The Global HEUR Thickeners Market was valued at USD 1.78 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.89 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This robust growth is fueled by escalating demand from the paints & coatings sector, stringent environmental regulations promoting low-VOC formulations, and continuous innovation in associative rheology modifier technologies.

As industries worldwide prioritize performance and sustainability, the focus intensifies on the chemical innovators providing essential rheological control. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the HEUR Thickeners Industry—a blend of global chemical giants and specialized manufacturers shaping the future of formulation science.

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🔟 1. BYK-Chemie GmbH (ALTANA)

Headquarters: Wesel, Germany
Key Offering: AQUATIX range, ECO-additives, High-performance HEUR thickeners

BYK-Chemie, a division of the ALTANA Group, is a global leader in additives and instruments, renowned for its advanced HEUR thickeners. The company’s AQUATIX product line is specifically engineered for water-based systems, delivering exceptional thickening efficiency, spatter resistance, and superior leveling in architectural and industrial coatings. BYK’s strong R&D focus ensures its products meet the evolving demands for high-performance and environmentally compliant solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of next-generation associative thickeners with enhanced salt tolerance

• Focus on bio-based and sustainable additive platforms

• Global technical support and formulation expertise for customers

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9️⃣ 2. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: DSX® series, Acronal® OPTIVE, Comprehensive rheology modifiers

BASF SE is a chemical behemoth with a significant presence in the HEUR thickeners market through its DSX® product line. These thickeners are designed for a wide range of applications, including decorative paints, industrial coatings, and adhesives, offering excellent flow control and application properties. BASF leverages its vast global production network and deep application knowledge to provide tailored solutions to the market.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Expansion of low-VOC and sustainable thickener portfolios

• Integration of digital tools for predictive formulation support

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8️⃣ 3. Dow Chemical

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: ACULYN™, UCAR POLYPHOBE®, Advanced rheology modifiers

Dow Chemical is a key global supplier of specialty chemicals, including its renowned ACULYN™ series of HEUR thickeners. These products are celebrated for their efficiency in providing optimal viscosity, sag resistance, and film build in waterborne coatings. Dow’s strong focus on innovation drives the development of thickeners that help formulators meet challenging performance and regulatory requirements.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in R&D for high-performance, sustainable materials

• Commitment to circular economy principles in product development

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7️⃣ 4. Evonik Operations GmbH

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: TEGO® ViscoPlus, TEGO® Carbomer, Specialty rheology control agents

Evonik is a leading specialty chemicals company offering a diverse portfolio of additives, including HEUR thickeners under its TEGO® brand. These products are designed for demanding applications in coatings, construction chemicals, and personal care, providing reliable viscosity control and stability. Evonik’s expertise in surface and interface chemistry enables the creation of highly effective rheological solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on developing multifunctional additives

• Expansion of production capacities in key growth regions

Download FREE Sample Report: HEUR Thickeners Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Aquaflow™, Natrosol™, Versa TL®, Diverse rheology modifiers

Ashland is a prominent global specialty chemicals company with a strong portfolio of rheology modifiers, including HEUR thickeners. Its Aquaflow™ products are widely used in water-based coatings to achieve superior application properties and film appearance. Ashland’s application-driven approach ensures its thickeners address specific customer challenges in various end-use sectors.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of sustainable and biodegradable thickener options

• Strategic focus on high-growth markets in Asia-Pacific

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5️⃣ 6. Arkema Group

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: Coatex®, RHEOLATE®, High-performance thickeners and dispersants

Arkema, through its Coatex subsidiary, is a major player in the rheology modifier market, offering a range of HEUR thickeners. These products are known for their effectiveness in achieving the desired rheological profile in demanding coating formulations, including those with high pigment loads. Arkema’s strong technical service supports formulators in optimizing product performance.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on bio-sourced raw materials for additive production

• Development of solutions for extreme application conditions

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4️⃣ 7. Lubrizol Corporation

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Carbopol® Polymers, Pemulen™ Polymeric Emulsifiers, Advanced rheology control

Lubrizol is a global specialty chemical company renowned for its innovation in coatings, adhesives, and personal care. While historically strong in other rheology modifiers, the company’s expertise in polymer science positions it as a significant influencer in the thickeners space, developing solutions that enhance performance and processing.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in sustainable chemistry and green product platforms

• Collaboration with customers to solve complex formulation challenges

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3️⃣ 8. Elementis plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Bentone® Rheological Additives, Specialty rheology solutions

Elementis is a global specialty chemicals company providing innovative rheology modifiers for a variety of industries. Its expertise spans both inorganic and associative thickeners, offering comprehensive solutions for controlling flow and stability. The company focuses on delivering value through performance enhancement and process improvement for its customers.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of easy-to-use and multifunctional rheology additives

• Strategic initiatives to strengthen market position in coatings and personal care

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2️⃣ 9. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Various cellulose ethers and synthetic polymers

Shin-Etsu Chemical is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals, including products that compete in the rheology modifier space. The company’s strong technological foundation in silicone and cellulose chemistry allows it to develop high-quality additives for diverse applications. Its global presence ensures reliable supply to major markets.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Continuous process innovation for cost-effective production

• Expansion of product portfolios to meet regional specific demands

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1️⃣ 10. Guangdong Nanhui New Material Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Guangzhou, China
Key Offering: Cost-effective HEUR thickeners, Localized specialty chemicals

As a significant regional player, Guangdong Nanhui New Material specializes in the production of various chemical additives, including HEUR thickeners tailored for the Asian market. The company leverages its local manufacturing advantage to provide competitive products that meet the specific needs of paint, coating, and adhesive manufacturers in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on scaling production to meet domestic demand

• Investment in R&D to improve product quality and performance

Get Full Report Here: HEUR Thickeners Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of HEUR Thickeners Is Smarter and More Sustainable

The HEUR thickeners market is undergoing a significant transformation. While conventional products continue to serve vital functions, the industry is heavily investing in sustainable alternatives, smart formulation technologies, and enhanced performance characteristics to meet the demands of a changing world.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated adoption of low-VOC and bio-based HEUR thickeners in North America and Europe

• Regulatory push for eco-friendly formulations driving innovation across all regions

• Digitalization of formulation processes and supply chain optimization

• Strategic partnerships between thickener manufacturers and end-users for co-development

Get Full Report Here: HEUR Thickeners Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential additives—they’re pioneering the sustainable evolution of formulation chemistry across countless industries.