Global defoamer market trends

According to statistics, the global defoamers market was worth US$3.2 billion in 2018, and the compound annual growth rate is expected to be 4.8% between 2019 and 2025. The increasing use of defoamers in a variety of agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the significant growth of water treatment infrastructure, have promoted the development of this market.

Defoamers play an important role in reducing the carbon footprint caused by manufacturers and end users, which may drive the demand for low VoC solvent-free defoamers. Manufacturers emphasize the use of bio-based and sustainable raw materials, rather than petroleum-based variants. On the other hand, manufacturers emphasize the development of modified and high-performance organosilicon compounds to improve product performance.

North America defoamers market size, by product, 2018-2025(USD million)

 

Due to the low content of volatile organic compounds, environmental regulations around the world encourage the use of solvent-free defoamers. Due to environmental sustainability, the demand for water-based product variants is expected to be higher. Manufacturers are now focusing on research and innovation to develop high-performance organosilicon compounds as raw materials.

Defoamers are widely used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment infrastructure to help reduce pump cavitation, prevent losses caused by overflow, and improve hygiene and safety. Therefore, the defoamer optimizes the sludge dewatering process and can promote the clarification, filtration, thickening and flotation process.

The increasing environmental awareness of consumers in developed regions is expected to promote the use of water-based defoamers. The growth trend of the agrochemical industry and the huge potential of agrochemical preparations are expected to create new opportunities for the market.

Regulators such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (European Commission) have implemented several laws to regulate the ingredients of defoamers. Various organizations have stipulated restrictions on the use of various ingredients in product formulations. Using some variants containing irritating chemicals in food may cause health hazards. Therefore, strict regulations and related side effects of regulatory agencies in developed countries may hinder the market during the forecast period.

Defoamer market:

  Water-based,

  Oil-based

  Silicone-based.

The water-based market segment is expected to account for an important share during the forecast period, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3% during the forecast period.

Oil-based defoamers show excellent performance in controlling macroscopic foam and show outstanding efficiency. The compound annual growth rate of this field is expected to be 3.8% during the forecast period. However, the negative impact of these products on the environment is expected to be a factor hindering the growth of market segments.

Due to its process friendliness in many applications, silicone-based defoamers are widely used worldwide. Pulp and paper have become the largest consumer areas of silicon-based defoamers. Water treatment, coatings, cement and detergents are the main application areas of this product.

In terms of usage, the defoamer market can be subdivided into pulp and paper, coatings, agrochemicals, water treatment, and food and beverages. It is expected that by 2025, pulp and paper will maintain a dominant position in the global market. The output of agrochemicals in this field is expected to increase steadily, which in turn may boost the demand for agrochemical defoamers.

Defoamers are used in pulp and paper mills to reduce foam caused by residual air. As developed countries pay more and more attention to digitalization, the industry has grown slowly. However, the growth of e-commerce is expected to promote the development of this field.

Global defoamers market share, by application (2018)

 

 

From 2018, the demand in the coatings field is expected to increase. In addition, due to the rapid penetration of water-based coatings in industrial applications, this field is also expected to become the second largest coating field.

Agrochemicals are widely used in the production and application of agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. The compound annual growth rate of this part is expected to be 4.6% during the forecast period. Due to increased demand for high-value crops and increased farmers’ awareness, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America accounted for the main share of the agrochemical sector.

The Asia-Pacific region leads the global market, accounting for 42.7% of revenue share in 2018.

The pulp and paper industry is the main driver of growth in the region, and the surge in online retail has strong demand for pulp and paper in various packaging applications.

Europe accounted for the second largest share of the global market in 2018, at 24.3%.

However, the end-use vertical market in this market is growing slowly. European regulatory organizations are emphasizing the use of defoamers that meet environmental specifications. The government has increased the use of treated water in various municipal and industrial applications.

Due to the large presence of coatings, agrochemicals, and pulp and paper industries, North America is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 5.0% during the forecast period. Water treatment plays a vital role in shaping the regional market, as private and government entities have invested heavily in wastewater recycling programs.

This market is characterized by the existence of large international companies and a strong distribution network around the world. The industry is made up of well-known and fixed participants, who only occupy a small market share. In addition, there are many small businesses operating in the regional market, which has led to fierce competition.

Manufacturers aim to strengthen their market position by launching new products, expanding existing product portfolios, expanding geographic areas, and investing in research and development. The company is committed to developing products for specific applications. In order to consolidate their market position, the company aims to expand its customer base in various industries. They focus on product development to meet changing customer needs.

Some of the major players in the market include Air Products, BASF, Shin-Etsu Chemical, Kemira Oyj, Wacker Chemical Dow Corning, Evonik Industries, Bluestar Silicones International, etc.