Europe Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Polymethacrylate, Olefin Copolymer, Polyisobutylene), By End-Users (Manufacturing, Food Processing, Mining, Construction, Power Generation) and By Country (U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Nordic, Benelux, Rest of Europ) Forecasts, 2026-2034

Europe Viscosity Index Improvers Market Size

The Europe viscosity index improvers market size was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 1.32 billion in 2026 to reach USD 1.99 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.31% during the forecast period 2026–2034.

A viscosity index improver is a complex polymer addition that increases at high temperatures, thickening the lubricant and more stable and consistent in viscosity. It guarantees that the lubricant protects the equipment completely at low and high temperatures. Viscosity Index (VI) improvers are chemical compounds commonly added to lubricants to avoid thinking, i.e., reduction in viscosity of the lubricant with increasing temperature and provide constant performance at varied temperatures. Viscosity Index improvers are polymeric molecules that expand as the temperature rises. The internal friction between fluid molecules rises as the molecules stretch out, causing the fluid to flow slower and ultimately raising the viscosity.

The intrinsic reluctance of a liquid to flow is referred to as the liquid's viscosity. In addition, the viscosity index describes how a liquid reacts when its temperature is changed (often between 40 and 100 degrees Celsius). If a lubricant has a significant shift in its viscosity when subjected to a range of temperatures, then we classify it as having a low viscosity index. Viscosity index improvers are polymers that are combined with a lubricant in order to produce a substance that is resistant to changes in its viscosity as a result of an increase in temperature.

On the worldwide market for viscosity index improvers, some of the most important product types that are now accessible are polyisobutylene, polymethacrylate, and olefin copolymer. In addition to this, their goods are being utilised in a wide variety of end-use sectors, including the off-road vehicle business, the industrial machinery industry, and the automobile industry. Because of the product's widespread applicability, there are now a number of interesting business prospects available in the market for viscosity index improvers.

Lubricants are compounds that are used to reduce the amount of friction that exists between two surfaces. As a result, lubricants give wear protection to surfaces and increase the operating efficiency of a system. As a result, lubricants contribute to longer runtimes for machines and prevent the wear and tear that occurs on machine parts. Viscosity index improvers are becoming increasingly popular since they are an essential component of each batch of lubricant additives. This is due to the fact that they have the capacity to assist in the preservation of viscosity even when lubricants are subjected to high operating temperatures. As a result, it is anticipated that an increase in the use of lubricants will drive the demand channels in the market for viscosity index improvers in the years to come.

The rate of urbanisation is increasing in a number of emerging nations, including those that make up BRICS. Because of this feature, the worldwide market for viscosity index improvers is seeing significant prospects for expansion. Additionally, the growth of a number of industries in these countries, such as the automotive industry, the energy industry, and the industrial equipment industry, is anticipated to boost the sales of lubricants along with their additives, which may include viscosity index improvers.

Companies that are active in the market for viscosity index improvers are becoming more interested in research and development initiatives. The primary goal of these investigations is to enhance the general quality of their wares in some way. In addition, companies that compete in the market for viscosity index improvers are engaging in a variety of business tactics, including mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations. These initiatives are assisting businesses in maintaining their leading position in the viscosity index improvers market, which is essential for further success.

Segmental Analysis

The Olefin Copolymer Segment has been the most dominant in the market, and it is anticipated to develop at a high compound annual growth rate of 3.7% between the years 2020 and 2027, the period covered by the forecast. The global market for Olefin Copolymer-based Europe Viscosity Index Improvers market is witnessing rising demand as a result of the widespread usage of these products in a variety of industrial and automotive applications. Due to an increase in demand for lubricants from end-user sectors such as automotive, construction, and others, it is anticipated that the global market for Olefin Copolymer-based Viscosity Index Improvers would expand during the period covered by the projection. According to the findings of the SMR study, the worldwide Olefin Copolymer-based Viscosity Index market will expand as a result of technical advancements and product innovations in the near future. The grade of Olefin Copolymer-based Europe Viscosity Index Improvers market is frequently utilised in the process of lubricating oil formulation. This is due to the grade's stability as well as its resistance to thermal breakdown. Additionally, because there is less friction between moving elements, it helps to enhance the efficiency of the vehicle's fuel consumption.

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Regional Analysis

It is anticipated that the market would expand at a compound annual growth rate of 2.5% from 2020 to 2028. During the time covered by the projections, it is anticipated that Russia would see economic expansion at a rate much higher than that of the European market. There has been a growth in the usage of high-performance engines, which has led to an increase in the need for lubricants that are high-performance and have the appropriate viscosity. Viscosity has an effect on a number of important aspects, such as wear, contaminant tolerance, and energy consumption. Using lubricants is common practise in the following industries: oil and gas, automotive, metal and fabrication, power and energy transfer, chemicals, and general manufacturing. Transmission oils, process oils, metalworking fluids, drilling fluids, and other types of lubricants are utilised in these many sectors. It is anticipated that the expansion of manufacturing in Russia, as well as the introduction of new programmes and policies, will drive the growth of viscosity index improvers, which are used in the market.

The economy of Germany is the largest in Europe and the fifth largest economy in the world. It is one of the most significant users of lubricants in the surrounding area. It is anticipated that the need for automotive lubricants would increase in the country as a consequence of the steady growth in automotive sales and production, which is a direct outcome of the increased demand for luxury automobiles. It is anticipated that expansion in the food and beverage sector, as well as a rise in the production of transportation equipment and machinery, will both contribute to an increase in the demand for and consumption of industrial lubricants. As a result of this, it is projected that the viscosity index improvers market in Germany would expand at a healthy rate over the next several years.

Croda International Plc is a business that specialises in the production and distribution of specialised chemicals. A variety of humectants, cellulose derivatives, synthetic waxes, surfactants, and polymeric emulsifiers are all part of the product catalogue offered by this business. Croda provides goods in the following categories: polymers and coatings; lubricants; healthcare and nutrition; personal care; home care; textiles; agrochemicals; fibres; and general industrial uses. Goole, which is located near Snaith, East Yorkshire, is the location of the company's headquarters, which was established in 1925.

Infineum is a multinational company with its headquarters in the United Kingdom that specialises in the formulation, manufacture, and marketing of petroleum additives for use in lubricants as well as fuels. The additive products that the firm focuses on include those that are employed in the automotive industry, diesel fuels, marine engine oils, heavy-duty diesel, and speciality applications. These applications include industrial oils and transmission fluids. Shell and ExxonMobil are the two companies that started the joint venture that is now known as Infineum.

List of Key and Emerging Players in Europe Viscosity Index Improvers Market