Dispersing Agents Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Water-borne, Other Types), By Structure (Anionic, Non-ionic), By End-Use (Paints, Coatings, & Inks), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Dispersing Agents Market Size & Trends

The global dispersing agents market size was valued at USD 5.99 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the rising application of dispersing agents in the paints, coatings, & ink industry, coupled with growing construction activities around the globe. Dispersing agents are essential in the paint and coatings industry because they contribute to the enhanced performance and stability of the final product. These agents help to prevent the accumulation or settling of pigments, ensuring uniform distribution and color consistency.

Moreover, the construction industry is witnessing significant growth owing to increased infrastructure development, urbanization, and renovation projects across the globe. Dispersing agents are essential in construction materials such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. They improve the dispersion of pigments and solid particles, enhancing the performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal of these materials. In addition, technological developments in construction materials have led to the development of high-performance products that require effective dispersion of additives and fillers thus, driving the demand for product market over the forecast period.

The product market's growth during the forecast period can be attributed to the growing demand from current and emerging end-use industries. These industries may include oil and gas, paper, paint, detergents, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, automotive, and others. The increasing use of dispersing agents in these industries indicates a need for improved dispersion and stability of various materials and substances.

According to the International Trade Administration, the U.S. has one of the largest automotive markets worldwide and the second-largest vehicle production and sales. In 2023, U.S. light vehicle sales reached approximately 11.5 million units, maintaining the country's position asthe second-largest automotive market globally. The industry witnesses significant production with 4.9 million vehicles made by international automakers domestically, supported by extensive R&D and a skilled workforce, driving innovation and economic growth. Thus, the advancing demand for automotive will increase demand for the product as dispersing agents play a crucial role in achieving uniform dispersion of pigments, fillers, and other additives in automotive coatings, ensuring consistent color, improved durability, and enhanced performance.

Type Insights

Water-borne segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 79.5% in 2024. This is attributed to the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly products across various industries, including paints, coatings, and inks. Waterborne dispersing agents align with this demand as they contribute to developing eco-friendly formulations. They are surfactants or polymeric compounds with hydrophilic properties, enabling them to interact with water molecules. They contain functional groups that can adsorb onto the particle surface, reducing the interfacial tension between the particles and the liquid medium. Hence, the particles are dispersed more easily and prevented from agglomerating or settling.

Other types are expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. It includes solvent-borne and oil-borne dispersants. Solvent-borne dispersing agents are formulated to disperse solid particles in solvent-based systems. These dispersants are organic compounds that have good solubility in the solvent used in the formulation, improve overall performance, and enhance the durability of the final product. On the other hand, oil-borne dispersing agents are specifically formulated for use in oil-based systems. They are designed to disperse solid particles or pigments in oil-based formulations such as oil-based paints, varnishes, and coatings.

Structure Insights

Anionic segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 38.2% in 2024. This is attributed to their wide range of applications, including paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, and ceramics. They offer excellent dispersion stability, preventing the agglomeration or settling of particles in formulations. This leads to improved color development, reduced viscosity, and enhanced overall performance of the end product. Moreover, they are particularly suitable for water-based systems, which are gaining popularity due to environmental regulations and health and safety concerns. These dispersing agents can effectively disperse pigments and additives in water-based coatings, inks, and other formulations, contributing to the growing demand for anionic dispersing agents.

The non-ionic segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period, owing to its broad compatibility with various charged molecules and low toxicity, which makes it suitable for diverse applications such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. In addition, its ability to stabilize emulsions under extreme conditions and enhance dispersion in paints, coatings, and inks adds to its demand. Furthermore, the shift towards eco-friendly, bio-based formulations and regulatory pressures favoring sustainable products further propel the adoption of non-ionic dispersing agents.

Amphoteric is another segment anticipated to witness growth over the forecast period. They possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Unlike hydrophilic or hydrophobic dispersants, which have a strong affinity for either water or non-polar substances, amphoteric dispersing agents are versatile. As such, they can interact with both types of materials. They contain functional groups that can ionize in both acidic and alkaline conditions. These functional groups typically include amino acids, such as glycine or betaine, with positive and negative charges at different pH levels. This unique characteristic allows the dispersants to interact with a wide range of particles or substances, regardless of their surface charge.

Moreover, amphoteric dispersing agents work through electrostatic and steric stabilization mechanisms. When added to a system, these dispersants can adsorb onto the surface of particles or droplets, forming a protective layer that prevents their agglomeration or coalescence. The charges on the functional groups of dispersants allow them to interact with the surface charges of the particles, providing electrostatic stabilization. Additionally, hydrophilic or hydrophobic portions of dispersants extend into the surrounding liquids, creating repulsive barriers between the dispersed particles. This helps in maintaining their stability.

End Use Insights

The paints, coatings & inks segment held the dominant position in the market with the largest revenue share of 38.9 % in 2024. This is attributed to the fact that they play a crucial role in the formulation and production of paints, coatings, and inks. These agents help improve the dispersion of pigments, fillers, and other solid particles in these systems, ensuring uniform and stable distribution. They help break down pigment agglomerates, enabling better dispersion throughout the paint matrix. This results in improved color uniformity, enhanced hiding power, and reduced settling or flocculation of pigments. These agents also aid in reducing viscosity, promoting easy application, and preventing paint defects like streaking or uneven coverage. They are particularly important in high-solid or solvent-free paint formulations, where particle dispersion is more challenging.

