Top 10 Companies in the Isothiazolinones (CMIT/MIT) Industry (2025): Market Leaders in Microbial Control Solutions

In Business Insights
November 15, 2025


The Global Isothiazolinones (CMIT/MIT) Market was valued at USD 680 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 950 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2023–2030). This growth is propelled by stringent hygiene regulations, rising demand from water treatment and paints & coatings industries, and the increasing need for effective, broad-spectrum microbial control solutions.

As industries worldwide prioritize product preservation and hygiene, the role of powerful yet manageable biocides like Isothiazolinones (CMIT/MIT) has become critical. This potent blend of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMIT) and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT) offers high efficiency, good degradability, and operational safety. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Isothiazolinones (CMIT/MIT) Industry—a group of specialty chemical producers and innovators driving the global market for microbial control.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Isothiazolinones (CMIT/MIT) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. Lonza Group AG

Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
Key Offering: Kathon™ CMIT/MIT biocides

Lonza is a global leader in microbial control solutions and a premier supplier of Isothiazolinone-based biocides. Its Kathon™ brand is widely recognized for efficacy in preventing microbial growth in industrial water systems, coatings, and personal care products.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Extensive R&D in sustainable preservation chemistries
  • Global regulatory support and technical service network
  • Focus on high-performance, cost-effective solutions for diverse applications

9️⃣ 2. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Bioban™ CMIT/MIT products

Dow offers a comprehensive portfolio of biocides, including Isothiazolinone blends under its Bioban™ brand. These products are essential for protecting industrial processes, paints, and household products from microbial degradation.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Integrated solutions for water treatment and material protection
  • Commitment to product stewardship and sustainable chemistry
  • Strong presence in North American and European markets

8️⃣ 3. Lanxess AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Preventol™ CMIT/MIT formulations

Lanxess is a major player in specialty chemicals, with a robust portfolio of biocides. Its Preventol™ range includes Isothiazolinone-based products designed for effective microbial control in challenging industrial environments.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Focus on eco-profile improvement of biocidal products
  • Specialization in pulp & paper and cooling water treatments
  • Strategic expansions in high-growth Asian markets

7️⃣ 4. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Proxel™ and other CMIT/MIT biocides

BASF provides advanced biocidal solutions, including Isothiazolinones, for a wide array of applications from adhesives to waste water treatment. Their technical expertise ensures product efficacy and regulatory compliance globally.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Development of synergistic biocide formulations
  • Strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact
  • Leading supplier to the coatings and construction industries

Download FREE Sample Report:
Isothiazolinones (CMIT/MIT) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Thor Group (Ashland Global Holdings Inc.)

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Acticide® MBS (CMIT/MIT)

Ashland, through its acquisition of the Specialty Additives business, offers the Acticide® range, which includes high-performance CMIT/MIT blends. These are critical for preserving the shelf life of water-based products.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Tailored preservation solutions for paints, inks, and adhesives
  • Global manufacturing and supply chain capabilities
  • Focus on compliance with evolving global chemical regulations

5️⃣ 6. Troy Corporation

Headquarters: Florham Park, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: Troysan™ CMIT/MIT preservatives

Troy Corporation is a leading innovator in performance-preserving biocides. Its Troysan™ products, including Isothiazolinone blends, are trusted for their reliability in protecting coatings, metalworking fluids, and institutional formulations.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Pioneering low-VOC and formaldehyde-free preservative systems
  • Strong technical service and customer support infrastructure
  • Significant market share in the North American industrial sector

4️⃣ 7. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Nipacide™ CMIT/MIT solutions

Clariant’s Biofuels & Derivatives business offers effective preservation technologies, including Nipacide™ brand Isothiazolinones. These products are essential for industries requiring robust microbial control under varying pH and temperature conditions.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Development of bio-based and renewable raw material-derived biocides
  • Strong focus on the personal care and home care segments
  • Commitment to sustainable product innovation (ECOsphere portfolio)

3️⃣ 8. LANXESS (Formerly Chemtura) – IRO Group Inc.

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany (IRO: Qingdao, China)
Key Offering: CMIT/MIT technical grade and formulations

Following the acquisition of Chemtura, LANXESS strengthened its position. IRO Group Inc., a key partner/supplier, is a significant manufacturer of Isothiazolinone active ingredients and intermediates, serving global markets.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Vertically integrated production of MIT/CMIT active ingredients
  • Strategic focus on cost-competitive manufacturing in Asia
  • Supplying both standard and custom formulations

2️⃣ 9. Shandong ThFine Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Weifang, Shandong, China
Key Offering: High-purity CMIT/MIT blends

Shandong ThFine Chemical is a prominent Chinese manufacturer specializing in fine chemicals, including Isothiazolinone biocides. The company caters to both domestic demand and international exports with competitive pricing.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Expansion of production capacity to meet growing global demand
  • Focus on product quality and consistency for international standards
  • Strong distribution network across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East

1️⃣ 10. Zaozhuang Kerui Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Zaozhuang, Shandong, China
Key Offering: CMIT/MIT concentrates and custom blends

Zaozhuang Kerui Chemicals is a specialized producer of Isothiazolinone-based biocides. The company has established itself as a reliable supplier for water treatment, paints, and detergent industries with a focus on scalable production.

Innovation & Market Focus:

  • Investment in environmentally friendly production processes
  • Strategic partnerships with global distributors
  • Competitive positioning in the price-sensitive market segments

Get Full Report Here:
Isothiazolinones (CMIT/MIT) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Microbial Control Balances Efficacy and Sustainability

The Isothiazolinones (CMIT/MIT) market is evolving rapidly, driven by a dual mandate: providing uncompromising microbial protection while addressing environmental and health concerns. While traditional formulations remain workhorses, the industry is investing in next-generation solutions.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Stringent global regulations (EU BPR, US EPA) driving product innovation and stewardship
  • Shift towards sustainable and “green” biocides alongside established chemistries
  • Growing demand from emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America
  • Increased R&D in synergistic blends to enhance efficacy and reduce dosage levels

Get Full Report Here:
Isothiazolinones (CMIT/MIT) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential preservation chemicals—they are at the forefront of developing smarter, safer microbial control for a cleaner world.