The Global HEUR Thickeners Market is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 1.8 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by escalating demand from the paints & coatings, construction, and textile industries, coupled with the increasing need for high-performance rheology modifiers that offer superior flow control, spatter resistance, and application properties.
As formulators across diverse sectors seek to enhance product performance and meet stringent environmental regulations, the focus intensifies on the key chemical companies driving innovation in Hydrophobically Modified Ethoxylated Urethane (HEUR) technology. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the HEUR Thickeners Industry—a group of global chemical giants and specialized manufacturers shaping the future of formulation science.
🔟 1. BYK-Chemie GmbH (Altana AG)
Headquarters: Wesel, Germany
Key Offering: AQUATIX, RHEOBYK, and other specialty HEUR thickeners
BYK-Chemie, a division of Altana, is a world-leading supplier of additives and instruments. Their HEUR thickeners are renowned for providing excellent efficiency, superior flow and leveling, and optimal gloss development in water-based coatings, adhesives, and printing inks.
Innovation Focus:
- Development of low-VOC and APEO-free HEUR thickeners
- Advanced rheology modifiers for high-performance architectural and industrial coatings
- Global technical service and support network
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9️⃣ 2. Evonik Operations GmbH
Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: TEGO® ViscoPlus series of HEUR thickeners
Evonik is a global specialty chemicals leader with a strong portfolio of rheology modifiers. Their TEGO ViscoPlus products are designed to deliver excellent thickening efficiency, sag resistance, and sprayability, making them ideal for a wide range of water-based systems.
Innovation Focus:
- Focus on sustainable and bio-based raw materials
- Tailored solutions for specific application challenges
- Commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of formulations
8️⃣ 3. Dow Chemical
Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: ACULYN™, UCAR POLYPHOBE® HEUR thickeners
Dow is a major player in the thickeners market, offering a broad range of HEUR products under the ACULYN and UCAR POLYPHOBE brands. These thickeners are known for their robustness, compatibility, and performance in demanding applications like exterior paints and high-gloss coatings.
Innovation Focus:
- Innovation in associative thickener technology for improved application properties
- Solutions that enhance color acceptance and durability
- Global manufacturing and supply chain capabilities
7️⃣ 4. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: AQUALON™, NATROSOL™ PLUS HHBR and other HEUR thickeners
Ashland provides innovative thickeners for the paints, coatings, and construction industries. Their HEUR product lines are engineered to offer superior performance in terms of viscosity development, film build, and resistance to microbial attack.
Innovation Focus:
- Development of multifunctional additives
- Emphasis on products with enhanced biodegradability profiles
- Strong R&D focus on meeting evolving regulatory standards
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6️⃣ 5. BASF SE
Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Rheovis® HEUR thickeners
BASF’s range of Rheovis HEUR thickeners delivers excellent rheological control for waterborne coatings, adhesives, and construction chemicals. They are valued for providing superior sag resistance, spatter reduction, and good leveling.
Innovation Focus:
- Integration of digital tools for formulation optimization
- Development of thickeners for low-VOC and sustainable formulations
- Global technical expertise and customer collaboration
5️⃣ 6. Arkema Group
Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: COAPUR™ HEUR thickeners
Arkema offers high-performance COAPUR HEUR thickeners, particularly recognized in the coatings industry for their efficiency and contribution to high film build and excellent flow properties. Their products cater to both decorative and industrial coating applications.
Innovation Focus:
- Focus on energy-efficient and easy-to-use thickeners
- Development of products compatible with diverse binder systems
- Strong presence in the Asian and European markets
4️⃣ 7. Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone Change Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.
Headquarters: Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Customized HEUR thickeners for various applications
As a significant Chinese manufacturer, Change Biotechnology specializes in the production of high-quality HEUR thickeners. The company serves both domestic and international markets, offering cost-effective alternatives to global brands, particularly in the textile and construction sectors.
Innovation Focus:
- Cost-competitive production
- Tailoring products for specific regional market needs
- Expanding production capacity to meet growing Asian demand
3️⃣ 8. Guangzhou Guanzhi New Material Technology Co.,Ltd.
Headquarters: Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Specialty HEUR thickeners for paints and construction
Guanzhi New Material is a key player in the Chinese specialty chemicals market, focusing on the development and production of associative thickeners. The company is known for its responsive customer service and ability to provide customized solutions.
Innovation Focus:
- Rapid response to local customer requirements
- Development of thickeners for new and emerging applications
- Strong distribution network within China
2️⃣ 9. Sang Hing Hong Chemical
Headquarters: Hong Kong
Key Offering: Distribution of HEUR thickeners and other chemical additives
Sang Hing Hong Chemical acts as a major distributor and supplier of chemical raw materials, including HEUR thickeners, across Asia. They provide formulators with access to a wide range of products from various manufacturers, ensuring supply chain flexibility.
Innovation Focus:
- Extensive logistics and supply chain management
- Technical support and blending services
- Bridging global manufacturers with regional customers
1️⃣ 10. Guangdong Nanhui New Material Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Foshan, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: HEUR thickeners for architectural coatings and textiles
Nanhui New Material is a growing manufacturer focused on producing associative thickeners for the booming Asian market. The company emphasizes quality control and cost efficiency, making it a competitive supplier for price-sensitive segments.
Innovation Focus:
- Scaling up production capabilities
- Improving product consistency and performance
- Expanding market reach in Southeast Asia
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🧪 Outlook: The Future of HEUR Thickeners Is Smarter and More Sustainable
The HEUR thickeners market is in a phase of significant evolution, driven by the dual demands of enhanced performance and environmental responsibility. While conventional thickeners continue to dominate, the industry is increasingly investing in next-generation solutions that offer greater efficiency and a lower ecological impact.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
- Accelerated demand for low-VOC, eco-label compliant thickeners in Europe and North America
- Rising adoption in APAC’s construction and textile industries
- Development of “smart” thickeners with responsive rheological behavior
- Integration of bio-based and renewable raw materials into HEUR chemistry
Get Full Report Here: HEUR Thickeners Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies profiled above are not just supplying ingredients—they are enabling innovation in countless products, from the paint on our walls to the adhesives in our devices, driving the future of advanced formulations.
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