Moreover, dispersing agents are widely utilized in the ink industry to achieve optimal color strength, particle dispersion, and print quality. Inks used for digital printing, flexography, gravure, or other printing methods rely on the effective dispersion of pigments or dyes. These agents help break down pigment aggregates to ensure uniform distribution in the ink formulation. This leads to vibrant colors, improved print resolution, and reduced clogging or sedimentation in printing equipment.

The construction segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2030. One significant application area of dispersing agents is the production of concrete. These agents enhance the potential of working and pumping of concrete mixes by improving the dispersion and flowability of cement particles. This allows for easier placement and consolidation of concrete, reducing the need for excessive water content, and improving the overall strength and durability of the final structure. Furthermore, they help control the hydration process of cement, prevent the formation of undesirable agglomerates, and ensure a uniform and consistent concrete setting. This results in improved compressive strength, reduced shrinkage, and enhanced resistance to cracking.

Regional Insights

Europe dominated the global dispersing agents market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 50.9% in 2024, driven by the region’s push for sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Regulatory pressure to reduce VOC emissions is compelling industries to adopt water-based dispersing agents. Rising demand from the automotive, construction, and packaging sectors further fuels adoption. Innovations in green chemistry and increasing infrastructure investment are contributing to consistent demand. Additionally, the shift towards renewable materials in industrial formulations enhances the appeal of advanced dispersing solutions.

Germany Dispersing Agents Market Trends

The dispersing agents market in Germany dominated the European market with the largest revenue share in 2024, owing to its robust automotive and industrial coatings sector. The country’s emphasis on precision manufacturing demands high-performance dispersing agents that enhance product consistency and durability. Rapid advancements in nanotechnology and increased research activities are supporting product innovation. Furthermore, strict environmental regulations encourage manufacturers to reformulate products using low-toxicity dispersing agents. As the demand for high-quality paints, coatings, and adhesives rises, the need for effective dispersion technologies continues to expand across German industries.

North America Dispersing Agents Market Trends

The North America dispersing agents market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period. The region has witnessed robust growth in the paint & coatings industry, driven by residential and commercial construction projects. As consumers and industries alike prioritize eco-friendly and high-performance coatings, the demand for dispersing agents has surged.

The dispersing agents market in the U.S. led the North American market. It held the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by a surge in construction, oil and gas exploration, and chemical manufacturing. The expanding use of dispersing agents in concrete additives, paints, and lubricants reflects a broader demand for efficiency-enhancing chemicals. Increasing consumer awareness of environmentally responsible products is pushing companies to develop low-VOC and biodegradable dispersing solutions. Moreover, growth in industrial output and infrastructure investments is sustaining long-term demand, while technological advancements enable better dispersion across various applications.

Asia Pacific Dispersing Agents Market Trends

Asia Pacific dispersing agent market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. This is attributable to rapid industrialization, particularly in China, India, and Southeast Asia. This industrial growth drives the demand for the product across various industries such as paints and coatings, adhesives, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Dispersing agents are essential in these industries to achieve optimal dispersion and stability of ingredients, leading to improved product performance

Key Dispersing Agents Company Insights

The dispersing agents market is characterized by intense competition, where companies are engaged in expanding their regional presence via different strategic initiatives. For instance, in August 2023, BASF SE expanded its production in Dilovasi, Turkey. The company plans to double its production capacity for water-soluble dispersants based on acrylic acid. Strategic partnerships, capacity expansions, collaborations, and new product developments are other popular strategies adopted by the manufacturers to maintain and further expand their market share from a global perspective. Some of the prominent players in the global dispersing agents market include:

• BASF SE manufactures polymeric, oligomeric, and surfactant-based dispersing agents designed for water-based, solvent-based, high solids, and 100% solids systems. Operating primarily in the industrial solutions segment, BASF focuses on enhancing product performance through innovative technologies like controlled free radical polymerization, improving viscosity, color intensity, and stability in various applications.

• Arkema develops and manufactures advanced materials and chemical solutions, including dispersing agents used in coatings, adhesives, and construction materials. The company operates in segments such as specialty chemicals and industrial materials, providing products that improve pigment dispersion, stability, and rheology in formulations.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, Evonik announced its participation at the European Coatings Show 2025, highlighting innovative solutions for coatings, printing inks, and adhesives. ORTEGOL DA 801, a polyurethane-based thermal interface material dispersing agent, reduces formulation viscosity and ensures thermal conductivity in electric vehicle batteries.

• In April 2024, BASF announced the launch of a next-generation solvent-based dispersing agent, Efka PX 4360. Utilizing CFRP technology, this dispersing agent offers superior performance, durability, and storage stability.

Dispersing Agents Market Report Scope

Global Dispersing Agents Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and analyzes the latest industry trends in each sub-segment from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global dispersing agents market report based on type, structure, end use, and region.

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

  • Water-Borne

  • Other

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

  • Anionic

  • Non-Ionic

  • Hydrophilic

  • Amphoteric

  • Other

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

  • Paints, Coatings & Inks

  • Adhesives & Sealants

  • Personal Care & Cosmetics

  • Agriculture

  • Construction

  • Household and Industrial/Institutional Cleaning

  • Other

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Finland

    • Sweden

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Benelux

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Chile

    • Peru

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa