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The global mold release agents market held a size of USD 2.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand to over 8.6% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The global mold release agents industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand across various industries.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the value of shipments for plastics and rubber products manufacturing in the United States reached USD 234.8 billion in 2021, indicating a significant market for mold release agents.
Report Attribute | Details |
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Base Year: | 2024 |
Mold Release Agents Market Size in 2024: | USD 2.5 Billion |
Forecast Period: | 2025 - 2034 |
Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 CAGR: | 8.6% |
2034 Value Projection: | USD 5 Billion |
Historical Data for: | 2021 - 2024 |
No. of Pages: | 235 |
Tables, Charts & Figures: | 165 |
Segments covered: | Type, material, application |
Growth Drivers: |
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Pitfalls & Challenges: |
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The automotive sector, a major consumer of these agents, saw global production reach 85 million units in 2022, as reported by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA). The aerospace industry, another key market driver, is projected to grow substantially, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting a 6% increase in aerospace engineering jobs from 2021 to 2031. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's focus on reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions has led to increased adoption of water-based and eco-friendly mold release agents. The construction industry, which utilizes mold release agents in concrete formwork, is also contributing to market growth, with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting that the value of construction put in place reached USD 1.79 trillion in 2022, up 10.2% from 2021.
The mold release agents industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key trends. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there has been a 15% increase in the adoption of eco-friendly, water-based formulations since 2018, aligning with stricter environmental regulations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 7.2% growth in employment in the aerospace manufacturing sector from 2020 to 2022, indicating increased demand for high-performance release agents in lightweight composites production.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has reported a 22% reduction in VOC emissions from industrial processes between 2015 and 2020, reflecting the shift towards low-VOC agents. In the food processing sector, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 12 new mold release agents for food contact applications in the past three years. The Asia-Pacific region's manufacturing growth is evident from China's National Bureau of Statistics data, showing a 6.3% year-on-year increase in industrial production in 2022, contributing to the overall expansion of the market.
The development and adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable products will favor market growth. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on water-resistant mold release to meet stringent environmental regulations and the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions dealing with surroundings. For instance, in May 2024, Wetwall introduced the Pro Plus Collection for commercial projects for providing efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal for large-scale spaces. There is also an increasing trend of features that enhance mold efficiency, such as reducing multiple stops per application and improving mold finish. Innovations in nanotechnology are enabling the development of corrosion-releasing materials with improved properties like thermal stability and low residue.
The solvent-based segment held over USD 849 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of over 8.8% during the forecast period. The scope of solvent-based mold release agents in the market remains significant, particularly in industries where quick evaporation and high-performance release are critical, such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing. These agents are favored for their ability to provide smooth finishes and efficient release in high-temperature and high-pressure molding processes. However, increasing environmental regulations and the push toward sustainable, low-VOC alternatives are challenging their growth. Despite this, solvent-based agents still hold a strong position in applications requiring fast drying and excellent durability, especially where water-based alternatives may not be as effective.
The plastic segment from mold release agents market was valued at USD 1 billion in 2024 and garner a 8.7% CAGR through 2025-2034. In the market, plastics represent a significant segment, driven by their extensive use in industries like automotive, electronics, packaging, and consumer goods. Mold release agents are crucial in plastic manufacturing processes such as injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion, ensuring smooth release and minimizing defects. As the demand for lightweight, durable plastic components increases—particularly in automotive and electronics sectors, the need for effective release agents grows. Innovations in plastic molding, such as more complex designs and higher production speeds, are also expanding the scope for advanced mold release agents tailored to the specific needs of plastic production.
The mold release agents market size from the plastic molding segment is anticipated to experience around 8.3% CAGR during 2025-2034 with a market size of USD 732.2 million in 2024. The scope of plastic molding in the market is significant, as it plays a crucial role in industries like automotive, consumer goods, electronics, and packaging. Plastic molding processes, such as injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion, require efficient mold release agents to ensure smooth production, reduce defects, and prevent material sticking. The rising demand for lightweight, durable plastic components, especially in the automotive and electronics sectors, is driving the need for high-performance mold release agents. As manufacturers seek to improve production efficiency and product quality, the demand for advanced, non-toxic, and eco-friendly mold release agents is growing.
The China mold release agents market size dominated with a market size of USD 471.2 million in 2024 and expected to grow at a 9.4% CAGR in 2025-2034. The china market is expanding rapidly, driven by the country’s booming manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive, electronics, and construction industries. China’s increasing demand for plastic, rubber, and composite components fuels the need for high-performance mold release agents to improve production efficiency and reduce defects. The shift toward eco-friendly, water-based agents aligns with China’s stricter environmental regulations, promoting sustainable industrial practices. Additionally, the growing focus on lightweight materials in automotive and aerospace applications is driving innovation in mold release agents. As China continues to industrialize, the market is expected to see significant growth and technological advancements.
Key players in the mold release agents industry are adopting strategies focused on innovation, sustainability, and geographic expansion. Companies are developing eco-friendly, water-based formulations to comply with stringent environmental regulations and meet growing demand for non-toxic, low-VOC solutions. They are also investing in R&D to create advanced, semi-permanent agents that enhance production efficiency. Strategic partnerships and mergers are being pursued to expand market presence, particularly in high-growth regions like Asia-Pacific. Additionally, players are focusing on diversifying their product portfolios to cater to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and food processing, ensuring they meet the specific needs of different applications.
Major players operating in the mold release agents industry are:
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