The Global Water-based Leveling Agents Market was valued at USD 1.45 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.12 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by stringent environmental regulations like VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) restrictions, the expanding construction and automotive industries, and the accelerating shift towards sustainable, water-borne coating formulations.

As the coatings industry pivots towards eco-friendly solutions without compromising on finish quality, the role of advanced additives becomes paramount. Water-based leveling agents are critical for achieving smooth, defect-free surfaces by controlling flow, eliminating craters, and enhancing substrate wetting. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Water-based Leveling Agents Industry—a mix of chemical giants and specialty additive innovators shaping the future of high-performance coatings.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Efka®, Foamaster®, and Dispex® series for water-based systems

BASF is a global leader in coating additives, offering a comprehensive portfolio of water-based leveling and dispersing agents. Their solutions are engineered to address challenges in architectural paints, industrial coatings, and adhesives, ensuring superior finish quality and application properties.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based and low-VOC additive solutions

• Extensive R&D focused on enhancing coating durability and performance

• Committed to carbon neutrality targets across its operations

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9️⃣ 2. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: DOWANOL™ glycol ethers, ACRYSOL™ rheology modifiers

Dow provides a range of performance materials and additives crucial for formulating high-quality water-based coatings. Their leveling agents and coalescing aids help achieve excellent film formation and surface leveling while complying with environmental standards.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Portfolio aligned with circular economy and sustainable chemistry principles

• Innovations in low-odor and APEO-free additive technologies

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8️⃣ 3. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: TEGO® Glide and TEGO® Flow series

Evonik’s Coating Additives business line is renowned for its high-performance TEGO® products. Their leveling agents are designed to prevent surface defects like orange peel and improve substrate wetting in demanding water-based coating applications.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on silicone-based and polymer-based additives for enhanced sustainability

• Active in developing solutions for energy-curable and low-VOC coatings

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7️⃣ 4. Elementis plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Ceraflake®, Bentone®, and NANOCOR® rheology and leveling modifiers

Elementis specializes in creating innovative additives that improve the performance and application of coatings. Their water-based leveling agents help formulators achieve optimal flow, leveling, and anti-cratering properties.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in bio-renewable and high-performance additives

• Strategic focus on eco-friendly and compliant product development

Download FREE Sample Report:
Water-based Leveling Agents Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Arkema Group

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: Coapur™, Encorflex®, and CECA® specialty additives

Arkema offers a diverse range of additives for water-based coatings through its Coating Resins and Additives segment. Their leveling agents contribute to excellent film formation, gloss control, and surface smoothness.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of products supporting low-carbon footprint coatings

• Strong commitment to sustainable development and bio-based materials

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5️⃣ 6. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: KP Series silicone-based leveling and surface control agents

Shin-Etsu is a leading global supplier of silicone derivatives, including high-performance additives for coatings. Their leveling agents are widely used to enhance mar resistance, slip, and surface smoothness in water-based systems.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Continuous innovation in silicone chemistry for eco-friendly applications

• Focus on products that enable longer coating life and reduced waste

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4️⃣ 7. Münzing Chemie GmbH

Headquarters: Abstatt, Germany
Key Offering: Tego® (distributed in some regions), Degussa® defoamers and leveling agents

Münzing is a globally recognized specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on additives for coatings, inks, and adhesives. Their product portfolio includes effective leveling agents that ensure impeccable surface quality.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Pioneering halogen-free and sustainable additive solutions

• Emphasis on products that reduce energy consumption during coating application

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3️⃣ 8. Allnex GmbH

Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany
Key Offering: Additives for radiation curing and industrial coatings

Allnex is a leading supplier of coating resins and additives. They offer specialized leveling agents tailored for high-performance water-based, solvent-free, and energy-curable coating systems used in various industrial applications.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Leading provider of environmentally friendly resin and additive technologies

• R&D focused on products that support the transition to sustainable coatings

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2️⃣ 9. Lubrizol Corporation

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Carbopol® polymers, TempRite® technology for flow control

Lubrizol’s advanced materials segment provides essential additives that enhance the performance of water-based coatings. Their technologies help formulators achieve desired rheology and leveling characteristics.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Innovation in polymer technologies for sustainable coating systems

• Commitment to developing products that meet evolving regulatory demands

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1️⃣ 10. BYK (Altana AG)

Headquarters: Wesel, Germany
Key Offering: BYK®-Aqua, BYK®-UV series leveling and wetting agents

BYK is a world leader in additives and measuring instruments. Their comprehensive range of water-based leveling agents is designed to eliminate surface defects, improve substrate wetting, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of coatings.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Extensive portfolio of additives for low-VOC and sustainable coatings

• Continuous development of high-efficiency additives to reduce environmental impact

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Water-based Leveling Agents Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Water-based Leveling Agents Is Smarter and Greener

The water-based leveling agents market is undergoing a significant transformation. While conventional additives continue to serve essential functions, the industry is heavily investing in next-generation, sustainable formulations, multifunctional additives, and digital tools for predictive performance.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid adoption of bio-based and renewable raw materials for additive production

• Increasing demand for multifunctional additives that combine leveling with wetting, defoaming, and antimicrobial properties

• Development of smart additives for advanced application techniques like high-speed spraying and digital printing

• Growing emphasis on regulatory compliance and green building standards worldwide

Get Full Report Here:
Water-based Leveling Agents Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential additives—they are driving the sustainable evolution of the global coatings industry.