Global Defoamers Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Defoamers Market reached US$ 3.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 5.4 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Ongoing research to develop new types of defoamers will be key to propeling global market growth. For instance, Evonik Industries AG is currently developing a new type of industrial defoamer that the company hopes to commercialize in the next couple of years. New product launches will likely expand the scope of applications for defoamers over the long term.

Volatility in raw material prices is likely to become a major factor in hindering global market growth during the forecast period. Supply chain disruptions and increasing trade restrictions as a result of rising geopolitical tensions between China and western countries are likely to be detrimental for specialty chemical producers. A steep price rise would be highly undesirable for many of the end-users.

Dynamics

New Advances in Papermaking

Papermakers are modifying their manufacturing processes to make strengthen the mechanical properties of paper, making it more durable and water resistance. Some companies are even experimenting with synthetic materials to reinforce paper. For instance, in March 2023, Relyco, a U.S.-based paper manufacturer, launched Revlar Synthetic, a new paper reinforced with polyester which makes it waterproof and highly tear resistant.

Such advances are also occuring in specialty paper used for printing and tagging label applications. In March 2023, Polyart, a major producer of specialty coatings announced the launch of its new Fiberskin Tag, a tagging material 100% made from paper which can be used in cold and refrigerated environments. With newer advances in paper development, the demand for defoamers from the papermaking industry will rise over the next few years.

Ongoing Improvements in Global Drinking Water Quality

The most recent data from the world health organization (WHO) found that nearly 2.2 billion people globally lack access to drinking water, with the vast majority of this population being concentrated in developing parts of Asia-Pacific and Africa. However, with support from multilateral organizations and government initiatives, many countries have made drastic improvements in improving public access to drinking water.

A recent example is the World Bank financed construction of a drinking water treatment plant in August 2023, which provided potable water to nearly half a million people in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, in southeast Africa. With countries improving their water treatment infrastructure, the demand for defoamers from developing countries is likely to soar in the upcoming years.

Rising Concerns About Paper Industry Pollution

Even as various industries are gradually adopting paper as an eco-friendly substitute to plastics, the modern paper production process itself is riddled with toxicity and pollution. Paper mills are major sources of air pollution, releasing noxious compounds like hydrogen sulfide, methane, nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide. A host of scientific studies have also conclusively proven that paper mills contaminate water bodies with carcinogenic pollutants.

The problem of water pollution by paper mills has become serious enough that governments have started instituted strict anti-pollution measures for the industry, with non-compliance often leading to closure. Many unprofitable paper mills, which could not afford investment in new pollution control devices, also closed down. The implementation of strict pollution control regulations will reduce demand for defoamers in the short term.

Segment Analysis

The global defoamers market is segmented based on type, application and region.

The Water Treatment Industry Will Have the Fastest Growth During the Forecast Period

Water treatment will retain the largest share in the global market, especially as governments in developing and underdeveloped countries strive to improve water quality standards. Fast-growing economies like India and China are expanding their water treatment capacity to cater to a growing urban population. Similarly, in developed countries, the dilapidated water treatment infrastructure is getting upgraded for improved performance.

Applications in the food and beverage industry are likely to garner the second-highest market share during the forecast period. Many F&B companies are rapidly expanding their product portfolios in anticipation of fast-paced growth in emerging countries. F&B brands are also launching more health-based products, taking cognizance of growing health-conciousness among global consumers.

Geographical Penetration

Asia-Pacific Will the Fastest Growth Rate During the Forecast Period

In Asia-Pacific, demand for defoamers from the water treatment industry will increase as a result of government-led developmental initiatives. One of the largest of these initiatives is the Jal Jeevan Mission, an effort by the Indian government to provide piped drinking water connections to 194 million households by the end of 2025. China and India, with their large populations, will be key markets for water treatment and papermaking industry demand.

Multinational F&B brands have also expanded their presence in the Asia-Pacific market over the past decade, taking advantage of changing consumer habits and rapid growth of urbanization. However, with government regulatory bodies undertaking greater scrutiny of food additives and ingredients, the demand for defoamers in the F&B sector is likely to have muted growth, at least in the short and medium term.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The pandemic represented a period of heightened uncertainty for the global defoamers market. Although demand from major industries like water treatment and food and beverage remained relatively stable, it decreased significantly in other sectors. Papermaking did witness a notable increase in demand, especially as consumers preferred disposable paper cutlery due to heightened sanitary concerns during the pandemic period.

As business restrictions were gradually lifted, global demand slowly returned to normalcy. However, the overall increase in market volatility due to the Russia-Ukraine war has created growth headwinds, especially in Europe and some key emerging markets. In the long-term, the pandemic will have a negligible impact on the growth of the global defoamers market.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The main impact of the war on was felt in the Russian market, as western chemical manufacturers exited the country as a result of sanctions and trade embargoes. It led to an immediate shortage of defoamers in the Russian market, as domestic chemical companies struggled to increase production. Russia had to increase imports from China to meet domestic demand.

To combat shortages, the Russian government also gave permission to distributors to import defoamers from neighboring countries under a parallel import scheme. Although such tactics might stave off crisis in the short term, the effect of sanctions will heavily weigh on the development of the Russian defoamers market over the long term.

By Type

• Silicone-based
• Water-based
• Oil-based
• Powder-based
• Others

By Application

• Water Treatment
• Food and Beverages
• Agrochemicals
• Pulp & Paper
• Paints & Coatings
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In November 2023, BASF SE announced plans to increase production of defoamers at its site in Dilovasi, Turkey. The decision was taken in response to increased demand from the domestic and middle eastern markets.
• In April 2024, Evonik Industries AG launched the TEPO Foamex defoamers for architectural coatings. It is mainly intended for low to medium PVC coatings.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include BASF SE, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Dow, Ashland, Kemira Oyj, Evonik Industries AG, Wacker Chemie AG, Elementis PLC, Clariant and Eastman Chemical Company.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global defoamers market segmentation based on type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of defoamers market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global defoamers market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 47 figures and 188 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Footwear Manufacturers
• Medical Equipment Manufacturers
• Automotive Manufacturers
• Petrochemical Companies
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals