Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) market size was valued at USD 58.9 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 61.3 million in 2025 to USD 77 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period.

Internal Mould Release (IMR) agents are specialized chemical formulations that facilitate easy demolding of composite materials during manufacturing processes. These additives dissolve in resin mixtures (particularly styrene-based systems) and migrate to the mold surface during curing due to volumetric shrinkage and temperature changes. Unlike external release agents, IMRs are integrated directly into the material matrix, eliminating secondary application steps while improving production efficiency and surface finish quality.

The market growth is driven by expanding composite material applications across automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors, where IMRs reduce cycle times and improve part quality. Asia Pacific dominates demand with 40% market share, followed by Europe and North America collectively holding over 45%. Solvent-based formulations currently lead the product segment with 75% share, while rubbers represent the primary application area. Recent industry developments include advanced formulations from key players like Chem-Trend and Chukyo Yushi addressing environmental regulations through reduced VOC content.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Expanding Global Composites Industry Accelerates Adoption of Internal Mould Release Agents

The global composites market is experiencing robust growth, projected to exceed $130 billion by 2026, directly fueling demand for internal mould release agents. As manufacturers across aerospace, automotive, and construction sectors increasingly adopt lightweight composite materials, the need for efficient mould release solutions becomes critical. Internal mould release agents offer significant advantages over traditional external applications, including reduced cycle times and improved surface finish quality. Major composite manufacturers report productivity improvements of 15-20% when switching to internal release systems, making them indispensable for high-volume production environments.

Stringent Environmental Regulations Drive Shift Toward Internal Formulations

Environmental compliance is reshaping the mould release market, with internal agents gaining preference due to their lower VOC emissions compared to solvent-based external alternatives. Regulatory pressures, particularly in Europe and North America, have led to a 30% increase in demand for environmentally-friendly release solutions since 2020. Internal mould release agents minimize waste and reduce cleaning requirements, aligning with sustainability initiatives across manufacturing sectors. The automotive industry's adoption of these agents has grown by 22% in the past three years as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seek to meet stringent environmental standards while maintaining production efficiency.

Furthermore, advancements in water-based internal release formulations are eliminating performance gaps with traditional solvent-based systems. Recent product innovations have improved migration rates and release efficiency, with some formulations demonstrating equivalent performance at 30-40% lower dosage rates. These technological improvements are accelerating market penetration across price-sensitive industries.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Technical Limitations in High-Temperature Applications Constrain Market Expansion

While internal mould release agents offer numerous advantages, their performance in high-temperature applications remains a significant challenge. Many formulations degrade or lose effectiveness when exposed to processing temperatures above 300°C, limiting their use in aerospace and advanced composite manufacturing. Current testing data indicates that nearly 65% of commercially available internal release agents demonstrate reduced effectiveness in high-temperature resin systems, forcing manufacturers to rely on hybrid or external application methods.

Material Compatibility Issues
Formulation chemistry poses another barrier, as internal agents must be compatible with diverse resin systems without compromising mechanical properties. Polyurethane applications report particular sensitivity, with some internal agents causing up to 15% reduction in tensile strength for certain formulations. These material interactions require extensive testing and validation, adding 20-30% to product development timelines for manufacturers transitioning to internal release systems.

Performance Consistency Challenges
Batch-to-batch variability in release performance remains a persistent issue, with production data showing release force variations of ±12% even within consistent formulations. This inconsistency creates quality control challenges for manufacturers requiring precise dimensional tolerances, particularly in medical device and aerospace component production.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Emerging Bio-based Formulations Open New Application Segments

The development of bio-based internal mould release agents presents a significant growth opportunity, addressing both performance and sustainability requirements. Recent innovations in plant-derived release agents demonstrate effectiveness comparable to traditional synthetic formulations, while offering biodegradability and reduced environmental impact. Market analysis projects the bio-based segment to grow at 8.2% CAGR through 2030, capturing nearly 25% of the overall market by the end of the decade.

Advanced manufacturing sectors are showing particular interest in specialized formulations. The medical device industry's transition to high-performance polymers creates demand for FDA-compliant internal release agents, with the segment expected to grow by $12 million annually through 2025. Similarly, electronics manufacturers are adopting conductive polymer formulations that maintain electrical properties while incorporating release functionality.

Regional expansion strategies are also driving market growth, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets where composite adoption is accelerating. Local manufacturing of internal mould release agents in China and India has increased by 18% annually since 2020, supported by government initiatives to develop domestic advanced materials capabilities.

MARKET CHALLENGES

High Development Costs and Technical Complexity Impede New Market Entrants

The specialized chemistry required for effective internal mould release formulations creates substantial barriers to market entry. Research and development costs for new formulations often exceed $2 million, with development cycles spanning 18-24 months. This high technical barrier has limited market participation, with the top five players controlling over 60% of global supply. Smaller manufacturers struggle to compete with established players' proprietary formulations and application expertise.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Raw material sourcing presents ongoing challenges, with key chemical components subject to price volatility and supply disruptions. Specialty silicone derivatives, essential for many high-performance formulations, have experienced supply shortages leading to price increases of 15-20% in the past two years. These supply chain issues complicate production planning and inventory management for manufacturers across all application segments.

