Low retention additive market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Stringent REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic content in solvent-based additives have led to the commercialization of low retention additives with improved performance. Further, the growing use of fluorosurfactants as wetting and leveling agents and the demand for better performance of low retention additives as compared to other surfactants are fueling the industry’s growth. 

Market Dynamics

• Significant demand in the labware and medical industries.
• Low retention additives have better performance as compared to other surfactants.
• Stringent regulations on VOC emissions by regulatory bodies, such as the EPA (US) and REACH (Europe).
• The growing use of fluorosurfactants as wetting and leveling agents.

COVID-19 had a positive impact on the market. Demand for low retention coatings from the pharmaceutical and medical devices sector and hospitals has contributed to the market’s growth significantly during 2020 and 2021. The low retention additive witnessed 15% and 22.6% growth in 2020 and 2021, respectively. COVID-19 has created a significant demand for diagnosis and treatment across the globe. The exponential growth in positive COVID-19 cases gave rise to the demand for quick diagnostic test kits to detect the virus in clinical specimens. The extensive development of PCR diagnostic test kits increased the demand for consumables such as pipettes and centrifugal tubes, which contributed to the demand for low retention additives in the labware industry. 

In 2021, demand for COVID-19 testing and vaccine production activities in biopharma contributed to the exponential growth of consumables, which boosted the demand for low retention additives globally. At present, the demand for consumables has reached a similar level as before COVID-19 owing to the availability of proper COVID-19 vaccination and diagnostic technologies, which were in high demand till 2022. Hence, in the future, COVID-19 is expected to have a minimal impact on the low retention additive industry’s growth. In place of COVID-19, continuous research and development in genomics, proteomics, and other technologies are expected to maintain the demand for consumables and hence will drive market growth.

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global low retention additive market includes the following segments:

Based on industry, the market is segmented into labware industry, medical device industry, textile industry, automotive industry, packaging industry, and Others

Labware Industry to Dominate Low Retention Additive Market 

Low retention additives are used in labware, medical devices, textiles, automotive, packaging, and others (industrial fixtures, contact lenses, and others). Among these, low retention additives are widely used in labware for manufacturing pipette tips, centrifugal tubes, microplates, and others. Low retention additives for the labware market held nearly 35.0% of the market share in 2023 and is growing at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. Constant innovation in products, increasing demand for R&D, and a rising number of healthcare settings and diagnostics and liquid handling systems are key drivers of the market.

Regional Outlook

The global low retention additive market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

European countries Have a Major Presence of Low Retention Additive Customer

• In Europe, pharma, and biopharma companies such as Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk AS, AstraZeneca Plc, and Sanofi are the major contributors to the market owing to their extensive focus on R&D infrastructure in the region.

Global Low Retention Additive Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

North America Holds Major Market Share

North America dominated the global low retention additive market in 2023. The growth is attributed to significant per capita expenditure on healthcare, which aids in the growth of the labware and medical device industries. Further, growing research and developments in biotechnology and life sciences in the region are also contributing to the market’s growth. 

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the global low retention additive market include Sartorius AG, VWR International, Llc (Avantor, Inc), Corning, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Mettler-Toledo International Inc., and Eppendorf SE. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. Key players are launching products and solutions for different applications to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in October 2021, Avient Corp., a provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions and services, launched two new sustainable polymer solutions as additions to its MEVOPUR line of medical-grade materials for medical and pharmaceutical applications. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global low retention additive market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.