The European Industrial Lubricants market is estimated to be valued at USD 5,128.69 million in 2025. The market is anticipated to reach USD 8,514.59 million in 2035, reflecting a steady CAGR of 5.2% during the forecasted year from 2025 to 2035. The industrial lubricants industry comprises oils, greases, and fluids that are applied to minimize friction, wear, and heat in machinery in different industries.
The lubricants improve efficiency, lifespan, and performance in manufacturing, automotive, construction, energy, and heavy machinery use. The world industrial lubricants industry is projected to grow steadily with rising industrialization, automation, and sustainability trends.
In 2024, the European industrial lubricants market showed significant growth. This growth was mainly spurred by the strong performance of the manufacturing industry, specifically in the automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery sectors. In Germany, for example, the higher production of automobiles translated into greater demand for specialty lubricants to guarantee optimum engine performance and longevity.
The construction sector also contributed substantially to the development of this market. France and the United Kingdom experienced an explosion of infrastructure development, which required the utilization of heavy equipment. This increased the use of industrial lubricants required for the upkeep and performance of equipment like excavators and cranes.
One of the trends in 2024 was the move toward sustainable and eco-friendly lubricants. The European Union's strict environmental policies led industries to embrace bio-based lubricants. For instance, in Scandinavia, there was a significant rise in the application of biodegradable hydraulic fluids in forestry activities, which was in line with the region's focus on sustainability.
Looking forward to 2025 and beyond, the European industrial lubricants market is expected to continue its growth. This growth will be driven by continued innovation in industrial automation and machinery, which demand high-performance lubricants. Furthermore, the ongoing focus on environmental sustainability is expected to continue driving innovation in the creation of environmentally friendly lubricant formulations.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 5,128.69 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 8,514.59 million |
| CAGR | 5.2% |
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A new market study conducted by Future Market Insights reveals that the European industrial lubricants market is expected to see significant growth and reach USD 7,710.3 million by 2032. This growth is mostly fueled by the strong manufacturing industry in the region, including the automotive, aerospace, and machinery sectors, which are all greatly dependent on superior quality lubricants to achieve optimal performance and extend equipment lifespan.
The survey also points to a major trend towards sustainable and green lubricants in Europe. The strict environmental policies and high priority on minimizing carbon footprints have driven the market for bio-based and biodegradable lubricants. Firms are investing more in research and development to create products that conform to these environmental norms without any compromise on performance.
In addition, new synthetic lubricant technologies are picking up momentum. These lubricants possess better properties, including improved thermal stability and longer service life, which make them suitable for heavy-duty industrial use. The survey observes that industries in Europe are increasingly using these advanced lubricants to maximize machinery performance and lower maintenance expenses.
| Regulation/Standard | Description and Impact |
|---|---|
| ISO 21469:2006 | This international standard specifies hygiene requirements for the formulation, manufacture, and use of lubricants that may come into incidental contact with products during processing, such as in the food industry. While not legally mandated across Europe, ISO 21469 certification is recognized as a mark of quality and safety, enhancing a lubricant manufacturer's credibility and marketability. |
| EU Ecolabel for Lubricants | Established under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, the EU Ecolabel is awarded to lubricants that meet stringent environmental criteria throughout their life cycle, from production to disposal. This voluntary label promotes products with reduced environmental impact, encouraging manufacturers to develop more sustainable lubricants. |
| Seveso-III Directive (Directive 2012/18/EU) | Aimed at preventing major chemical accidents, this directive requires establishments handling significant quantities of dangerous substances, including certain lubricants, to implement safety measures and emergency response plans. Compliance is mandatory for facilities exceeding specified thresholds of hazardous materials. |
| Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) | As part of the European Green Deal, the ESPR introduces new sustainability standards for products, including industrial lubricants. It emphasizes aspects like recyclability and the use of bio-based oils, influencing manufacturers to innovate towards more sustainable lubricant solutions. |
The Germany Industrial Lubricants Market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 5.4% during the forecast period. The strong industrial base of the country-especially the automotive and manufacturing sectors, which are the key consumers of industrial lubrication-is influencing this growth. This article discusses the advances in watch lubricants, the German way of doing it, and the future of sustainable greases that are based on state-of-the-art technology.
Stringent environmental regulations in the country are also driving demand for high-performance lubricants that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. Germany's emphasis on Industry 4.0 and automation is increasing the demand for specialty lubricants that keep computerized machinery running smoothly.
FMI opines that Germany industrial lubricants sales will grow at nearly 5.4% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
The industrial lubricants market in Italy is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of approximately 5.0% through 2023. Major industrial sectors in the country, such as machinery, automotive, and manufacturing, are the prominent driving forces of lubricant consumption.
It is for this reason that Italy is focused on the integrity of its industrial output, ultimately investing in high-performance lubricants that will allow machinery to run more efficiently and ultimately last longer. Bio-based and synthetic lubricants are increasingly being adopted, a reflection of worldwide societal trends and regulatory focus aimed at reducing the environmental footprint.
FMI opines that Italy's industrial lubricants sales will grow at nearly 5.0% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
Between 2025 and 2035, the French market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.1%. The demand for industrial lubricants is propelled by the country's varied industrial landscape, notably the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.
France's focus on sustainability and energy efficiency is driving demand for high-performance lubricants that comply with local regulations regarding health and environmental sustainability. The shift to renewable energy sources and the expansion of the electric vehicle market are also impacting lubricant formulations and applications.
FMI opines that France's industrial lubricants sales will grow at nearly 5.1% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
The industrial lubricants market in the UK is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.8% during the forecast period. Lubricant’s demand is driven by industrial activity in the country, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace.
Examples include lubricants that not only boost energy efficiency but also meet environmental regulations in line with the UK's focus on innovation and sustainability. The rapidly growing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies is one of the other key attributes disrupting the lubricant market's dynamism.
FMI opines that the United Kingdom industrial lubricants sales will grow at nearly 4.8% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
The Spanish market is projected to witness a CAGR of around 5.2% in the forecasted period of 2025 to 2035. Automotive, manufacturing, and energy are the main consumers of industrial lubricants in the country. The demand for high-performance lubricants is driven by Spain's industrial modernization and energy efficiency efforts.
Alongside global sustainability trends and regulatory demands, the drivers for the adoption of sustainable or environmentally friendly lubricants are another area of growth.
FMI opines that Spain's industrial lubricants sales will grow at nearly 5.2% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
The BENELUX region is expected to grow at a CAGR of approx. 5.3% during the forecast period. The demand for industrial lubricants is supported by the region's strong industrial sectors, such as chemicals, manufacturing, and logistics. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation, the BENELUX region is adopting advanced lubricants that meet stringent performance and environmental requirements. Additionally, the lubricant market is also aided by the region's strategic location and strong infrastructure.
FMI opines that BENELUX industrial lubricants sales will grow at nearly 5.3% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
For the rest of Europe, the CAGR is expected to be approximately 5.5% from 2025 to 2035. These countries have a diverse range of industrial activities, such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy, which lead to the demand for industrial lubricants. This necessitates the use of high-quality lubricants to improve machinery operation while complying with environmental rules due to industrialization and modernization initiatives.
Europe is expected to be a steadily growing market for Industrial Lubricants in the given timeframe, largely due to industrial activities, technological advancements, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental compliance.
FMI opines that industrial lubricants sales in the rest of Europe will grow at nearly 5.5% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
The European industrial lubricants industry is expected to evolve significantly in diverse product categories from 2025 to 2035. Industrial machinery will still rely heavily on hydraulic fluids, and manufacturers are targeting bio-based and advanced synthetic fluids to meet strict laws. The growth of metalworking fluids will be supported by increasing industrial automation as well as growing manufacturing activities, especially across automotive and aerospace industries.
Demand for gear oils will continue for the longevity of heavy machinery; however, demand will shift to synthetic variants for improved efficiency. The market for compressor oil will grow on account of rising usage in industrial applications, including power generation and large manufacturing processes. Greases, turbine oils, transformer oils, refrigeration oils, and textile machinery greases will see significant growth, driven by industrial expansion and technological advances in Europe.
During the 2025-2035 period, Europe's industrial lubricants market will further continue the transition toward eco-friendly solutions. To mention a few, hydraulic fluids, turbine oils, and compressor oils based on synthetic and bio-based sources will be increasingly used because of higher thermal stability, longer drain intervals, and reduced environmental impact. Biodegradable lubricants are anticipated to gain increasing commercial share as EU members increasingly adopt stringent regulations (as evidenced by EU REACH legislation) and corporates increasingly set challenging sustainability goals that will drive a transition away from the mineral-based lubricants that serve this segment since they are cost-effective.
