Top 10 Companies in the Metalworking Fluids Biocide Industry (2025): Market Leaders Protecting Industrial Operations

In Business Insights
November 25, 2025


The Global Metalworking Fluids Biocide Market was valued at USD 431.5 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 598.2 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is propelled by the expanding manufacturing sector, stringent regulations for microbial control, and the rising demand for high-performance, environmentally sustainable biocidal solutions in metalworking operations worldwide.

As global industries intensify their focus on operational efficiency and equipment longevity, the critical role of metalworking fluid preservation becomes increasingly evident. Biocides are essential additives that prevent the degradation of these fluids, safeguarding both product quality and workplace safety. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Metalworking Fluids Biocide Industry—a diverse group of specialty chemical giants and niche innovators driving advancements in microbial control technology.

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🔟 1. LANXESS AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Preventol and Bioban series biocides

LANXESS is a global leader in specialty chemicals, offering a comprehensive portfolio of biocides for metalworking fluids. Their Preventol and Bioban brands are widely recognized for their efficacy against bacteria and fungi, helping to extend fluid life and maintain operational integrity in demanding industrial environments.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of formaldehyde-releasing and non-formaldehyde biocides

  • Focus on products with improved environmental and toxicological profiles

  • Global technical support and application expertise for fluid manufacturers


9️⃣ 2. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Preventol and Palatinol series biocides

BASF provides a robust range of biocides designed to protect metalworking fluids from microbial contamination. Their solutions cater to both water-miscible and neat oil applications, ensuring performance stability and compliance with international regulatory standards.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in R&D for next-generation, sustainable biocidal actives

  • Integrated approach combining biocides with corrosion inhibitors and other additives

  • Commitment to product stewardship and safe handling protocols


8️⃣ 3. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Dowicil, Nuosept, and Dow Antimicrobial biocides

Dow offers powerful antimicrobial technologies that effectively control microbial growth in metalworking fluid systems. Their biocides are engineered to work in complex formulations, providing reliable protection while addressing evolving regulatory requirements.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Advanced isothiazolinone-based chemistries

  • Development of synergistic biocide blends for enhanced performance

  • Focus on reducing environmental impact through optimized dosing

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Metalworking Fluids Biocide Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Troy Corporation

Headquarters: Florham Park, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: Polyphase and Troysan biocides

Troy Corporation specializes in performance-preserving additives, with a strong focus on metalworking fluid biocides. Their Polyphase brand is particularly renowned for its broad-spectrum efficacy in controlling microbes in both concentrate and use-dilution applications.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering work in triazole and iodopropynyl chemistries

  • Global manufacturing and supply chain capabilities

  • Technical service programs tailored to fluid manufacturers


6️⃣ 5. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Sanitized antimicrobial additives

Clariant’s Sanitized brand offers specialized antimicrobial protection for technical applications, including metalworking fluids. Their products help prevent odor, spoilage, and performance degradation caused by microbial contamination, aligning with the industry’s move toward more sustainable operations.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of eco-advanced preservative technologies

  • Solutions compliant with major international regulations

  • Customized antimicrobial concepts for specific application challenges


5️⃣ 6. Lonza Group AG

Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
Key Offering: Busan and Nuosept biocides

Lonza is a leading provider of microbial control solutions, offering effective biocides for the metalworking industry. Their products are designed to maintain fluid integrity, protect machinery, and ensure a safe working environment through comprehensive microbial management.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Broad portfolio including isothiazolinones and carbamates

  • Focus on developing products with favorable toxicity profiles

  • Global regulatory support and compliance expertise


4️⃣ 7. Stepan Company

Headquarters: Northfield, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Nipacide and Bioquest biocides

Stepan Company offers a diverse range of biocides through its acquisition of the Bioquest business. Their products effectively control bacterial and fungal growth in metalworking fluids, helping to extend sump life and maintain cutting and grinding performance.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Integration of biocide technology with surfactant expertise

  • Development of combination products for enhanced efficacy

  • Expansion of global manufacturing footprint


3️⃣ 8. Buckman Laboratories

Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Busan and Buzan series biocides

Buckman specializes in tailored chemical solutions for industrial water treatment and process improvement, including advanced biocides for metalworking fluids. Their approach combines effective microbial control with application-specific expertise to optimize fluid performance.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Proprietary monitoring and control technologies

  • Customized treatment programs based on fluid system analysis

  • Focus on reducing overall chemical consumption through precision dosing

Download FREE Sample Report:
Metalworking Fluids Biocide Market – View in Detailed Research Report


2️⃣ 9. Thor Group (Ashland Specialty Chemicals)

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Bioban and Nuosept biocides

Through its acquisition of Ashland’s performance adhesives business, Thor Group maintains a significant position in the metalworking fluids biocide market. Their products offer reliable microbial control for a wide range of metalworking applications, from heavy-duty machining to precision grinding.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Legacy of innovation in isothiazolinone chemistry

  • Focus on developing products with improved worker safety profiles

  • Global technical service network


1️⃣ 10. Kemira Oyj

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Kemicide biocides

Kemira provides effective biocide solutions for the pulp, paper, and water treatment industries, with growing applications in metalworking fluids. Their expertise in industrial water chemistry positions them well to address microbial challenges in metalworking operations.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides

  • Focus on sustainable water management solutions

  • Integration of digital monitoring and dosing systems

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Metalworking Fluids Biocide Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔬 Outlook: The Future of Metalworking Fluids Biocides Is Smarter and More Sustainable

The metalworking fluids biocide market is evolving rapidly in response to changing industry demands. While traditional chemistries continue to dominate, the industry is shifting toward eco-friendly alternatives, smart monitoring technologies, and integrated fluid management solutions.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated development of non-formaldehyde and low-VOC biocides

  • Integration of IoT sensors for real-time microbial monitoring

  • Growing demand for multifunctional additives combining biocidal and other performance properties

  • Increasing regulatory scrutiny driving innovation in product safety and environmental profiles

Get Full Report Here:
Metalworking Fluids Biocide Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only protecting industrial operations—they’re driving the sustainable transformation of metalworking fluid preservation worldwide.