Top 10 Companies in the Global Defoamer for Papermaking Market (2025): Industry Leaders Driving Paper Manufacturing Efficiency

In Business Insights
January 04, 2026


The Global Defoamer for Papermaking Market was valued at USD 946.47 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1253.93 Million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.80% during the forecast period (2024–2029). This consistent growth is fueled by the global expansion of the paper and pulp industry, stringent environmental regulations demanding efficient wastewater treatment, and the continuous push for higher production quality and operational efficiency.

In the complex chemistry of paper manufacturing, defoamers are indispensable additives that control or eliminate foam, which can cause serious production issues like pump cavitation, reduced drainage rates, and surface defects on the final paper product. As the industry evolves towards sustainable and high-performance manufacturing, the focus intensifies on the key chemical suppliers providing innovative defoaming solutions. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Defoamer for Papermaking Industry—a diverse group of global chemical giants and specialized formulators shaping the future of paper production.

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🔟 1. Clariant

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Comprehensive portfolio of silicone-based, oil-based, and water-based defoamers

Clariant is a global leader in specialty chemicals, offering a robust portfolio of high-performance defoamers tailored for various stages of the papermaking process, including pulp washing, paper coating, and effluent treatment. Their products are known for effectiveness at low dosage levels and compatibility with modern papermaking systems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of “EcoTain®” labeled sustainable defoamer solutions

  • Focus on bio-based and readily biodegradable formulations

  • Commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of paper production


9️⃣ 2. Kemira

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Broad range of defoamers and deaerators for pulp, paper, and water treatment

Kemira is a chemicals company deeply embedded in the pulp and paper industry, providing tailored water quality and process management solutions. Their defoamer products are engineered to address specific challenges in different paper grades and production conditions, from recycled fiber processing to high-speed tissue machines.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Strong R&D focus on improving resource efficiency for customers

  • Products designed to minimize deposit formation and improve runnability

  • Global service network providing on-site optimization support


8️⃣ 3. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Foamaster® and Hydropalat® series of defoamers and deaerators

BASF is a powerhouse in the chemical industry, offering a wide array of defoaming agents under its renowned Foamaster® brand. These products are designed to effectively control foam in pulp production, paper machines, and coating processes, helping papermakers achieve higher speeds and better final product quality.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in R&D for more environmentally compatible defoamer chemistries

  • Development of high-efficiency products that reduce overall chemical consumption

  • Integration of defoamer solutions into holistic paper chemical management systems


7️⃣ 4. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Silicone-based and non-silicone defoamers under the DOWSIL™ and other brands

Dow offers advanced materials science solutions to the paper industry, including high-performance defoamers. Their silicone-based defoamers are particularly effective in demanding applications, providing long-lasting foam control even under high-shear conditions in paper mills.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commitment to developing circular economy solutions

  • Focus on products that enhance energy and water efficiency in papermaking

  • Alignment with global sustainability targets, including carbon neutrality goals

Download FREE Sample Report: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/download-sample/264209/global-defoamer-for-papermaking-market-2024-187


6️⃣ 5. Wacker Chemie AG

Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Key Offering: Silicone defoamers, emulsion-based antifoams, and powder defoamers

Wacker is a global leader in silicone chemistry, offering highly effective defoamers for the paper industry. Their products are known for their stability, efficiency, and ability to perform across a wide pH and temperature range, making them suitable for various papermaking processes.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of defoamers that contribute to reduced water and energy consumption

  • Focus on product safety and regulatory compliance

  • Investment in bio-based raw material research


5️⃣ 6. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Headquarters: Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Specialty chemical defoamers for pulp, paper, and wastewater applications

Air Products provides performance chemicals, including a range of defoamers designed for the pulp and paper sector. Their solutions help papermakers improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality by effectively managing foam in stock preparation, paper machines, and coating processes.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Emphasis on products that support cleaner production processes

  • Development of formulations with lower environmental impact

  • Global technical service network for optimized application and dosing


4️⃣ 7. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: TEGO® Foamex series and other specialty defoamers

Evonik is a global specialty chemicals company offering high-performance defoamers under its TEGO® brand. These products are engineered to provide efficient and persistent foam control in challenging papermaking environments, including systems with high recycled fiber content and demanding coating formulations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Strong focus on resource efficiency and sustainable solutions

  • Development of biodegradable and renewable raw material-based defoamers

  • Commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of their product portfolio


3️⃣ 8. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Silicone-based defoamers and antifoaming agents

Shin-Etsu is one of the world’s leading silicone manufacturers, producing high-quality silicone defoamers for the paper industry. Their products are valued for their excellent defoaming performance, thermal stability, and chemical inertness, making them suitable for a wide range of papermaking applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Continuous improvement of production processes for lower environmental impact

  • Development of products that contribute to energy and resource savings for customers

  • Adherence to stringent quality and environmental management standards


2️⃣ 9. Emerald Performance Materials

Headquarters: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Polyurethane and polymer-based defoamers

Emerald Performance Materials offers a range of performance chemicals, including defoamers specifically formulated for the paper industry. Their products are designed to provide effective foam control in various paper grades and manufacturing processes, helping to improve productivity and product quality.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on developing environmentally responsible chemical solutions

  • Commitment to product stewardship and safe handling

  • Investment in R&D for next-generation, sustainable defoamer technologies


1️⃣ 10. Bluestar Silicones (Elkem)

Headquarters: Lyon, France (Part of Elkem ASA, Norway)
Key Offering: Silicone defoamer emulsions and compounds

Bluestar Silicones, now part of Elkem, provides a comprehensive range of silicone-based defoamers for the paper industry. Their products are known for their high efficiency, stability, and versatility, effectively controlling foam in pulp processing, paper machine systems, and coating applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of low-VOC and environmentally preferred defoamer formulations

  • Focus on circular economy principles in product development

  • Commitment to sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices

Get Full Report Here: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/reports/264209/global-defoamer-for-papermaking-market-2024-187


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Defoamers in Papermaking is Smarter and Greener

The defoamer for papermaking market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional formulations continue to dominate, the industry is rapidly adopting eco-friendly, high-efficiency products and integrating smart dosing technologies to optimize performance and sustainability.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated shift towards bio-based and readily biodegradable defoamer formulations

  • Integration of IoT and automation for precise defoamer dosing and control

  • Growing demand for multifunctional additives that combine defoaming with other benefits

  • Increasing R&D in nano-emulsions and other advanced delivery systems for improved efficiency

Get Full Report Here: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/reports/264209/global-defoamer-for-papermaking-market-2024-187

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential chemicals to the paper industry—they’re driving the innovation and sustainability that will define the future of paper manufacturing.