The lubricating grease market size was valued at US$ 3.44 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 4.72 billion by 2030; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.0% from 2022 to 2030.
Lubricating grease is a semi-solid lubricant composed of a base oil, thickener, and additives. It is vital in numerous industries, playing a crucial role in reducing friction, preventing wear, and ensuring the smooth functioning of various mechanical components. One of the major end-use industries is the automotive sector, where grease is extensively employed in wheel bearings, chassis components, and other moving parts to enhance performance and extend the lifespan of vehicles. In industrial manufacturing, lubricating grease is widely applied in machinery such as bearings, gears, and sliding surfaces. Its use contributes to efficient equipment operation, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. The aerospace industry relies on grease for critical components such as landing gear, actuators, and other moving parts to maintain the reliability and safety of aircraft.
Based on base oil, the market is segmented into mineral oil, synthetic oil (polyalkylene glycol, polyalphaolefin, and esters), and bio-based. The mineral oil segment held the largest share in 2022. Mineral oil is an inert, clear, odorless liquid and a chemically stable ingredient that is most widely used in common topical applications. It is made from highly purified, refined, and processed petroleum. The crude mineral oil is not purified or refined, making it preferable for railroad, automotive, and aviation industries. Mineral oil is used as a fluid component for the production of greases. These mineral oil-based greases offer excellent performance in most industrial applications. The mineral oil-based grease has excellent thermal stability and can be operated at various temperature ranges. This stability makes the grease suitable for use within the industrial and automotive industries. Mineral oil is also used in the food processing industry. It is preferred in various food processing equipment, particularly in the production of lubricating grease used by food and drink producers. Thus, the advantages of mineral oil and its diverse applications drive the market.
Asia Pacific is estimated to register the fastest CAGR in the global lubricating grease market from 2022 to 2030. The rapid industrialization across countries like China and India has led to increased demand for lubricating grease in various manufacturing processes. As these nations continue to expand their industrial sectors, the need for efficient and reliable lubrication solutions has surged, driving the growth of the lubricating grease market. Moreover, the booming automotive industry in the Asia Pacific region has significantly contributed to the increased demand for lubricating greases. The rising production and sales of vehicles in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India have led to a greater requirement for specialized greases tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern automotive systems. From traditional combustion engines to the growing electric vehicle segment, lubricating greases play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation and longevity of components.
A few players operating in the global lubricating grease market include Exxon Mobil Corp, Fuchs SE, Petroliam Nasional Bhd, Shell Plc, Kluber Lubrication GmbH & Co KG, TotalEnergies SE, BP Plc, Chevron Corp, Valvoline Inc, and Axel Christiernsson AB. Players operating in the market focus on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand. Also, they are focusing on launching new and high-quality products for their customers.
The overall global lubricating grease market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants to validate the data and gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants of this process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers-along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders-specializing in the lubricating grease market.