Summary

Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Trends and Forecast

The future of the global lubricant viscosity index improver market looks promising with opportunities in the automotive lubricant and industrial lubricant applications. The global lubricant viscosity index improver market is expected to reach an estimated $2.7 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 1.5% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the rising demand for high-performance lubricants from the automotive and industrial sectors, the increasing application of viscosity index improvers in lubricants, and the growing preference for nanotechnology-based viscosity index improver products.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, olefin copolymer VI improver (OCP) is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, automotive lubricants will remain a larger segment due to augmenting demand for automotive oils from various industries, such as industrial, marine, and transportation

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Emerging Trends in the Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market

The lubricant VI improver market is transforming as it embraces new trends that are reshaping the landscape of the industry. These trends highlight a shift toward sustainability, performance enhancement, and technological advancements.

• Greater Utilization of Bio-Based VI Improvers: Due to strict environmental regulations and commitments to sustainability, bio-based VI improvers are now preferred more than ever. They are produced from renewable resources and have less impact on the environment than traditional petroleum-based options.
• Advancements in Polymer Technology: Innovations in polymer chemistry are leading to the development of advanced VI improvers with superior performance characteristics. New polymer formulations are enhancing temperature stability and providing better shear stability, which improves the overall efficiency of lubricants.
• Focus on Regulatory Compliance: As environmental regulations become stricter globally, there is an increased focus on developing VI improvers that comply with these standards. Companies are investing in R&D to create products that meet regulatory requirements and support eco-friendly practices.
• Integration with Smart Technologies: The integration of VI improvers with smart technologies, such as sensors and monitoring systems, is emerging. This trend aims to enhance the performance and longevity of lubricants by providing real-time data and adaptive adjustments.
• Shift Toward High-Performance Applications: The market is seeing a shift toward high-performance applications, including advanced automotive and industrial lubricants. VI improvers are being developed to meet the demands of high-speed, high-load, and extreme-temperature environments.

These trends drive changes in the lubricant VI improver market, emphasizing sustainability principles, performance improvement, and technological advancement.



Recent Developments in the Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market

Technological advancements and changes in industry needs are the main drivers of fast-moving developments within the lubricant viscosity index improver (VII) market. These trends reflect a shift toward more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cutting-edge products.

• Synthetic VI Improvers: One development is the introduction of next-generation synthetic VI improvers that offer improved temperature stability and performance. These products help satisfy stringent environmental requirements while enhancing lubricant life.
• Eco-Friendly Solutions: There is a growing focus on eco-friendly VI improvers that can be developed and adopted by manufacturers. To comply with environmental regulations, manufacturers are investing in additives made from biological materials or that are less toxic to reduce the ecological impact of lubricants.
• Polymer Technology Innovation: Polymer technology is being improved by firms to create cutting-edge VI improvers that have higher shear stability and resist high temperatures. The goal of these innovations is to enhance the efficiency and lifespan of lubricants across diverse applications.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Strategic collaborations between manufacturers and research institutions are driving innovation in the VI improver market. This initiative aims to develop new formulations and upgrade existing technologies to improve lubricant performance.
• Emerging Markets Expansion: Manufacturers are keen on expanding their presence in emerging markets due to increasing industrial activities and automotive production. This entails introducing affordable, high-performing viscosity index improvers that meet the rising demand from these areas.

These trends shape the future growth of the lubricant viscosity index improver market with a focus on performance enhancement, eco-compliance, and expansion into new markets.

Strategic Growth Opportunities for Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market

There are several strategic growth opportunities in the lubricant VI improver market across key applications. These opportunities highlight areas of innovation and market expansion.

