Top 10 Companies in the Coumarin-based Optical Brighteners Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving Global Whiteness Enhancement

In Business Insights
November 14, 2025

The Global Coumarin-based Optical Brighteners Market was valued at USD 412.5 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 682.3 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.4% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This expansion is fueled by rising demand for superior product aesthetics in textiles and packaging, stringent environmental regulations favoring sustainable alternatives, and the global push for enhanced whiteness and brightness across consumer goods.

As industries from detergents to plastics increasingly prioritize visual appeal and sustainability, the role of specialized chemical manufacturers becomes paramount. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Coumarin-based Optical Brighteners Industry—a dynamic mix of chemical giants, specialty manufacturers, and innovation leaders shaping the future of optical brightening technologies.


🔟 1. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: High-performance Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs) for textiles, detergents, and plastics

Clariant AG is a global leader in specialty chemicals, renowned for its comprehensive portfolio of coumarin-based optical brighteners. The company serves a diverse range of industries with products designed for exceptional whitening effects, thermal stability, and environmental compatibility. Their R&D focus is strongly aligned with developing sustainable solutions, including biodegradable variants for sensitive applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering bio-based and biodegradable coumarin derivatives

  • Strategic partnerships with major textile and detergent manufacturers

  • Committed to achieving carbon neutrality in production by 2050

Download FREE Sample Report:
Coumarin-based Optical Brighteners Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Ultraphor® and Tinopal® optical brighteners for multiple applications

BASF SE is a cornerstone of the global chemical industry, offering a wide array of coumarin-based optical brighteners under its renowned brands. The company’s products are essential for achieving high whiteness in paper, textiles, and plastics, supported by extensive global distribution networks and deep technical expertise.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Continuous development of high-purity, low-toxicity formulations

  • Integration of digital tools for customized customer solutions


8️⃣ 3. Huntsman Corporation

Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Textile effects and performance products including optical brighteners

Huntsman Corporation’s Textile Effects division is a major force in providing optical brightening solutions, particularly for the global apparel industry. Their coumarin-based products are engineered for fastness, compatibility, and performance under various processing conditions.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of eco-friendly brighteners for sustainable textiles

  • Global expansion of production capacities in Asia and Europe


7️⃣ 4. RPM International Inc. (Troy Corporation)

Headquarters: Medina, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Specialty additives including optical brighteners for coatings and plastics

Through its Troy Corporation subsidiary, RPM International is a key supplier of performance additives, including coumarin-based optical brighteners for industrial coatings and polymer applications. The company focuses on providing solutions that enhance product appearance and durability.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Focus on UV-stable formulations for exterior applications

  • Expansion into high-growth emerging markets

Download FREE Sample Report:
Coumarin-based Optical Brighteners Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. KISCO Limited

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Coumarin derivatives and optical brightening agents for diverse industries

KISCO Limited has established itself as a prominent manufacturer of coumarin-based optical brighteners, leveraging India’s strong chemical manufacturing base. The company serves both domestic and international markets with cost-effective and high-quality whitening solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Investment in R&D for application-specific formulations

  • Strategic focus on the fast-growing Asian textile sector


5️⃣ 6. Deepak Nitrite Limited

Headquarters: Pune, India
Key Offering: Fine and specialty chemicals including optical brightener intermediates

Deepak Nitrite Limited is a significant player in the chemical value chain, producing key intermediates for coumarin-based optical brighteners. The company’s vertically integrated operations and scale provide a competitive advantage in serving global OBA manufacturers.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Backward integration for raw material security

  • Expansion of high-value specialty chemical portfolio


4️⃣ 7. Mayzo, Inc.

Headquarters: Norcross, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: Specialty chemical additives including UV absorbers and optical brighteners

Mayzo, Inc. specializes in additives that enhance polymer performance, including coumarin-based optical brighteners for plastics and coatings. The company is known for its technical expertise and customer-focused approach to developing tailored solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of multi-functional additive packages

  • Focus on regulatory-compliant formulations for food-contact applications


3️⃣ 8. Transfar Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Hangzhou, China
Key Offering: Optical brighteners, dyes, and textile chemicals

Transfar Chemicals is a leading Chinese manufacturer of optical brighteners, leveraging the country’s massive textile and chemical production infrastructure. The company offers a broad range of coumarin-based products tailored for various industrial applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Rapid scale-up of production to meet global demand

  • Development of cost-competitive products for price-sensitive markets


2️⃣ 9. Indulor Consulting GmbH

Headquarters: Eppstein, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty chemicals and optical brighteners for technical applications

Indulor Consulting GmbH brings German engineering precision to the optical brighteners market, focusing on high-performance applications in technical textiles and specialty plastics. The company is recognized for its innovation and quality standards.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of high-temperature stable formulations

  • Focus on niche applications with specialized requirements


1️⃣ 10. Aurora Specialty Chemistries

Headquarters: St. Charles, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Specialty dyes and optical brighteners for textiles, coatings, and paper

Aurora Specialty Chemistries completes our list with its focused approach to providing optical brightening solutions for North American markets. The company’s strength lies in its application expertise and ability to develop customized solutions for specific customer needs.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Customer-centric product development approach

  • Focus on sustainable and compliant formulations

Get Full Report Here:
Coumarin-based Optical Brighteners Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Optical Brighteners Is Brighter and More Sustainable

The coumarin-based optical brighteners market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional formulations continue to dominate, the industry is rapidly adopting sustainable alternatives, advanced manufacturing technologies, and application-specific innovations.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated shift toward bio-based and biodegradable coumarin derivatives

  • Regulatory push for reduced environmental impact across all applications

  • Digitalization of supply chains and customer engagement

  • Increasing R&D investments for high-performance, multi-functional additives

Get Full Report Here:
Coumarin-based Optical Brighteners Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only enhancing product whiteness across global industries—they’re driving the sustainable evolution of chemical additives for a brighter future.