GLOBAL ANTIFOAMING AGENT MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Global Antifoaming Agent Market Size and Trends

The Antifoaming Agent Market is estimated to be valued at USD 6.08 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8.28 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2024 to 2031.  

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A wide range of applications across various end-use industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, and others are expected to drive the demand for antifoaming agents over the forecast period. The market is witnessing increased demand from developing economies where industrial growth is robust. Also, stringent environmental regulations regarding the use of harsh chemicals with aquatic toxicity are prompting manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly antifoaming agent formulations. Regulations coupled with sustainability priorities of end users are defining the current market trend that seeks environmentally acceptable products.

Increasing Demand from Petrochemical Industry

The petrochemical industry has seen tremendous growth over the past few decades owing to rising demand for plastics, chemicals, and other petroleum products from various end-use industries such as construction, automotive and packaging. Foaming is a commonly observed problem in petroleum refining and petrochemical operations due to the presence of surfactants in crude oil, refined products, and chemical intermediates. Left uncontrolled, foaming can cause loss of product quality, reduction in yields, equipment damage, and disruption of plant operations. To address this issue, antifoaming agents are widely utilized across various units involved in exploration, extraction, transportation, storage, refinement, and processing of oil and gas. They help breakdown foam and prevent its further formation, ensuring a smooth production process. With rising petroleum consumption globally to meet expanding needs of evolving economies, production volumes from refineries and petrochemical plants have increased substantially. This has driven up demand for defoaming agents to maintain efficiency and optimize output. Furthermore, stringent quality and safety regulations imposed by regulatory authorities have compelled petroleum companies to deploy advanced antifoaming techniques. Growing complexities in refining associated with processing of heavier crude varieties also accentuate the need for effective defoaming chemicals. Overall, the massive growth trajectory of the petrochemical sector worldwide is a major factor propelling the antifoaming agent market growth, therefore growing petrochemical industry is expected to drive the market growth. For instance, according to data published by Ministry of Petroleum in January 2024, India's chemical and petrochemical industry is expected to grow to about USD 300 billion by 2025.

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Mounting global concern about water pollution and scarcity has amplified focus on wastewater treatment. Advanced treatment methodologies involving processes like coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation are increasingly being adopted worldwide to remove contaminants from industrial and municipal wastewater before recycling/reuse or safe disposal. However, these processes often lead to excessive foaming which hinders the separation of solids from liquid. Left unabated, foaming severely undermines treatment effectiveness. It is here that antifoaming agents play a vital role by controlling foam and ensuring successful sludge separation. Their usage allows for higher throughput and compliance with stringent discharge standards. With urbanization and rapid industrialization worldwide, volumes of wastewater requiring treatment have risen immensely. Also, tightening environmental regulations across many countries mandate advanced treatment of wastewater before disposal. These factors have significantly propelled the application of antifoaming chemicals in water treatment plants as well as various industrial wastewater handling.