The Global AC Foaming Agent Market was valued at USD 1,088 Million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 1,798 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period (2023–2030). This growth is being driven by the expanding footwear and leather industries, rising demand for lightweight materials in automotive and construction sectors, and the increasing focus on sustainable foaming solutions across emerging economies.
The USA market for the Global AC Foaming Agent market is estimated to increase from USD 250 Million in 2022 to reach USD 420 Million by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period of 2023 through 2030.
The China market for the Global AC Foaming Agent market is estimated to increase from USD 350 Million in 2022 to reach USD 580 Million by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period of 2023 through 2030.
The Europe market for the Global AC Foaming Agent market is estimated to increase from USD 200 Million in 2022 to reach USD 330 Million by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period of 2023 through 2030.
Azodicarbonamide (AC) foaming agent, also known as ADC foaming agent, is a widely used organic thermal decomposition foaming agent with the largest gas evolution and the most superior performance.
As the foaming agents industry evolves toward more efficient and environmentally friendly production processes, the spotlight is on the key manufacturers who are driving innovation, quality, and expanded applications in diverse sectors. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the AC Foaming Agent Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialized producers, and innovators shaping the future of global foaming solutions.
🔟 1. Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: AC Foaming Agents for Footwear, ADC Blowing Agents
Ajinomoto stands as a pioneer in the chemical sector, particularly renowned for its high-purity AC foaming agents that are integral to the production of EVA foam used in footwear and insulation materials. With a strong emphasis on research and development, the company supplies these agents to major global brands, ensuring consistent performance in thermal decomposition and gas release properties. Their products are widely adopted in Asia-Pacific markets, where demand for lightweight foams is surging due to industrial growth.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Development of low-temperature foaming agents for energy-efficient processing
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Partnerships with footwear manufacturers to optimize foam density and durability
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Commitment to reducing environmental impact through cleaner production methods
Download FREE Sample Report: AC Foaming Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: ADC Foaming Agents, Modified AC for Rubber Applications
Otsuka Chemical operates as a key player in the fine chemicals industry, delivering specialized AC foaming agents that excel in creating microcellular structures for rubber and plastic products. The company’s extensive distribution network covers North America and Europe, supporting applications in automotive parts and construction materials. Because of their focus on customization, Otsuka meets specific client needs, such as varying particle sizes for finer foams.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Investment in R&D for eco-friendly AC variants with reduced emissions
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Collaborations with industry associations to standardize foaming processes
8️⃣ 3. Arkema S.A.
Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: Celogen AC Foaming Agents, Thermal Decomposing Agents
Arkema is a global leader in specialty chemicals, with its AC foaming agents playing a crucial role in the leather and footwear industries. Their products are engineered for high gas yield and uniform foaming, making them ideal for creating flexible foams that enhance product comfort and insulation. Operating in over 50 countries, Arkema’s commitment to sustainability drives their expansion into green chemistry solutions.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Targets for bio-based foaming agent production by 2030
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Supply chain optimizations with manufacturers in emerging markets
7️⃣ 4. Lanxess AG (formerly Bayer MaterialScience)
Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Lupragen AC Foaming Agents, Specialized Blowing Agents
Lanxess, evolving from Bayer’s legacy, provides advanced AC foaming agents tailored for polyurethane and polyolefin foams used in automotive and construction. Their expertise in catalysis ensures superior performance in high-volume production lines. With a strong European presence, the company is adapting to regulatory changes by innovating safer alternatives to traditional foaming agents.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Goal of 15% increase in sustainable product portfolio by 2025
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Europe’s advanced R&D facility for foam technology advancements
Download FREE Sample Report: AC Foaming Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. ExxonMobil Chemical Company
Headquarters: Spring, Texas, USA
Key Offering: AC Blowing Agents for Plastics, Integrated Chemical Solutions
ExxonMobil leverages its vast petrochemical resources to produce reliable AC foaming agents for plastic insulation and packaging. Their global supply chain supports large-scale applications, particularly in the rubber and plastic heat insulation sectors. Furthermore, the company invests in process improvements to enhance yield and reduce waste, catering to the growing demands in North American markets.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Offers certified low-volatility AC agents for clean manufacturing
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Aims for net-zero emissions in chemical production by 2050
5️⃣ 6. HaTai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Key Offering: High-Performance ADC Foaming Agents, Custom Blends
HaTai Chemical is a prominent Asian supplier, specializing in AC foaming agents that dominate the footwear and leather applications in the APAC region. Their products are known for excellent thermal stability and compatibility with various polymers. As demand rises in emerging fields like insulation materials, HaTai expands its capacity to meet output growth exceeding 10% annually.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Current production capacity: Over 50,000 tons/year
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Target expansion to 70,000 tons/year by 2026
