Global Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion Market Size, Share, And Business Benefits By Product Type (HASE Thickener, HASE Stabilizer), By Formulation Type (Water-Based Formulations, Solvent-Based Formulations, Powdered Formulations), By Application (Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants, Textile Auxiliaries, Paper and Packaging, Others), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2025-2034

Report Overview

Global Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion Market is expected to be worth around USD 1.8 billion by 2034, up from USD 1.1 billion in 2024, and grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2034. In 2024, North America dominated the HASE market with a 43.7% regional share.

Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion, commonly known as HASE, is a class of rheology modifiers used to control viscosity in aqueous formulations. These emulsions are polymers that swell and thicken under alkaline pH conditions, making them highly effective in applications like paints, coatings, personal care products, and cleaning solutions.

The hydrophobic modification allows them to interact with surfactants and other ingredients, enabling smooth flow and desirable texture. HASE polymers are particularly valued for their balance between performance and cost, offering improved shelf stability, application properties, and formulation flexibility.

The Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion market serves industries such as paints and coatings, personal care, detergents, adhesives, and industrial cleaners. This market is primarily driven by the rising demand for water-based and eco-friendly formulations. As environmental regulations tighten globally, manufacturers are shifting towards low-VOC and non-toxic additives, where HASE fits perfectly. Ecoat has secured €21 million to advance its low-carbon paints and coatings.

One key growth factor is the rising preference for water-based coatings in the construction and automotive sectors. These coatings use HASE to maintain viscosity, flow, and leveling. Global infrastructure investments and renovation activities are steadily increasing, thereby pushing demand for efficient thickeners. Israeli startup Flō Optics raised $35 million in Series A to develop digital lens coating technology.

Demand for personal care products like lotions, creams, and gels is increasing globally. HASE polymers improve the consistency and sensory feel of these products, making them ideal for formulators. With consumers leaning toward high-performance skincare and hygiene products, the role of rheology modifiers like HASE becomes more prominent in meeting both aesthetic and functional expectations.

Key Takeaways

• Global Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion Market is expected to be worth around USD 1.8 billion by 2034, up from USD 1.1 billion in 2024, and grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2034.
• HASE Thickener holds a 67.4% share, dominating the Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion market.
• Water-based formulations account for 72.8%, reflecting rising demand for eco-friendly thickening technologies globally.
• Coatings lead with 45.9%, showing strong industrial reliance on HASE for performance and stability control.
• HASE demand grew steadily across North America, reaching USD 0.4 billion in value.

By Product Type Analysis

HASE Thickener dominates the product type segment with 67.4% market share globally.

In 2024, HASE Thickener held a dominant market position in the By Product Type segment of the Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion (HASE) Market, with a 67.4% share. This substantial share reflects the strong preference for HASE Thickeners in various applications that require rheology control, especially in water-based formulations.

The high performance of these thickeners in delivering viscosity, stability, and flow properties has made them the preferred choice for formulators seeking efficient and cost-effective solutions in coatings, adhesives, and personal care products.

HASE Thickeners are particularly valued for their ability to respond to pH changes, allowing controlled swelling and viscosity adjustment, which contributes to ease of formulation and consistent application performance.

The 67.4% market share in this segment underlines their critical role in industrial formulations where thickening efficiency, compatibility, and versatility are essential. Their adaptability across various pH ranges and compatibility with surfactants further drive their widespread adoption in aqueous systems.

By Formulation Type Analysis

Water-Based Formulations lead by 72.8%, boosting eco-friendly HASE product demand rapidly.

In 2024, Water-Based Formulations held a dominant market position in the By Formulation Type segment of the Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion (HASE) Market, with a 72.8% share. This commanding position highlights the increasing industry preference for environmentally friendly and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) systems.

Water-based formulations offer significant advantages in terms of safety, regulatory compliance, and ease of cleanup, making them the top choice for manufacturers and end-users across various industries.

The 72.8% market share reflects the widespread adoption of water-based systems in applications such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and personal care products, where reducing solvent content without compromising performance is critical.

HASE emulsions are especially suited to water-based systems due to their thickening efficiency, pH responsiveness, and compatibility with a broad range of additives. This allows formulators to maintain desired rheological profiles while adhering to stricter environmental and health standards.

By Application Analysis

Coatings application holds 45.9%, reflecting strong industrial reliance on HASE emulsions.

In 2024, Coatings held a dominant market position in the By Application segment of the Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion (HASE) Market, with a 45.9% share. This dominance reflects the critical role HASE emulsions play in modern coating formulations, where precise rheology control and stability are essential.

Their ability to provide excellent thickening properties, pigment suspension, and flow characteristics has made them a key additive in architectural, industrial, and decorative coatings.

The 45.9% share underscores the widespread integration of HASE technology in waterborne coating systems, which are increasingly favored for their low environmental impact and regulatory compliance. In coatings, HASE emulsions ensure consistent application, sag resistance, and optimal film formation, making them indispensable to formulators aiming for high performance in both interior and exterior environments.

The coatings industry continues to seek solutions that balance performance with sustainability. HASE emulsions support this balance by delivering the required viscosity and texture without the need for high solvent levels. The segment’s leading share in 2024 confirms that coatings remain the primary driver of HASE adoption, driven by growing demand for durable, easy-to-apply, and eco-friendly formulations in both residential and commercial construction sectors.

