Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Size and Outlook 2030

Report Description

Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size (2024)	USD 3.83 Billion
CAGR (2025-2030)	4.96%
Fastest Growing Segment	Varnish Makers & Painter’s Naphtha
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2030)	USD 5.12 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market, valued at USD 3.83 Billion in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 4.96% to reach USD 5.12 Billion by 2030. Aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners are defined as organic compounds composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked in open, straight, branched, or cyclic chains, distinctly lacking a benzene ring. These petroleum-derived products function primarily as diluents, carriers, and cleaning agents across various industrial applications. The market's expansion is significantly driven by robust demand from the paints and coatings industry, particularly fueled by growth in the construction and automotive sectors. Additionally, the increasing utilization of these solvents in adhesives, cleaning, and degreasing applications provides sustained market impetus. According to the American Chemistry Council, U. S. chemical output volumes are projected to fall by 0.4% in 2024, following a 0.2% decline in 2023, while global chemical production is expected to expand by 3.5% in 2024.

However, the market faces a substantial challenge from stringent global environmental regulations concerning Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions and the potential toxicity associated with certain solvents. These regulations compel manufacturers to innovate and reformulate products, often driving a shift toward lower-VOC or bio-based alternatives, which can impede traditional aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent market expansion.

Key Market Drivers

The increasing demand from the paints and coatings industry stands as a primary growth driver for the global aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners market. These solvents are essential components in paint formulations, acting as diluents and carriers that ensure proper application and film formation. As architectural, industrial, and specialized coating applications expand, the need for these solvents inherently rises. According to World Paints and Coatings Industry Association, in January 2025, 'World's Top ten Paints Companies 2024 Annual Report', the global paints and coatings market reached a sales value of USD 188.8 billion in 2024, indicating a substantial market base for solvent suppliers. Concurrently, the expansion of the construction and automotive sectors provides significant impetus. New construction projects necessitate large volumes of architectural coatings, while the ongoing production of vehicles globally drives demand for automotive coatings and finishes, all relying on various solvents. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), in 2023, European motor vehicle production totaled 18,122,449 units, marking a 12% increase over 2022, directly translating to a heightened consumption of related aliphatic solvents. These two interconnected sectors collectively underpin a substantial portion of the demand for aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners worldwide.

This sustained activity in key end-use industries contributes significantly to the overall vitality of the chemical sector, which serves as the foundational supplier for aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents. According to Cefic, in 2023, global chemical production grew by about 2%, reflecting a gradual expansion in the broader chemical manufacturing landscape that includes solvent production. The synergistic growth in paints, coatings, construction, and automotive industries creates a robust and consistent requirement for aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, solidifying their market position despite evolving regulatory landscapes and alternative solvent developments. This interdependent relationship ensures that as these major industries continue to advance, so too will the demand for aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners essential for their operations.

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Key Market Challenges

A significant challenge for the Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market stems from stringent global environmental regulations concerning Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions and the potential toxicity of certain solvents. These regulatory frameworks compel manufacturers to undertake extensive product innovation and reformulation. This necessity often drives a direct shift away from traditional aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents towards lower-VOC or bio-based alternatives, directly constraining the market expansion for conventional offerings.

Such regulatory pressures demonstrably translate into reduced demand and market share for high-VOC aliphatic solvents. According to the European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG), VOC emissions from ESIG solvents alone showed an 8% decrease in 2023, coinciding with a reported drop in solvent sales by ESIG members during the same period. This decline illustrates how regulatory mandates influence industries to adopt compliant alternatives, thereby directly impacting the sales volume of established aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and limiting growth opportunities within this segment.

Key Market Trends

Two key trends are currently influencing the Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market: the shift towards low-VOC and eco-friendly formulations and the increasing demand for specialty solvents in niche applications.

The market is significantly trending towards low-VOC and eco-friendly formulations, driven by heightened environmental awareness and evolving regulatory landscapes. This necessitates manufacturers to innovate and develop solvent products with reduced volatile organic compound content and those derived from sustainable or renewable sources. This transition is essential for minimizing environmental impact and ensuring compliance with stricter global standards, as TotalEnergies Fluids and Clariter announced the successful production of the world's first sustainable ultra-pure solvents derived from plastic waste in January 2023, following 18 months of joint research and development. Such advancements underscore a sustained industry commitment to providing more ecologically responsible and compliant solutions.

Concurrently, the market is experiencing an increasing demand for specialty solvents tailored for niche applications, where general-purpose solvents may not meet specific performance criteria. These specialized formulations deliver precise functionalities, including enhanced solvency, controlled evaporation rates, or improved compatibility with advanced materials, serving critical sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance coatings. For example, in March 2024, BASF SE launched a new methyl glycols plant in Zhanjiang, China, with an annual capacity of 46,000 metric tons to meet increasing regional demand for brake fluids in the automotive sector, as reported by BASF SE. This focus on bespoke solutions facilitates optimized performance and efficiency in complex industrial processes, thereby stimulating product innovation.

