Global Friction Reducers Market - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Global Friction Reducers Market, By Type (Synthetic Friction Reducers and Organic Friction Reducers, and Combination Friction Reducers), Particle Size (Nano-scale Friction Reducers, Micro-scale Friction Reducers, and Macro-scale Friction Reducers), Ionic Charge (Anionic Friction Reducers, Cationic Friction Reducers, Non-ionic Friction Reducers, and Amphoteric Friction Reducers), Functionality (Drag Reduction and Wear Reduction), Concentration (Low Concentration and High Concentration), Form (Liquid Friction Reducers, Powder Friction Reducers, and Emulsion Friction Reducers), Application (Hydraulic Fracturing, Drilling Fluids, Stimulation Fluids, Cementing Fluids, Well Stimulation, and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)), Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Distributors/Wholesalers, Online Retailers, and Others) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031.

Friction Reducers Market Analysis and Size

The global friction reducers market is witnessing steady growth propelled by increasing demand across various industries, notably oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing. Key factors driving market expansion include a rising emphasis on operational efficiency, growing exploration and production activities, and the need for cost-effective solutions to mitigate frictional losses in fluid handling systems. Technological advancements in friction reducer formulations and their application methodologies further augment market growth prospects.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global friction reducers market, which was USD 2.16 billion in 2023, is expected to reach USD 3.34 billion by 2031, and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. “Hydraulic fracturing” dominates the application segment of the friction reducers market because it facilitates the extraction of oil and gas from unconventional reservoirs by creating fractures in the rock formation, enhancing hydrocarbon recovery rates and maximizing well productivity. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

 Report Scope and Market Segmentation

Market Definition

Friction reducers are chemical additives designed to reduce the frictional resistance encountered between surfaces in motion, particularly in fluid handling systems. These additives function by altering the rheological properties of the fluid, such as viscosity and lubricity, to minimize the energy losses associated with friction, Friction reducers improve operating efficiency, minimize wear and tear on machine components, and allow for smoother fluid flow.

Friction Reducers Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Growing Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Activities

Technological advancements in drilling and extraction techniques have opened up previously inaccessible oil and gas reserves, driving increased exploration efforts. The discovery of new hydrocarbon reserves in emerging regions, favourable regulatory environments, and government incentives are incentivizing companies to expand their exploration and production portfolios. The growing demand for natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal and LNG exports further drives the sector's growth.

• Growth in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Techniques

The growing emphasis on EOR is fuelled by the rising demand for energy globally and the need to meet production targets amid declining natural reservoir pressures. By enhancing fluid mobility and sweep efficiency within the reservoir, friction reducers play a critical role in supporting the effectiveness of EOR processes. This trend is driving the demand for advanced friction reducer formulations tailored to the specific challenges and requirements of EOR applications, represents a significant driver for the global friction reducers market within the oil and gas sector.

Opportunities:

• Upsurge in Hydraulic Fracturing of Shale and Gas Reserves

The expansion of hydraulic fracturing activities offers opportunities for friction reducer manufacturers to innovate and develop specialized formulations tailored to the unique challenges of unconventional reservoirs. Companies can capitalize on this trend by offering products that enhance fluid flow efficiency, minimize frictional losses, and improve overall well productivity. Manufacturers can position themselves as trusted partners in the constantly changing world of unconventional oil and gas production by offering products that answer the unique needs of hydraulic fracturing operations.

• Continued Innovation in Friction Reducer Formulations

Manufacturers are investing in research and development to enhance the performance, versatility, and environmental sustainability of friction reducer products. Manufacturers can offer solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of diverse industries by incorporating advanced additives, proprietary blends, and novel formulations, driving demand and market growth. Manufacturers can capture market share and strengthen customer loyalty, by introducing patented technologies, optimized formulations, and value-added features such as compatibility with harsh operating conditions or extended shelf life. Additionally, innovations in eco-friendly formulations align with growing environmental concerns, positioning manufacturers as leaders in sustainability and appealing to environmentally conscious customers.

Restraints/Challenges:

• Fluctuations in Oil Prices can Impact Exploration and Production Activities

Fluctuations in the prices of key raw materials, such as petroleum-based chemicals and polymers, can significantly impact the manufacturing costs of friction reducers, thereby affecting profit margins and pricing competitiveness. This volatility introduces uncertainty into production planning and budgeting processes, making it challenging for manufacturers to maintain stable pricing structures and financial performance.