Customer Education Requirements
Transitioning manufacturers from traditional release methods requires extensive technical support and education. Industry surveys indicate that 45% of potential adopters cite lack of application knowledge as a primary barrier to adoption. Solving this challenge requires significant investment in customer training programs and technical documentation, adding to market development costs for both suppliers and end-users.

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Solvent-based IMR Dominates the Market Due to Superior Compatibility with Thermoset Resins

The market is segmented based on type into:

• Solvent-based IMR

• Water-based IMR

By Application

Rubbers Segment Leads Owing to High Demand in Automotive and Industrial Components

The market is segmented based on application into:

• Rubbers

• Thermosetting Resin

• Thermoplastics

• Others

By End-Use Industry

Automotive Industry Accounts for Significant Demand Due to Mass Production Requirements

The market is segmented by end-use industry into:

• Automotive

• Aerospace

• Construction

• Consumer Goods

• Industrial Manufacturing

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Strategic Expansion and Innovation Drive Market Competitiveness

The global Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) market exhibits a competitive yet fragmented structure, with Chem-Trend and AXEL emerging as dominant players collectively holding over 25% market share as of 2024. These industry leaders maintain their positions through continuous product innovation and expansive distribution networks across key regions including Asia Pacific, which accounts for 40% of total market share.

Mid-sized players such as Chukyo Yushi and Marbocote are rapidly gaining traction by focusing on niche applications, particularly in the rubber and thermosetting resin segments which constitute over 65% of application demand. Their growth strategies heavily emphasize R&D investments, with several companies introducing water-based IMR formulations to cater to increasing environmental regulations.

Market consolidation has accelerated recently, evidenced by Franklynn Industries' acquisition of Technick Products in Q3 2023, strengthening its product portfolio in solvent-based IMR solutions. Similarly, European players like E. und P. Wuertz GmbH are expanding their Asian footprint through joint ventures, recognizing the region's projected 4.8% CAGR through 2032.

The competitive landscape is further shaped by technological differentiation. Henkel and Lanxess have pioneered advanced formulations with extended mold life cycles, while specialty chemical manufacturers like Lianyungang BLD New Material are capturing cost-sensitive markets through localized production.

List of Key Internal Mould Release Agent Companies

• Chem-Trend (U.S.)

• AXEL Plastics Research Laboratories (U.S.)

• Chukyo Yushi Co., Ltd. (Japan)

• Marbocote Ltd. (UK)

• Franklynn Industries, Inc. (U.S.)

• Technick Products (U.S.)

• Münch Chemie International GmbH (Germany)

• WN Shaw (UK)

• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)

• Daikin Industries, Ltd. (Japan)

• Ampacet Corporation (U.S.)

• LANXESS AG (Germany)

• E. und P. Wuertz GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)

• Lianyungang BLD New Material (China)

INTERNAL MOULD RELEASE AGENT (IMR) MARKET TRENDS

Growth in Composite Material Manufacturing to Drive IMR Demand

The global Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) market is experiencing steady growth, primarily driven by the expanding applications of composite materials across automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors. These agents, which are integral to mold manufacturing processes, offer advantages such as reduced cycle times and improved surface finish of molded products. The market value currently stands at 58.9 million (2024), with projections indicating a rise to 77 million by 2032 at a 4.0% CAGR. The increasing adoption of lightweight materials in automotive manufacturing to meet stringent fuel efficiency standards has particularly accelerated demand. Furthermore, solvent-based IMRs continue to dominate the market due to their superior performance characteristics, holding over 75% market share as of 2024.

Other Trends

Shift Toward Sustainable Formulations

While solvent-based products lead the market, environmental regulations are prompting manufacturers to develop water-based and bio-derived alternatives. The European Union's REACH regulations and similar policies in North America are compelling manufacturers to reformulate products with lower VOC content. This transition, however, presents technical challenges as water-based IMRs often require modifications to existing manufacturing processes. Despite accounting for less than 25% of current market share, water-based IMR formulations are projected to grow at a higher rate compared to traditional solvent-based variants during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific Emerges as Production and Consumption Hub

Regional market dynamics show Asia Pacific as the dominant force, capturing approximately 40% of global IMR consumption. This dominance stems from the concentration of composite material manufacturers in China, Japan, and South Korea, coupled with growing domestic demand across multiple industries. Meanwhile, Europe and North America collectively represent over 45% market share, maintaining strong positions due to their well-established automotive and aerospace sectors. The increasing localization of supply chains post-pandemic has further strengthened Asia's position, with regional players like Chukyo Yushi and Lianyungang BLD New Material expanding production capacities to meet both domestic and export demand.

