Top 10 Companies in the Release Agent Industry (2026): Market Leaders Driving Manufacturing Efficiency

In Business Insights
January 07, 2026


The Global Release Agent Market was valued at USD 388 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 522 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.4% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This growth is being driven by expanding manufacturing sectors, advancements in composite materials, and the accelerating adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable formulations across automotive, aerospace, and packaging industries.

As manufacturing processes evolve toward greater efficiency and sustainability, the spotlight is on the key chemical suppliers who are driving innovation, precision, and cleaner production pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Release Agent Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialty manufacturers, and technology pioneers shaping the future of mold release solutions.


🔟 1. Chem-Trend

Headquarters: Howell, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Internal Mold Releases, External Mold Releases, Specialty Release Systems

Chem-Trend is a global leader in high-performance release agents, supplying formulations for rubber, polyurethane, and composite manufacturing. The company’s extensive R&D capabilities focus on developing solutions that enhance production efficiency and part quality for industries ranging from automotive tires to consumer goods.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of semi-permanent release agents for extended mold life

  • Water-based and bio-based formulations for reduced environmental impact

  • Global technical support network with application-specific expertise

Download FREE Sample Report:
Release Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
Key Offering: Loctite Release Agents, Water-Based Formulations, High-Temperature Solutions

Henkel’s release agent division leverages its strong position in adhesive technologies to offer advanced mold release solutions. The company serves diverse industries including automotive, electronics, and aerospace with formulations designed for complex molding applications and stringent quality requirements.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Focus on VOC-compliant and REACH-approved formulations

  • Integrated solutions combining release agents with cleaning systems

  • Digital application guidance for optimized usage and waste reduction


8️⃣ 3. LANXESS AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty Release Agents for Rubber and Plastics, Additive Packages

LANXESS brings deep expertise in polymer chemistry to the release agent market, offering tailored solutions for challenging manufacturing processes. The company’s products are particularly strong in tire manufacturing and technical rubber goods where precision demolding is critical.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of anti-static release agents for sensitive applications

  • Expansion of production capacity in Asia to serve growing markets

  • Collaboration with automotive OEMs on next-generation formulations


7️⃣ 4. Dow Inc.

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Silicone-Based Release Agents, DOWSIL Products, Custom Formulations

Dow is a major supplier of silicone-based release agents, leveraging its leadership in silicone chemistry. The company’s DOWSIL brand offers solutions for everything from bakery applications to advanced composite manufacturing, with a strong focus on performance and regulatory compliance.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Investment in high-purity silicone technologies for medical applications

  • Development of emulsion technologies for easier application and cleanup

  • Sustainability-focused product development with reduced environmental footprint

Download FREE Sample Report:
Release Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Pluracol Release Agents, Polyurethane Systems, Sustainable Solutions

BASF’s release agent portfolio benefits from the company’s broad chemical expertise and global manufacturing footprint. The company focuses on developing solutions that integrate seamlessly with modern manufacturing processes while meeting evolving environmental standards.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Bio-based raw material development for sustainable formulations

  • High-performance solutions for lightweight automotive components

  • Digital tools for release agent selection and application optimization


5️⃣ 6. Franklynn Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Custom Release Agents, Die Casting Solutions, Industrial Lubricants

Franklynn Industries specializes in custom-formulated release agents for specific manufacturing challenges. The company has built a strong reputation in die casting and rubber molding industries, with solutions that address unique processing requirements and quality standards.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Rapid prototyping services for custom formulation development

  • Focus on reducing smoke and emissions in high-temperature applications

  • Technical partnership programs with leading manufacturers


4️⃣ 7. Chukyo Yushi Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan
Key Offering: Paintable Release Agents, Specialty Formulations for Asian Markets

Chukyo Yushi is a leading Japanese manufacturer of release agents with particular strength in paintable formulations for automotive and electronic applications. The company’s deep understanding of Asian manufacturing requirements gives it a competitive edge in the region’s growing markets.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of release agents compatible with secondary operations

  • Expansion of water-based product lines for environmental compliance

  • Strategic partnerships with Japanese automotive and electronics firms


3️⃣ 8. McClube (McGee Industries, Inc.)

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: MCLUBE Release Agents, Dry Film Lubricants, Specialty Coatings

McGee Industries, operating under the MCLUBE brand, offers a range of release agents and dry lubricants for diverse industrial applications. The company is known for its expertise in semi-permanent release technologies that reduce application frequency and improve manufacturing efficiency.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Nanotechnology applications for enhanced release performance

  • Food-grade and FDA-compliant formulations

  • Global distribution network expansion


2️⃣ 9. REXCO

Headquarters: ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Key Offering: European-Compliant Release Agents, Die Casting Solutions

REXCO specializes in release agents designed to meet Europe’s stringent environmental regulations while delivering high performance in demanding applications. The company has particular expertise in die casting and composite manufacturing processes common in European automotive and aerospace industries.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • REACH-compliant product development

  • Energy-efficient formulations reducing overall manufacturing costs

  • Technical service support across European manufacturing hubs


1️⃣ 10. AXEL Plastics Research Laboratories

Headquarters: Woodside, New York, USA
Key Offering: Mold Wiz Release Agents, Custom Formulations, Technical Support

AXEL Plastics is renowned for its Mold Wiz brand of release agents, serving plastics, rubber, and composite industries worldwide. The company’s strength lies in its application-specific formulations and strong technical support capabilities that help manufacturers optimize their molding processes.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Extensive library of application-specific formulations

  • Development of non-transfer release agents for critical applications

  • Global technical service network with rapid response capability

Get Full Report Here:
Release Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report


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

The release agent market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional formulations still dominate in volume, the industry is investing heavily in sustainable alternatives, smart application technologies, and formulations for advanced materials.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid adoption of water-based and bio-based formulations in regulated markets

  • Development of high-temperature resistant agents for advanced composites

  • Integration of digital monitoring systems for optimized application

  • Manufacturer-chemical company partnerships for custom solutions

Get Full Report Here:
Release Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only enabling efficient manufacturing—they’re driving the sustainable transformation of industrial production processes worldwide.