Defoamers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Water-based, Oil-based, Silicone-based), By Application (Pulp & Paper, Agrochemicals), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global defoamers market size was valued at USD 3.26 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2022 to 2030. The market growth is attributed to the increasing usage of the product in numerous agrochemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers, and significant growth in the infrastructure of water treatment. 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 focusing on the usage of bio-based and sustainable raw materials instead of petro-based variants. Producers, on the other hand, are focusing on 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. FDA, the U.S. EPA, the USDA, and the European Commission have specified the usage limits of various components in the product formulation. Manufacturers thrive to meet the stringent regulatory standards, which leads to the high cost of production and quality control. Technological advancement in the product development process is expected to create lucrative opportunities in the near future. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the key raw material used in the production process. Manufacturers are focusing on research and innovation to synthesize modified and advanced molecules of PDMS to improve product performance.

Product Insights

The silicone-based segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 35.0% in 2021. 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 water-based segment is predicted to expand at a significant CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period. This is attributed to the presence of environment-friendly components in them that are biodegradable. Water-based defoamers do not lead to deposit problems or dirt count while being used in pulp and 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. Polygloycols used in the product are based on polyethylene oxide (PEO), fatty acids, fatty alcohols, alkylphenols, and silicones.

Application Insights

The paper and pulp segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 25.0% in 2021. This is because the product reduces paper breaking, thereby improving the paper machine’s runnability. 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 agrochemicals segment is predicted to expand at the highest CAGR of 5.6% in terms of revenue over the forecast period. This is attributed to the rising demand for high-value crops, coupled with the growing awareness among farmers regarding crop protection. Different types of surfactants used in agrochemicals 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 and 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

The Asia Pacific accounted for the largest revenue share of over 40.0% in 2021. This is attributed to the robust economic development in the region, which has resulted in promising trends in major end-user 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 a significant revenue share in 2021. This is attributed to the presence of pulp and paper manufacturers in Western Europe, coupled with significant demand for water treatment. Regulatory organizations in Europe are focusing on 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 and wastewater treatment industry is expected to boost the market growth in Europe over the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The majority of the manufacturers producing silicone-based defoamers have integrated operations. Companies such as Wacker Chemie AG, Bluestar Silicones International, and Dow Corning Corporation are involved in the production of various silicone compounds, including silicone-based defoamers. Mineral oil, white oil, and vegetable oil are provided by companies such as Sonneborn, Inc.; BP North America; and Bunge North America, Inc. Providers of other key raw materials include Exxon Mobil Corporation, Croda International Plc, and The Dow Chemical Company.

Major manufacturers dominate the market with their strong presence in various regions. Few companies are engaged in the downstream application of the product. Evonik Industries AG and Clariant AG are major players in the coatings industry, which is a key application of defoamers. Some prominent players in the global defoamers market include:

• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

• Ashland Inc.

• Dow Corning Corporation

• Evonik Industries AG

• BASF SE

• Elementis Plc

• Clariant AG

• Eastman Chemical Company

Defoamers Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

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

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

  • Water-based

  • Oil-based

  • Silicone-based

  • Others

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

  • Pulp & Paper

  • Coatings

  • Agrochemicals

  • Water Treatment

  • Food & Beverages

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa