Food Grade Lubricants Market Size - By Base Oil Type (Mineral Oil, Synthetic Oil, Bio-based Oil), Grade (H1, H2, H3), Application (Food Processing, Beverage Production, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Meat Poultry and Seafood) & Global Forecast, 2023 – 2032

Food Grade Lubricants Market Size

Food Grade Lubricants Market size was valued at USD 355 million in 2022 and is estimated to expand at 7.3% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. The market refers to the sector that produces lubricants specifically designed for machinery used in food processing, packaging, and other related applications. These lubricants are formulated to meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements set by food safety organizations, ensuring that they do not contaminate the food during the manufacturing process.
 

The food grade lubricants market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by factors such as the expansion of the food processing industry, the emphasis on food safety, and the increasing adoption of automation in food manufacturing processes. Some of the Key characteristics of Food Grade Lubricants include resistance to oxidation, thermal stability, non-toxicity, and the ability to withstand high-pressure washdowns.
 

The cost of raw materials for Food Grade Lubricants, such as mineral oil and synthetic base oils, is relatively high. This can lead to higher prices for food grade lubricants, which can make them less competitive compared to non-food grade lubricants. Also, there is an increasing prevalence of counterfeit food grade lubricants which processes a major challenge for the market. Counterfeit lubricants are often made with inferior ingredients and can pose a serious risk to food safety.
 

Furthermore, the food grade lubricants market is subject to stringent regulations from government agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These regulations ensure that food grade lubricants are safe for use in food processing applications. However, the complexity of these regulations can make it difficult for manufacturers to comply, which can lead to increased costs and delays in product launches.
 

COVID-19 Impact

Initially, the food grade lubricants market experienced a downturn as the pandemic led to disruptions in the global supply chain, affecting the production and distribution of food products and related machinery. The temporary closure of several food processing facilities and disruptions in manufacturing activities significantly reduced the demand for food grade lubricants.
 

However, as the food industry adapted to the new normal and implemented stringent health and safety protocols, the demand for processed and packaged foods increased. This, in turn, propelled the demand for food grade lubricants, as food manufacturers began to focus on maintaining the hygiene and safety standards of their production processes. Additionally, the increased awareness about food safety and hygiene standards during the pandemic further emphasized the importance of using certified food grade lubricants in food processing equipment.
 

Food Grade Lubricants Market Trends

There is a growing demand for bio-based and biodegradable lubricants derived from renewable resources, which not only meet stringent regulatory standards but also align with the sustainability goals of many food processing companies. Additionally, there is a noticeable shift towards the development of specialized lubricants that offer improved performance, such as extended equipment life, enhanced wear protection, and increased operational efficiency. Manufacturers are also investing in research and development to create lubricants that can withstand extreme temperatures and high-pressure washdowns, catering to the demands of modern food processing machinery.
 

Food Grade Lubricants Market Analysis

Based on base oil type, the mineral oil segment dominated around USD 210.9 million revenue in 2022, due to their cost-effectiveness, wide availability, and well-established performance characteristics. They are widely used in various food processing applications, owing to their stable properties and compatibility with different machinery.
 

Based on grade, the H1 Grade segment accounted for 69.66% of the food grade lubricants market share in 2022. H1 lubricants are specifically formulated for applications where there is the possibility of incidental food contact. These lubricants undergo stringent testing to ensure that they do not contaminate food products, making them essential for use in machinery involved in food processing, packaging, and handling. As food safety regulations become increasingly stringent, the demand for H1 grade lubricants continues to rise, driving their dominant market position.
 

Based on application, the market is segmented as Food processing, Beverage production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, Meat, Poultry, and Seafood and Other. Food processing industry held the dominant market in 2022 and is anticipated to grow through the years. Food processing involves various stages such as milling, baking, and canning, where machinery requires lubrication to maintain operational efficiency and hygiene standards. The stringent regulations governing food safety necessitate the use of specialized Food Grade Lubricantss in this segment, thereby driving its significant market share.
 

North American food grade lubricants market size held over USD 111.9 million in 2022, driven by the stringent regulatory framework imposed by organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Canada. These regulations mandate the use of food grade lubricants in the food processing industry, ensuring compliance with stringent hygiene and safety standards. North America is home to a robust food processing industry, including various sectors such as dairy, meat processing, and baked goods, among others. The continuous expansion of this industry, coupled with the region's strong emphasis on food safety and quality, has significantly contributed to the growing demand for food grade lubricants.
 

Food Grade Lubricants Market Share

Some of the major companies operating in the food grade lubricants industry are:

• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• Fuchs Petrolub SE
• Klüber Lubrication
• TotalEnergies
• BP PLC
• Chevron
• Petro-Canada Lubricants Inc.
• Ashland Global Holdings
• Dow Chemical Company
• JAX Inc.
• SKF
• Illinois Tool Works Inc
• Elba Lubrication Inc
• CRC Industries
• Nye Lubricants

These companies focus on strategic partnerships, new product launch & commercialization for market expansion. Furthermore, these companies are heavily investing in research that allows them to introduce innovative products and garner maximum revenue in the market.
 

Exxon Mobil Corporation is the leading player in the food grade lubricants market, accounting for almost 20% of the global revenue share. The company offers a wide range of food grade lubricants for a variety of applications, including food processing, beverage production, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
 

Food Grade Lubricants Industry News

• On January 28, 2023, Petro-Canada introduced a new product called PURITY FG Synthetic Compressor Fluid, which is part of their collection of lubricants, greases, and special fluids that are safe for use with food. This new product is made from synthetic PAO and is carefully designed with specific additives to safeguard against damage, rust, and corrosion. It is also effective across a wide range of temperatures. Moreover, this product meets the strictest safety standards in the food industry, is recognized by NSF as a safe lubricant, and is suitable for use in HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) plans.
   
• In September 2023, BioBlend Renewable Resources, a company that promotes sustainable products and renewable lubricants, acquired Environmental Lubricant Manufacturing (ELM), a company known for creating innovative, biodegradable, and bio-based lubricants and greases.
   

The food grade lubricants market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million & Units from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Base Oil Type

• Mineral Oil
• Synthetic Oil
• Bio-based Oil

Market, By Grade

• H1
• H2
• H3

Market, By Application

• Food processing
• Beverage production
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
• Other

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt