The Global Printing Softeners Market was valued at USD 982.5 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1,320.8 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This consistent growth is largely driven by the expanding textile industry, rising consumer demand for high-quality, comfortable fabrics, and the adoption of advanced finishing chemicals that enhance print durability and fabric hand-feel.

As textile manufacturers worldwide prioritize product differentiation and value addition, the role of printing softeners has become increasingly critical. These specialty chemicals are essential for achieving the desired tactile properties, such as softness, smoothness, and drape, which are key purchasing factors for consumers. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Printing Softeners Industry—a selection of global chemical innovators and specialty producers shaping the future of textile finishing.

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🔟 1. Huntsman Corporation

Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Key Offering: TEXTILE EFFECTS Softeners, including cationic, silicone, and polyethylene-based variants.

Huntsman is a global leader in differentiated chemicals, and its TEXTILE EFFECTS division is a major supplier of high-performance printing softeners. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio designed to meet diverse fabric requirements, from luxurious softness on apparel to functional durability on industrial textiles.

Innovation Focus:

• Development of eco-friendly and biodegradable softening agents

• Specialized softeners for digital printing applications

• Global technical service and support for textile mills

Download FREE Sample Report: Printing Softeners Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Rudolf GmbH

Headquarters: Geretsried, Germany
Key Offering: RUCO®-SOFT silicone and fatty-based softeners.

Rudolf GmbH is a German family-owned company with a strong heritage in textile auxiliaries. It is renowned for its innovative RUCO®-SOFT range, which offers excellent softening effects, sewability, and stability, making it a preferred choice for high-end fashion and technical textiles.

Innovation Focus:

• Bio-based softeners derived from renewable raw materials

• Solutions that maintain color fastness and print sharpness

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8️⃣ 3. Achitex Minerva Group

Headquarters: Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
Key Offering: A comprehensive range of softeners for printing and finishing.

Achitex Minerva is a key European player specializing in textile chemicals. The company offers tailored softening solutions that enhance the hand-feel of printed fabrics without compromising on the quality of the print design, serving a broad customer base across Europe and beyond.

Innovation Focus:

• Customized formulations for specific fabric blends and printing techniques

• Focus on sustainable production processes

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7️⃣ 4. CHT/Bezema

Headquarters: Tübingen, Germany (CHT), Monthey, Switzerland (Bezema)
Key Offering: CERAPERM® and BEZASOFT® softening agents.

Following the acquisition of Bezema by the CHT Group, this entity has become a powerhouse in textile chemicals. The combined portfolio offers a vast array of softeners, including silicone micro-emulsions and cationic products, known for their superior performance and environmental compatibility.

Innovation Focus:

• Integration of digital tools for precision application

• Advanced silicone technologies for durable softness

Download FREE Sample Report: Printing Softeners Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Zschimmer & Schwarz

Headquarters: Lahnstein, Germany
Key Offering: PRISTINE® and ZETESOFT® softeners for printed textiles.

Zschimmer & Schwarz is a major, independent family-owned company with a strong focus on specialty chemicals for textiles. Their softeners are engineered to provide exceptional softness, elasticity, and a smooth surface, which are crucial for premium printed fabrics.

Innovation Focus:

• Development of low-foam softeners for continuous processing

• Products compliant with major international eco-standards (e.g., OEKO-TEX®)

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5️⃣ 6. Archroma

Headquarters: Reinach, Switzerland
Key Offering: AVOLAN®, CERAFLOUR®, and other softening systems.

Archroma is a global leader in color and specialty chemicals, consistently pushing the boundaries of sustainable chemistry. Its softening products are designed to deliver outstanding performance while adhering to the company’s stringent “The Archroma Way to a sustainable world” philosophy.

Innovation Focus:

• Earth-friendly softeners using bio-based and recycled content

• Solutions that reduce water and energy consumption during application

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4️⃣ 7. NICCA Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Fukui, Japan
Key Offering: NICCA SOFNER and other specialty softeners.

NICCA is a prominent Japanese chemical company with a significant global footprint in textile auxiliaries. It is recognized for its high-quality softeners that provide excellent compatibility with various dyes and prints, ensuring vibrant colors and a pleasant hand-feel.

Innovation Focus:

• R&D focused on functionality, such as moisture-wicking and anti-static properties

• Strong presence in the rapidly growing Asian textile market

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3️⃣ 8. Lanxess AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: LEVAGEN® and other functional softeners.

While known for its engineering plastics and specialty chemicals, Lanxess offers advanced solutions for the leather and textile industries. Its softeners are valued for their reliability and ability to enhance the functional properties of technical and apparel textiles.

Innovation Focus:

• Development of multifunctional agents that combine softening with other benefits

• Focus on high-performance applications in industrial textiles

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2️⃣ 9. Tanatex Chemicals

Headquarters: Ede, Netherlands
Key Offering: A wide array of softening agents for fabric finishing.

Tanatex Chemicals, part of the Tata Group, is a key supplier to the global textile industry. The company provides innovative chemical solutions, including high-efficacy softeners that improve the quality and marketability of printed textiles.

Innovation Focus:

• Customer-centric R&D to solve specific finishing challenges

• Emphasis on sustainable and efficient chemical usage

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1️⃣ 10. Matsumoto Yushi Seiyaku Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Silicone-based softeners under the Pyligen and other brands.

Matsumoto Yushi Seiyaku is a specialist in silicone chemistry and a leading global supplier of silicone-based textile softeners. Its products are renowned for providing a uniquely smooth and supple hand-feel, which is highly desirable in premium apparel and home textiles.

Innovation Focus:

• Pioneering amino-functional silicones for superior softness

• Continuous improvement in emulsion stability and application performance

Get Full Report Here: Printing Softeners Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Printing Softeners is Sustainable and High-Performance

The printing softeners market is undergoing a significant transformation. While delivering superior fabric hand-feel remains the primary objective, the industry is increasingly focused on developing solutions that are sustainable, multifunctional, and compatible with modern textile printing technologies like digital printing.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• A pronounced shift towards bio-based and biodegradable softeners in response to environmental regulations and consumer preferences.

• Growing demand for multifunctional softeners that also offer properties like water repellency, anti-pilling, and antimicrobial effects.

• Increased R&D focused on softeners compatible with digital textile printing to ensure print clarity and color fastness.

• Expansion of production capacities in the Asia-Pacific region, aligning with the geographical shift of textile manufacturing.

Get Full Report Here: Printing Softeners Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential chemicals to the textile industry—they are at the forefront of innovation, driving the development of smarter, softer, and more sustainable textiles for the future.