The Global Release Agent Market was valued at US$ 418.8 million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 548.3 million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.9% during the forecast period (2023–2029). This growth is being driven by expanding manufacturing sectors such as automotive, construction, and plastics, alongside rising demand for high-performance materials in composites and rubber production, and the increasing shift toward eco-friendly and water-based release agent solutions to meet stringent environmental regulations.

As the manufacturing industry evolves toward sustainable practices and enhanced productivity, the focus turns to key suppliers of release agents who are innovating in formulation chemistry, application efficiency, and compliance with global standards. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Release Agent Market—a blend of chemical giants, specialized formulators, and industry pioneers driving advancements in mold release technologies for diverse applications.

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🔟 1. Chem-Trend

Headquarters: Howell, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Internal and external mold release agents for composites, rubber, and polyurethane

Chem-Trend stands as a global leader in release agent solutions, providing advanced formulations that ensure seamless demolding in high-volume production environments. Their products cater to industries like aerospace, automotive, and tire manufacturing, where precision and reliability are paramount. With a strong emphasis on research and development, Chem-Trend continues to refine its offerings to reduce defects and improve cycle times.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of solvent-free, water-based release agents
• Partnerships with major manufacturers for customized formulations
• Commitment to sustainability through biodegradable options

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9️⃣ 2. Henkel Corporation

Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
Key Offering: LOCTITE and Technomelt release agents for plastics and polyurethane resins

Henkel’s adhesives and release agent portfolio supports a wide array of molding processes, from injection molding to foam production. Operating worldwide, the company delivers solutions that enhance part quality while minimizing environmental impact. Their expertise in chemistry allows for tailored products that address specific challenges in high-temperature and high-pressure applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in low-VOC formulations to comply with global emissions standards
• Collaboration with automotive OEMs to optimize release performance

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8️⃣ 3. LANXESS AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Rhenodiv and other semi-permanent release agents for rubber and tire industries

LANXESS excels in providing release agents that integrate seamlessly into rubber processing, helping manufacturers achieve higher throughput and better surface finishes. Their global presence ensures reliable supply chains, and they are actively expanding into sustainable alternatives to traditional solvent-based products.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Targets for 100% bio-based release agents by 2030
• Supply partnerships with tire producers to reduce processing waste

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7️⃣ 4. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Silicone-based and water-dispersible release agents for plastics and composites

Dow’s release agent technologies are integral to efficient manufacturing in the plastics sector, offering products that prevent sticking and improve part release without compromising material properties. The company’s focus on innovation includes developing agents compatible with advanced composites used in wind energy and automotive lightweighting.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Goal to incorporate 10% renewable content in release formulations by 2025
• Expansion of production facilities in Asia for regional market demands

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6️⃣ 5. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Zentrachem and other release systems for polyurethane and rubber molding

BASF provides comprehensive release agent solutions that support diverse applications, including footwear, seals, and insulation materials. Their integrated approach combines release agents with process consulting to optimize manufacturing efficiency and sustainability.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Offers eco-certified release agents at key production sites
• Aims for carbon-neutral operations in chemical production by 2030

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5️⃣ 6. Klub̈er Lubrication

Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty release agents for die casting and plastic processing

Klub̈er Lubrication specializes in high-performance release agents that extend mold life and reduce downtime in metal and plastic forming. Their solutions are designed for extreme conditions, ensuring consistent results in demanding industrial settings across Europe and Asia.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Current output of sustainable lubricants exceeding 500,000 tons annually
• Target to double eco-friendly product lines by 2026

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4️⃣ 7. 3M Company

Headquarters: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Mold release agents and anti-stick coatings for composites and electronics

3M’s innovative release technologies are pivotal in advanced manufacturing, particularly for fiber-reinforced composites in aerospace and renewable energy. The company leverages its materials science expertise to create durable, easy-to-apply release solutions that enhance productivity.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on fluoropolymer-free alternatives to meet regulatory changes
• R&D programs for next-generation, recyclable release agents

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3️⃣ 8. AXEL Plastics Research Laboratories

Headquarters: Woodside, New York, USA
Key Offering: Water-based and concentrate release agents for polyurethane and plastics

AXEL is renowned for its concentrated release agent systems that deliver cost-effective performance in foam and resin molding. Serving North American markets primarily, they emphasize formulations that support clean production and reduced emissions.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Indigenous development of non-toxic, odor-free release products
• Collaborations with industry associations to advance green chemistry

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2️⃣ 9. Chukyo Yushi Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan
Key Offering: External release agents for rubber and tire manufacturing

Chukyo Yushi plays a crucial role in Asia’s rubber industry, supplying release agents that improve mold release and surface quality in tire production. Their expertise in emulsion technologies ensures compatibility with automated processes and environmental standards.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Expansion of water-soluble agents to cut solvent use by 50%
• Strategic alliances with Asian automakers for tailored solutions

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1️⃣ 10. Franklynn Industries

Headquarters: Troy, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Mold release agents for composites, rubber, and die casting

Franklynn Industries leads in versatile release agent applications, supporting sectors like automotive and consumer goods with products that prevent adhesion and facilitate clean demolding. As a key player in North America, they focus on user-friendly, high-efficiency formulations that align with industry sustainability goals.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Comprehensive solutions for end-to-end manufacturing cycles
• Partnerships with suppliers and end-users to innovate in low-emission agents

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Release Agents Is Sustainable and High-Performance

The release agent market is experiencing a significant transformation. Although traditional solvent-based products remain prevalent, the sector is channeling substantial resources into eco-friendly alternatives, advanced formulations, and integrated supply chain solutions to address regulatory pressures and consumer demands for greener manufacturing.

Because of the growing emphasis on circular economy principles, manufacturers are increasingly adopting water-based and bio-degradable release agents that reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improve worker safety. Furthermore, the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure is boosting demand for specialized agents in composite and battery production, creating new opportunities for innovation.

However, challenges such as raw material price volatility and the need for compatibility with emerging materials persist. Industry players are responding by investing in R&D to develop multi-functional agents that not only aid release but also provide lubrication and anti-corrosion benefits, thereby streamlining processes and cutting costs.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated adoption of water-based and silicone-free release agents in Europe and North America
• Regulatory mandates for reduced VOC emissions driving formulation shifts by 2030
• Digital tools for application monitoring and predictive maintenance in molding operations
• Strategic alliances between chemical firms and manufacturers for customized, sustainable solutions

In regions like Asia-Pacific, where manufacturing hubs are expanding rapidly, companies are scaling production capacities to meet the surge in demand from plastics and rubber sectors. Meanwhile, in mature markets, the focus is on premium, high-tech agents that support precision engineering.

The integration of release agents with Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT-enabled molds, is another emerging trend. This allows for real-time adjustments, minimizing waste and optimizing usage. As environmental concerns intensify, expect a proliferation of certifications like REACH compliance and ISO 14001 standards among leading suppliers.

Overall, the market’s trajectory points toward a balanced growth, with sustainability at its core. Innovations in nanotechnology and bio-based chemistries will likely dominate, enabling manufacturers to achieve higher efficiency while aligning with global decarbonization goals.

Read Full Report: Release Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies highlighted here are not only facilitating smooth manufacturing—they are pioneering the sustainable evolution of industrial processes worldwide.

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