Defoamers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Water-based, Oil-based, Silicone-based), By Application (Pulp & Paper, Paints, Coatings & Inks), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Defoamers Market Size & Trends

The global defoamers market size was estimated at USD 3.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2023 to 2030. The market growth is attributed to the increasing usage of the product in numerous agrochemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers, and the significant development of the water treatment infrastructure. The product plays a significant role in minimizing the carbon footprint caused by manufacturers and end-users, which is likely to propel the demand for low VOC solvent-free defoamers. Manufacturers are emphasizing the usage of bio-based and sustainable raw materials instead of petro-based variants. Producers, on the other hand, are stressing the development of modified and high-performance silicone compounds to enhance product performance.

The product is widely used in water treatment infrastructure by municipal and industrial wastewater streams, which helps in the reduction of pump cavitations, prevention of loss due to overflow, and improvement of sanitation and safety. Hence, defoamers optimize the sludge dewatering process and can facilitate floatation, thickening, filtration, clarification, and processes. The product is manufactured using raw materials such as silicone compounds, vegetable oil, mineral oil, ethylene glycol, wax, and propylene glycol. Silicone compounds used in defoamers production include siloxane, silicone glycols, and silicone fluids. SiVance, LLC, Wacker Chemie AG, and Bluestar Silicones International are the major suppliers of silicone compounds to defoamers producers.

Regulatory organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the European Commission (EU) have specified the usage limits of various components in the product formulation. Manufacturers strive to meet stringent regulatory standards, which entail the high cost of production and quality control. Technological advancement in the product development process is expected to create lucrative opportunities soon. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the key raw material used in the production process. Manufacturers are focusing on research and innovation (R&D) to synthesize modified and advanced molecules of PDMS to improve product performance.

Product Insights

Based on product, the silicone-based segment accounted for the largest revenue share of around 37.5% in 2022. This is attributed to the process friendliness of silicone-based defoamers which enable their usage in several applications.Silicone-based defoamers are primarily composed of poly-dimethyl siloxane molecules of different molecular weights.

The presence of environmentally friendly components in them that are biodegradable. Water-based defoamers do not lead to deposit problems or dirt count while being used in pulp & paper mills. Furthermore, they do not affect the sheet strength and sizing efficiency of finished products.

The other types of defoamers include polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol copolymers (EO/PO), alkyl polyacrylates, alkyl phosphates, and powder-based defoamers. Polyglycol used in the product is based on polyethylene oxide (PEO), fatty acids, fatty alcohols, alkyl phenols, and silicones.

Application Insights

Based on application, the paper & pulp segment accounted for the largest revenue share of around 28.8% in 2022. This is attributed to the product reducing paper breaking thereby improving the paper machine run ability. Defoamers lead to increased production and better fiber quality. Furthermore, it increases liquor solids and improves drainage and washing in Kraft pulp mill brown stock.

The rising demand for high-value crops, coupled with growing awareness among farmers regarding crop protection. Different types of surfactants used in agrochemical formulation and spray tank agitation systems result in foam formation. Foaming reduces the performance of agrochemicals. As a result, defoamers are increasingly being used during the production and application of several agrochemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides.

Other applications include textiles, leather, oil & gas, construction, and cleaning compounds. They are used in various dyeing processes of textiles. Jet dyeing, continuous dyeing, and beck dyeing of knitted fabrics and polyester fibers use defoamers. Furthermore, the product has potential usage in several stages of leather processing.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest revenue share of around 36.9% in 2022. This is attributed to the robust economic development in the region which has resulted in promising trends in major end-use industries, reflecting progressive growth in the market.In addition to China, emerging economies including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia were the major contributors to the growth of the market in the Asia Pacific region.

Europe held the second-largest regional revenue share, with the presence of pulp & paper manufacturers in Western Europe, coupled with significant demand for water treatment. Regulatory organizations in Europe are emphasizing the use of defoamers that meet environmental specifications. The government has strengthened the use of processed water in various municipal and industrial applications.

The government in Europe has strengthened the use of processed water in various municipal and industrial applications. The European Directives on urban wastewater treatment have fueled the product demand in recent years. Spurring demand in the water & wastewater treatment industry is expected to boost the market in Europe over the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable products would offer significant growth opportunities for key market players. In addition, the companies are focusing on manufacturing biodegradable and less toxic defoamers products. BASF SE, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Kemira Oyj, Wacker Chemie AG, Bluestar Silicones International, and Air Product are the top players in the global defoamers market.

Major manufacturers dominate the market with various strategy initiatives such as product launches, expansions, and mergers & acquisitions. For instance, In June 2023, Elementis Plc introduced DAPRO BIO 9910, a defoamer made from renewable vegetable oil. This bio-based defoamer serves as a substitute for traditional defoamers. Some prominent players in the global defoamers market include:

• Kemira Oyj

• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

• Ashland Inc.

• Bluestar Silicones International

• Dow Corning Corporation

• Evonik Industries AG

• Wacker Chemie AG

• Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

• BASF SE

• Elementis Plc

• Clariant AG

• KCC Basildon

• Eastman Chemical Company

• Synalloy Chemicals

• Tiny ChemPro

• Trans-Chemco, Inc

Defoamers Market Report Scope

Global Defoamers Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts volume & revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global defoamers market report based on product, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Water-based

  • Oil-based

  • Silicone-based

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Paints, Coatings, & Inks

  • Adhesives & Sealants

  • Personal Care & Cosmetics

  • Agriculture

  • Food & Beverages

  • Household And Industrial/Institutional Cleaning

  • Water Treatment

  • Pulp & Paper

  • Other Applications

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa