The Global External Mold Releases Market was valued at USD 846.7 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.38 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.2% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This growth is being driven by increasing demand from the composites industry, expanding automotive production, and the accelerating adoption of solvent-free and water-based formulations across plastics, rubber, and aerospace manufacturing sectors.

As the manufacturing industry transforms toward sustainable practices and operational efficiency, the spotlight is on the key suppliers who are driving innovation, eco-friendly solutions, and advanced chemical technologies. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the External Mold Releases Market—a mix of chemical giants, specialized formulators, and innovation leaders shaping the future of global molding processes.

🔟 1. Daikin Global

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Fluoropolymer-based releases, solvent-free coatings

Daikin Global stands as a pioneer in fluorochemical technologies, providing high-performance external mold releases that excel in extreme conditions. Their products serve automotive, electronics, and aerospace sectors, with a focus on durable, non-stick formulations that reduce friction and enhance part release in high-volume production lines.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of low-VOC fluoropolymer releases

• Partnerships for bio-based additive integration

• Committed to sustainable chemistry by 2030

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9️⃣ 2. LANXESS

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty chemical releases, water-based emulsions

LANXESS operates globally with a strong emphasis on advanced polymer additives, including external mold releases tailored for rubber and plastics molding. The company supplies solutions to over 200 manufacturing facilities worldwide, emphasizing formulations that improve surface quality and minimize defects in complex parts.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in sustainable raw materials

• Collaboration with equipment makers for optimized application

8️⃣ 3. E. und P. Würz GmbH & Co. KG

Headquarters: Lahr, Germany
Key Offering: Wax and silicone-based releases, custom formulations

This German specialist focuses on high-precision external mold releases for industrial applications, serving automotive and consumer goods producers. Their eco-friendly lines support clean demolding in injection molding, helping manufacturers achieve higher throughput without residue buildup.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Targets for 100% bio-degradable components by 2028

• Custom R&D for regional regulatory compliance

7️⃣ 4. AXEL Plastics

Headquarters: McHenry, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Water-based and dry film releases

AXEL Plastics is renowned for its environmentally conscious mold release solutions, catering to composites and plastics industries across North America and Europe. Their products facilitate seamless part ejection in high-temperature processes, supporting the shift to lightweight materials in automotive design.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Goal of 50% reduction in VOC emissions by 2030

• Europe’s advanced bio-based release plant expansion

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6️⃣ 5. REXCO

Headquarters: Greeneville, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Semi-permanent and aerosol releases

REXCO provides versatile external mold releases for foundry and composite applications, operating at hundreds of sites globally. Their formulations enhance production efficiency by reducing application frequency, ideal for large-scale rubber and plastic operations.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Certified low-emission products at key airports

• Aims for zero-waste manufacturing processes

5️⃣ 6. Marbocote

Headquarters: Tamworth, UK
Key Offering: High-temperature resistant releases

Marbocote leads in specialized releases for aerospace and automotive composites, supplying proprietary formulations compatible with advanced molding equipment. Their products ensure defect-free surfaces, supporting intricate part designs in high-stakes industries.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Current output: Over 500,000 units annually

• Target: Double capacity by 2027

4️⃣ 7. Franklynn Industries

Headquarters: Troy, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Custom mold release compounds

Franklynn Industries excels in tailored external mold releases for rubber and polyurethane processing, with a strong footprint in Asia and North America. They play a crucial role in supply chain optimization for electronics and consumer products manufacturing.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Limited involvement in traditional solvents due to regulations

• R&D in nano-enhanced sustainable alternatives

3️⃣ 8. DuPont

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Advanced polymer releases, bio-based options

DuPont is a global leader in material science, offering external mold releases that integrate seamlessly with their resins for plastics and composites. Their innovations support clean room applications in medical and aerospace sectors, ensuring superior part integrity.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Indigenous development of hybrid formulations

• Collaborations to scale eco-friendly production

2️⃣ 9. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
Key Offering: Adhesive-compatible releases

Henkel dominates in industrial adhesives and releases, with products designed for automotive and consumer goods molding. Their high-temperature solutions convert traditional processes into efficient, low-residue operations, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Plans for 1 billion units/year in renewable releases

• Expansion of supply networks in emerging markets

1️⃣ 10. Chem-Trend

Headquarters: Howell, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Comprehensive release systems, sustainable variants

Chem-Trend, part of Freudenberg, specializes in end-to-end mold release solutions for composites and tires, supporting thousands of global manufacturers. They lead in VOC-reduced technologies and logistics for efficient distribution.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Full-spectrum sustainable solutions

• Partnerships with producers for integrated systems

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of External Mold Releases Is Sustainable and Innovative

The external mold releases market is undergoing a dynamic shift. While traditional solvent-based products still hold significant volume, the industry is investing heavily in eco-friendly alternatives, advanced formulations, and integrated application technologies.

External mold releases are specialized chemical formulations applied to mold surfaces to prevent adhesion between the mold and the manufactured part. These products play a critical role in composite manufacturing, plastic molding, and rubber processing by ensuring smooth demolding and maintaining product surface quality. The market includes both solvent-based and solvent-free variants, with applications spanning automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing sectors.

The market growth is driven by increasing demand from the composites industry and expanding automotive production. While traditional solvent-based releases still dominate with over 60% market share, environmental regulations are accelerating the shift toward water-based and solvent-free alternatives. Key players like Chem-Trend and Henkel are investing in sustainable formulations, responding to both regulatory pressures and customer demand for eco-friendly solutions. Asia-Pacific leads regional growth due to thriving manufacturing sectors in China and India, though North America maintains technological leadership in high-performance formulations.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid expansion of solvent-free capacity in Asia, Europe, and North America

• Regulatory mandates for low-VOC blending by 2030

• Digitalization of application processes and performance tracking

• Manufacturer-supplier alliances for green innovation

Read Full Report: External Mold Releases Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only enabling efficient manufacturing—they’re spearheading the sustainable transformation of global production lines.

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global external mold releases market size was valued at USD 846.7 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 901.3 million in 2025 to USD 1.38 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Growing Demand for High-Performance Composites in Automotive and Aerospace to Fuel Market Growth

The external mold releases market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand in high-performance composites used across automotive and aerospace industries. With stringent environmental regulations pushing for lightweight materials, manufacturers are rapidly adopting composite components to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency. The aerospace sector alone is projected to account for over 30% of composite material consumption by 2025, creating substantial demand for high-quality mold release agents that ensure precise manufacturing and clean part separation.

Advancements in Solvent-Free Formulations Driving Adoption Across Industries

While traditional solvent-based products still dominate the market, there’s a clear shift toward environmentally friendly solvent-free alternatives. These advanced formulations minimize VOC emissions and workplace hazards while maintaining superior release performance. Major manufacturers are investing heavily in R&D – in 2024 alone, over 40 new solvent-free products entered the market, offering enhanced thermal stability up to 400°C for challenging applications like carbon fiber molding. This technological evolution is making external mold releases more appealing to industries prioritizing sustainability without compromising production efficiency.

Expansion of Plastic Component Manufacturing in Emerging Economies

The rapid industrialization in Asia-Pacific markets presents significant growth opportunities for external mold release manufacturers. With countries like China and India expanding their automotive and consumer goods production capabilities, demand for molding solutions has increased by nearly 15% annually since 2022. Local governments are actively supporting domestic manufacturing through initiatives like ‘Make in India’, which has led to the establishment of over 500 new plastic injection molding facilities in the past three years. This industrial expansion creates a parallel need for reliable mold release solutions to maintain production efficiency and product quality standards.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Stringent Environmental Regulations Limiting Traditional Formulations

The external mold releases market faces significant challenges from tightening environmental regulations worldwide. Many solvent-based formulations containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are being phased out due to their environmental impact – in North America and Europe alone, regulatory changes have rendered approximately 25% of traditional products non-compliant since 2023. Manufacturers must invest substantial resources in reformulation and testing to meet these evolving standards, increasing product development costs by 20-30% while potentially delaying time-to-market for new solutions.

Technical Challenges in High-Temperature Applications

While the market has made progress in high-performance formulations, significant technical limitations remain for extreme temperature applications. Many mold release agents begin breaking down at temperatures exceeding 300°C, leading to residue buildup and potential part defects. This is particularly problematic for aerospace components and high-end automotive parts, where manufacturers report that approximately 15% of production delays involve mold release performance issues. The industry continues working on ceramic-enhanced and nano-formulated releases, but achieving consistent performance under extreme conditions remains an ongoing challenge.

Price Volatility of Raw Materials Impacting Profit Margins

The external mold release industry faces margin pressures from fluctuating raw material costs. Key ingredients like silicones, waxes, and fluoropolymers have seen price variations of up to 40% since 2023 due to global supply chain disruptions. This volatility makes it difficult for manufacturers to maintain stable pricing while covering rising production costs, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Many companies are responding by implementing strategic inventory management and exploring alternative raw material sources, but these solutions often require significant capital investment and operational changes.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Development of Smart Mold Release Systems with IoT Integration

The integration of smart technologies into mold release systems presents significant growth opportunities. Recent advancements in IoT-enabled monitoring devices allow real-time tracking of release agent performance, application parameters, and mold conditions. Early adopters report efficiency improvements of 15-20% and reduced material waste by up to 30%. Major automotive manufacturers are already piloting these systems, with full-scale implementation expected across 25% of production lines by 2025. This technological evolution creates new revenue streams for release agent providers willing to invest in digital solutions and predictive maintenance services.

