The Global Friction Products and Materials Market was valued at USD 16.23 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 22.45 Billion by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period (2023–2029). This growth is being driven by the expanding automotive sector, particularly the rise in electric vehicles requiring advanced braking systems, increasing demand for high-performance materials in industrial machinery, and the push toward sustainable, non-asbestos alternatives in applications ranging from brakes to clutches.

As industries prioritize safety, durability, and environmental responsibility, the focus turns to innovative suppliers of friction products and materials that enhance performance while reducing wear and emissions. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Friction Products and Materials Market—a blend of established manufacturers, technology innovators, and global leaders advancing friction solutions for automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors.

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🔟 1. Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Brake pads, linings, and clutch facings using advanced ceramic and semi-metallic composites

Akebono stands as a pioneer in friction materials, supplying high-quality brake systems to major automakers worldwide. Their products are integral to light vehicles and heavy-duty applications, emphasizing low noise and minimal dust generation. With a strong emphasis on research and development, Akebono continues to innovate for next-generation vehicles, including hybrids and electrics, ensuring reliable stopping power across diverse conditions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of copper-free friction materials to reduce environmental impact

• Recycling programs for end-of-life brake components

• Commitment to carbon neutrality in manufacturing processes by 2035

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9️⃣ 2. Nisshinbo Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Friction materials for brakes, clutches, and industrial synchronization systems

Nisshinbo is a key player in the friction materials arena, providing solutions for automotive and railway applications. Operating globally, the company excels in wet and dry friction technologies, serving clients in both passenger cars and commercial trucks. Their focus on durability helps extend component life, reducing maintenance costs and improving operational efficiency in demanding environments.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in bio-based resins for eco-friendly friction compounds

• Collaboration with OEMs to optimize materials for electric vehicle regenerative braking

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8️⃣ 3. Aisin Corporation

Headquarters: Kariya, Japan
Key Offering: Clutch plates, brake linings, and transmission friction materials

Aisin, part of the Toyota Group, delivers precision-engineered friction products essential for automatic transmissions and braking systems. Their materials are designed for high torque capacity and smooth engagement, making them ideal for modern vehicles. By integrating advanced composites, Aisin addresses the challenges of lightweighting and energy efficiency in the automotive supply chain.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Reduction of hazardous substances in friction formulations

• Partnerships for circular economy practices in material reuse

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7️⃣ 4. Federal-Mogul (Tenneco Inc.)

Headquarters: Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Brake pads, rotors, and aftermarket friction components

Federal-Mogul, now under Tenneco, is renowned for its comprehensive range of friction products used in original equipment and replacement markets. They cater to light vehicles and trucks, with innovations in noise-free braking and enhanced thermal resistance. This positions them as a trusted partner for global automakers seeking reliable performance under extreme conditions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Goal to eliminate asbestos entirely from product lines

• Development of low-particulate materials compliant with EU regulations

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6️⃣ 5. Brembo S.p.A.

Headquarters: Bergamo, Italy
Key Offering: High-performance brake pads and discs for automotive and motorsport

Brembo leads in premium friction solutions, particularly for sports cars and heavy vehicles. Their carbon-ceramic and organic materials provide superior stopping power and heat dissipation, essential for high-speed applications. With a presence in over 70 countries, Brembo’s engineering excellence supports the shift toward safer, more efficient mobility.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Promotion of recyclable friction materials and reduced weight designs

• Initiatives to lower production emissions through green manufacturing

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5️⃣ 6. Continental AG

Headquarters: Hanover, Germany
Key Offering: Brake friction materials integrated with electronic systems

Continental combines friction expertise with smart technologies, offering brake pads that integrate with ABS and stability controls. Their products dominate in the European and North American markets, focusing on light vehicles and commercial fleets. By leveraging digital tools, they enhance predictive maintenance and overall vehicle safety.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Research into sustainable sourcing of raw materials for friction compounds

• Targeted reduction in brake dust pollution through innovative formulations

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4️⃣ 7. ZF Friedrichshafen AG

Headquarters: Friedrichshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Friction linings for transmissions, brakes, and industrial machinery

ZF is a powerhouse in driveline and chassis friction products, supplying advanced materials for trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles. Their wet friction technologies excel in heavy-duty applications, providing consistent performance and longevity. As electrification grows, ZF adapts its offerings to support hybrid and electric powertrains.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of friction materials optimized for energy recovery in EVs

• Corporate goals for 100% renewable energy in production by 2040

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3️⃣ 8. Robert Bosch GmbH

Headquarters: Gerlingen, Germany
Key Offering: Brake pads, clutch materials, and sensor-integrated friction solutions

Bosch brings decades of innovation to friction products, with a portfolio that includes organic and metallic pads for passenger cars and motorcycles. Their global network ensures timely supply and customization, helping OEMs meet stringent safety standards. Bosch’s focus on integration with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) sets them apart in intelligent braking.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Elimination of heavy metals in friction formulations