4️⃣ 7. Risheng Industrial Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Zhangjiagang, China
Key Offering: AC Foaming Agents for EVA Foams, Bulk Supply
Risheng Industrial serves as a major force in China’s booming manufacturing landscape, providing cost-effective AC foaming agents for footwear and other consumer goods. Their integration of advanced synthesis techniques ensures high purity levels, supporting the rapid growth in traditional and emerging applications. Despite challenges like raw material volatility, Risheng maintains steady supply to global exporters.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Focus on median size optimization: Below 5μm for fine foams
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R&D into hybrid foaming systems for enhanced performance
3️⃣ 8. Sun Chemical Group Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Modified AC Agents, Applications in Insulation
Sun Chemical excels in delivering AC foaming agents for the rubber and plastic insulation industries, capitalizing on China’s infrastructure boom. Their agents support the creation of lightweight, energy-efficient materials, aligning with global sustainability trends. The company actively engages with distributors to navigate price fluctuations and demand shifts.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Indigenous development of 5-10μm particle size agents
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Collaborations for scaling production in high-growth regions
2️⃣ 9. Selon Industrial Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Weifang, China
Key Offering: Standard ADC Foaming Agents, Export-Oriented
Selon Industrial is a key exporter of AC foaming agents, focusing on applications in footwear and leather across Asia and beyond. Their robust production facilities handle large volumes, ensuring reliable supply amid the market’s prosperous demand. However, they address obstacles like geopolitical tensions by diversifying supply chains.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Aims for above 10μm variants for coarse foam structures
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Major expansion in export logistics underway
1️⃣ 10. Thorpe Chemical Company
Headquarters: Gardena, California, USA
Key Offering: Celogen AZ Foaming Agents, Specialty Chemicals
Thorpe Chemical specializes in high-quality AC foaming agents for North American markets, particularly in automotive and construction foams. As a trusted supplier, they offer comprehensive technical support to optimize foaming processes. Their strategic position enables quick response to regulatory changes and client-specific needs in diverse applications.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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End-to-end solutions for global manufacturers
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Strategic alliances with research institutions for next-gen agents
Read Full Report: AC Foaming Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of AC Foaming Agent Is Innovative and Sustainable
The AC foaming agent market is undergoing a dynamic shift. While traditional applications still dominate in volume, the industry is investing heavily in advanced formulations, particle size optimizations, and eco-friendly alternatives to meet evolving demands.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Rapid capacity expansion in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America
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Regulatory push for low-emission foaming agents by 2030
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Digitalization of manufacturing processes and supply chain tracking
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Manufacturer alliances for sustainable innovation
Read Full Report: AC Foaming Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only powering global foam production—they’re spearheading the innovative transition in materials science.
Outline of Major Chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduces the definition of AC Foaming Agent, market overview.
Chapter 2: Global AC Foaming Agent market size in revenue and volume.
Chapter 3: Detailed analysis of AC Foaming Agent manufacturers competitive landscape, price, sales and revenue market share, latest development plan, merger, and acquisition information, etc.
Chapter 4: Provides the analysis of various market segments by median size, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different market segments.
Chapter 5: Provides the analysis of various market segments by application, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different downstream markets.
Chapter 6: Sales of AC Foaming Agent in regional level and country level. It provides a quantitative analysis of the market size and development potential of each region and its main countries and introduces the market development, future development prospects, market space of each country in the world.
Chapter 7: Provides profiles of key players, introducing the basic situation of the main companies in the market in detail, including product sales, revenue, price, gross margin, product introduction, recent development, etc.
Chapter 8: Global AC Foaming Agent capacity by region & country.
Chapter 9: Introduces the market dynamics, latest developments of the market, the driving factors and restrictive factors of the market, the challenges and risks faced by manufacturers in the industry, and the analysis of relevant policies in the industry.
Chapter 10: Analysis of industrial chain, including the upstream and downstream of the industry.
Chapter 11: The main points and conclusions of the report.
Looking ahead, the AC foaming agent sector promises continued prosperity. Factors such as the push for lightweight materials in electric vehicles, stricter environmental regulations, and innovations in biodegradable foams will propel this market forward. Manufacturers are responding by enhancing production efficiencies and exploring new applications, ensuring that AC foaming agents remain essential in creating versatile, high-performance foams. For businesses eyeing opportunities, understanding these dynamics is key to strategic planning in this vibrant industry. The integration of digital tools for process control and the emphasis on circular economy principles further underscore the sector’s potential for sustainable growth. As global economies recover and consumer demands evolve, the role of these top companies in driving efficiency and innovation cannot be overstated, positioning the AC foaming agent market for robust expansion through the decade.
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