The Global Water-based Defoaming Agent Market was valued at USD 3.82 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.21 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is propelled by stringent environmental regulations, the rising demand for high-performance additives across water-based formulations, and the ongoing industrial shift away from solvent-based systems towards more sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives.

As manufacturing processes across sectors like paints & coatings, pulp & paper, and water treatment intensify, controlling foam is critical for operational efficiency and product quality. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Water-based Defoaming Agent Industry—global chemical specialists and innovators who are setting the benchmark for performance, formulation expertise, and environmental responsibility.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Foamaster®, FoamStar® series (Silicone-based, Mineral Oil-based, Polymer-based)

BASF stands as a global leader in specialty chemicals, with a comprehensive portfolio of defoamers designed for demanding water-based applications. Their Foamaster and FoamStar brands are industry standards, providing efficient foam control in sectors ranging from adhesives and construction chemicals to industrial coatings.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Development of high-performance, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) defoamers

• Focus on bio-based and readily biodegradable formulations

• Global R&D network dedicated to solving complex foam issues

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9️⃣ 2. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: TEGO® Foamex, TEGO® Airex series (Silicone-based, Non-silicone)

Evonik’s Performance Interfaces segment is renowned for its advanced TEGO® brand defoamers. The company excels in creating tailor-made solutions that offer superior compatibility and long-term stability in complex water-based systems, particularly in the paints, coatings, and printing inks industries.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Pioneering silicone emulsion technology for microfoam control

• Solutions that enhance sustainability profiles of end-products

• Strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and product stewardship

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8️⃣ 3. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Headquarters: Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Surfynol® defoamers, Dabco® foam control agents

Air Products provides innovative surfactant and additive technologies, with its Surfynol® product line being highly effective in water-based formulations. These defoamers are known for their multifunctionality, often providing wetting and dispersion benefits alongside foam suppression.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Development of multifunctional additives that reduce overall formulation costs

• Focus on products that meet stringent environmental and safety standards

• Expertise in defoaming for high-shear and high-temperature processes

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7️⃣ 4. Wacker Chemie AG

Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Key Offering: SILFOAM® agents, Dehydran® defoamers (Silicone Polyether, Organic)

Wacker Chemie is a leading producer of silicone-based defoamers, leveraging its deep expertise in silane chemistry. Their products are essential in construction, adhesives, and agrochemical applications, where robust and persistent foam control is required.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Advanced silicone polyether copolymers for enhanced compatibility

• Products designed for easy incorporation and minimal impact on end-product properties

• Commitment to developing eco-profile improved solutions

Download FREE Sample Report:
Water-based Defoaming Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Dow Inc.

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: DOWSIL™ defoamers, UCAROAM™ agents

Dow offers a wide array of high-performance defoamers under its DOWSIL™ brand, built upon its strong silicone technology platform. These products are critical in industries like oil & gas, wastewater treatment, and food processing, delivering efficiency and reliability.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Investment in next-generation silicone technologies for harsh process conditions

• Focus on defoamers that support circular economy principles

• Global technical service supporting optimal product selection and use

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5️⃣ 6. Ecolab Inc.

Headquarters: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Nalco Water defoamers for industrial water and process treatment

Ecolab, through its Nalco Water division, is a dominant force in water treatment and process chemicals. Their defoaming agents are integral to optimizing operations in pulp & paper manufacturing, chemical processing, and power generation, helping clients reduce water and energy consumption.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Integrated solutions combining defoaming with corrosion inhibition and deposit control

• Digital monitoring tools (3D TRASAR™) for precise dosing and foam control

• Strong focus on reducing the environmental footprint of industrial customers

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4️⃣ 7. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: KS series, Xiameter® defoamers (Silicone-based)

As one of the world’s largest silicone manufacturers, Shin-Etsu produces a broad range of highly effective silicone defoamers. Their products are valued for their purity, performance consistency, and effectiveness in challenging applications like textile dyeing and pesticide formulations.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Vertical integration from silicon metal to specialty silicone products ensures quality

• Development of high-temperature stable defoamers for extreme process conditions

• Expansion of product lines to meet Asia-Pacific’s growing industrial demand

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3️⃣ 8. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Drewplus™ foam control agents, Drewsperse® antifoams

Ashland specializes in specialty additives for a multitude of industries. Its Drewplus™ line is particularly prominent in the oil & gas sector for controlling foam in natural gas processing, as well as in industrial water systems and metalworking fluids.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Tailored solutions for high-foaming applications in energy and industrial markets

• Commitment to developing products with improved environmental, health, and safety profiles

• Strong application expertise in challenging downstream processing

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2️⃣ 9. Kemira Oyj

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Kemira AFA (Antifoaming Agents) for pulp & paper and water treatment

Kemira is a key player in chemical solutions for water-intensive industries. Their defoamers are critical in pulp & paper manufacturing, where they prevent foam-related defects and process inefficiencies during washing, bleaching, and papermaking stages.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Bio-degradable and non-toxic defoamer formulations for environmentally sensitive applications

• Focus on improving resource efficiency (water, energy, raw materials) for customers

• Digital services for predictive foam control and optimization

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1️⃣ 10. Elementis plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Versatile defoamers for coatings, cosmetics, and personal care

Elementis provides specialty additives that enhance the performance of its customers’ products. Their defoamers are engineered for excellent compatibility in high-quality water-based coatings and personal care formulations, ensuring smooth application and superior finish.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Development of easy-to-use, liquid defoamers that minimize formulation steps

• Focus on “green” chemistry principles for coatings and personal care markets

• Strong technical support for formulators seeking performance and compliance

Get Full Report Here:
Water-based Defoaming Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Water-based Defoaming Agents is Smarter and Greener

The water-based defoaming agent market is evolving beyond basic foam suppression. The future lies in intelligent, sustainable, and multifunctional additives that integrate seamlessly into modern manufacturing processes while aligning with global sustainability goals.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Bio-based and Readily Biodegradable Formulations: Intensifying regulatory pressure and consumer demand are driving innovation in defoamers derived from renewable resources.

• Multifunctionality: The development of additives that provide defoaming along with wetting, dispersing, or leveling properties is gaining traction, simplifying formulations and reducing costs.

• High-Performance in Challenging Conditions: Demand is rising for defoamers that remain effective under extreme pH, temperature, and shear stress, particularly in industrial and oilfield applications.

• Digitalization and Precision Dosing: Integration with IoT sensors and automated control systems allows for real-time foam monitoring and optimal defoamer usage, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.

Get Full Report Here:
Water-based Defoaming Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled are not just supplying chemicals—they are delivering critical efficiency and sustainability solutions that keep global industries running smoothly and responsibly.