• Competition from Alternative Technologies

Emerging innovations such as nanotechnology-based additives, biodegradable polymers, and advanced surfactants offer alternative solutions for reducing friction in various industrial applications, diminishing the reliance on traditional friction reducer products. Additionally, alternative technologies may tout superior performance characteristics, cost-effectiveness, or environmental benefits, further intensifying competition and prompting end-users to explore alternative solutions. Moreover, the adoption of alternative technologies poses a threat to the market share and revenue streams of friction reducer manufacturers.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, the impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you make an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Recent Developments

• In May 2022, Innospec Oilfield Services has introduced its’ new water-based Friction Reducer, AquaBourne. This friction reducer is a water-based suspension of FR polymers that by design excludes any oil or surfactants in the formulation. Furthermore, the water carrier is completely miscible in fresh, flowback or high TDS produced water, producing a clear, colorless solution in colorless waters having very low total suspended solids (TSS)
• In June 2021, Kemira has completed the installation of new state-of-the art production units for emulsion polymers and biobased acrylamide monomer at its manufacturing site in Mobile, Alabama. The emulsion polymer products are primarily used in water intensive applications, including friction reducers for the oil and gas industry

Friction Reducers Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, particle size, Ionic charge, functionality, concentration, form, application and distribution channel. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Type

• Synthetic Friction Reducers
• Organic Friction Reducers
• Combination Friction Reducers

Particle Size

• Nano-scale Friction Reducers
• Micro-scale Friction Reducers
• Macro-scale Friction Reducers

Ionic Charge

• Anionic Friction Reducers
• Cationic Friction Reducers
• Non-ionic Friction Reducers
• Amphoteric Friction Reducers

Functionality

• Drag Reduction
• Wear Reduction

Concentration

• Low Concentration
• High Concentration

Form

• Liquid Friction Reducers
• Powder Friction Reducers
• Emulsion Friction Reducers

Application

• Hydraulic Fracturing
• Drilling Fluids
• Stimulation Fluids
• Cementing Fluids
• Well Stimulation
• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Distribution Channel

• Direct Sales
• Distributors/Wholesalers
• Online Retailers
• Others

Friction reducers Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by type, particle size, Ionic charge, functionality, concentration, form, application and distribution channel are referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel and Rest of Middle East and Africa.

North America dominates the friction reducers market and is expected to undergo substantial gains during the forecast period. This is because of the rising advancements in horizontal drilling coupled with availability of abundant water for the purpose of hydraulic fracking.

However, Asia-Pacific region will project the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the forecast period. This is because of the rising application of friction reducers by the various end user verticals. Supportive governmental policies are one of the major factors fostering growth of the market in this region. Increased focus on environmental friendly friction reducers materials will further create lucrative market growth opportunities.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impact the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends, and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of Global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, the impact of domestic tariffs, and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Competitive Landscape and Friction reducers Market Share Analysis

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitors. details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, Global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width, and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to the market.

Some of the major players operating in the market are:

• CLARIANT (Switzerland)
• BASF SE (Germany)
• Croda International Plc (U.K.)
• Evonik Industries AG (Germany)
• The Lubrizol Corporation (U.S.)
• Dow (U.S.)
• SLB (U.S.)
• Halliburton (U.S.)
• Baker Hughes Company (U.S.)
• SNF (France)
• Kemira (Finland)
• Ashland (U.S.)
• Innospec (U.S.)
• Evonik Industries AG (Germany)
• Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands)
• Solvay (Belgium)
• GEO (U.S.)
• Stepan Company (U.S.)
• Nouryon (Netherlands)
• Cabot Corporation (U.S.)
• SELECT WATER SOLUTIONS (U.S.)
• R.T. Vanderbilt Holding Company, Inc. (U.K.)
• Italmatch Chemicals (Italy)
• PfP Industries (U.S.)
• Aquaness Chemicals (U.A.E.)
• Di-Corp, Inc. (Canada)
• Rocanda (U.S.)
• Trican (Canada)
• Aisling Chem (Canada)
• Shrieve (U.S.)
• Rishabh Metals & Chemicals (India)
• ChemEOR, Inc. (U.S.)
• CONDAT (France)
• TETRA Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)