Segmental Insights

The Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market is witnessing significant expansion, with Varnish Makers & Painter’s Naphtha emerging as a rapidly growing segment. This accelerated growth is primarily driven by its widespread application in the paints and coatings industry, where it functions as an essential thinner and diluent to achieve desired product characteristics such as viscosity and flow. Furthermore, its robust demand stems from its efficacy in industrial cleaning and degreasing operations, contributing to its diverse utility across various sectors. The segment also benefits from increasing construction and automotive activities, alongside a resurgence in do-it-yourself home improvement trends.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region leads the global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market due to its significant industrial expansion and robust infrastructure development across key economies. Rapid urbanization, coupled with thriving manufacturing activities, particularly in countries like China and India, drives substantial demand for these solvents. The extensive growth of end-use industries such as paints, coatings, automotive, and construction, heavily relies on aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners for various applications. Furthermore, abundant raw material availability and a competitive manufacturing landscape contribute significantly to the region's prominent market position.

Recent Developments

In August 2025, Chevron Phillips Chemical successfully completed the expansion of its low-viscosity polyalphaolefins (PAO) production unit in Beringen, Belgium. This capacity increase directly affects the availability of advanced aliphatic materials. While primarily recognized as synthetic lubricants, certain high-purity aliphatic fluids and specific PAO grades can function as specialty solvents in various industrial applications, thereby impacting the specialized offerings within the global aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners market.

In March 2025, Shell was reportedly evaluating the potential sale of its chemical assets located in Europe and the United States. This strategic review by a major chemical producer indicated a significant shift in its business focus. Such a substantial divestment would likely reshape the competitive landscape and supply chain dynamics within the global chemical industry, consequently affecting the segment for aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners where Shell has a prominent presence.

In November 2024, ExxonMobil announced a significant investment exceeding $200 million to expand its chemical recycling operations in Baytown and Beaumont, Texas. This expansion aimed to substantially increase the company’s capacity to process plastic waste into chemically recycled feedstock. By enhancing the supply of circular raw materials, this development supports the production of new chemicals, including components that can be utilized within the aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners market, contributing to more sustainable sourcing methods for the industry.

In April 2024, Haltermann Carless, a key provider of hydrocarbon-based products and solvents, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with RWE. This collaboration focuses on developing a green hydrogen plant at Haltermann Carless' industrial site in Harwich, UK. The initiative supports sustainable practices within the company's operations, which include the production of various chemicals for sectors like agrochemicals and fuel additives. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the environmental profile of the production processes that contribute to the aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners market.

Key Market Players

Exxonmobil Chemical Co.
SK Geo Centric Co Ltd
Shell PLC
Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.
Gotham Industries Inc.
Gulf Chemicals & Industrial Oils Co.
Recochem Inc.
Haltermann Carless UK Ltd
W.M. Barr & Company Inc
Hohman Plating & Manufacturing LLC

By Type	By Application	By Region
Varnish Makers & Painter’s Naphtha Hexane Mineral Spirits Heptane Other	Paints & Coatings Adhesives Aerosols Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market, By Type:

o Varnish Makers & Painter’s Naphtha

o Hexane

o Mineral Spirits

o Heptane

o Other

Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market, By Application:

o Paints & Coatings

o Adhesives

o Aerosols

o Others

Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market, By Region:

o North America

§ United States

§ Canada

§ Mexico

o Europe

§ France

§ United Kingdom

§ Italy

§ Germany

§ Spain

o Asia Pacific

§ China

§ India

§ Japan

§ Australia

§ South Korea

o South America

§ Brazil

§ Argentina

§ Colombia

o Middle East & Africa

§ South Africa

§ Saudi Arabia

§ UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Type (Varnish Makers & Painter’s Naphtha, Hexane, Mineral Spirits, Heptane, Other)

5.2.2. By Application (Paints & Coatings, Adhesives, Aerosols, Others)

5.2.3. By Region

5.2.4. By Company (2024)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Type

6.2.2. By Application

6.2.3. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Application

6.3.2. Canada Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Application

6.3.3. Mexico Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Application

7. Europe Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Type

7.2.2. By Application

7.2.3. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Application

7.3.2. France Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Application

7.3.3. United Kingdom Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Application

7.3.4. Italy Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Application

7.3.5. Spain Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Application

8. Asia Pacific Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Type

8.2.2. By Application

8.2.3. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Application

8.3.2. India Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Application

8.3.3. Japan Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Application

8.3.4. South Korea Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Application

8.3.5. Australia Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Application

9. Middle East & Africa Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Type

9.2.2. By Application

9.2.3. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Application

9.3.2. UAE Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Application

9.3.3. South Africa Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Application

10. South America Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Type

10.2.2. By Application

10.2.3. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Application

10.3.2. Colombia Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Application

10.3.3. Argentina Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Application

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents & Thinners Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Exxonmobil Chemical Co.

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. SK Geo Centric Co Ltd

15.3. Shell PLC

15.4. Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.

15.5. Gotham Industries Inc.

15.6. Gulf Chemicals & Industrial Oils Co.

15.7. Recochem Inc.

15.8. Haltermann Carless UK Ltd

15.9. W.M. Barr & Company Inc

15.10. Hohman Plating & Manufacturing LLC

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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