• Programs to recycle friction waste and promote lifecycle assessments

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2️⃣ 9. TRW Automotive (ZF TRW)

Headquarters: Livonia, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Brake and clutch friction materials for active safety systems

TRW, integrated into ZF, specializes in high-tech friction components for advanced braking modules. They serve the aerospace and automotive sectors, with materials designed for extreme temperatures and loads. Their contributions to autonomous driving technologies underscore the evolution from basic friction to smart, responsive systems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in low-emission manufacturing and material efficiency

• Collaborations for sustainable supply chains in raw material procurement

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1️⃣ 10. ITT Corporation

Headquarters: White Plains, New York, USA
Key Offering: Industrial friction materials, including clutches and brakes for aerospace and rail

ITT excels in specialized friction solutions for non-automotive applications, such as aircraft landing gear and railway systems. Their polymer-based materials offer exceptional wear resistance and reliability in harsh environments. As a leader in diversification, ITT bridges traditional and emerging markets like renewable energy equipment.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Comprehensive recycling of composite materials

• Focus on durable products to minimize replacement frequency and waste

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Friction Products and Materials Is Smarter and Greener

The friction products and materials market is evolving rapidly, with traditional applications in vehicles and machinery giving way to demands for eco-conscious innovations. While dry and wet friction materials remain core, the sector is channeling resources into low-dust, asbestos-free alternatives, and composites tailored for electric propulsion systems. This shift not only addresses regulatory pressures but also supports the broader goal of reducing urban air pollution from brake wear.

Furthermore, the integration of friction technologies with IoT and AI is transforming predictive maintenance, allowing for real-time monitoring of wear and performance. Because electric vehicles rely more on regenerative braking, friction components are adapting to lighter-duty cycles, extending lifespan and efficiency. However, challenges like raw material volatility and supply chain disruptions persist, prompting companies to diversify sources and invest in R&D.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Expansion of non-asbestos and low-copper materials in response to global environmental standards

• Growth in demand from the EV sector for specialized, low-friction coatings

• Digital twins and simulation tools for faster material development

• Strategic alliances between automakers and material suppliers for customized solutions

In regional dynamics, Asia-Pacific, led by China and Japan, holds the largest share due to booming vehicle production, while North America and Europe drive innovation through stringent safety and emission regulations. The U.S. market, estimated at around USD 3.8 billion in 2023, is poised for steady growth, whereas China’s forecast reaches USD 6.2 billion by 2029, fueled by industrialization. Segments like dry friction materials are expected to capture over 60% of the market, growing to USD 13.5 billion by 2029 at a 5.8% CAGR, thanks to their versatility in automotive brakes.

Applications in light vehicles dominate with approximately 50% market share, but trucks and aircraft are seeing accelerated uptake due to fleet modernization. For instance, the aircraft segment benefits from high-performance materials that withstand extreme conditions, contributing to safer aviation operations. Industrial applications, including wind turbines and robotics, are emerging as high-growth areas, pushing the boundaries of friction technology.

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By type, wet friction materials are gaining traction in transmissions for their smooth operation, while applications in other industrial sectors highlight the market’s breadth. Overall, these top companies are not just providing essential friction solutions—they are propelling industries toward safer, more sustainable futures.

Looking deeper, the competitive landscape reveals that the top five players command about 45% of global revenue, underscoring consolidation trends through mergers and acquisitions. For example, recent developments include partnerships for bio-based additives that enhance thermal stability without compromising friction coefficients. Industry experts note that drivers like urbanization and e-commerce logistics are boosting demand for durable truck brakes, while challenges such as fluctuating resin prices require agile supply strategies.

In Europe, regulations like the EU’s Particle Measurement Programme are accelerating the shift to low-particulate materials, with companies investing in R&D centers to comply. Similarly, in Asia, rising middle-class mobility is spurring aftermarket growth, where affordable yet high-quality friction products are key. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has influenced raw material availability, yet the market demonstrates resilience, with projected sales volumes reaching 1,200 K MT by 2029.

Moreover, the report’s analysis of key manufacturers highlights revenue shares, with leading firms reporting steady increases from 2018 to 2023. This data, derived from surveys of suppliers and distributors, paints a picture of a maturing market where innovation correlates directly with market positioning. As we move toward 2025, expect heightened focus on circular economy principles, where recycled fibers and resins become standard in friction formulations.

The outlook remains optimistic, with the global market’s revenue forecasted to climb steadily, supported by quantitative insights into segments by type and application. Whether in North America’s mature ecosystem or the dynamic landscapes of South America and the Middle East, friction products continue to underpin mechanical reliability. Ultimately, these market leaders are engineering the next era of friction technology, balancing performance with planetary responsibility.

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