The Global Plastic External Lubricant Market was valued at USD 1.52 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.48 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This growth is fueled by the expanding global packaging industry, rising demand for high-performance plastics in automotive lightweighting, and increasing consumption of consumer electronics.

In a manufacturing landscape focused on efficiency and quality, external lubricants are essential additives that ensure smooth polymer processing, prevent equipment damage, and enhance the finish of final products. As the industry moves towards sustainability and higher performance standards, the role of key chemical suppliers becomes increasingly critical. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Plastic External Lubricant Industry—global chemical giants and specialized producers shaping the future of polymer manufacturing.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Wax-based lubricants, Fatty Acid Esters, Comprehensive additive packages

BASF SE stands as a global leader in the chemical industry and a premier supplier of plastic additives, including a wide array of external lubricants. The company’s portfolio is engineered to meet the demanding requirements of various polymer processing techniques, such as extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding. BASF’s lubricants are renowned for their ability to improve processing efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the surface quality of finished plastic products across automotive, packaging, and consumer goods sectors.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based and renewable raw material-based lubricants.

• Commitment to carbon-neutral growth by 2030.

• Active participation in circular economy initiatives for plastics.

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9️⃣ 2. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Licowax PE & PP, Licomont, and tailored additive solutions

Clariant is a specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on providing high-value additive solutions for the plastics industry. Its range of external lubricants is designed to address specific processing challenges, offering excellent mold release, anti-blocking, and surface smoothing properties. Clariant’s expertise lies in creating customized formulations that work synergistically with other additives to optimize the performance of polymers like PVC, polyolefins, and engineering plastics.

Innovation Focus:

• Investment in high-performance synthetic wax technologies.

• Focus on EcoTain®-labeled sustainable solutions.

• Collaborative development with customers for application-specific needs.

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8️⃣ 3. Honeywell International Inc.

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: A-C polyethylene and copolymer waxes

Honeywell’s specialty materials segment is a key global supplier of high-performance waxes used as external lubricants. Their A-C® product line includes polyethylene and copolymer waxes known for their thermal stability, low volatility, and excellent lubricating properties. These products are critical for processing a wide range of thermoplastics, contributing to higher output rates and superior product quality in demanding applications.

Key Strengths:

• Global production capacity and reliable supply chain.

• Strong focus on quality control and product consistency.

• Extensive technical support and customer service network.

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7️⃣ 4. INEOS Inovyn

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Specialist PVC lubricants and additives

As a leading PVC resin producer, INEOS Inovyn possesses deep expertise in the additives required for its efficient processing. The company offers a range of specialized external lubricants specifically formulated for PVC applications, including calendaring, extrusion, and injection molding. Their products help prevent plate-out, ensure excellent mold release, and improve the thermal stability of PVC compounds.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of additives for PVC recycling streams.

• Commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of PVC production.

• Investment in safer and more sustainable additive chemistries.

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Plastic External Lubricant Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Sasol Limited

Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Offering: Fischer-Tropsch waxes, Oxidized Polyethylene Waxes

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company with a significant presence in the wax market. Its Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology produces high-quality, fully synthetic waxes that serve as excellent external lubricants. These waxes are characterized by their narrow molecular weight distribution, high melting points, and exceptional purity, making them suitable for high-temperature processing and sensitive applications like food-contact packaging.

Market Position:

• One of the world’s largest producers of Fischer-Tropsch waxes.

• Strong geographic footprint with production facilities in South Africa, the USA, and Germany.

• Focus on expanding capacity and developing new wax derivatives.

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5️⃣ 6. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Hi-Wax polyolefin waxes, specialty lubricants

Mitsui Chemicals is a major Japanese chemical company offering a diverse portfolio of performance materials, including its Hi-Wax series of polyolefin waxes. These products are engineered to provide superior lubrication, dispersion, and compatibility in various polymer systems. The company has a strong focus on the Asian market and serves industries such as automotive, electronics, and packaging with high-quality, reliable lubricant solutions.

Innovation Focus:

• Development of lubricants for advanced engineering plastics and composites.

• R&D aimed at improving processing efficiency for thin-wall and complex parts.

• Commitment to sustainable solutions aligned with regional regulations.

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4️⃣ 7. Exxon Mobil Corporation

Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Paraffin waxes, Microcrystalline waxes, Telura performance polymers

Leveraging its vast petroleum refining operations, ExxonMobil is a significant supplier of hydrocarbon waxes used as plastic lubricants. The company’s paraffin and microcrystalline waxes are widely used in PVC and other plastic processing for their effective lubrication and surface modification properties. ExxonMobil’s strength lies in its integrated supply chain, ensuring consistent quality and availability of these essential raw materials.

Key Strengths:

• Vertically integrated production from crude oil to finished wax products.

• Global distribution network serving customers worldwide.

• Continuous investment in refinery upgrades and product quality.

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3️⃣ 8. Shell plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Shellwax hydrocarbon waxes, Shellsol solvents

Shell’s chemicals business is a key player in the supply of base materials for the plastics industry. While not exclusively an additive manufacturer, Shell produces a range of hydrocarbon waxes that function effectively as external lubricants. These products are derived from its refining processes and are valued for their consistency and performance in polyolefin and PVC processing applications.

Strategic Focus:

• Leveraging core energy business to supply chemical intermediates.

• Focus on operational efficiency and supply reliability.

• Exploring opportunities in circular and bio-based feedstocks.

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2️⃣ 9. UPC Technology Corporation

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: Plasticizers, Stabilizers, and Lubricants for PVC

UPC Technology is a leading petrochemical company in Asia with a strong focus on the PVC value chain. The company produces a comprehensive range of additives, including external lubricants tailored for the PVC industry. UPC’s strategic location in Asia allows it to effectively serve the rapidly growing plastics markets in the region, providing cost-effective and high-performance solutions to local compounders and processors.

Regional Leadership:

• Significant market share in the Asian PVC additives sector.

• Strong relationships with regional resin producers and compounders.

• Focus on expanding product portfolio to meet evolving market needs.

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1️⃣ 10. Savita Oil Technologies Limited

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Petroleum Jelly, Olefin Copolymers, White Oils & Petrolatums

Savita Oil Technologies is a prominent Indian company manufacturing a range of petroleum-derived products that find application as plastic lubricants. Its products, including specific grades of petrolatums and white oils, are used as process aids in plastic compounding and molding. The company benefits from strong domestic demand and a growing presence in international markets, providing affordable and effective lubricant solutions.

Growth Strategy:

• Capitalizing on the growth of India’s plastics industry.

• Expanding export markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

• Investing in R&D to develop higher-value specialty products.

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Plastic External Lubricant Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Plastic External Lubricants is Smarter and More Sustainable

The plastic external lubricant market is evolving rapidly, driven by the dual demands of higher processing efficiency and enhanced sustainability. While traditional hydrocarbon-based lubricants continue to dominate, the industry is increasingly investing in bio-based alternatives, advanced synthetic waxes, and multifunctional additive systems.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• R&D into non-migrating and high-performance synthetic lubricants for engineering plastics.

• Growing demand for FDA-compliant and food-contact approved lubricants in packaging.

• Increasing adoption of lubricants compatible with recycled plastic streams.

• Strategic partnerships between lubricant suppliers and resin producers for integrated solutions.

Get Full Report Here:
Plastic External Lubricant Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only facilitating global plastic production—they are instrumental in advancing the efficiency and sustainability of polymer processing worldwide.