Expansion in Medical Device Manufacturing Applications

The medical device sector represents a high-growth opportunity for specialized mold release solutions. With global medical plastic component production projected to grow at 8% CAGR through 2030, there’s increasing demand for FDA-compliant releases that ensure absolute cleanliness and part integrity. Manufacturers are developing ultra-pure silicone and fluoropolymer formulations meeting stringent ISO 10993 standards, with several new products passing biocompatibility testing in 2024. This niche segment commands premium pricing and fosters long-term supplier relationships, making it particularly attractive for companies with strong R&D capabilities.

Strategic Partnerships Across Value Chain to Enhance Product Offerings

Recent trends show increasing collaboration between mold release manufacturers, material suppliers, and molding equipment providers. These partnerships allow for the development of integrated solutions that optimize the entire production process rather than just the release step. In 2024, several notable joint ventures emerged between chemical companies and automation specialists, creating systems that synchronize release application with injection molding cycles. Such collaborations reduce total production costs by 10-15% while improving part quality, making them highly valuable to manufacturers facing margin pressures and quality demands.

External Mold Releases Market – Segment Analysis

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Strategic Innovations and Expansions Shape Market Competition

The global external mold releases market features a competitive landscape dominated by both multinational corporations and specialized regional players. Chem-Trend, a subsidiary of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities, emerges as a market leader due to its comprehensive product portfolio and strong technical support services. The company holds approximately 18% revenue share in 2024, leveraging its established distribution networks across North America and Europe.

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and DuPont follow closely, collectively accounting for nearly 25% market share in 2024. These industry giants maintain their positions through continuous R&D investments, with Henkel recently launching a new high-temperature resistant mold release formulation for composite applications in the aerospace sector.

The market also includes several specialized manufacturers like Franklynn Industries and Marbocote, which focus on niche applications. These companies compete through customized solutions and rapid technical service, capturing significant shares in regional markets. Franklynn Industries, for instance, strengthened its Asian presence in 2024 through a strategic partnership with a major Japanese automotive supplier.

Mid-tier players such as REXCO and AXEL Plastics are actively expanding their production capacities to meet growing demand. REXCO announced a $15 million facility expansion in the Midwest US in early 2024, while AXEL introduced a bio-based mold release line to capitalize on sustainability trends in European markets.

List of Key External Mold Releases Companies Profiled

• Chem-Trend (U.S.)

• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)

• DuPont (U.S.)

• Franklynn Industries (U.S.)

• Marbocote (UK)

• REXCO (U.S.)

• AXEL Plastics (U.S.)

• E. und P. Würz GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)

• LANXESS (Germany)

• Daikin Global (Japan)

Looking toward 2032, competition is expected to intensify as companies expand into emerging Asian markets and develop advanced formulations for high-performance composites. The top five players currently control nearly 55% of global revenues, though this concentration may decrease as regional specialists gain traction through technological differentiation.

Growing Demand for High-Performance Composites Drives Market Expansion

The global external mold releases market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing adoption across the composites and plastics industries. With the composites market projected to exceed $150 billion by 2026, demand for high-performance mold release agents has surged by nearly 18% since 2021. These specialized formulations help manufacturers achieve smoother surface finishes while reducing cycle times by up to 35% in some applications. The automotive sector’s shift toward lightweight composite materials has been particularly transformative, accounting for over 28% of global mold release consumption.

Other Trends

Solvent-Free Formulations Gain Traction

Environmental regulations and workplace safety concerns are accelerating the transition from solvent-based to water-based and solvent-free external mold releases. New VOC-compliant formulations now capture approximately 42% of the North American market, with adoption rates growing at 9% annually. While traditional solvent-based products still dominate certain high-temperature applications, manufacturers increasingly favor eco-friendly alternatives that maintain release performance without compromising worker health or requiring specialized ventilation systems.

Automation and Advanced Manufacturing Reshape Application Methods

The integration of automated dispensing systems has revolutionized mold release application, particularly in high-volume production environments. Robotics-assisted spraying now achieves coverage efficiencies of 92-97%, compared to 75-85% with manual methods. Furthermore, the development of semi-permanent mold releases with extended lifespans reduces downtime between applications by 50-60% in many composite molding operations. These technological advances are driving annual productivity gains of 7-12% for early adopters in the aerospace and consumer electronics sectors.

Asia-Pacific Emerges as Dominant Consumption Region

Geographic market dynamics show the Asia-Pacific region accounting for 48% of global external mold release demand by volume as of 2024. China’s manufacturing expansion continues to lead this growth, with automotive and electronics applications propelling a 14% annual increase in consumption. Meanwhile, North America maintains technological leadership in specialty formulations, particularly for aerospace-grade composites requiring exceptional thermal stability. Europe’s market growth remains constrained by stringent environmental regulations, though premium-priced bio-based products are gaining market share.

Other Trends

Multi-Functional Additives Transform Product Development

Recent innovations in mold release formulations increasingly incorporate secondary performance benefits. Approximately 35% of new product launches in 2024 featured integrated corrosion inhibitors, anti-static properties, or mold cleaning capabilities. These value-added solutions command 18-25% price premiums while reducing total processing steps. The development of hybrid silicone/wax systems has been particularly disruptive, offering superior release performance across wider temperature ranges from -40°C to 320°C.

Market Consolidation and Strategic Partnerships Intensify

The competitive landscape continues evolving through mergers and specialized collaborations. Three major acquisitions occurred in 2023-2024 alone, consolidating approximately 22% of the global supply capacity. Additionally, material science companies are increasingly forming joint development agreements with composite manufacturers to create application-specific formulations. These partnerships now influence nearly 40% of new product development roadmaps, particularly for challenging applications like ultra-high-temperature carbon fiber molding.

Regional Analysis: External Mold Releases Market

North America
North America maintains the second largest market share, characterized by advanced manufacturing techniques and stringent environmental standards. The U.S. accounts for nearly 80% of regional demand, particularly from the aerospace and high-performance automotive sectors. Regulatory pressures have nearly eliminated solvent-based products in California, creating a testing ground for next-generation formulations. Strategic partnerships between chemical suppliers and mold manufacturers are driving product innovation.

Europe
Europe’s market is shaped by REACH regulations and sustainability initiatives, with Germany and France leading adoption of bio-based mold release agents. The region shows particular strength in technical applications where surface finish quality is paramount. While growth in traditional manufacturing remains modest, new opportunities emerge in wind turbine blade production and medical device manufacturing.

South America
The market shows potential but faces infrastructure limitations. Brazil represents over half of regional demand, primarily serving automotive and consumer goods manufacturing. Economic volatility constraints capital investment in advanced mold release technologies, though multinational manufacturers are gradually introducing higher-performance products to serve export-oriented industries.

Middle East & Africa
This emerging market shows pockets of growth around industrial hubs in Turkey, South Africa, and the UAE. The focus remains on cost-effective solvent-based solutions, though environmental awareness is rising. Specialty applications in oilfield equipment and marine composites present niche opportunities for mold release suppliers willing to navigate the region’s fragmented distribution networks.

Report Scope

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the global and regional markets for External Mold Releases, covering the period from 2024 to 2032. It includes detailed insights into the current market status and outlook across various regions and countries, with specific focus on:

• Sales, sales volume, and revenue forecasts

• Detailed segmentation by type and application

In addition, the report offers in-depth profiles of key industry players, including:

• Company profiles

• Product specifications

• Production capacity and sales

• Revenue, pricing, gross margins

• Sales performance

It further examines the competitive landscape, highlighting the major vendors and identifying the critical factors expected to challenge market growth.

As part of this research, we surveyed External Mold Releases companies and industry experts. The survey covered various aspects, including:

• Revenue and demand trends

• Product types and recent developments

• Strategic plans and market drivers

• Industry challenges, obstacles, and potential risks

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the current market size of Global External Mold Releases Market?

-> The Global External Mold Releases market was valued at USD 846.7 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.38 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period.

Which key companies operate in Global External Mold Releases Market?

-> Key players include Chem-Trend, Franklynn Industries, Dupont, Henkel, AXEL Plastics, Marbocote, REXCO, E. und P. Würz GmbH & Co. KG, LANXESS, and Daikin Global, among others.

What are the key growth drivers?

-> Key growth drivers include increasing demand from the composites industry, expansion of automotive production, and growing adoption of solvent-free formulations due to environmental regulations.

Which region dominates the market?

-> Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region due to thriving manufacturing sectors in China and India, while North America maintains technological leadership in high-performance formulations.

What are the emerging trends?

-> Emerging trends include development of water-based and bio-based formulations, increasing focus on sustainable solutions, and technological advancements in release agent performance.

Read Full Report: External Mold Releases Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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