Top 10 Companies in the Viscosity Index Improvers Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Lubricants

The Viscosity Index Improvers market has evolved into a pivotal component of modern lubrication technology. By maintaining consistent viscosity across a wide temperature band, these additives enable engines to operate efficiently while extending service intervals, a capability that is increasingly demanded by both OEMs and industrial users.

Viscosity Index Improvers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Viscosity index improvers are polymeric or copolymeric additives that raise the viscosity index of lubricating oils. They function by increasing the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures while preserving flow at low temperatures, thereby stabilising film thickness and protecting critical engine components.

Top 10 Companies in the Viscosity Index Improvers Market (2026)

1. BASF SE – Germany

Key Offering: Advanced polymeric Viscosity Index Improvers tailored for automotive and industrial applications.

BASF’s extensive polymerisation platform allows it to deliver high‑molecular‑weight polyalpha‑olefins that meet the most demanding viscosity stability requirements. Its close collaboration with major oil majors secures preferential supply agreements, reinforcing its position in the global value chain.

• Investment in next‑generation polymer chemistry.
• Strategic partnerships with OEMs for co‑development.
• Commitment to reducing additive dosage while maintaining performance.

2. Evonik Industries AG – Germany

Key Offering: Tailored copolymeric Viscosity Index Improvers for high‑performance engines.

Evonik’s vertically integrated feedstock operations support a robust supply chain, allowing it to deliver consistent quality across markets. The company’s R&D focus on molecular architecture ensures that its additives adapt to evolving fuel‑efficiency standards.

• Collaborations with global lubricant divisions.
• Advanced analytics for additive performance.
• Targeted support for hybrid and electric powertrains.

3. Shell plc – Netherlands/UK

Key Offering: Proprietary Viscosity Index Improvers integrated into its global lubricant portfolio.

Shell leverages its worldwide lubricant division to secure preferential supplier status with OEMs, converting scale into deep‑discount contract volumes and reinforcing long‑term relationships.

• Global distribution network.
• Focus on sustainability‑aligned additives.
• Strong presence in emerging markets.

4. Chevron Corporation – USA

Key Offering: Proprietary Viscosity Index Improvers for automotive and industrial lubricants.

Chevron’s global reach and deep‑discount pricing strategy enable it to meet the needs of OEMs across multiple regions while maintaining competitive margins.

• Strategic alliances with OEMs.
• Investments in polymer synthesis technology.
• Focus on high‑temperature stability.

5. ExxonMobil – USA

Key Offering: Integrated additive suites that include Viscosity Index Improvers.

ExxonMobil blends proprietary additives with broader additive systems, allowing cross‑selling opportunities and multi‑year agreements across automotive, industrial, and marine segments.

• Cross‑sell strategy with additive suites.
• Strong R&D pipeline for advanced polymers.
• Robust global supply chain.

6. TotalEnergies – France

Key Offering: Advanced Viscosity Index Improvers for automotive and industrial markets.

TotalEnergies’ diversified portfolio supports a broad range of applications, from light‑duty engines to heavy‑duty machinery.

• Investment in renewable‑friendly additives.
• Strategic partnerships with OEMs.
• Focus on high‑temperature performance.

7. Eastman Chemical Company – USA

Key Offering: Elastomeric additives for high‑temperature hydraulic fluids.

Eastman’s high‑performance elastomeric additives cater to niche sectors requiring superior shear stability and temperature resilience.

• Innovation in elastomeric chemistry.
• Custom solutions for precision equipment.
• Rapid iteration of formulations.

8. Infineum – United Kingdom

Key Offering: High‑performance polymer blends for industrial lubricants.

Infineum’s focus on elastomeric and polymeric additives positions it as a specialist partner for OEMs seeking advanced viscosity control.

• Specialized additive development.
• Partnerships with OEMs and lubricant manufacturers.
• Emphasis on sustainability.

9. Sinopec – China

Key Offering: High‑molecular‑weight polymer additives for automotive and industrial use.

Sinopec’s accelerated capacity expansions tap into domestic demand spikes and export opportunities in emerging economies.

• Capacity expansion in China.
• Strategic focus on automotive sector.
• Integration with local OEMs.

10. PetroChina – China

Key Offering: Advanced polymeric Viscosity Index Improvers for heavy‑duty and marine applications.

PetroChina’s investment in polymer synthesis and supply chain logistics supports a growing portfolio across diverse sectors.

• Expansion of polymer production facilities.
• Focus on high‑temperature stability.
• Strategic collaborations with OEMs.

Viscosity Index Improvers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Viscosity Index Improvers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Future Trends Shaping the Viscosity Index Improvers Landscape

Hybrid and electric powertrains rely on auxiliary combustion engines, keeping demand for high‑performance lubricants alive. The shift toward synthetic base stocks amplifies the importance of polymer additives that can extend the viscosity range without compromising shear stability. Early adopters of nano‑engineered additives are positioned to command premium pricing in heavy‑duty and offshore markets, where temperature extremes demand robust performance.

Regulatory environments in North America and the European Union are tightening maximum viscosity limits for passenger‑car engines, pushing suppliers to innovate low‑viscosity additives that still meet wear‑protection thresholds. These constraints are accelerating investment in R&D aimed at minimizing polymer shear while preserving index benefits.

Renewable and bio‑based base oils are gaining traction, creating a new set of compatibility challenges. Additive manufacturers are revisiting molecular architectures to ensure that viscosity‑index improvers remain effective in greener formulations, a shift that could redefine product portfolios and market dynamics.