Key Companies in the World Lubricants Market Major lubricant manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing high-performance synthetic formulations with enhanced thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and biodegradability. Due to the expansion in renewable energy projects and energy-efficient solutions, the refrigeration oil and transformer oil segments will also experience a surge in demand.
Manufacturing will remain the largest end-use segment for industrial lubricants, as various industries try to achieve higher efficiencies with high-performance solutions to improve maintenance costs and reduce downtime. Strong demand for lubricants will stem from the construction sector, owing to ongoing infrastructure projects in Europe, especially in Eastern European states.
Growth in demand for gear oils, turbine oils, and refrigeration oils will be driven by automotive and power generation industries, leading to an incremental increase in the consumption of synthetic and bio-based lubricants to help achieve sustainability objectives. Due to increasing automation, the textile manufacturing field will broaden its utilization of specialty lubricants, with a need for modern textiles machinery lubricants.
European governments calling for lower emissions and improved energy efficiency will support market expansion in the oil and gas, marine, and energy sectors. Even while investments in offshore wind farms and the modernization of aging power grids will cause a demand for high-performance transformer and turbine oils to ensure durability and operational efficiency across industries.
| 2020 to 2024 (Market Trends & Developments) | 2025 to 2035 (Future Market Outlook) |
|---|---|
| Market Performance: The market saw moderate growth with fluctuations due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and construction experienced temporary slowdowns, affecting lubricant demand. The market started recovering in 2021 to 2022, driven by industrial activities resuming and growing demand for high-performance lubricants. | Projected Growth: The European industrial lubricants market is expected to maintain a steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.2% from 2025 to 2035. Growth will be fueled by increasing industrialization, a shift towards automation, and rising demand for bio-based and synthetic lubricants. |
| Regulatory Environment: Stricter environmental norms, such as the European Green Deal and REACH regulations, encouraged manufacturers to develop eco-friendly lubricants. The EU Ecolabel for lubricants gained traction as sustainability became a key focus. | Evolving Regulations: Environmental policies, including more stringent emission standards and restrictions on harmful additives, will push manufacturers to invest in sustainable, biodegradable, and energy-efficient lubrication solutions. |
| Technology Adoption: The market saw increased demand for synthetic and bio-based lubricants due to their superior performance and environmental benefits. Industry 4.0 led to the adoption of smart sensors and real-time lubricant monitoring. | Technological Innovations: The rise of predictive maintenance, IoT-based monitoring systems, and advanced lubrication technologies will enhance equipment longevity and efficiency, further fueling market growth. |
| Key Industry Trends: The automotive sector witnessed supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19, affecting lubricant consumption. However, demand for industrial lubricants rebounded post-pandemic as manufacturing and construction activities resumed. | Future Market Outlook: The market will witness a steady CAGR of around 5.2% from 2025 to 2035. Increased adoption of electric vehicles and stricter emissions norms will push the development of energy-efficient, biodegradable lubricants. |
| Market Demand & Growth Factors: Demand was driven by the need for high-performance lubricants in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and automotive. Fluctuations in crude oil prices impacted raw material costs. | Future Growth Drivers: Growth will be fueled by advancements in manufacturing, increased industrial automation, and the expansion of eco-friendly lubricant products, supported by regulatory frameworks like the EU Green Deal. |
The European industrial lubricants industry is a key segment in the industrial chemicals and manufacturing industry, acting as a pillar for many industries, such as automotive, construction, power generation, food processing, and marine usage. Industrial lubricants are vital for the prevention of friction, enhanced efficiency, and increased lifespan of machinery and equipment in manufacturing and heavy industry sectors. The market is driven by technologies, strict environmental standards, and increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions.
In the future, the macroeconomic environment will define the European industrial lubricants market considerably. The sustainability and carbon neutrality push of the region will likely boost the use of bio-based and synthetic lubricants. The European Green Deal and EU regulations on tighter carbon emissions will compel businesses toward green lubrication solutions, including minimizing waste, maximizing energy efficiency, and creating biodegradable products.
Geopolitics and economics, including crude oil price volatility, energy transition strategies, and supply chain disturbances, will also influence market growth. Also, the use of Industry 4.0 and digitalization in production will lead to increased demand for sophisticated lubricants that can enable automation, predictive maintenance, and process efficiency.
Industrial lubricant manufacturers will have to find a balance between sustainability objectives, performance efficacy and affordability in the next few years, which will create huge innovation in formulation technologies.
