Top 10 Companies in the Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Manufacturing

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) market was valued at USD 58.9 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 77 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period.

Internal Mould Release (IMR) agents are chemical compounds dissolved in resin mixtures, primarily soluble in carrier solvents like styrene. During the curing process, these agents migrate to the surface due to volumetric shrinkage, pressure, and temperature changes. These additives are directly incorporated into composite materials during molding to provide integrated release properties, reducing adhesion between the mold and the cured product.

The market is segmented by product type into solvent-based and water-based IMR agents, with solvent-based variants currently dominating with over 75% market share. Geographically, Asia Pacific leads the market with 40% share, followed by Europe and North America. Key applications include rubber products, thermosetting resins, and thermoplastics, with rubber applications accounting for the largest market segment. The industry is characterized by moderate consolidation, with the top five manufacturers holding approximately 25% of the global market share.

Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Top 10 Companies in the Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) Market

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🔟 1. Chem‑Trend

Headquarters: San Diego, USA
Key Offering: Solvent‑based and water‑based IMR formulations for rubber, thermosetting and thermoplastic applications

Chem‑Trend is a leading supplier of internal mould release agents, known for its extensive product portfolio and strong presence in Asia‑Pacific, Europe and North America. The company’s advanced solvent‑based systems deliver superior release performance in high‑volume production environments.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in low‑VOC solvent‑free formulations
• Expanding production capacity in China and India to meet growing composite demand
• R&D partnership with universities for bio‑based release agents

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9️⃣ 2. AXEL

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High‑performance solvent‑based IMRs for automotive and aerospace composites

AXEL’s precision‑engineered release agents are widely adopted in Japan’s advanced manufacturing sector. The company focuses on high‑temperature stability and low‑smoke formulations suitable for lightweight vehicle components.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Development of water‑based IMRs for reduced VOC emissions
• Strategic alliance with Japanese automotive OEMs to co‑develop next‑generation composites
• Implementation of digital quality management systems across manufacturing sites

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8️⃣ 3. Chukyo Yushi

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Solvent‑based IMRs for rubber and thermosetting resins with high adhesion resistance

Chukyo Yushi specializes in robust solvent‑based release agents that excel in rubber and thermoset moulding. The company’s products are integral to the production of automotive seals, tires, and industrial rubber parts.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Adoption of renewable feedstocks in solvent‑based formulations
• Expansion of production facilities in Southeast Asia
• Collaboration with composite manufacturers to optimize release performance

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7️⃣ 4. Marbocote

Headquarters: Birmingham, UK
Key Offering: Solvent‑based IMRs for high‑precision moulding of thermosets and thermoplastics

Marbocote’s release agents are engineered for consistency and repeatability, making them a preferred choice in aerospace and medical device manufacturing where dimensional tolerances are critical.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Development of low‑smoke, low‑VOC solvent‑based formulations
• Investment in automated dispensing technology for precise application
• Partnership with UK universities for advanced polymer research

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6️⃣ 5. Franklynn Industries

Headquarters: Houston, USA
Key Offering: Specialized IMRs for rubber and thermosetting resin applications

Franklynn Industries provides niche release agents that enhance mould life and reduce cycle times in rubber and thermoset manufacturing, supporting the growth of the automotive and construction sectors.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• R&D into eco‑friendly water‑based IMRs
• Implementation of lean manufacturing practices across production lines
• Collaboration with OEMs to tailor formulations for specific composite blends

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5️⃣ 6. Technick Products

Headquarters: Chicago, USA
Key Offering: Broad portfolio of solvent‑based and water‑based IMRs for rubber, thermosets and thermoplastics

Technick Products offers a wide range of release agents that cater to diverse manufacturing needs, from low‑volume specialty parts to high‑volume production lines.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Accelerated shift to water‑based formulations for reduced VOCs
• Investment in digital process monitoring for real‑time release performance
• Partnerships with industry consortia to standardize release agent specifications

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4️⃣ 7. Münch Chemie

Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Key Offering: Solvent‑based IMRs with advanced anti‑adhesion properties for high‑temperature moulding

Münch Chemie’s release agents are recognized for their high thermal stability, making them ideal for aerospace and automotive composite production.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Development of low‑VOC solvent‑based systems compliant with EU REACH
• Expansion of research facilities focusing on bio‑based release agents
• Strategic alliances with German automotive OEMs for co‑development

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3️⃣ 8. WN Shaw

Headquarters: London, UK
Key Offering: Solvent‑based IMRs for rubber and thermoset moulding with high durability

WN Shaw supplies robust release agents that enhance mould life and reduce maintenance in large‑scale production environments.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Implementation of energy‑efficient manufacturing processes
• Development of low‑smoke formulations for hazardous environments
• Collaboration with UK composite manufacturers to improve release performance

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2️⃣ 9. Henkel

Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
Key Offering: Integrated IMR solutions combined with industrial lubricants for automotive and aerospace applications

Henkel’s entry into the IMR market leverages its expertise in industrial lubricants, offering synergistic performance benefits for high‑volume moulding operations.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investment in green chemistry for low‑VOC solvent‑based agents
• Digitalization of supply chain for real‑time inventory management
• Joint ventures with European composite manufacturers to co‑develop next‑generation release agents

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1️⃣ 10. Daikin

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Solvent‑based IMRs for high‑temperature moulding of thermosets and thermoplastics

Daikin’s release agents are widely used in HVAC, automotive and consumer electronics manufacturing, providing reliable release performance under demanding conditions.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Development of low‑smoke, low‑VOC formulations for improved worker safety
• Expansion of production capacity in emerging markets such as Vietnam and Thailand
• Integration of Industry 4.0 technologies for automated dispensing and process monitoring

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Internal Mould Release Agent Market Is Cleaner and Smarter

The IMR market is evolving rapidly as manufacturers shift toward lightweight, high‑performance composites and stringent environmental regulations. The adoption of bio‑based formulations, automation, and digital process control is accelerating, creating new growth opportunities across automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Growth of lightweight composite manufacturing in automotive and aerospace
• Increasing demand for low‑VOC and water‑based IMR solutions
• Integration of Industry 4.0 technologies for precise dispensing and monitoring
• Expansion of manufacturing capacity in emerging economies such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Brazil

These trends position the IMR market for sustained growth, with a focus on sustainability, performance, and digitalization.