The Global Flow and Leveling Agents Market was valued at USD 1.87 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.78 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.2% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is driven by the expanding paints and coatings industry, rising automotive production, increasing demand for high-performance industrial applications, and stricter environmental regulations promoting low-VOC and eco-friendly formulations.

As manufacturing sectors worldwide demand superior surface finishes and functional performance, the critical role of flow and leveling agents in enhancing coating quality becomes undeniable. These specialty chemicals eliminate defects like craters and orange peel, ensuring smooth, uniform surfaces. This blog profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Flow and Leveling Agents Industry—a blend of chemical giants and specialized additive manufacturers driving innovation and efficiency across global markets.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: EFKA®, Foamaster®, and Hydropalat® product ranges

BASF is a global leader in specialty chemicals, offering a comprehensive portfolio of flow and leveling agents under its renowned brands. Their additives are designed to improve substrate wetting, prevent surface defects, and enhance the appearance of coatings in architectural, automotive, and industrial applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of silicone-free and bio-based defoamers and leveling agents
• Focus on sustainable solutions for water-based and high-solids coatings
• Extensive R&D investment in next-generation additive technologies

Download FREE Sample Report: Flow and Leveling Agents Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Lubrizol Corporation

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Lanco™ glaze additives, Anti-Terra® wetting and dispersing agents

Lubrizol’s Performance Coatings group provides advanced flow, leveling, and surface control additives. Their products are critical for achieving exceptional gloss, smoothness, and aesthetic appeal in various coating systems, serving demanding sectors from automotive OEM to industrial wood coatings.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Advanced polymer technologies for improved flow in low-VOC formulations
• Tailored solutions for UV-curable and powder coating systems

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8️⃣ 3. Altana AG (Byk Additives)

Headquarters: Wesel, Germany
Key Offering: BYK®-300 series leveling agents, acrylate copolymers, and silicone-based additives

BYC, a division of Altana, is a world-renowned supplier of additives for coatings and inks. Their flow and leveling agents are known for high performance in eliminating surface defects, improving slip, and enhancing mar resistance without affecting intercoat adhesion.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Pioneering additive solutions for renewable resource-based coatings
• Digital tools for additive selection and formulation optimization

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7️⃣ 4. Evonik Industries AG

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

Evonik’s Coating Additives business line offers a robust portfolio of products that enhance flow, leveling, and surface slip. Their additives are engineered to meet the challenges of modern coating processes, including fast-drying systems and application methods like spray and roll coating.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of eco-friendly additives compliant with global regulatory standards
• Solutions for improving the performance of powder coatings and industrial finishes

Download FREE Sample Report: Flow and Leveling Agents Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: DOWSIL™ surfactants, acrylic and silicone-based flow modifiers

Dow provides innovative materials science solutions, including high-performance flow and leveling agents for the coatings industry. Their products help formulators achieve superior aesthetics and functionality in architectural, packaging, and specialty coatings.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on circular economy principles with recyclable and bio-based materials
• Advanced silicone technologies for critical surface tension control

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5️⃣ 6. Arkema Group

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: Crayvallac® rheology modifiers, Coapur® associative thickeners

Arkema’s Coating Solutions segment offers a range of additives that influence the rheology and flow behavior of coatings. Their products ensure excellent application properties and final film quality, particularly in waterborne systems.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Expansion of sustainable product lines derived from castor oil and other renewables
• R&D in rheology modifiers for next-generation high-performance coatings

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4️⃣ 7. Elementis plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Bentone® rheological additives, Crayvallac® superdispersants

Elementis Specialty Chemicals is a leading global supplier of rheology modifiers and surface chemistry products. Their flow and leveling agents provide critical control over coating application, sag resistance, and final film appearance across diverse industries.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of low-VOC and APEO-free additive technologies
• Enhanced performance additives for architectural and industrial coatings

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3️⃣ 8. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: KS and KF series silicone-based flow and leveling agents

Shin-Etsu is a major global producer of silicone and semiconductor materials. Their silicone-based additives are widely used to improve surface smoothness, prevent craters, and enhance the flow of coatings, inks, and adhesives.

Innovation Initiatives:

• High-purity silicone specialties for electronics and optical applications
• Customized solutions for Asian and global coating manufacturers

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2️⃣ 9. Munzing Chemie GmbH

Headquarters: Abstatt, Germany
Key Offering: Tego® (historically), Edaplan® leveling agents, Disparlon® dispersants

Munzing is a specialist in additives for coatings, printing inks, and adhesives. The company offers a focused range of high-efficiency flow and leveling agents that help eliminate surface defects and improve the overall quality of the final product.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Product development for energy-curable and water-based systems
• Strong technical service and customer support network

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1️⃣ 10. Allnex GmbH

Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany
Key Offering: Modaflow® and Additol® flow and surface control additives

Allnex is a leading producer of coating resins and additives. Their flow and leveling agents are integral components in solventborne, waterborne, and radiation-curable systems, providing excellent compatibility and performance for a flawless finish.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Integration of additive technologies with resin platforms for synergistic effects
• Solutions addressing the needs of the wood, plastic, and metal coating markets

Get Full Report Here: Flow and Leveling Agents Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Flow and Leveling Agents Is Smarter and More Sustainable

The flow and leveling agents market is evolving rapidly, driven by the demand for higher performance, smarter functionalities, and improved environmental profiles. While conventional additives continue to dominate, the industry is investing significantly in bio-based raw materials, digital formulation tools, and multifunctional additives.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Strong growth in waterborne and high-solids coatings demanding advanced flow control
• Regulatory push for low-VOC, non-HAPs, and sustainable formulations
• Development of “smart” additives that respond to application conditions
• Increasing demand from emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America

Get Full Report Here: Flow and Leveling Agents Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying essential chemicals—they are enabling the next generation of high-performance coatings with superior aesthetics and functionality.