Material Shrinkage-Reducing Agents Market Size - Product Type, Chemical Composites, Application, End Use Industry, Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Material Shrinkage-Reducing Agents Market Size

The global material shrinkage-reducing agents market size was estimated at USD 1.5 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 5.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
 

Material shrinkage-reducing agents (SRAs) have emerged over the years from simple additives into complex chemical formulations controlling drying shrinkage and cracking in concrete. Increasingly, demands for durability and longevity in structures are placing SRAs among very important ingredients in high-performance concrete. In earlier times, shrinkage problems were tackled mainly by modifying the mixed proportions.
 

The construction industry is growing towards high-performance concrete (HPC) for its superior durability in infrastructure projects such as bridges, tunnels, and high-rise buildings. This trend is more noticeable in the Asia-Pacific region, where rapid urbanization and industrial advancement have created high demand for the use of advanced materials in construction. For example, up to May 2022, India had the highest number of infrastructure projects that were on-going or about to take off, more than all others combined. The incorporation of SRAs into HPC has been shown to mitigate shrinkage issues, thereby improving the lifespan and performance of concrete structures.
 

Innovations in admixture technology have been evolving into much more effective and environmentally friendly SRAs. One of the examples is the introduction of graphene-enhanced concrete known as Concretene, which produces a significant increase in strength and durability while saving on cement. All these developments are contributing to the growing adoption of SRAs in modern construction practices.
 

The construction industry further emphasizes the durability and longevity of structures. Cracking due to shrinkage can sometimes pose a threat to structural integrity as well as escalating the maintenance costs. The use of SRAs is quite important in minimizing these by relieving internal stress during the time of curing and thereby improving the durability of concrete.
 

Material Shrinkage-Reducing Agents Market Trends

• The construction industry is moving away from prescriptive mix designs towards performance-based criteria. This has allowed for admixture options to be flexible, and the acceptance of SRAs can therefore be pitched towards the design objectives of preventing shrinkage cracking and furthering long-term durability.
   
• The concept of efficiency is growing as fast as the material shrinkage-reducing agents market for modular and precast construction, requiring concrete mix that can affect dimensional stability. Consequently, mixing water for concrete has been use for this purpose. SRAs would help in curing crack control over precast members, additionally securing quality of product and reduction of total quality cost in factory-controlled conditions.
   
• The adaptation of SRA characteristics to suit prescribed specific climatic conditions is an approach that instills quality assurance by delivering expectations reproducibly among varied regions marked by topographies and humidity and temperature conditions. SRAs can thus avail of diverse areas, the latitude for smaller markets.
   
• With the ever-increasing importance of carbon-footprint reduction, SRAs are being increasingly used in low-carbon and blended cement formulations. These agents assist concrete mixes that have lower clinker content, thereby aiding the sustainable construction approach. This trend itself is accelerating with regulatory pressure and green building certification.
   
• In the arena of conventional project planning, introducing digital tools, such as BIM and AI, has improved precision with concrete mix design. With SRAs being increasingly chosen back on simulation modeling, the chances of attaining durability and reduced shrinkage become even higher. This improves predictability of performance and minimizes site material wastage.
   

Material Shrinkage-Reducing Agents Market Analysis

The material shrinkage-reducing agents market is segmented by product type into liquid shrinkage-reducing agents, powder shrinkage-reducing agents, and others. Liquid shrinkage-reducing agents accounted for 64.3% of the total market in 2024.
 

• Liquid SRAs took precedence among SRAs because they mix very well with concrete especially in ready-mix and on-site applications. Their high performances give them superior dispersing capabilities and aid more uniform shrinkage control, making them ideal for high-performance and large-scale infrastructure projects. More usage has also been seen in residential and commercial projects.
   
• Powder SRAs are relatively new products but have come so far to gain acceptance in precast and dry-mix applications, where controlled batching and storage stability are of utmost importance. Especially for remote or off-site construction where liquid handling may be less feasible, these are particularly suitable. Formulation technology continually improves powder-based variants, thus increasing their solubility and faster reaction rates and proving to be good alternatives in such markets with storage or transportation limitations. The Others category, inclusive of hybrid or emerging formulations, presents future potential in niche or specialized usages and shows that innovation continues in the market.
   

Material shrinkage-reducing agents market is segmented by chemical composites into Polyethers, Polyalcohols, Glycols and Glycol Ethers, Surfactants, and Others. Glycols and Glycol Ethers accounted for 29.5% of the total market in 2024.
 

• Polyalcohols and Polyethers have been extensively used given their positive effects in reducing both drying shrinkage and plastic shrinkage. In addition to this, the admixture is compatible with different cement types and does not significantly affect setting time, therefore making them commonly favored for high-performance concrete, especially in commercial and infrastructure projects.
   
• Glycols and glycol ethers have gained more widespread use with their roles in moisture retention and even stabilization of the concrete matrix under varying environments. When used in conditions of extreme temperature or where the likelihood of cracks due to shrinkage is of major concern, these materials would work their maximum efficiency.
   
• In the meantime, surfactants and other specialty products are being engineered to enhance their dispersibility and multifunctional performance, with capability as shrinkage reducers and as water-reducers. That is, the current trend in this area is clearly toward multi-functional additives, a growing vegetation area as the industry increasingly demands leaner, high-performance construction additives.
   

Material shrinkage-reducing agents market is segmented by application into ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, self-consolidating concrete, high-performance concrete, shotcrete, mortars and grouts, and others. Ready-mix concrete accounted for 41% of the total market in 2024.
 

• The Material Shrinkage-Reducing Agents market is steadily growing across a wide range of concrete applications. Key driver among them is ready-mix concrete, as it is the prime mode of construction in residential and commercial buildings. Cracking during curing is reduced by these agents, which in turn improve structural durability and economical maintenance. Strong adoption can also be witnessed in precast concrete segments, as dimensional stability is vital for modular construction components where shrinkage may cause misalignment or assembly issues.
   
• On the other hand, Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) and High-performance concrete (HPC) are gaining importance in such intricate infrastructural and high-rise developments, where precision, fluidity, and strength are essential. These agents reduce in preventing micro-cracks and enhance long-term durability. The agents are highly beneficial in shotcrete and mortars/grouts as they improve adhesion and reduce cracking in tunnel linings, mining supports, and applications for repair. This cumulative demand with regards to the specialty application is indicative of the time when others realize and accept the technology takeover of shrinkage-reducing additives in construction needs.

Material shrinkage-reducing agents market is segmented by end use industry into residential construction, commercial construction, infrastructure development, industrial construction, water containment structures, and others. Residential construction accounted for 33.2% of the total market in 2024.
 

• Many end-user industries are stimulating the momentum in the construction of the Material Shrinkage-Reducing Agents market, mainly on demand for residential and commercial structures. Housing and mixed-use development are driven by urbanization and population growth; the more we minimize concrete shrinkage the better it is for durability and aesthetic view of buildings. These agents help deliver crack-free surfaces especially in commercial spaces such as floors and façades where structural integrity and finishing standards are critical.
   
• Another big and growing segment is in infrastructure development and industrial construction. Concrete structures with longer life and lower maintenance for large-scale public works-like highways, bridges, tunnels, and factories-are required. These shrinkage-reducing agents answer this query by providing dimensional stability to the structures under varying environmental conditions. Increasingly, these agents are being used in water containment structures such as reservoirs, treatment plants, and dams to control leakage and cracking to ensure operational efficiency and safety.

With over 85% market share, U.S. is leading the material shrinkage-reducing agents market that is valued at USD 159.4 million in 2024.
 

• Online participant opinion's recognition as a key factor for the estimation of growth in material shrinkage-reducing agents consists of the firm-building structure activity in the U.S., which in turn finds fuel in the increasing acceptance of modern high-performance eco-friendly solutions for concrete. The requirement for concrete that is strong and crack-resistant is steadily increasing due to the strong investments made by the federal and state governments in modernizing infrastructure such as highways, bridges, and public buildings. The U.S. market is witnessing acceptance of advanced admixture products such as shrinkage-reducing agents, as contractors strive to reduce life-cycle maintenance costs and enhance structural life.
   
• The economy North America in general and the U.S. in particular hold considerable shares of the global material shrinkage-reducing agents market. The region benefits from entrenched construction practices, early adoption of admixture technologies, and general variant awareness regarding concrete durability-enhancers. The presence of major manufacturers and their R&D centers adds to the support for product innovations and product availability across the region. Furthermore, the ongoing transition toward low-carbon and performance-based construction practices continues to provide additional traction to the regional market, making North America the leading contributor to the global growth of the market.
   

