The Global Nonionic Synthetic Associative Thickeners Market was valued at USD 425 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 608 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This growth is primarily driven by the global shift towards low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and environmentally compliant waterborne formulations in paints, coatings, adhesives, and personal care products. The accelerating demand for high-performance rheology modifiers that provide superior application properties and shelf stability is propelling innovation and market expansion.

As formulators across industries seek to improve product performance while meeting stringent environmental regulations, the focus intensifies on the specialty chemical companies that provide advanced rheology control solutions. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Nonionic Synthetic Associative Thickeners Industry—a group of multinational chemical giants and specialized additive producers shaping the future of modern formulations.

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🔟 1. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: ACULYN™, UCAR POLYPHOBE® Rheology Modifiers

Dow is a global leader in materials science, offering a comprehensive portfolio of nonionic associative thickeners under brands like ACULYN™. These HEUR (Hydrophobically modified Ethoxylated Urethane) polymers are critical for achieving optimal flow, leveling, and sag resistance in high-performance architectural and industrial coatings.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of next-generation HEUR technologies for low-VOC systems

• Strategic R&D focused on bio-based and sustainable raw material sourcing

• Global technical support network for formulation optimization

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9️⃣ 2. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Luvogel®, EFKA® Rheology Modifiers

BASF’s Performance Chemicals division provides advanced rheology modifiers, including nonionic associative thickeners for a wide range of applications. Their products are engineered to deliver excellent viscosity control and application properties in challenging formulations, from automotive coatings to decorative paints.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in APEO-free and low-VOC compliant thickener technologies

• Expansion of digital formulation tools and services

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8️⃣ 3. Arkema Group

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: COAPUR®, RHEOLATE® Associative Thickeners

Arkema, through its Coating Resins segment, is a key supplier of high-performance rheology modifiers. Their nonionic associative thickeners are designed for superior compatibility in waterborne systems, providing excellent spatter resistance and brush drag control for architectural paints.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on sustainable chemistry and circular economy principles

• Development of thickeners for high-performance industrial coatings

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7️⃣ 4. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: AQUAFLOW™ NLS, NATROSOL™ Plus Thickeners

Ashland offers a diverse range of rheology modifiers, including nonionic synthetic associative thickeners for paints, coatings, and personal care applications. Their technologies are known for providing efficient thickening with minimal impact on gloss and color acceptance.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Advancements in associative thickener synergy for multi-thickener systems

• Expansion of bio-derived and sustainable product offerings

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6️⃣ 5. Elementis plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: BENTONE® GEL, OPTIGEL® Rheology Additives

Elementis Specialty Products is a leading global specialty chemicals company offering rheology modifiers for various industries. While known for organoclays, their portfolio includes associative thickeners that provide robust performance in demanding coating applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of multifunctional additives combining rheology with other properties

• Focus on low-VOC and regulatory-compliant solutions

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5️⃣ 6. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: TEGO® ViscoPlus, TEGO® Flow 370 Rheology Modifiers

Evonik’s Coating Additives business line provides advanced rheology control solutions, including nonionic associative thickeners. Their products are designed to meet the evolving needs of formulators in architectural, industrial, and wood coatings markets.

Innovation Initiatives:

• R&D in smart rheology modifiers for advanced coating systems

• Sustainability-driven product development and process optimization

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4️⃣ 7. BYK-Chemie GmbH (Altana AG)

Headquarters: Wesel, Germany
Key Offering: BYK®-420, BYK®-425 Associative Thickeners

BYK, a division of Altana, is a world-renowned supplier of additives for coatings and inks. Their nonionic associative thickeners are engineered to provide excellent flow and leveling characteristics while maintaining good sag resistance and spatter control.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Continuous innovation in HEUR technology for improved performance

• Development of eco-friendly and sustainable additive solutions

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3️⃣ 8. Münzing Chemie GmbH

Headquarters: Heilbronn, Germany
Key Offering: TAFIGEL® PUR, ETHOCRYL™ Associative Thickeners

Münzing is a specialty chemical company focused on additive solutions for coatings, inks, and adhesives. Their TAFIGEL® PUR series of nonionic urethane associative thickeners are known for their efficiency and reliability in various waterborne systems.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Specialization in high-performance polyurethane-based thickeners

• Customer-focused development of application-specific solutions

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2️⃣ 9. Allnex GmbH

Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany
Key Offering: AQUACER® Rheology Modifiers for Coatings

Allnex is a leading global supplier of coating resins and additives. Their portfolio includes associative thickeners designed to provide optimal rheological properties in waterborne coating systems, ensuring excellent application behavior and film formation.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Integration of rheology modifiers with binder technologies

• Development of solutions for emerging coating technologies

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1️⃣ 10. Borchers (Milliken & Company)

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: Borchi® Gel Thickeners, Advancing Rheology™ Solutions

Borchers, a Milliken brand, is a recognized leader in high-performance additives for coatings and inks. Their nonionic associative thickeners offer excellent compatibility and performance across a wide range of waterborne formulations, from architectural paints to industrial coatings.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on innovative rheology solutions for next-generation coatings

• Commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Rheology Control Is Smarter and More Sustainable

The nonionic synthetic associative thickeners market is experiencing a significant transformation. While traditional thickeners continue to serve established applications, the industry is rapidly advancing toward smarter, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable rheology solutions.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated adoption of bio-based and renewable raw materials in thickener production

• Development of multi-functional thickeners that combine rheology with other performance benefits

• Increasing demand for low-VOC, APEO-free, and regulatory-compliant thickener technologies

• Integration of digital tools and AI in formulation development and optimization

The companies profiled above are not only supplying essential rheology modifiers—they’re driving the technological evolution that enables formulators to create superior, sustainable products for global markets.

Get Full Report Here:
Nonionic Synthetic Associative Thickeners Market – View in Detailed Research Report