• Growth in the Automotive Sector: The growing need for high-performance automotive lubricants creates a significant opportunity for market growth. VI improvers are important additives that can enhance fuel economy, reduce emissions, and improve engine performance in modern vehicles.
• Expansion in Industrial Applications: Demand for sophisticated VI improvers is increasing as industries require high-performance lubricants for their machinery and equipment. There is an opportunity to develop products that improve efficiency during operations while extending equipment lifespans.
• Focus on Sustainability: As companies seek to meet environmental regulations, there has been a rising market for eco-friendly and bio-based VI improvers. This trend provides opportunities for innovation in creating sustainable solutions that reduce the environmental effects of lubricants.
• Emergence of Smart Lubricants: Growth opportunities arise from integrating smart technologies, like sensors and monitoring systems, with VI improvers. These smart lubricants provide data on performance in real-time while adjusting to suit new conditions, ensuring efficiency and reducing maintenance expenses.
• Rising Demand in Emerging Markets: Expansion opportunities exist for VI improver manufacturers due to industrialization and increased automotive production in emerging markets. Targeting products that address specific regional requirements can capture a substantial share of this market.

These growth opportunities have recast the lubricant VI improver market's impetus around performance, sustainability, and technological integration.

Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market Driver and Challenges

The lubricant viscosity index improver market is influenced by various drivers and challenges, including technological advancements, economic factors, and regulatory changes. Understanding these elements is crucial for navigating the market landscape.

The factors driving the lubricant viscosity index improver market include:
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in polymer chemistry and additive technologies are spurring the development of high-performance VI improvers. These improvements boost lubricant performance, enabling them to meet the varying needs of several applications, thus fueling industry growth.
• Stringent Environmental Regulations: As environmental regulations become more stringent, manufacturers are compelled to produce eco-friendly and compliant VI improvers. This pressure forces companies to introduce bio-based or low-toxicity products, thereby affecting product development and market dynamics.
• Rising Automotive Production: Increasing automotive production worldwide is creating demand for high-quality lubricants with advanced VI improvers. This trend supports market growth and fosters innovations that address the performance requirements of new-generation vehicles.

Challenges in the lubricant viscosity index improver market include:
• Economic Fluctuations: Economic factors, such as fluctuations in raw material prices and economic downturns, pose challenges to the VI improver market. These factors can impact production costs and pricing strategies, affecting market stability.
• Competition and Market Saturation: Intense competition and market saturation are challenges for VI improver manufacturers. Companies must innovate and differentiate their products to maintain market share and address evolving customer needs.

These drivers and challenges shape the lubricant viscosity index improver market, influencing product development, regulatory compliance, and market dynamics.

List of Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver 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. With these strategies lubricant viscosity index improver companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the lubricant viscosity index improver companies profiled in this report include-

• Chevron
• Afton Chemical
• Lubrizol
• Infineum
• BASF
• BRB International
• ENI
• Evonik
• Lanxess
• Jinzhou Kangtai Lubricant Additives


Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the global lubricant viscosity index improver market by type, application, and region.

Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Olefin Copolymer VI Improver (OCP)
• Polymethacrylate Viscosity Index Improver (PMA)


Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Automotive Lubricant
• Industrial Lubricant










Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Region [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World


Country Wise Outlook for the Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market

The market for lubricant viscosity index improvers (VI Improvers) in different regions is advancing due to technological innovations, policy amendments, and changing demands. These changes represent a move toward better efficiency and environmental compliance driven by the global need for more cost-effective and sustainable lubricants.

• United States: The US market focuses on advanced polymer technologies to improve the effectiveness of lubrication products. Companies are enhancing their research capabilities to develop high-performance VI improvers that satisfy stringent environmental regulations. Such developments have resulted in the introduction of synthetic VI improvers, which exhibit improved temperature stability and reduced emissions.
• China: There has been a strong inclination toward eco-friendly VI improvers in China due to new environmental regulations. Chinese manufacturers are switching to bio-based and low-toxic VI improvers to meet stricter requirements. The market also observes a rise in cooperation between local firms and international players aimed at boosting technology development.
• Germany: Germany's lubricants industry is moving toward high-tech VI improvers for automotive and industrial applications. It aims to develop products that will enhance fuel efficiency while minimizing wear rates. Recent developments include innovative polymer mixtures that enhance the longevity of important oil blends.
• India: Increased automobile production and industrial activity have contributed to growth in the VI improver market in India. Manufacturers are investing in R&D activities to create economically viable VI improvers that meet global standards. New additive technologies improving performance while reducing costs have recently gained popularity among producers.
• Japan: Japan is making progress on high-performance VI improvers through its vehicle manufacturing companies' focus on fuel economy and emission control programs. Japanese firms dominate the fields of nanomaterials and advanced polymers, leading innovation in enhancing lubricating materials properties. Furthermore, there is a trend toward integrating these additives into high-performance automotive and machinery applications.

Features of the Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market

Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: Lubricant viscosity index improver market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: Lubricant viscosity index improver market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different types, applications, and regions for the lubricant viscosity index improver market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the lubricant viscosity index improver market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.


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This report answers following 11 key questions:

Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the lubricant viscosity index improver market by type (olefin copolymer vi improver (OCP) and polymethacrylate viscosity index improver (PMA)), application (automotive lubricant and industrial lubricant), 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 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary

2. Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market: Market Dynamics
2.1: Introduction, Background, and Classifications
2.2: Supply Chain
2.3: Industry Drivers and Challenges

3. Market Trends and Forecast Analysis from 2019 to 2031
3.1. Macroeconomic Trends (2019-2024) and Forecast (2025-2031)
3.2. Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market Trends (2019-2024) and Forecast (2025-2031)
3.3: Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Type
3.3.1: Olefin Copolymer VI Improver (OCP)
3.3.2: Polymethacrylate Viscosity Index Improver (PMA)
3.4: Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Application
3.4.1: Automotive Lubricant
3.4.2: Industrial Lubricant

4. Market Trends and Forecast Analysis by Region from 2019 to 2031
4.1: Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Region
4.2: North American Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market
4.2.1: North American Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Type: Olefin Copolymer VI Improver (OCP) and Polymethacrylate Viscosity Index Improver (PMA)
4.2.2: North American Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Application: Automotive Lubricant and Industrial Lubricant
4.3: European Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market
4.3.1: European Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Type: Olefin Copolymer VI Improver (OCP) and Polymethacrylate Viscosity Index Improver (PMA)
4.3.2: European Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Application: Automotive Lubricant and Industrial Lubricant
4.4: APAC Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market
4.4.1: APAC Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Type: Olefin Copolymer VI Improver (OCP) and Polymethacrylate Viscosity Index Improver (PMA)
4.4.2: APAC Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Application: Automotive Lubricant and Industrial Lubricant
4.5: ROW Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market
4.5.1: ROW Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Type: Olefin Copolymer VI Improver (OCP) and Polymethacrylate Viscosity Index Improver (PMA)
4.5.2: ROW Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Application: Automotive Lubricant and Industrial Lubricant

5. Competitor Analysis
5.1: Product Portfolio Analysis
5.2: Operational Integration
5.3: Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

6. Growth Opportunities and Strategic Analysis
6.1: Growth Opportunity Analysis
6.1.1: Growth Opportunities for the Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Type
6.1.2: Growth Opportunities for the Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Application
6.1.3: Growth Opportunities for the Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market by Region
6.2: Emerging Trends in the Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market
6.3: Strategic Analysis
6.3.1: New Product Development
6.3.2: Capacity Expansion of the Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market
6.3.3: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Joint Ventures in the Global Lubricant Viscosity Index Improver Market
6.3.4: Certification and Licensing

7. Company Profiles of Leading Players
7.1: Chevron
7.2: Afton Chemical
7.3: Lubrizol
7.4: Infineum
7.5: BASF
7.6: BRB International
7.7: ENI
7.8: Evonik
7.9: LANXESS
7.10: Jinzhou Kangtai Lubricant Additives Company