The Global Dispersing Agents for Water-based Coatings Market was valued at USD 829 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1102 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This growth is driven by stringent global environmental regulations promoting low-VOC coatings, expansion in the construction and automotive industries, and the continuous demand for high-performance coatings with superior gloss, color strength, and stability.

As the coatings industry pivots decisively toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly formulations, the critical role of high-performance dispersing agents has never been more apparent. These chemical additives are the unsung heroes that ensure pigments and fillers remain uniformly suspended in water, preventing settling and agglomeration to deliver the flawless finish and durability demanded by today’s markets. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Dispersing Agents for Water-based Coatings Industry—a group of global chemical giants and specialized innovators shaping the future of high-quality, sustainable surface treatments.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: EFKA®, DISPEX®, and other polymeric dispersing agents

BASF SE is a global leader in the chemical industry and a dominant force in the dispersing agents market. Its extensive portfolio includes a wide range of high-performance additives specifically designed for water-based coating systems. The company’s dispersants are renowned for their efficiency in stabilizing organic and inorganic pigments, ensuring excellent color development, gloss, and long-term storage stability.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of advanced polyacrylate and polyurethane-based dispersants for demanding applications.

• Strong focus on sustainable solutions, including bio-based raw materials and products supporting low-VOC formulations.

• Global technical service and R&D centers dedicated to solving specific formulation challenges for customers.

Download FREE Sample Report: Dispersing Agents for Water-based Coatings Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Lubrizol Corporation

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: SOLSPERSE™ hyperdispersants, CARBOSPERSE™ water-based dispersants

Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a premier specialty chemical company with a formidable reputation in performance additives. Its SOLSPERSE™ series is particularly acclaimed in the industry for providing superior pigment stabilization in both solvent and water-based systems. The company’s technologies enable formulators to achieve higher pigment loading, enhanced color strength, and improved overall coating performance.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering hyperdispersant technology that offers unmatched performance for difficult-to-disperse pigments.

• Investment in R&D for next-generation, environmentally friendly dispersants that reduce formulation complexity.

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8️⃣ 3. Dow Inc.

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: UCAROL™, TERGITOL™, and ACUMER™ dispersants

Dow Inc. leverages its vast expertise in material science to produce a range of dispersing agents that enhance the performance of water-based coatings. Its products are designed to improve wetting, dispersion stability, and compatibility with various resin systems. Dow’s strong position in raw materials provides an integrated advantage in developing cost-effective and high-performance additive solutions.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of multifunctional additives that combine dispersing with other properties like rheology modification.

• Commitment to sustainability through products that help formulators meet stringent environmental and regulatory standards.

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7️⃣ 4. BYK-Chemie GmbH (ALTANA)

Headquarters: Wesel, Germany
Key Offering: DISPERBYK® series, ANTI-TERRA® additives

BYK is a globally recognized leader in additives for coatings, inks, and plastics. The company’s DISPERBYK® dispersing agents are industry benchmarks for achieving optimal pigment dispersion and stabilizing effect in water-based coatings. BYK is known for its strong technical expertise and customer-centric approach, providing tailored solutions for a wide array of applications, from architectural paints to industrial coatings.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Continuous innovation in block copolymer and graft copolymer dispersant technology.

• Focus on developing additives that enable higher sustainability profiles for coatings, such as reducing energy consumption during dispersion.

Download FREE Sample Report: Dispersing Agents for Water-based Coatings Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Elementis plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: CUSTOM DISPERSE™ systems, other specialty rheology and dispersion additives

Elementis plc is a specialist global company focused on developing high-performance additives. Its coating additives business offers innovative dispersing agents that help formulators overcome challenges related to pigment stabilization and compatibility. Elementis is particularly strong in providing synergistic systems that combine dispersing and rheological control for simplified formulations.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expertise in creating co-additive packages that optimize overall coating performance.

• Commitment to innovation aimed at improving the environmental footprint of coating formulations.

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5️⃣ 6. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: NATROSOL™, AQUAFLOW™, and other dispersing and thickening agents

Ashland is a leading global additives and specialty ingredients supplier. The company provides a range of dispersing agents that are critical for achieving stable and uniform pigment dispersions in water-based coatings. Ashland’s products are valued for their consistency and ability to perform well in complex formulations, including those for architectural, industrial, and wood coatings.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of associative thickeners and dispersants that work synergistically.

• Strong focus on bio-derived and sustainable raw materials for its additive portfolio.

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4️⃣ 7. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: TEGO® Dispers series, various specialty silicates and polymers

Evonik Industries is a world leader in specialty chemicals, with a robust coating additives business. Its TEGO® Dispers dispersing agents are designed to provide excellent compatibility and stability in a wide range of water-based binder systems. Evonik’s strength lies in its deep application knowledge and ability to provide solutions for high-performance and demanding coating applications.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• R&D focused on high-solid and low-VOC compatible dispersants.

• Innovation in additive technologies that contribute to more durable and sustainable coatings.

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3️⃣ 8. Arkema S.A.

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: COATEX™ rheology modifiers and dispersants

Arkema, through its Coatex subsidiary, is a key player in rheology modifiers and dispersing agents for water-based coatings. The company’s dispersants are engineered to provide efficient pigment wetting and stabilization, contributing to superior gloss and color properties. Arkema’s products are widely used in decorative paints, industrial coatings, and construction chemicals.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expertise in acrylic and associative polymer chemistry for advanced dispersant solutions.

• Development of eco-friendly products that align with the circular economy and regulatory trends.

Download FREE Sample Report: Dispersing Agents for Water-based Coatings Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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2️⃣ 9. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: DISPERSOGEN® series, HOSTATEX® pigments and dispersions

Clariant is a focused, innovative, and sustainable specialty chemical company. Its Business Unit Additives offers a comprehensive range of dispersing agents under the DISPERSOGEN® brand. These products are known for their effectiveness in stabilizing pigments in challenging water-based systems, helping customers achieve brilliant colors and consistent quality.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Strong emphasis on developing sustainable solutions, including bio-based and biodegradable dispersants.

• Tailored solutions for specific market needs, such as coatings for plastics and metals.

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1️⃣ 10. Allnex

Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany
Key Offering: Resins, crosslinkers, and additive packages including dispersing aids

Allnex is a leading global supplier of coating resins and additives. While renowned for its binder technologies, Allnex also provides essential additive solutions, including dispersing agents, that are optimized to work seamlessly with its resin portfolio. This integrated approach offers formulators a simplified pathway to developing high-performance water-based coatings with excellent compatibility and stability.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Integration of dispersant technology with resin development for synergistic performance benefits.

• Focus on enabling low-VOC, high-durability coatings for various industrial and decorative applications.

Read Full Report: Dispersing Agents for Water-based Coatings Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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

The dispersing agents for water-based coatings market is undergoing a significant evolution. While conventional polycarboxylate-based dispersants continue to dominate, the industry is investing heavily in next-generation technologies, bio-based chemistries, and smart additive solutions that respond to the dynamic needs of modern coatings.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid adoption of multifunctional additives that combine dispersing, wetting, and rheology control

• Regulatory push for low-VOC and formaldehyde-free formulations driving innovation in dispersant chemistry

• Increasing demand for high-performance dispersants in emerging applications like energy-curing (UV/EB) water-based coatings

• Strategic collaborations between additive suppliers and resin manufacturers to develop integrated solutions

Read Full Report: Dispersing Agents for Water-based Coatings Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential additives—they are driving the innovation and sustainability of the global coatings industry.