Key Market Segments

By Product Type

• HASE Thickener
• HASE Stabilizer

By Formulation Type

• Water-Based Formulations
• Solvent-Based Formulations
• Powdered Formulations

By Application

• Coatings
• Adhesives and Sealants
• Textile Auxiliaries
• Paper and Packaging
• Others

Driving Factors

Eco-Friendly Formulations Boost Demand for HASE Emulsions

One major driving factor in the Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion (HASE) market is the rising demand for eco-friendly and water-based formulations. As governments across the world tighten regulations on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), industries are shifting away from solvent-based products. HASE emulsions work especially well in water-based systems, making them a preferred choice in paints, coatings, and personal care products.

They offer strong thickening performance and help create safer, more sustainable products without compromising quality. The growing preference for low-VOC coatings and cleaner beauty products is pushing companies to use more of these emulsions. This shift is expected to continue as environmental awareness and regulatory compliance become even more important globally.

Restraining Factors

Raw Material Costs Limit HASE Market Expansion

One key restraining factor for the Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion (HASE) market is the high cost of raw materials used in their production. Ingredients like specialty monomers, surfactants, and solvents required to manufacture HASE emulsions are often expensive and subject to price fluctuations. These rising input costs directly impact the overall manufacturing expense, making it harder for small or mid-sized companies to maintain competitive pricing.

Additionally, global supply chain disruptions or crude oil price volatility can further increase costs, affecting the profit margins of producers and limiting broader market adoption. This financial pressure makes it challenging for companies to scale up or explore new applications, especially in price-sensitive markets.

Growth Opportunity

Rising Construction Activities Drive Coatings Demand Globally

A major growth opportunity for the Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion (HASE) market lies in the global rise of construction and infrastructure development. As urbanization increases in developing countries, the demand for high-quality paints and coatings also grows. HASE emulsions are widely used in water-based architectural coatings due to their excellent thickening, stability, and easy application properties.

These emulsions help improve the finish, durability, and performance of coatings used in buildings, bridges, and roads. With government investments pouring into housing and public infrastructure, especially in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, the need for sustainable and effective coating solutions is expanding. This trend opens up strong long-term opportunities for HASE emulsions across construction-driven economies.

Latest Trends

Shift Toward Low-VOC Products Fuels Innovation

A key trend shaping the Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion (HASE) market is the growing shift toward low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and environmentally friendly products. Consumers and industries alike are now more aware of the health and environmental impacts of traditional solvent-based formulations.

These emulsions help create safer coatings, adhesives, and personal care products without sacrificing quality. Regulatory bodies in North America and Europe are also enforcing stricter VOC limits, further accelerating this trend. Companies are responding by investing in research to enhance performance, compatibility, and sustainability of HASE thickeners—making green chemistry a strong focus in product innovation.

Regional Analysis

North America held 43.7% market share in 2024, valued at USD 0.4 billion.

In 2024, North America emerged as the leading region in the Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Swellable Emulsion (HASE) Market, capturing a dominant 43.7% share valued at USD 0.4 billion. This strong market presence is supported by the region’s mature coatings and personal care industries, which heavily rely on water-based formulations and environmentally friendly rheology modifiers like HASE emulsions.

The regulatory emphasis on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) continues to boost demand for HASE across the United States and Canada. Europe followed as a key regional market, driven by rising eco-label product formulations and stringent chemical safety standards. The Asia Pacific region, while still developing, showed growing potential due to rapid industrialization and expanding construction sectors.

In Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, the market remained smaller but showed signs of gradual uptake, supported by infrastructure development and the rising adoption of water-based products. Despite varying regional maturity, the dominance of North America highlights its strong formulation capabilities, early regulatory adaptation, and innovation in eco-compliant product development.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

In 2024, Arkema Group demonstrated a strategic focus on enhancing its coating and rheology additive portfolios by investing in sustainable water-based technologies. The company expanded its production capabilities for alkali-swellable emulsions across North America and Europe, supporting growing demand in decorative paints and construction coatings. Its R&D strength helped develop low-VOC HASE thickeners, aligning with evolving environmental regulations, particularly in the EU and U.S. markets.

BASF SE continued leveraging its global network to deliver high-performance, environmentally compliant HASE thickeners in 2024. The company’s innovation was centered on optimizing water-based coatings that offer both viscosity control and enhanced pigment compatibility. BASF expanded its dispersions and resins product line through facility upgrades in Ludwigshafen, Germany, reinforcing its position as a key supplier for eco-friendly formulations in the paints, adhesives, and personal care sectors.

The Lubrizol Corporation maintained its leadership by offering tailor-made rheology modifiers suited for complex formulations across multiple industries. In 2024, Lubrizol launched new grades of hydrophobically modified emulsions with improved thickening efficiency and stability under alkaline conditions. The company’s U.S. and Asia-Pacific manufacturing bases played a crucial role in meeting global supply requirements, particularly for hygiene products and high-solids coatings.

Top Key Players in the Market

• Arkema Group
• BASF SE
• The Lubrizol Corporation
• The Dow Chemical Company
• 3V Sigma S.P.A
• Scott Bader Company Ltd.
• CADY

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Scott Bader announced a five-year, £30 million investment plan to transform its UK manufacturing site in Northamptonshire. The first phase, with an £8 million allocation, aims to enhance flexibility, reduce lead times, and facilitate the rapid scaling up of sustainable alternatives and new performance products.
• In November 2022, Arkema announced plans for a $115 million expansion of its chemical plant in Beaumont, Texas. While not exclusively focused on HASE, the expansion aims to enhance production capabilities for various chemical products, potentially including components used in HASE formulations.

Report Scope