The European market for industrial lubricants is geared up for continued growth, driven by growing automation, strict environmental regulations, and a growing focus on sustainability. Perhaps the most significant of these growth prospects is the move to bio-based and synthetic lubricants, underpinned by regulation such as the European Green Deal and the EU's pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. With strict emissions regulations and increasing demand for eco-friendly options, the demand for bio-based and biodegradable lubricants should accelerate.
Moreover, the industrial and manufacturing boom in Central and Eastern Europe, especially in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, will propel demand for industrial lubricants in metalworking and machinery applications. The transformation of the automotive sector toward electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technology will also provide opportunities for niche lubricants that maximize efficiency in high-performance electric drivetrains and cooling systems.
Energy-efficient, low-viscosity synthetic lubricants will experience robust growth, especially in Western Europe in some applications such as hydraulic fluids and turbine oils, with governments implementing strict emissions regulations. In Scandinavian countries, where eco-friendliness is the key area of focus, bio-based and biodegradable lubricants will witness a significant shift. The industry will change drastically by 2035, with digitalization and IoT-based predictive maintenance solutions being key drivers in improving efficiency and maximizing lubricant use.
Leading players in the European industrial lubricants industry are competing on the basis of innovation, pricing, and strategic growth. Industry majors like Shell, BP, Total Energies, and FUCHS are investing significantly in bio-based and synthetic lubricants to meet EU sustainability regulations and improve performance. Players are also entering into strategic alliances with OEMs and industrial customers to create tailored lubrication solutions.
Growth is being fueled in Eastern Europe as a core expansion strategy, and large players are establishing regional manufacturing and R&D capabilities. Also fueling competition is digitalization, with companies introducing IoT-based smart lubricants that enhance predictive maintenance and industrial operations optimization.
Market Share Analysis
Shell: 18.9%
TotalEnergies: 15.8%
ExxonMobil: 14.2%
BP/Castrol: 11.9%
Fuchs: 7.9%
Petronas:
Chevron:
Others: 19.8%
Recent Key Developments
BP's Strategic Divestment of Castrol
In October 2024, BP announced plans to divest its lubricants business, Castrol, as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on core energy sectors. The sale, valued at approximately USD 10 billion, attracted interest from major industry players, including Saudi Aramco. This move is expected to impact the global lubricants market by altering competitive dynamics and potentially leading to further consolidation.
Chevron's Acquisition of Hess Corporation
In May 2024, Chevron Corporation completed its acquisition of Hess Corporation in an all-stock deal valued at USD 53 billion. This strategic move granted Chevron access to lucrative oil fields in Guyana, positioning the company for enhanced production capabilities and market expansion. The merger underscores Chevron's commitment to strengthening its upstream portfolio and capitalizing on high-growth opportunities.
FUCHS and BASF's Collaboration on Sustainable Lubricants
In 2024, FUCHS Petrolub SE and BASF SE entered into a collaboration focused on the life cycle analysis of hydraulic fluids. This partnership aims to develop more sustainable lubricant products by assessing environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle. Such collaborations highlight the industry's shift toward sustainability and the development of eco-friendly lubricants.
Total's Acquisition in Uganda's Oil Sector
TotalEnergies expanded its footprint in East Africa by acquiring Tullow Oil's interests in the Uganda Lake Albert development project. This acquisition includes significant oil pipeline holdings, enhancing Total's strategic position in the region and contributing to the company's integrated oil and gas operations.
Growing automation, strict environmental laws, and expanding industries like automotive and construction.
Companies are shifting to biodegradable and low-emission products to meet sustainability targets.
Automotive, power generation, construction, and manufacturing lead consumption.
IoT and AI optimize lubricant performance and predictive maintenance.
Through innovation, partnerships, regional expansion, and eco-friendly products.
Hydraulic fluids, Metalworking fluids, Gear Oils, Compressor Oil, Grease, Turbine Oil, Transformer Oil, Refrigeration Oil, Textile Machinery Lubricants, and Others
Mineral Oil, Synthetic Oil, and Bio-based Oil
Construction, Metal and Mining, Cement Production, Power Generation, Automotive, Chemical Production, Oil and Gas, Textile Manufacturing, Food Processing, Agriculture, Pulp and Paper, Marine Application, and others
Germany. Italy, France, United Kingdom, Spain, BENEFLUX, and the Rest of Europe.
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Europe Industrial Lubricants Market
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