“Sustainability and Shift Toward Bio-Based Formulations”
- A prominent trend reshaping the water-based defoamers market is the increasing demand for eco-friendly and bio-based formulations, driven by stringent environmental regulations and consumer preference for sustainable products. Manufacturers are actively investing in the development of defoamers derived from renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils, plant-based polymers, and natural surfactants
- For instance, in 2024, BASF SE introduced a new line of biodegradable water-based defoamers designed specifically for the paper and wastewater treatment industries, meeting both performance and ecological standards
- This sustainability shift is especially significant in end-use industries such as food processing, textiles, and water treatment, where regulatory bodies such as the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) enforce strict compliance regarding chemical discharge and biodegradability
- Industries are transitioning from traditional solvent- or oil-based defoamers to low-VOC, water-dispersible solutions to reduce environmental footprint without compromising on anti-foam performance. Companies such as Ashland and Evonik are investing in R&D to expand their green chemistry portfolios, positioning themselves as leaders in the next generation of sustainable industrial additives
- This trend is expected to accelerate as more corporations embed sustainability goals into their procurement and manufacturing processes, making bio-based defoamers a preferred choice for long-term environmental and regulatory compliance
