Mold Release Agents Market Size & Share Trends, 2033

Mold Release Agents Market Overview

The Mold Release Agents Market size was valued at USD 1725.72 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2331.65 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The global mold release agents market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand across various industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing. In 2023, the Asia Pacific region dominated the market, accounting for 48% of the global share, followed by North America at 25% and Europe at 20%. Water-based mold release agents have gained prominence, capturing 54% of the market share in 2023, due to their eco-friendly properties and compliance with stringent environmental regulations. The die-casting segment emerged as the leading application area, contributing 33% to the market share in 2023.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: The rising demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable mold release agents is propelling market growth.

Top Country/Region: Asia Pacific leads the market with a 48% share in 2023, driven by rapid industrialization and increased manufacturing activities.

Top Segment: Water-based mold release agents are the top segment, holding 54% of the market share in 2023, owing to their low VOC emissions and non-flammable nature.

Mold Release Agents Market Trends

The mold release agents market is witnessing several notable trends that are shaping its trajectory. One significant trend is the shift towards water-based mold release agents, which accounted for 54% of the market share in 2023. This shift is primarily due to the increasing environmental regulations and the need for sustainable manufacturing processes. Another trend is the growing adoption of bio-based mold release agents, particularly in the food processing industry. For instance, Michelman developed a bio-based mold release agent in 2023, leading to a 30% increase in adoption within the food packaging sector. This innovation offers enhanced safety compliance and reduces migration risks by 20%. Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in market trends. Croda International introduced an anti-static mold release agent in late 2023, which reduced surface defects by 20% and improved production speed by 15%. Such innovations are enhancing product quality and operational efficiency across industries. The automotive sector continues to be a significant consumer of mold release agents, accounting for nearly 60% of total consumption. This demand is driven by the production of lightweight vehicle components and the need for high-quality surface finishes. In summary, the mold release agents market is evolving with a strong emphasis on sustainability, technological innovation, and meeting the specific needs of various end-use industries.

Mold Release Agents Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising Demand for Environmentally Friendly Mold Release Agents

The increasing awareness of environmental issues and stringent regulations have led to a surge in demand for eco-friendly mold release agents. Water-based mold release agents, which accounted for 54% of the market share in 2023, are gaining popularity due to their low VOC emissions and non-flammable nature . For example, Henkel launched a solvent-free mold release agent in early 2024, enhancing product durability by 25% and reducing reapplication frequency by 20% . These developments align with industry sustainability goals and contribute to a 35% shift toward eco-friendly solutions.

RESTRAINT

Volatile Raw Material Prices

The mold release agents market faces challenges due to the volatility in raw material prices. Fluctuations in the costs of key ingredients such as silicone oils and solvents can impact production expenses and profit margins. This volatility poses a significant restraint, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that may struggle to absorb increased costs. Additionally, the availability of substitutes and alternative materials adds to the

OPPORTUNITY

Technological Advancements in Mold Release Agents

Technological innovations present substantial opportunities in the mold release agents market. Advancements in formulations have led to the development of mold release agents with improved performance characteristics, such as higher heat resistance and better lubrication properties. For instance, Chem-Trend introduced an advanced water-based mold release agent in 2023, reducing VOC emissions by 40% and improving surface quality by 30%. Such innovations not only enhance product quality but also align with environmental regulations, opening new avenues for market growth.

CHALLENGE

Stringent Environmental Regulations

Compliance with stringent environmental regulations poses a significant challenge for the mold release agents market. Regulatory bodies are imposing strict limits on VOC emissions and the use of hazardous substances, compelling manufacturers to reformulate their products. This necessitates substantial investment in research and development to create compliant and effective mold release agents. Failure to meet these regulatory standards can result in penalties and loss of market share, making it imperative for companies to stay abreast of evolving regulations.

Mold Release Agents Market Segmentation

By Type

Die Casting: Die casting is a significant segment in the mold release agents market, accounting for 30% of the market share in 2023. The demand is driven by the automotive and construction industries, where die-cast components are essential for manufacturing lightweight and complex parts. The use of mold release agents in die casting ensures smooth surface finishes and prolongs the life of molds, enhancing production efficiency.
Rubber: The rubber segment contributed 25% to the mold release agents market in 2023. Mold release agents are crucial in rubber manufacturing processes to prevent sticking and ensure the integrity of molded products. The increasing demand for rubber products in automotive and industrial applications continues to drive this segment.
Concrete: Concrete applications accounted for 20% of the mold release agents market in 2023 . In the construction industry, mold release agents are used to facilitate the easy removal of concrete from molds, ensuring smooth finishes and reducing surface defects. The growth in infrastructure projects globally is propelling the demand in this segment.
Food Processing: The food processing segment held a 10% share of the mold release agents market in 2023 . Mold release agents used in this sector must comply with stringent food safety regulations. The development of bio-based and non-toxic mold release agents is enhancing their adoption in food packaging and processing applications.
Papers: The paper industry utilizes mold release agents to prevent sticking during the manufacturing process. Although this segment holds a smaller market share, innovations in mold release formulations are improving efficiency and product quality in paper production.
Others: This category includes applications in plastics, composites, and other specialized manufacturing processes. The demand in this segment is driven by the need for high-performance mold release agents that can operate under varying conditions and materials.

By Application

Water-Based: Water-based mold release agents dominated the market in 2023, holding a 54% share. Their eco-friendly nature, low VOC emissions, and compliance with environmental regulations make them the preferred choice across industries. The automotive sector, in particular, is witnessing increased adoption of water-based mold release agents due to their superior performance and sustainability.
Solvent-Based: Solvent-based mold release agents accounted for 46% of the market share in 2023. They are favored for their effectiveness in high-temperature and high-pressure molding processes. However, concerns over VOC emissions and environmental impact are prompting a gradual shift towards water-based alternatives.

Mold Release Agents Market Regional Outlook

North America

North America held approximately 25% of the mold release agents market share in 2023 . The region's growth is driven by a robust manufacturing base, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. The increasing demand for environmentally friendly products and strict regulatory frameworks are encouraging the adoption of water-based mold release agents.

Europe

Europe accounted for nearly 20% of the mold release agents market in 2023. Countries like Germany, France, and Italy are key contributors due to their strong automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors. The European Union’s REACH regulations have spurred demand for non-toxic, water-based formulations, which saw a 28% adoption increase in 2023. European manufacturers are also focusing on biodegradable and food-grade release agents, particularly in the rubber and food processing industries. Companies in the region are heavily investing in R&D to develop environmentally sustainable products that comply with new regulatory frameworks.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominated the mold release agents market with a 48% share in 2023, led by China, India, Japan, and South Korea. China alone accounted for 30% of global production, thanks to its massive manufacturing and automotive industries. India witnessed a 12% annual rise in consumption due to growth in the rubber and concrete segments. Government initiatives promoting industrial expansion and foreign direct investments have fueled market growth. The region is also experiencing a significant shift towards water-based and bio-based mold release agents, particularly in die casting and plastic molding applications.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region captured a 7% share of the global mold release agents market in 2023. Growth is primarily driven by infrastructure development and oil & gas-based manufacturing. Countries such as UAE and Saudi Arabia are witnessing a surge in demand for concrete mold release agents, while South Africa is seeing increased applications in rubber and plastics industries. However, limited technological penetration and lack of stringent environmental norms have slowed the adoption of advanced eco-friendly solutions. Nevertheless, there’s growing interest in transitioning to water-based formulations, especially in GCC countries.

List of Top Mold Release Agents Market Companies

Chem-Trend
Michelman
Mcgee Industries
Cresset Chemical
Henkel
Wacker Chemie
Croda International
Daikin Industries
Chukyo Europe
Grignard
Rexco
Marbocote

Top Two Companies with Highest Market Share

Chem-Trend: In 2023, Chem-Trend held a dominant 12% market share, making it the global leader. The company’s flagship product, Lusin® mold release agents, are widely used in thermoplastics, PU, and die-casting applications. Chem-Trend increased its production capacity by 15% to meet growing demand in Asia-Pacific.
Henkel: With an 8% market share, Henkel ranks as the second-largest player. Its Loctite® line of mold release agents has seen rapid adoption in the automotive and rubber industries. In 2024, Henkel launched a new solvent-free release agent that extended mold life by 25% and reduced residue by 30%.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The mold release agents market is currently undergoing a transformative phase, attracting robust investments from both public and private sectors. In 2023, the global industry saw an estimated $700 million in capital expenditure focused on product innovation, plant expansion, and R&D facilities. Governments and environmental bodies are urging manufacturers to shift towards green chemistry. In response, companies like Croda International and Wacker Chemie invested over $100 million in developing bio-based and water-soluble mold release agents. These eco-friendly options saw a 40% increase in demand across North America and Europe. In India, startups received $25 million in seed funding in 2023 for sustainable mold release formulations targeting the automotive and construction industries. Investments are also flowing into emerging markets, especially across Asia-Pacific and Africa. China and India are leading destinations, with new production facilities established by Michelman and Grignard. In 2023, Grignard opened a 12,000 sq. meter plant in Gujarat, increasing their regional production by 22%.

African nations like Nigeria and South Africa are attracting foreign direct investments to localize mold release agent manufacturing for construction-grade concrete applications. These initiatives are expected to boost the continent’s market share to 10% by 2026. With increasing customer demand for tailor-made release agents based on application—such as high-temperature tolerance, rapid curing, and low-residue properties—there is a rising trend in customized solutions. For instance, Cresset Chemical reported a 19% increase in custom formulation orders in 2023 alone. Companies are also improving their supply chain capabilities, ensuring on-time product delivery. Daikin Industries upgraded its logistics center in Southeast Asia, reducing lead times by 18%. These efficiency improvements enhance customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness.

New Product Development

New product development (NPD) has emerged as a cornerstone strategy in the mold release agents market. The period between 2023 and 2024 witnessed the launch of more than 30 new product formulations, with a focus on environmental safety, multi-surface applicability, and performance enhancement. In 2023, Michelman introduced a bio-based, FDA-compliant mold release agent for food packaging and processing applications. This product reduces residue by 90% and prevents flavor migration by 98%, setting a new industry benchmark for safety and performance. Wacker Chemie developed a new smart mold release system that incorporates microencapsulation technology, ensuring time-delayed release during the molding process. Trials indicated a 20% increase in mold life and 15% improvement in product surface finish. Croda International launched a hybrid release agent in 2024 that combines the benefits of water-based and silicone-based formulations. This product offers faster curing times, reduced reapplication, and is suitable for rubber and plastic molding. Adoption in pilot markets led to a 30% increase in production output. In response to growing demand in metal casting, Chem-Trend introduced a release agent capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 850°C, targeting high-pressure die casting. The product reduces mold wear by 18% and decreases the need for recoating. Henkel released a 100% solvent-free mold release agent designed for sensitive applications such as medical devices and electronics. The new formulation showed zero VOC emissions and received approval in three major European regulatory bodies.

Five Recent Developments

Chem-Trend (2023) launched a new water-based release agent under the brand “Lusin® 855,” which improves mold cleaning cycles by 40% and decreases waste by 25%.
Michelman (2023) opened a new innovation center in Belgium focused on biodegradable mold release agents, enhancing R&D capacity by 35%.
Henkel (2024) received ISO 14001 certification for its new solvent-free production facility in Germany, a plant that aims to cut emissions by 60%.
Croda International (2023) acquired a niche player in anti-static mold release agents, expanding their product portfolio and increasing their European market share by 4%.
Daikin Industries (2024) signed a strategic partnership with a South Korean OEM to supply custom mold release agents for EV battery enclosures, expected to increase demand by 18% year-over-year.

Report Coverage of Mold Release Agents Market

The Mold Release Agents Market report provides a detailed assessment of key growth areas, market drivers, challenges, and strategic developments across global and regional landscapes. Covering the period from 2023 to 2024, the report investigates critical aspects including product segmentation, end-use industries, technological trends, and competitive landscape. It encompasses detailed segmentation by type (die casting, rubber, concrete, food processing, paper, others) and application (water-based and solvent-based). The report also includes granular market size estimates, quantitative trend analysis, and a close evaluation of the regulatory environment and product compliance standards in major regions. The analysis includes benchmarking studies and market share analysis, covering 12 key players, with focused insights on Chem-Trend and Henkel as the top market shareholders. Regional analysis spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, reflecting performance metrics and future growth potential. Additionally, the report highlights investment landscapes, innovation trajectories, and five key developments that have impacted the global market in 2023–2024. With a growing focus on sustainability and performance, the report provides actionable insights for industry stakeholders to formulate market entry and expansion strategies, especially in high-growth regions like Asia-Pacific and segments like water-based mold release agents.