Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 분산제 시장은 2025년에 66억 4,000만 달러를 차지하고, 예측 기간 동안 CAGR은 7.9%를 나타내며, 2032년에는 96억 1,000만 달러에 이를 것으로 전망됩니다.
분산제라 불리는 화학첨가물은 액체매질 중 입자의 분산과 안정화를 돕고 입자의 침강과 응집을 방지합니다.
국제자동차제조자기구(OICA)에 따르면 세계 자동차 생산량은 6% 증가했으며 2022년에는 8,500만 대에 달했습니다.
페인트 및 코팅에 있어서 수요 증가
페인트 및 코팅 수요 증가로 코팅의 색 강도와 안정성이 향상되고 있습니다. 성 향상과 부드러운 마무리에 기여합니다. 환경 친화적인 수성 페인트의 개발로 분산제의 사용이 더욱 증가하고 있습니다.
엄격한 환경 규제
이러한 규정을 준수하기 위해 환경 친화적인 대체품 및 고급 처리 기술에 투자해야 하는 결과 생산 가격이 상승하고 있습니다. 기존의 분산제의 대부분은 중금속 및 휘발성 유기 화합물(VOC)을 포함하며, 이들은 엄격히 금지되거나 적용이 제한됩니다. 새로운 제제가 규제 당국의 승인을 받는 데 시간이 걸리기 때문에 제품 출시와 시장 확대가 지연됩니다. 이러한 기준은 소규모 생산자에게는 달성하기 어렵고 기술 혁신과 경쟁력을 방해합니다. 따라서 시장 확대는 지연되고 기업은 환경 규제의 변화에 대응할 필요가 있습니다.
고성능 분산제에 대한 수요 증가
페인트, 코팅, 건축과 같은 업계에서는 안정성과 균일한 분산을 향상시키기 위해 고급 분산제가 필요합니다. 고성능 분산제는 배합 비용을 절약하고 착색력을 향상시키고 점도 조절을 개선합니다. 시장 수요는 지속가능한 수성 제제의 사용 확대에 의해 더욱 높아지고 있습니다. 고분자 과학과 나노기술의 발전으로 보다 효과적인 분산액을 생산할 수 있습니다. 기업이 지속가능성과 성능에 높은 우선순위를 두고 있기 때문에 고성능 분산제 시장은 여전히 확대되고 있습니다.
지정학적·무역적 불확실성
무역 제한과 관세는 제조 비용을 늘리고 생산자의 분산제 비용을 높입니다. 중요한 생산지역의 정정불안은 수출과 산업활동에 영향을 미치며 시장 확대를 방해합니다. 무역정책이 불투명한 경우 연구 및 사업 확대에 대한 투자가 억제되고 기술 혁신과 보급이 지연됩니다. 시장 진출기업의 가격 결정 전술과 이익률은 무역 마찰이 초래하는 통화 변동의 영향을 받습니다. 이를 종합하면 불안정한 비즈니스 환경이 수요를 낮추고 시장 성장을 제한하게 됩니다.
COVID-19의 영향
COVID-19 팬데믹은 공급망의 중단, 노동력 부족, 산업 활동의 저하로 분산제 시장을 혼란시켰습니다. 일시적인 수요 감소로 이어졌습니다. 그러나 위생 제품 제조와 의약품 사용이 급증했기 때문에 시장은 회복되었습니다.
예측 기간 동안 솔루션 부문이 최대가 될 것으로 예상
솔루션 분야는 다양한 용도로 효율성을 높이고 즉시 사용할 수 있는 고성능 처방을 제공하여 예측 기간 동안 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예상됩니다. 장이 확대되고 있는 것은 수성으로 환경 친화적인 분산액에 대한 수요가 높아지고 있기 때문입니다.
예측 기간 동안 의약품 분야의 CAGR이 가장 높을 것으로 예상됩니다.
예측 기간 동안 의약품 분야가 가장 높은 성장률을 나타낼 것으로 예측되고 있습니다. 제약 회사는 탁월한 분산 기술에 투자하고 있습니다.
예측기간 중 아시아태평양은 급속한 도시화와 도료, 코팅제, 건설자재 수요 증가로 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예상됩니다. 의약, 농업의 각 분야에서 분산제의 사용량이 증가하고 있는 것도 수요를 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미가 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예상되지만, 이는 산업과 의약품에 대한 수요 증가로 인한 것입니다. 따라서 시장 점유율을 이끌고 있습니다. 주요 기업은 지속 가능한 솔루션과 전략적 파트너십에 초점을 맞추고 성능 효율성을 높이고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Dispersing Agents Market is accounted for $6.64 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $9.61 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. Chemical additives called dispersing agents, or simply dispersants, aid in the distribution and stabilisation of particles in a liquid media, preventing them from settling or aggregating. By lowering the surface tension between liquid and solid particles, they increase suspension stability and homogeneity. Dispersing agents, which are frequently used in paints, coatings, medications, and oil spill cleaning, improve product performance by guaranteeing uniform dispersion.
According to the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), global automotive vehicle production grew by 6% and reached 85 million in 2022.
