by 2030, further reinforcing the growing market demand for sustainable and effective chemical solutions in the EV sector. Similarly, in August 2024, Bionema Group launched Soil-Jet BSP100, a biodegradable surfactant targeted at the sports and turf industry. This eco-friendly product is designed to improve water infiltration, nutrient uptake, and soil moisture retention, leading to healthier turf and better overall soil management. Soil-Jet BSP100 has positioned itself as a vital tool for turf managers looking to optimize performance while reducing environmental impact, as field trials across multiple regions, including the UK, Ireland, and Canada, demonstrated a 20-30% improvement in nutrient uptake.

Moreover, this shift toward eco-friendly surfactants and defoamers is also evident in the coatings and adhesives industry. For example, Air Products introduced Airase 4750V (vegetable oil-based) and Airase 4800 (mineral oil-based) defoamers at the Eastern Coatings Show, focusing on North America. These defoamers are designed to provide effective foam control in coatings, inks, and adhesives while aligning with the growing preference for sustainable ingredients. Air Products has expanded its portfolio to cater to formulators seeking to meet both performance and environmental goals in industrial applications by offering a range of options, including products derived from vegetable and mineral oils. The development of these biodegradable and sustainable items highlights the ongoing shift in various industries toward environmentally responsible formulations, supporting the broader movement towards sustainability across the global chemical market.

Global Defoamers Market Statistics, By Region

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific dominates the defoamers market due to its robust industrial growth, especially in sectors such as coatings, inks, adhesives, and personal care.

North America Defoamers Market Trends:

In North America, the market is driven by stringent environmental regulations and a growing preference for sustainable solutions. The rise in eco-friendly formulations, especially in industries like coatings, adhesives, and food processing, is notable. For example, in Canada, the demand for PFAS-free defoamers is increasing, as regulatory pressures on harmful chemicals intensify, driving manufacturers to develop innovative, safer alternatives.

Europe Defoamers Market Trends:

In Europe, the market is heavily influenced by sustainability and eco-consciousness, particularly in the food and beverage industry. The implementation of stricter environmental regulations pushes manufacturers towards biodegradable and PFAS-free defoamers. For instance, in Germany, a major market for industrial chemicals, companies like Evonik are focusing on developing sustainable defoaming solutions for water-based coatings and other applications to meet consumer and regulatory demands.

Asia Pacific Defoamers Market Trends:

Asia Pacific is the dominating region in the market, driven by rapid urbanization and expanding industrial activities driving demand for defoaming agents. Countries like China, India, and Japan are leading the charge, where both large-scale manufacturing and the rise in consumer goods production fuel the need for effective foam control solutions. In February 2024, DIC Corporation launched a PFAS-free antifoaming agent for lubricating oils in electric vehicles (EVs), which exemplifies how Asia-Pacific companies are innovating in the defoamers sector to meet both industrial needs and sustainability demands. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific's emphasis on environmental standards has prompted more focus on eco-friendly defoamers, solidifying the region’s leadership in market growth.

Latin America Defoamers Market Trends:

Latin America's defoamers industry is growing due to increasing industrial activities, especially in agriculture, paints, and coatings. Brazil, being a key market, is seeing a rise in demand for high-performance defoamers that are effective under tropical climate conditions. The adoption of biodegradable surfactants is increasing in the region with a push for more environmentally friendly products, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Middle East and Africa Defoamers Market Trends:

In the Middle East and Africa, the defoamers market is influenced by the booming oil and gas industry, which requires specialized defoaming agents for drilling and refining processes. Saudi Arabia, a major player in this sector, is witnessing a growing demand for oil-based defoamers. Besides this, increasing construction and manufacturing activities are driving the demand for defoamers in coatings and adhesives in the region.

Top Companies Leading in the Defoamers Industry

Some of the leading defoamers market companies include Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Ashland, BASF SE, Clariant AG, Dow Inc., Elementis plc, Elkem ASA, Evonik Industries AG, Basildon Chemical Company Limited (Momentive Performance Materials Inc.), Kemira Oyj, and Wacker Chemie AG., among many others. In June 2023, Evonik's Coating Additives business line announced the expansion of its TEGO Rad range with the introduction of TEGO Rad 2550, a novel radically cross linkable defoaming slip additive. This addition to the TEGO Rad portfolio signifies Evonik's commitment to providing tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of coating manufacturers, particularly in the realm of UV- and LED-cured formulations.

Global Defoamers Market Segmentation Coverage

• On the basis of the medium of dispersion, the market has been bifurcated into aqueous systems and non-aqueous/solvent. Aqueous systems use water as a primary solvent, requiring defoamers that work in water-based formulations, while non-aqueous/solvent-based systems use organic solvents, necessitating defoamers effective in oil or solvent mediums.
• Based on the product, the market is categorized into water-based, oil-based, silicone-based, and others, amongst which silicone-based dominates the market. Silicone-based defoamers are renowned for their exceptional efficacy in controlling foam, even at low concentrations, and their stability over a wide range of temperatures and pH levels.
• On the basis of the application, the market has been divided into pulp and paper, paints and coatings, agrochemicals, water treatment, food and beverages, and others. Among these, pulp and paper exhibit a clear dominance in the market. The pulp and paper segment is driven by the increasing demand for packaging materials and hygiene products, reflecting global consumer trends and the growth of e-commerce.