Top 10 Companies in the Metal Deactivating Agent Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Global Lubricant and Fuel Stability

In Business Insights
August 19, 2025


The Global Metal Deactivating Agent Market was valued at USD 187.6 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 251.3 Million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2023–2029). This growth is driven by increasing demand for fuel and lubricant stability, rising automotive production, and stringent regulations regarding metal corrosion prevention in industrial applications.

As industries worldwide prioritize equipment longevity and operational efficiency, metal deactivating agents (MDAs) have become critical additives for preventing metal-catalyzed oxidation in fuels, lubricants, and metalworking fluids. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Metal Deactivating Agent Industry—a mix of chemical giants and specialty additive manufacturers shaping this high-growth market.


🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Irgamet® series (39, 30, 42 MDAs)

BASF is the global leader in metal deactivators with its high-performance Irgamet series. These products effectively inhibit copper and other metal ions from catalyzing oxidation in lubricants, greases, and fuel systems across automotive and industrial applications.

Innovation Highlights:

  • Patented multifunctional metal deactivator formulations
  • Compliance with evolving industry standards (ATIEL, ILSAC)
  • Strategic focus on sustainable additive solutions

Download FREE Sample Report: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/download-sample/226565/global-metal-deactivating-agent-market-2023-2029-500


9️⃣ 2. Innospec Inc.

Headquarters: Englewood, Colorado, USA
Key Offering: DCI-11, DCI-4A, DCI-6A metal deactivators

Innospec specializes in fuel and lubricant performance chemicals, with metal deactivators that prevent copper-induced degradation in critical applications. Their products are widely used in jet fuels, transformer oils, and industrial lubricants.

Key Advantages:

  • Proven performance in ASTM D130 copper corrosion tests
  • Compatibility with other additive packages
  • Strong presence in aviation fuel additive markets

8️⃣ 3. ADEKA Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Mark MDA series

This Japanese specialty chemical company offers advanced metal deactivators that effectively neutralize catalytic metal ions in lubricating oils and industrial fluids. ADEKA’s solutions are particularly strong in Asian automotive markets.

Market Position:

  • Leading supplier to Japanese automotive OEMs
  • Growing R&D in high-temperature stable MDAs
  • Strategic partnerships with regional lubricant blenders

7️⃣ 4. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Hostavin MDA solutions

Clariant provides high-performance metal deactivating agents through its Hostavin additives line, focusing on industrial lubricant applications and polymer stabilization where metal contamination is a concern.

Technical Capabilities:

  • Synergistic antioxidant-MDA formulations
  • Production facilities across Europe, North America and Asia
  • Strong focus on REACH-compliant solutions

Download FREE Sample Report: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/download-sample/226565/global-metal-deactivating-agent-market-2023-2029-500


6️⃣ 5. Songwon Industrial

Headquarters: Ulsan, South Korea
Key Offering: SONGSORB MDA additives

As the second-largest antioxidant producer globally, Songwon offers complementary metal deactivators that protect lubricants and fuels from metal-catalyzed degradation, particularly in high-temperature applications.

Business Strategy:

  • Vertical integration with antioxidant production
  • Cost-effective solutions for emerging markets
  • Increasing focus on bio-based additive platforms

5️⃣ 6. Afton Chemical Corporation

Headquarters: Richmond, Virginia, USA
Key Offering: HiTEC 5800, HiTEC 5950 MDAs

Afton Chemical, a subsidiary of NewMarket Corporation, provides multifunctional metal deactivators that are standard in many premium lubricant formulations, particularly in North American markets.

Product Features:

  • Combined metal deactivation and corrosion inhibition
  • Tailored solutions for extended drain intervals
  • Strong technical service network globally

4️⃣ 7. Dorf Ketal

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: DI Metal Deactivators

Dorf Ketal specializes in refinery process chemicals and fuel additives, including metal deactivators that protect processing equipment and finished fuels from corrosion and oxidative degradation.

Market Focus:

  • Strong position in Indian and Middle Eastern markets
  • Custom solutions for refinery applications
  • Cost-competitive product offerings

3️⃣ 8. Vanderbilt Chemicals

Headquarters: Norwalk, Connecticut, USA
Key Offering: Vanlube series metal deactivators

This century-old specialty chemical company provides Vanlube-branded metal deactivators that effectively inhibit copper and other metals from catalyzing oil degradation in demanding applications.

Specialty Areas:

  • High-performance applications in aerospace and defense
  • Custom formulations for niche industrial uses
  • Proprietary copper-complexing technology

2️⃣ 9. LANXESS

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Additin RC series

LANXESS offers metal deactivators as part of its comprehensive lubricant additive portfolio, with particular strength in European industrial and automotive markets.

Technical Advantages:

  • Multifunctional additive packages incorporating MDAs
  • Compliance with European OEM specifications
  • Focus on reducing total cost of ownership for end-users

Get Full Report Here: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/reports/226565/global-metal-deactivating-agent-market-2023-2029-500


1️⃣ 10. King Industries

Headquarters: Norwalk, Connecticut, USA
Key Offering: K-CORR MDA solutions

King Industries develops specialty metal deactivators that prevent corrosion and oxidative degradation in lubricants, with particular expertise in demanding military and aerospace applications.

Differentiating Factors:

  • MIL-SPEC compliant formulations
  • Patented synergistic additive combinations
  • Extreme temperature performance capabilities

🧪 Outlook: The Future of Metal Deactivating Agents

The metal deactivating agent market is evolving with industry demands for higher performance, environmental compliance, and multifunctional solutions. As equipment becomes more sophisticated and operating conditions more severe, MDAs will play an increasingly critical role in maintaining fluid stability.

🔬 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Development of non-P-containing metal deactivators for environmental compliance
  • Integration with other additive functionalities (antiwear, extreme pressure)
  • Growing demand from renewable energy applications (wind turbine oils)
  • Increasing specifications from OEMs for extended drain intervals

Get Full Report Here: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/reports/226565/global-metal-deactivating-agent-market-2023-2029-500

The companies profiled above are not just supplying chemicals—they are enabling equipment reliability and performance across global industries through innovative metal deactivation technologies.