Increasing demand in paints & coatings
Colour strength and stability in coatings are being improved by the rising demand for paints and coatings. High-performance paints are becoming more and more necessary as building and automobile activities increase. Dispersing agents contribute to lower viscosity, improved durability, and smooth finishes. Their use is further increased by developments in eco-friendly and water-based coatings. Dispersing agents are in greater demand as industry place a higher priority on sustainability and efficiency.
Strict environmental regulations
Production prices rise as a result of businesses having to invest in environmentally friendly substitutes and sophisticated treatment techniques to comply with these rules. Many conventional dispersion agents include heavy metals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are strictly prohibited or have limited uses. Product launches and market expansion are delayed by the time it takes for new formulations to receive regulatory clearance. These standards are difficult for smaller producers to achieve, which hinders innovation and competitiveness. Market expansion thus slows, and businesses are forced to adjust to changing environmental regulations.
Rising demand for high-performance dispersing agents
Advanced dispersants are necessary for industries including paints, coatings, and construction in order to improve stability and uniform dispersion. High-performance dispersion agents save formulation costs, increase colour strength, and improve viscosity control. The market demand is further increased by the expanding use of sustainable and water-based formulations. More effective dispersing solutions are being produced as a result of advancements in polymer science and nanotechnology. The market for high-performance dispersion agents is still growing as businesses place a higher priority on sustainability and performance.
Geopolitical and trade uncertainties
Trade restrictions and tariffs raise manufacturing costs, which drives up the cost of dispersion agents for producers. Political unrest in important production areas impedes market expansion by impacting exports and industrial activities. Trade policies that are unclear deter research and expansion investments, which slow technological innovation and diffusion. Market participants' pricing tactics and profit margins are impacted by currency volatility brought on by trade conflicts. All things considered, these elements produce an unstable business climate that lowers demand and restricts market growth.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the dispersing agents market due to supply chain interruptions, labor shortages, and reduced industrial activities. Lockdowns and restrictions impacted key end-use industries like paints, coatings, and construction, leading to a temporary decline in demand. However, the market rebounded as hygiene product manufacturing and pharmaceutical applications surged. Increased demand for water-based and eco-friendly dispersing agents post-pandemic further supported recovery.
The solution segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The solution segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period by offering ready-to-use, high-performance formulations that enhance efficiency in various applications. By increasing dispersion stability, these solutions lessen agglomeration in industrial fluids, paints, and coatings. The market is expanding because to the growing demand for water-based, environmentally friendly dispersions. Because of their affordability and convenience of use, industries favour solution-based dispersion agents. This market is still growing as a result of increased R&D spending on cutting-edge dispersion technologies.
The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the pharmaceuticals segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to by increasing demand for high-quality drug formulations. Dispersing agents enhance the solubility, bioavailability, and stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), ensuring effective drug delivery. With the rise in chronic diseases and advancements in drug development, pharmaceutical companies are investing in superior dispersing technologies. Stringent regulatory standards further boost the need for efficient dispersants to meet quality and safety requirements. This growing reliance on dispersing agents in drug formulations significantly propels market expansion.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to rapid urbanization and the growing demand for paints, coatings, and construction materials. Countries like China, India, and Japan drive market growth with rising infrastructure projects and automotive production. Demand is also fuelled by the growing usage of dispersion agents in the personal care, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. Technological advancements and eco-friendly dispersants are gaining traction, supporting sustainability trends. Additionally, the expanding manufacturing sector and government initiatives promoting industrial growth contribute to the increasing adoption of dispersing agents across various applications.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, due to rising demand in industries and pharmaceuticals. The region's strong industrial base, advanced R&D capabilities, and increasing use of eco-friendly dispersants are driving growth. The U.S. leads in market share, fuelled by innovations in water-based dispersions and polymer additives. Key players are focusing on sustainable solutions and strategic partnerships to enhance performance efficiency. The market's demand is further increased by expanding infrastructure projects and nanotechnology breakthroughs, guaranteeing consistent growth in the years to come.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Dispersing Agents Market include BASF SE, Arkema SA, Clariant AG, Evonik Industries AG, Solvay S.A., Kemira, Altana AG, Dow Inc., Lanxess AG, RUDOLF GmbH, The Lubrizol Corporation, Uniqchem, Italmatch CSP, Nouryon, SNF, Croda International Plc, King Industries, Inc. and Shubh Industries.
In October 2024, Evonik entered into a strategic partnership with Kolmar Cosmetics (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. in Wuxi, China. This collaboration focuses on innovating raw materials, including sustainable ingredients, sun care, color cosmetics solutions, and efficient active ingredients.
In November 2023, Clariant and Conser, strengthened their partnership in the maleic anhydride industry. They agreed to develop next-generation catalysts based on Clariant's SynDane series, aiming to enhance productivity, cost efficiency, and sustainability in maleic anhydride production, particularly in the growing Chinese market.
In August 2023, BASF announced plans to double its production capacity for water-soluble dispersants based on acrylic acid at its Dilovasi site in Turkey. This expansion aimed to meet the rising demand from customers in the detergent, cleaning, and chemical processing industries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.