Material Shrinkage-Reducing Agents Market Share

In the material shrinkage-reducing agents (SRAs) industry, a few large companies stay ahead using innovation, product development for specific uses and strong links all over the globe. Firms such as Sika AG, BASF SE, GCP Applied Technologies (Saint-Gobain), Mapei S.p.A. and Fosroc International Ltd. are playing a key role in improving formulas for SRA, focused on how they perform with different types of concrete, mainly high-performance and self-consolidating types used in buildings and major construction sites.
 

Companies in this sector are also working to efficiently manage supplies and offer custom solutions via online tools, making it easier to work on both existing sites and precast factories. Because they use early green building awards and support strong standards for concrete, they can affect decisions regarding which materials are preferred across different projects. Adopting ESG, circular economy and carbon footprint measures into how they work, these leaders are playing a key part in making SRA more rustle-free and sustainable worldwide.
 

Material Shrinkage-Reducing Agents Market Companies

Sika AG produces different types of construction chemicals, including shrinkage-reducing admixtures for concrete to prevent cracking and improve dimensional stability. The company traces its operations worldwide and offers a full range of products applicable to ready-mix, precast, and infrastructure applications. Sika specifically focuses on adding applicable admixtures to different cement types and construction conditions with the products. It also gives field guidance and technical support regarding product use.
 

BASF SE under the brand Master Builders Solutions has developed the advantages of shrinkage-compensating and durable concrete admixture products designed for different varieties of concrete, including high-performance and self-consolidating concrete. BASF customizes their addition on performance criteria by adding their chemical science and construction proficiency together. Seldom are the solutions offered as standalone offerings. Instead, the benefits are often extended in broad functional areas.
 

Saint-Gobain now operates GCP Applied Technologies, supplier of shrinkage-reducing agents that help concrete structures achieve dimensional stability. The firm produces admixtures suitable for commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects, besides offering digital tools and field services for admixtures assistance. Their integration with Saint-Gobain widens their reach and sustainable building solutions across towns.
 

Mapei S.p.A. manufactures concrete admixtures, including products that reduce shrinkage and enhance mechanical performance of structures. The applications for these products range from industrial floors to structural concrete. It is Mapei's aim to ensure that consistency and compatibility are maintained across its whole range of admixtures. Aided by its global network, the company backs its products with research, testing, and support in their application.
 

Fosroc includes shrinkage-reducing agents in its range of concrete admixtures, with emphasis on performance improvement and control of cracking in concrete work. The products said to be valid for application in precast as well in-situ concrete systems. Fosroc selects the appropriate admixtures in agreement with their clients and engineers according to project requirements. The company then carries out the provision of on-site support and documents for correct application of its products.
 

Material Shrinkage-Reducing Agents Industry News:

• In June 2024, Saint Gobain signed a pact to acquire Dubai-based Fosroc for USD1.03 billion in a move to ramp up the construction chemicals business of Saint Gobain in high-growth markets like India and the Middle East.
   
• In May 2023, Cemex acquired the German-based mortars and adhesives company Kieisel to strengthen its growth in urbanization solutions and gain a stronger position in the European construction chemicals market.
   
• In May 2023, Sika concluded the takeover by MBCC Group except for all its European, North American, Australia, and New Zealand operations in concrete admixture, to further enhance its construction chemicals business globally.
   
• September 2022 saw Saint-Gobain executing the acquisition of GCP Applied Technologies, whereby its product portfolio converging on construction chemicals like shrinkage-reducing admixtures was broadened by this acquisition.
   

The material shrinkage-reducing agents market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (kilo tons) from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Liquid shrinkage-reducing agents
• Powder shrinkage-reducing agents
• Others

Market, By Chemical Composites

• Polyethers
• Polyalcohols
• Glycols and Glycol Ethers
• Surfactants
• Others

Market, By Application

• Ready-mix concrete
• Precast concrete
• Self-consolidating concrete
• High-performance concrete
• Shotcrete
• Mortars and grouts
• Others

Market, By End Use Industry

• Residential construction
• Commercial construction
• Infrastructure development
• Industrial construction
• Water containment structures
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa