Friction Modifier Additive Market

Key data points: Market size in 2027 = $1.9 billion and 2035 = $2.7 billion growth forecast = 4.5% annually for the next 8 years. This market report covers trends, opportunities, and forecast in the global friction modifier additive market to 2035 by product type (organic, polymer, fatty acids, esters & amides, inorganic, MoDTC, MoS2, graphite, and others), application (automobile lubricants, industrial lubricants, rail lubricants, aviation lubricants, power generation lubricants, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World) Friction Modifier Additive Market The future of the global friction modifier additive market looks promising with opportunities in the automobile lubricants, industrial lubricants, rail lubricants, aviation lubricants, and power generation lubricants markets. The global friction modifier additive market is expected to reach an estimated $2.7 billion by 2035 from $1.9 billion in 2027 with a CAGR of 4.5% from 2027 to 2035. The major drivers for this market are the rising demand for automotive lubricants worldwide and growing focus on reducing friction in lubricated machine components to increase machines' energy efficiency and extend their life. • Lucintel forecasts that, within the product type category, organic will remain the largest segment over the forecast period due to its eco-friendly nature and better friction-reducing properties. • Within the application category, automobiles will remain the largest segment over the forecast period due to the significantly growing automotive industry. • In terms of regions, APAC will remain the largest region over the forecast period due to the rapidly growing automotive industry in the region. A more than 150-page report is developed to help in your business decisions. Emerging Trends in Friction Modifier Additive Market The friction modifier additive market is moving away from traditional fuel economy support additives. Between 2025 and 2027, lubricant formulators will address wear protection and energy efficiency while managing regulatory and supply resiliency pressures. From our perspective, the market will increase, but more in specialization than volume. • Sustainability: In the first half of 2025, most European lubricant producers fine-tuned formulations to match the requirements of REACH while considering the use of bio-based esters. Over the next 3 to 5 years, investment will shift toward low-persistence and biodegradable friction modifier additive packages. • Electrification: The IEA expects 2025 electric vehicle sales will exceed 20 million. With that growth will come increased production of additives compatible with higher copper concentrations, higher shaft rotational speeds, and better thermal management and electrical insulation systems. • Premiumization: OEMs and lubricant companies are focusing on tighter fuel economy and durability. As a result, engine oils have been targeted to lower viscosity grades such as 0W-20 and 0W-16. Over the next 5 years, additive systems will be tested and quality assessed using ML/AI to cut development time and increase the interactions and blends evaluated before production. • Digital Formulation: Increased reliance on additives and rise in per-unit costs means additive suppliers will focus on efficiency and greater compatibility to quicken development time and qualify additives. Additive suppliers will further develop and differentiate formulations to increase value. • Supply Diversification: Increased supply disruption since 2022 means lubricant suppliers will also source a range of raw materials, especially phosphorous and molybdenum. By 2027, dual supply and regional manufacturing strategies will help Lubricant suppliers reduce supply chain exposure and risk. Friction modifier additive suppliers will need to focus on improving Eco-friendly and functional performance to keep pace with OEMs. Additive demands will only increase with Electrification. Suppliers that focus on the aforementioned trends and have validated chemistry with OEMs will be best positioned in the marketplace, while suppliers with undifferentiated products will see price erosion in mature markets and industrial segments. Recent Developments in the Friction Modifier Additive Market Changes to technology launches will be noticeable within the lubricants industry in 2025. The Lubrizol Corporation will release new additive technologies for electric vehicle drivetrain fluids with improved thermal stability and wear protection. As electric and other alternative-powered vehicles increase, the lubricant industry will need to develop new fluids tailored to the requirements of those powertrains. • Strategic Collaborations: Infineum expanded its partnerships with lubricant and automotive companies in May 2025 to evaluate friction-reduction packages for fuel-efficient passenger vehicles. Joint testing has helped shorten qualification cycles and should help accelerate the integration of tailored additive systems in global factory-fill programs in the next 3 to 5 years. • Production Expansions: In 2025, Chevron Oronite invested over $100 million to expand