Segment Analysis of Bio-Based Matting Agent Market: Products, Applications, and End-Users

In Business Insights
September 23, 2025

The global Bio-Based Matting Agent market was valued at US$ million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ million by 2029, at a CAGR of % during the forecast period. The influence of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War were considered while estimating market sizes.

Bio-Based Matting Agent Market represents an innovative shift in the coatings industry, where sustainable alternatives replace traditional synthetic or mineral-based matting agents. These bio-based options, derived from natural sources like olive stones or rapeseed oil, provide effective light-scattering properties to achieve matte finishes without contributing to microplastic pollution. As environmental regulations tighten, particularly in Europe and North America, bio-based matting agents are gaining traction for their biodegradability and reduced ecological footprint, making them ideal for applications in paints, varnishes, and surface treatments across various industries.

The market for bio-based matting agents is expanding rapidly due to heightened consumer demand for eco-friendly products, stricter environmental policies, and advancements in natural resource processing. This segment addresses key challenges in the coatings sector by offering viable green alternatives, supporting sustainability goals while maintaining performance standards in finish quality and durability. Growth is further supported by investments in bio-economy initiatives and the push toward circular economy principles in manufacturing.

Read Full Report Here: Bio-Based Matting Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Segmentation by Product Type

The bio-based matting agent market can be divided into three key product categories, each leveraging distinct natural raw materials to deliver sustainable matting solutions.

1. Olive Stones

Olive stones, processed into fine powders from agricultural byproducts, serve as a renewable source for matting agents. Their irregular particle shape provides excellent light diffusion, resulting in a soft matte finish without compromising coating adhesion or durability. This type is particularly valued for its abundance in Mediterranean regions and its fully biodegradable nature.

  • Market Insight: Olive stones dominate as the leading product type due to their cost-effectiveness and superior matting efficiency in water-based coatings. They are widely adopted by manufacturers seeking to reduce carbon footprints, especially in Europe where olive production is prolific. However, supply chain variations influenced by harvest cycles can pose challenges, prompting some players to explore stabilized sourcing strategies.

  • Trend: With increasing focus on upcycling agricultural waste, olive stone-based agents are seeing broader integration in premium architectural paints, where consumers prioritize natural ingredients for interior applications.

2. Rapeseed Oil

Rapeseed oil-derived matting agents involve modified vegetable oils that form spherical particles capable of scattering light effectively. These agents offer good compatibility with solvent-based systems and provide a balanced sheen control, making them suitable for industrial and wood finishes requiring flexibility and weather resistance.

  • Market Insight: Rapeseed oil products are gaining momentum in North America and Asia, where rapeseed cultivation is expanding. Their versatility in formulation allows for customized matting levels, appealing to formulators aiming to meet diverse regulatory standards. Demand is rising as companies transition from synthetic oils, though processing costs remain a hurdle for wider adoption.

  • Trend: Innovations in hydrogenation techniques are enhancing the stability of rapeseed-based agents, positioning them as a preferred choice for high-performance leather coatings in automotive and fashion sectors.

3. Others

The “others” category encompasses alternative bio-based sources such as cellulose derivatives, nut shells, or plant waxes, which provide niche matting properties tailored to specific coating needs. These materials often excel in specialized applications where unique textures or enhanced biodegradability is required.

  • Market Insight: This segment, though smaller, is the fastest-growing due to ongoing R&D in bio-refining technologies. It caters to emerging demands in eco-label certified products, with research institutions collaborating on novel extractions to improve yield and performance.

  • Trend: As global sustainability initiatives expand, “others” are increasingly sourced from underutilized biomass, supporting circular economy models in regions like Southeast Asia and South America.

Read Full Report Here: Bio-Based Matting Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Segmentation by Application

Applications highlight the versatility of bio-based matting agents, where their eco-friendly attributes address specific performance requirements in various coating scenarios, from protective layers to aesthetic finishes.

1. Industrial Coatings

Industrial coatings represent the largest application segment, utilizing bio-based matting agents for machinery, equipment, and metal surfaces to achieve durable, low-gloss protections that resist wear and environmental exposure.

  • Insight: These agents enhance anti-slip properties and corrosion resistance in heavy-duty environments, making them essential for manufacturing sectors transitioning to green chemistries.

  • Trend: With industrial policies promoting low-VOC formulations, demand is surging in Asia-Pacific factories, where rapeseed-derived agents are favored for their compatibility with existing production lines.

2. Wood Coatings

In wood coatings, bio-based matting agents deliver natural-looking matte finishes for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry, preserving the wood’s texture while providing UV protection and scratch resistance.

  • Insight: Olive stone particles excel here, offering a warm, non-yellowing matte effect that aligns with consumer preferences for sustainable home decor.

  • Trend: The rise of certified green building materials is accelerating adoption in Europe, with formulators experimenting with blended bio-agents for enhanced water repellency.

3. Leather Coatings

Leather coatings benefit from bio-based matting agents that impart a supple, breathable finish to automotive upholstery, fashion items, and accessories, reducing glare while maintaining flexibility.

  • Insight: These agents prevent cracking under flexing, crucial for luxury leather goods where aesthetics meet durability.

  • Trend: Regulatory bans on microplastics are driving leather producers in North America to adopt rapeseed oil variants, integrating them into water-based systems for ethical sourcing appeal.

4. Architectural Coatings

Architectural coatings use bio-based matting agents for interior and exterior paints, creating elegant matte walls and facades that minimize reflections and improve cleanability.

  • Insight: Their biodegradability supports LEED certifications, appealing to eco-conscious builders and homeowners seeking low-maintenance surfaces.

  • Trend: Urbanization in emerging markets is boosting this segment, with innovations in particle size distribution for smoother application and faster drying times.

5. Others

Other applications include cosmetics packaging, paper coatings, and specialty inks, where bio-based matting agents provide subtle textures and environmental compliance in niche markets.

  • Insight: This diverse group fills gaps in high-value, low-volume uses, such as printable surfaces requiring precise gloss control.

  • Trend: Advances in nanotechnology are refining these agents for electronics casings, aligning with broader sustainability trends in consumer goods.

Download FREE Sample Report: Bio-Based Matting Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Segmentation by End-User

1. Coating Manufacturers

Coating manufacturers form the largest end-user group, incorporating bio-based matting agents into formulations for paints and varnishes to meet regulatory and market demands for sustainability.

  • Insight: As supply chains prioritize green inputs, these users benefit from cost savings in compliance and branding advantages in eco-markets.

  • Trend: Major players in Europe and the USA are scaling up production, driven by consumer shifts toward natural products in residential applications.

2. Furniture and Wood Industry

Firms in the furniture and wood sector apply these agents to finishes, enhancing aesthetic appeal and longevity in products ranging from home furnishings to commercial fixtures.

  • Insight: The natural origin aligns with wood’s organic profile, reducing synthetic residues in end-use environments.

  • Trend: E-commerce growth is pushing for customizable, sustainable finishes, with bio-agents integrated in Scandinavian-style minimalism trends.

3. Leather Industry

Leather producers use bio-based matting agents to achieve premium textures in apparel, accessories, and vehicle interiors, focusing on ethical and durable solutions.

  • Insight: They address animal welfare concerns indirectly by emphasizing plant-based additives, appealing to vegan and green fashion segments.

  • Trend: Luxury brands are leading adoption, collaborating on custom formulations to match specific hide treatments.

4. Construction and Architectural Firms

Construction companies and architectural firms incorporate these agents in building materials for energy-efficient, low-gloss surfaces that contribute to green certifications.

  • Insight: Their role in reducing indoor air pollutants supports healthier built environments, a key factor in project specifications.

  • Trend: Infrastructure investments in Asia are fostering demand, with bio-agents used in facade coatings for urban renewal projects.

5. Other Industrial Sectors

Diverse sectors like automotive and packaging rely on bio-based matting agents for specialized coatings where sustainability intersects with functional performance.

  • Insight: This group provides steady demand for innovative variants, balancing cost with environmental benefits in B2B supply chains.

  • Trend: Pilot programs in renewable packaging are testing these agents, hinting at expanded use in circular economy initiatives.

The Bio-Based Matting Agent market is best understood through its segmentation landscape. By product type, olive stones lead, but others are emerging rapidly due to innovation in alternative sources. By application, industrial coatings hold sway, yet architectural uses are poised for significant expansion amid green building booms. By end-user, coating manufacturers dominate, while construction firms and the leather industry offer dynamic growth vectors driven by regulatory and consumer pressures.

Read Full Report Here: Bio-Based Matting Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Download FREE Sample Report: Bio-Based Matting Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report