Regional Analysis: Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) Market

North America
The North American IMR market is driven by advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, where high-performance composites are extensively used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. Stringent environmental regulations, such as the U.S. EPA’s VOC emission standards, are accelerating the shift toward water-based and low-emission solvent-based IMRs. The region accounts for approximately 20% of the global market share, with key players like Chem-Trend and Henkel actively investing in sustainable formulation technologies. Challenges include competition from external release agents and fluctuating raw material costs. However, the strong presence of composite manufacturers ensures steady demand growth, projected at a CAGR of 3.8% through 2032.

Europe
Europe’s IMR market is characterized by rigorous compliance with EU REACH regulations, pushing manufacturers toward eco-friendly formulations. Germany and France lead in adoption due to their thriving automotive and renewable energy sectors, which rely on composite materials for lightweighting solutions. Solvent-based IMRs dominate (~70% market share), though water-based alternatives are gaining traction. The region’s focus on circular economy principles is prompting innovations in biodegradable release agents. Key challenges include high production costs and competition from Asian suppliers. Nonetheless, collaborations between research institutions and manufacturers, such as Lanxess and E. und P. Wuertz, are driving technological advancements.

Asia-Pacific
As the largest IMR market (~40% global share), Asia-Pacific benefits from booming manufacturing hubs in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Cost-effective solvent-based IMRs dominate due to their compatibility with mass production in rubbers and thermosetting resins. China’s expanding automotive and construction sectors contribute significantly to demand, while India’s "Make in India" initiative fosters local production. However, the region faces challenges like uneven regulatory enforcement and price volatility. Japan and South Korea are exceptions, focusing on high-performance IMRs for electronics and aerospace. With a projected CAGR of 4.5%, the region remains a focal point for global suppliers like Chukyo Yushi and Lianyungang BLD New Material.

South America
South America’s IMR market is nascent but growing, driven by Brazil’s automotive repair sector and Argentina’s expanding plastics industry. Economic instability and limited domestic production hinder large-scale adoption, with most supply imported from North America or Asia. Solvent-based IMRs are preferred due to cost efficiency, though environmental concerns are gradually shifting preferences. Infrastructure gaps and reliance on conventional molding techniques slow market penetration. However, investments in local composite manufacturing by multinationals like Ampacet indicate long-term potential, particularly in Brazil’s burgeoning aerospace sector.

Middle East & Africa
This region shows promising growth in IMR demand, primarily fueled by infrastructure projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The lack of stringent regulations allows solvent-based IMRs to dominate, while water-based variants see limited uptake. Turkey and Israel are emerging as key markets due to their automotive part exports and partnerships with European manufacturers. Challenges include low awareness of advanced IMR technologies and dependency on imports. Nevertheless, initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes industrialization, are expected to boost demand for composite materials and associated release agents over the next decade.

Report Scope

This market research report offers a holistic overview of global and regional markets for the forecast period 2025–2032. It presents accurate and actionable insights based on a blend of primary and secondary research.

Key Coverage Areas:

• ✅ Market Overview

  • Global and regional market size (historical & forecast)

  • Growth trends and value/volume projections

• ✅ Segmentation Analysis

  • By product type or category

  • By application or usage area

  • By end-user industry

  • By distribution channel (if applicable)

• ✅ Regional Insights

  • North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

  • Country-level data for key markets

• ✅ Competitive Landscape

  • Company profiles and market share analysis

  • Key strategies: M&A, partnerships, expansions

  • Product portfolio and pricing strategies

• ✅ Technology & Innovation

  • Emerging technologies and R&D trends

  • Automation, digitalization, sustainability initiatives

  • Impact of AI, IoT, or other disruptors (where applicable)

• ✅ Market Dynamics

  • Key drivers supporting market growth

  • Restraints and potential risk factors

  • Supply chain trends and challenges

• ✅ Opportunities & Recommendations

  • High-growth segments

  • Investment hotspots

  • Strategic suggestions for stakeholders

• ✅ Stakeholder Insights

  • Target audience includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, investors, regulators, and policymakers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the current market size of Global Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) Market?

-> The global Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) market was valued at USD 58.9 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 77 million by 2032.

Which key companies operate in Global Internal Mould Release Agent (IMR) Market?

-> Key players include Chem-Trend, AXEL, Chukyo Yushi, Marbocote, Franklynn Industries, Technick Products, and Henkel, among others.

What are the key growth drivers?

-> Key growth drivers include rising demand for composite materials in automotive and aerospace industries, increasing automation in manufacturing processes, and stringent regulations promoting eco-friendly formulations.

Which region dominates the market?

-> Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share (40%), followed by Europe and North America with combined share over 45%.

What are the emerging trends?

-> Emerging trends include development of water-based formulations, nanotechnology applications in release agents, and increasing adoption of bio-based raw materials.