its capacity for additive manufacturing at its Singapore complex. Additional manufacturing capacity will improve the reliability of the company’s supply and support the rising demand for lubricants in the Asia-Pacific region, where vehicle production and lubricant blending are growing the fastest. • Product Approvals: The industry-wide implementation of more stringent low-viscosity engine-oil specifications in 2025, including those required to meet more stringent fuel-economy standards, created a greater need for friction modifiers. This created a greater need for friction modifiers and enhanced the value of friction modifier packages tested independently. • Commercial Partnerships: In 2025, Croda, focused more on the automotive lubricant market through sustainable and bio-based additive chemistry, including friction modifiers. The industry is becoming more focused on qualifying products to meet the desired specifications, as opposed to producing products in the greatest volume. Additive suppliers that are tribology data and regional manufacturing and compatibility partners will win the largest customers in the market. The need to focus on qualification and supply will become just as important as price for major lubricant producers in the next 5 years. Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Friction Modifier Additive Market Between 2024 and 2026, the friction modifier additive market is expected to be increasingly relevant from a commercial perspective, mainly due to ongoing efforts to increase fuel economy, extended lubricant drain intervals, and advanced transmission systems. Suppliers that possess expertise and knowledge in formulation can differentiate and position themselves strategically to capture profitable opportunities. In addition, customers are demanding validated performance with lower emissions and a reliable supply. • EV Lubricants: Additives to control wear and copper corrosion in efficiency loss in EV reduction gears are expected to see growing demand in the next 3 to 5 years, due to the increasing number of EV sales (>1 million in Jan 2025 alone, according to the IEA) and install base. Demand for dedicated friction modifier packages will be needed to meet the growing need. • Premium Transmission Fluids: Additives for narrow friction windows in hybrid and dual-clutch transmissions will command a higher price due to the need for precise shift control. In March 2025, ZF announced that its 8-speed Hybrid transmission had entered series production. Other similar hybrid transmissions are anticipated to increase the overall demand for premium drivetrain fluids. • Industrial Equipment: Thin film, low-noise, and long-lasting lubrication will be needed for robotic and automated equipment, especially for wind turbines. According to the GWEC, more than 117 GW of new wind capacity was installed in 2023 (reported in April 2024). More wind capacity means more demand for friction modifiers beyond passenger cars and other automobiles. • Bio-based Friction Modifiers: Bio-based friction modifiers will fill the demand for low-toxicity lubricants in the marine and agricultural industries due to the EU's Renewable Energy Directive to have a 42.5% renewable energy share by 2030 (confirmed in Oct 2023). • Application-specific Technical Services: Customers want additives tied to drain intervals and wear rather than generic product information. In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that medium- and heavy-duty vehicles consume about 25% of U.S. transportation energy. Data-supported design services and formulation can produce recurring revenue and improve customer retention. Additive performance that impacts the operating cost or efficiency of a vehicle can lead to large profit opportunities. Suppliers should also target EVs and hybrids. Technical services will help differentiate commodity products in the marketplace. Regional blending and laboratory services will help blenders protect their margins and improve their relationship with their customers. Friction Modifier Additive Market Drivers and Challenges The friction modifier additive market is impacted by multiple forces including technology, economy, environment and regulations. There are evolving demands for improved lubricants due to increased vehicle manufacturing, fuel economy standards, and development of electric mobility. Manufacturers adjust additive chemistry to improve performance while balancing costs of raw materials and complying with regulations. Lucintel has identified advanced additive technologies, although regional regulations and changes in drivetrain technologies create challenges for suppliers. The factors responsible for driving this market include: • Fuel-Efficient Lubricants: Major automakers and fleet operators are requiring lubricants that reduce friction, wear and energy loss. In January 2025, updated fuel-economy programs in major markets encouraged the adoption of lower-viscosity and high-performance engine oils. In addition, lubricant marketers have expressed concerns about the impact of the higher efficiency standards on fuel economy and engine wear. Such standards will likely increase additive usage in the next three to five years for passenger vehicles, fleets and off-road equipment. • Development of Electric Vehicles: The growth of friction modifier additives will also be impacted by the development of electric vehicles. By March 2025, global sales of electric vehicles exceeded 10 million. This has created a growing need for specialty fluids for the gears and bearings as well as thermal and electrical systems of electric vehicles. The new electric vehicles use much less engine oil; however, the development of high-speed gears and other electrical parts creates a need for new friction modifiers. This will impact the additive market in the next three to five years. • Advanced Additive Chemistry: Continued development in organo-molybdenum and other compounds will decrease friction and wear in mechanical systems. In June 2025, results of friction tests on the nanoparticles showed a 20% reduction in friction. Innovations in the field will allow continued development of high-performance lubricants and friction modifiers for various systems. • Sustainability Requirements: Renewable feedstocks paired with improved chemical safety and recyclability will drive advances in the sector within the next 3 to 5 years. Further, the focus will be on the entire lifecycle of a product (including raw materials, manufacture, use, and end of life) in efforts to control total emissions. In the lubricant industry, ashless friction modifiers, paired with novel ester components, will improve the environmental footprint while enhancing performance. Sustainability requirements will likely emphasize the use of renewable feedstocks in the lubricant industry and open new market opportunities, encouraging competition and diversifying the sector. • Manufacturing Efficiency: Suppliers are investing in R&D to optimize and automate manufacturing, improve quality and consistency, and reduce costs, all of which are enabling improved customization of additive packages for lubricant producers. In August 2025, advanced chemical facilities used automated production systems to virtually eliminate deviations during manufacturing, i.e. the systems achieved 100% process control, a significant improvement from previous years. This manufacturing efficiency drove increased competition among additive suppliers, and better facilitated the ability to respond to changing requirements and customer demands. The challenges facing this market include: • Raw Material Costs: Sharp increases in the price of a key input can significantly cut a supplier’s margin. In April 2025, market disruptions increased raw materials and ingredients by more than 10% year-on-year. Compression of margins and increased costs to customers are likely for the next 3-5 years. Suppliers will be forced to implement long-term contracts and plan their inventories to protect their bottom lines. Greater formulation flexibility and the use of alternative feedstocks will be key to surviving and thriving in this market. • Regulatory Complexity: Differing regulations across regions create different requirements for chemical registrations, toxicities, emissions, and lubricant performance. In October 2025, regulatory changes increased the documentation burden for thousands of chemical substances and resulted in an increased compliance burden on global suppliers. Strong demand for molybdenum and phosphorus, as well as ash-forming ingredients, can limit their commercial availability. It is expected that within the next three to five years, manufacturers that test well for regulatory compliance will be stronger and smaller suppliers will face increased market entry barriers. • Changing Drivetrain Requirements: Friction, conductivity, and material compatibility for differing vehicles (i.e. ICE, hybrids, battery-electric) require varying additive formulations. In July 2025, in the leading markets, EVs and hybrids were over 20% of total light vehicle sales, promoting the shift to electrification. In the future, traditional engine-oil demands may lessen and e-drive fluid demands may increase. Within the next three to five years, suppliers may need to diversify their product offerings to satisfy varying drivetrain needs. Looking ahead, advances in technology and automation should decrease costs and increase the performance of additives. Constraints of rapidly changing margins from differing regulations and the cost of raw materials will drive the need for innovation. The future of the additives market will rely on meeting customer and consumer needs while balancing performance and availability with sustainability and compliance. List of Friction Modifier Additive Market Companies Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies friction modifier additive market companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the friction modifier additive market companies profiled in this report include- • ADEKA • BRB International • King Industries • Croda International • Chevron • Lubrizol • BASF • Afton Chemical • CSW Industrial • Wynn's Friction Modifier Additive Market by Segment The study includes a forecast for the global friction modifier additive by product type, application, and region. Friction Modifier Additive Market by Product Type [Value ($B) from 2019 to 2035]: • Organic • Polymer • Fatty Acids • Esters & Amides • Inorganic • MoDTC • MoS2 • Graphite • Others Friction Modifier Additive Market by Application [Value ($B) from 2019 to 2035]: • Automobile Lubricants • Industrial Lubricants • Rail Lubricants • Aviation Lubricants • Power Generation Lubricants • Others Friction Modifier Additive Market by Region [Value ($B) from 2019 to 2035]: • North America • Europe • Asia Pacific • The Rest of the World Country Wise Outlook for the Friction Modifier Additive Market The friction modifier additive market is changing due to more fuel-economy standards, rapid electrification and investment in higher-performance lubricant technologies. From 2025 to 2027, suppliers are focusing on low-viscosity formulations, Electric-vehicle compatibility and regional production resilience. Based on Lucintel’s latest market analysis, these trends are increasing the strategic additive technology’s position in the automotive and industrial markets. • United States: The final renewable-fuel obligations for 2025-2027, announced by the EPA in June 2025, mandate the blending of 24.46 billion gallons of renewable fuel for 2025 (June 2025). Meanwhile, major lubricant suppliers are developing friction-reducing chemistries for battery-electric and hybrid drivetrains. As U.S. fuel policies become more stringent and fuel economy standards increase, lubricant formulations to meet those targets will increasingly require lower-friction additives, thus creating more potential demand for friction modifiers. • China: Sinopec and other automotive manufacturers are investing in research on fluids for new-energy vehicles. 2024 (January 2025) sales data indicate 11.26 million new energy vehicles sold, and sustained demand will create a large opportunity for friction modifiers in e-axle, transmission, and hybrid fluid systems. • Germany: German manufacturers are promoting low-viscosity and electric-drive lubricant programs to meet stricter fleet carbon standards set by the European Union. In addition, ZF launched its e-fluids portfolio for electric drivetrains in 2025. German OEMs influence European lubricant specifications and qualification requirements. Thus the launch matters. • India: India’s lubricant industry is acquiring blending and technical capability with expanding vehicle production and government policy promoting electric mobility. India produced 1.96 million electric vehicles in fiscal year 2024-25. This will create a demand for friction modifiers for motorcycles and other hybrid and electric drive systems. • Japan: The joint work by Japanese automakers and oil companies for the development of efficient powertrains and dedicated fluids will continue. In addition, Idemitsu Kosan will continue its work in advanced lubricants. 1.18 million hybrid passenger cars were registered in 2024 in Japan. The demand for oxidation-stable, low-friction additive packages will continue in the next three to five years. Features of the Global Friction Modifier Additive Market Market Size Estimates: friction modifier additive market size estimation in terms of value ($B). Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2026) and forecast (2027 to 2035) by various segments and regions. Segmentation Analysis: friction modifier additive market size by product type, application, and region in terms of value ($B). Regional Analysis: friction modifier additive market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different product types, applications, and regions for the friction modifier additive market. Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the friction modifier additive market. Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model. If you are looking to expand your business in this or adjacent markets, then contact us. We have done hundreds of strategic consulting projects in market entry, opportunity screening, due diligence, supply chain analysis, M & A, and more. This report answers following 11 key questions: Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the friction modifier additive market by product type (organic, polymer, fatty acids, esters & amides, inorganic, modtc, mos2, graphite, and others), application (automobile lubricants, industrial lubricants, rail lubricants, aviation lubricants, power generation lubricants, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)? Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why? Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why? Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market? Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market? Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them? Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market? Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments? Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth? Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution? Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 8 years and what has its impact been on the industry?