Top 10 Companies in the Global External Mold Release Agents Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Manufacturing

MARKET INSIGHTS

The Global External Mold Release Agents Market was valued at USD 1.56 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2.78 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period.

External mold release agents are specialized chemical formulations applied to mold surfaces to prevent adhesion between the mold and the manufactured product. These agents create a barrier layer that enables easy demolding while maintaining product surface quality. The product portfolio includes water‑based, solvent‑based, and other formulations tailored for industries such as die casting, rubber, plastics, and food processing. While water‑based variants are gaining traction due to environmental regulations, solvent‑based solutions still dominate high‑temperature applications.

The market growth is primarily driven by expanding manufacturing activities in automotive and construction sectors, where mold release agents are essential for production efficiency. However, the industry faces challenges from tightening VOC emission norms, pushing manufacturers to innovate eco‑friendly alternatives. Recent developments include bio‑based formulations from Croda International and silicone‑based solutions from Wacker Chemie AG, reflecting the industry’s shift toward sustainable chemistry.

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Top 10 Companies in the Global External Mold Release Agents Market (2026)

1️⃣ Chem‑Trend L.P. (A Freudenberg Company)

Headquarters: New York, USA
Key Offering: Water‑based and solvent‑based release agents for die casting and automotive components

Chem‑Trend has positioned itself as a leading supplier of high‑performance release agents, leveraging its extensive R&D network to deliver solutions that meet the stringent quality demands of the automotive and aerospace industries. The company’s focus on water‑based chemistry aligns with the global push for lower VOC products, reducing operator exposure and environmental impact while maintaining release efficacy.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in water‑based formulations that cut VOC emissions by 70%
• Partnerships with automotive OEMs to develop reusable, semi‑permanent agents
• Commitment to achieving net‑zero emissions across its supply chain by 2035

2️⃣ Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
Key Offering: Adhesives, sealants, and release agents for automotive, electronics, and consumer goods

Henkel’s integrated approach combines core adhesive technologies with specialized release agents, enabling seamless integration into complex manufacturing lines. Its portfolio spans water‑based and silicone‑based solutions, catering to high‑temperature die casting and composite molding applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Launch of a circular economy program for reusable release agents in automotive production
• Reduction of overall chemical waste by 25% through process optimization
• Development of biodegradable release formulations for packaging applications

3️⃣ Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, USA
Key Offering: Silicone‑based release agents for high‑temperature die casting and aerospace components

Dow’s portfolio is anchored by high‑performance silicone formulations that deliver reliable release at temperatures exceeding 400 °C. The company’s focus on advanced materials science ensures that its agents maintain integrity under extreme thermal conditions, a critical requirement for aerospace and power‑train manufacturing.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Implementation of a closed‑loop water recycling system in production facilities
• Investment in low‑VOC silicone chemistries for automotive applications
• Collaboration with suppliers to source sustainably produced raw materials

4️⃣ Daikin Industries, Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Water‑based release agents for HVAC and automotive components

Daikin leverages its expertise in environmental control to develop release agents that perform under high humidity and temperature variations. The company’s water‑based products are particularly suited for automotive HVAC systems, where moisture control is critical.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of zero‑VOC release agents for automotive and HVAC markets
• Integration of renewable energy sources in manufacturing plants
• Partnerships with OEMs to implement closed‑loop recycling of release agent containers

5️⃣ Wacker Chemie AG

Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Key Offering: Silicone‑based and fluorinated release agents for high‑performance composites

Wacker’s focus on fluorinated chemistries delivers superior release performance in composite molding, a growing segment driven by lightweighting initiatives in automotive and aerospace. The company’s research pipeline emphasizes high‑temperature stability and chemical resistance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Launch of a bio‑based fluorinated release agent line
• Reduction of energy consumption in manufacturing by 15% through process optimization
• Collaboration with material suppliers to source renewable feedstocks

6️⃣ Croda International Plc

Headquarters: London, UK
Key Offering: Bio‑based release agents for plastics and composites

Croda’s bio‑based chemistry portfolio aligns with the global demand for greener manufacturing solutions. The company’s agents offer comparable performance to conventional solvent‑based products while reducing the carbon footprint of production lines.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of fully biodegradable release agents for packaging applications
• Investment in life‑cycle assessment tools to quantify environmental impact
• Partnerships with universities to explore novel bio‑feedstock routes

7️⃣ Marbocote Ltd.

Headquarters: Birmingham, UK
Key Offering: Release agents for composite molding and polyurethane processing

Marbocote specializes in niche applications, providing tailored release solutions that address the unique challenges of composite and polyurethane manufacturing. Its products are known for their reliability and low‑maintenance requirements.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low‑VOC formulations for composite molding
• Implementation of a circular supply chain for release agent packaging
• Collaboration with composite manufacturers to reduce waste through reusable agents

8️⃣ Grignard Company, LLC

Headquarters: Houston, USA
Key Offering: High‑performance release agents for aerospace and automotive components

Grignard’s focus on high‑temperature and high‑pressure applications makes it a key player in aerospace manufacturing, where reliability and performance are paramount. The company’s products are engineered to maintain release integrity under demanding conditions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of solvent‑free release formulations for aerospace applications
• Investment in green chemistry initiatives to reduce hazardous waste
• Partnerships with OEMs to implement closed‑loop packaging solutions

9️⃣ CHUKYO Europe GmbH

Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany
Key Offering: Release agents for automotive interior components and composites

CHUKYO’s expertise lies in delivering release solutions that meet the stringent quality requirements of automotive interior manufacturing. Its products support complex geometries and high‑speed production lines.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Launch of a low‑VOC product line for automotive interiors
• Implementation of energy‑efficient production processes
• Collaboration with suppliers to source sustainable raw materials

🔟 SISIB SILICONE

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Silicone‑based release agents for high‑temperature die casting and aerospace applications

SISIB SILICONE’s portfolio focuses on high‑temperature performance, making it a preferred choice for die casting in the automotive and aerospace sectors. The company’s research emphasizes durability and chemical resistance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio‑based silicone chemistries to reduce environmental impact
• Implementation of a closed‑loop water recycling system in production facilities
• Partnerships with OEMs to integrate reusable release agents into production lines

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Outlook

As manufacturing footprints expand across emerging economies, the demand for efficient mold release solutions will continue to rise. The convergence of automation and advanced materials is creating new opportunities for high‑performance, low‑VOC agents that support rapid cycle times while maintaining product integrity.

Future Trends

• Accelerated adoption of water‑based formulations as regulatory pressure mounts and operator safety becomes a priority.
• Growth of composite and lightweighting initiatives driving demand for advanced silicone and fluorinated chemistries.
• Integration of functional additives—such as corrosion inhibitors and anti‑static agents—to create multi‑purpose release solutions.
• Expansion of additive manufacturing and 3D printing, generating a niche market for resin‑compatible release agents.
• Increased focus on circular economy principles, encouraging the development of reusable and recyclable release agents.