The Global Hydrocarbon Plastic External Lubricant Market was valued at USD 2.1 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3.4 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This growth is driven by the robust expansion of the global plastics industry, rising demand for high-performance packaging and automotive components, and the accelerating adoption of advanced manufacturing processes requiring superior processing aids.

As polymer processing evolves toward higher efficiency and sustainability, the focus turns to the key additive suppliers who are driving innovation, enhancing production yields, and enabling cleaner manufacturing pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Hydrocarbon Plastic External Lubricant Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialty additive manufacturers, and sustainability pioneers shaping the future of global plastics manufacturing.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Licowax PE Wax, Licocene Performance Polymers, Custom Additive Blends

BASF is a global leader in the chemical industry and a major supplier of high-performance hydrocarbon-based lubricants for plastics. Their portfolio includes a wide range of polyethylene and polypropylene waxes that serve as effective external lubricants, reducing friction and improving flow properties in various polymers. They provide tailored solutions for challenging applications, including high-temperature engineering plastics and biodegradable polymers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based and biodegradable lubricant alternatives

• Commitment to carbon-neutral growth by 2030

• Closed-loop recycling initiatives for plastic additives

Download FREE Sample Report: Hydrocarbon Plastic External Lubricant Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Licowax, Licocare, Hydrocer Specialty Waxes

Clariant is a renowned specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on additive solutions for the plastics industry. Their hydrocarbon external lubricants are critical for improving processability in PVC, polyolefins, and engineering plastics, enabling higher output and better surface quality. Clariant’s products are known for their high purity and consistent performance across diverse processing conditions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• EcoTain® label for sustainable product solutions

• Focus on additive solutions for recycled plastics

• Investment in green chemistry and renewable feedstocks

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8️⃣ 3. Honeywell International Inc.

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: A-C® Polyethylene Wax, Specialty Additives

Honeywell’s specialty materials segment is a key player in the hydrocarbon lubricant market, offering a range of A-C® polyethylene and polypropylene waxes. These products are essential for extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding processes, providing excellent thermal stability and lubrication. Honeywell serves a global customer base across packaging, automotive, and consumer goods industries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of additive solutions for lightweight and sustainable packaging

• Commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035

• Advanced manufacturing processes to reduce environmental footprint

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7️⃣ 4. Sasol Limited

Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Offering: Sasol Wax, Fischer-Tropsch Waxes, Specialty Paraffins

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company with a strong position in the wax market. Their Fischer-Tropsch derived hydrocarbon waxes offer high melting points and low viscosity, making them ideal external lubricants for demanding plastic processing applications. Sasol’s products are valued for their consistency and performance in high-speed manufacturing environments.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Sasol ecoWaxes for environmentally sensitive applications

• Investment in sustainable manufacturing technologies

• Water and energy conservation programs across operations

Download FREE Sample Report: Hydrocarbon Plastic External Lubricant Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Hi-Wax Polyethylene & Polypropylene Waxes, Custom Formulations

Mitsui Chemicals is a leading Japanese chemical company with significant expertise in polymer additives. Their Hi-Wax series of hydrocarbon lubricants are widely used in Asia-Pacific and global markets for improving processability in polyolefins and engineering plastics. The company focuses on high-performance solutions tailored to specific customer requirements.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of additives for circular economy applications

• Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• R&D in bio-based and biodegradable additive solutions

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5️⃣ 6. INEOS Inovyn

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Chlorinated Paraffins, Specialty PVC Additives

INEOS Inovyn is a major producer of chlorinated hydrocarbons and specialty additives for the PVC industry. Their chlorinated paraffin products serve as effective external lubricants and secondary plasticizers, particularly in rigid PVC applications such as pipes, profiles, and cables. The company has a strong presence in European and global markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in sustainable chlor-alkali production technologies

• Development of eco-friendly additive solutions

• Circular economy initiatives for PVC value chain

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4️⃣ 7. Shell Plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Shell Wax, Paraffin Waxes, Specialty Hydrocarbons

Shell’s chemicals business is a significant supplier of hydrocarbon-based waxes and lubricants for the plastics industry. Their product range includes various paraffin and microcrystalline waxes that function as effective external lubricants in polyolefin processing. Shell leverages its integrated hydrocarbon value chain to ensure consistent quality and supply.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Shell’s Powering Progress strategy for net-zero emissions

• Investment in circular chemical feedstocks

• Development of sustainable additive solutions

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3️⃣ 8. UPC Technology Corporation

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: Plasticizers, Lubricants, PVC Additive Packages

UPC Technology is a leading Asian producer of plasticizers and related additives for the plastics industry. The company offers a range of hydrocarbon-based external lubricants specifically formulated for PVC and other polymer processing applications. UPC has a strong market position in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, serving diverse end-use sectors.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of non-phthalate and eco-friendly additive solutions

• Investment in green manufacturing processes

• Compliance with international environmental standards

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2️⃣ 9. Exxon Mobil Corporation

Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Paraffin Waxes, Microcrystalline Waxes, Specialty Products

ExxonMobil is one of the world’s largest suppliers of hydrocarbon waxes, with a comprehensive portfolio of paraffin and microcrystalline waxes used as external lubricants in plastic processing. Their products are known for consistent quality and performance across various polymer applications, from packaging to automotive components.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• ExxonMobil’s Advancing Climate Solutions framework

• Investment in advanced recycling technologies

• Development of circular polymer solutions

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1️⃣ 10. Euroceras Sp. z o.o.

Headquarters: Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Poland
Key Offering: Fischer-Tropsch Waxes, Oxidized Waxes, Custom Blends

Euroceras is a European specialty wax producer with a focus on high-performance hydrocarbon waxes for plastic processing. Their Fischer-Tropsch waxes offer excellent lubrication properties and thermal stability, making them suitable for demanding applications in engineering plastics and high-speed processing. The company serves customers across Europe and international markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of sustainable wax products from alternative feedstocks

• Energy efficiency improvements in manufacturing

• Compliance with REACH and other environmental regulations

Get Full Report Here: Hydrocarbon Plastic External Lubricant Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Hydrocarbon Plastic External Lubricants Is Smarter and More Sustainable

The hydrocarbon plastic external lubricant market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional lubricants continue to dominate market volume, the industry is investing heavily in sustainable alternatives, advanced formulations, and digital supply chain solutions.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid adoption of bio-based and renewable hydrocarbon lubricants in the EU and North America

• Regulatory push for non-hazardous and environmentally friendly additive solutions by 2030

• Digitalization of additive formulation and supply chain management

• Polymer manufacturer-additive company partnerships for circular economy solutions

Get Full Report Here: Hydrocarbon Plastic External Lubricant Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only enabling efficient plastic processing—they’re spearheading the sustainable transformation of polymer manufacturing worldwide.