Top Lubricant Grease Manufacturers: International Brands vs China’s Zhongtian Petrochemical
The global lubricant grease market is large and growing. In 2023 it was worth about $6.36 billion, and is expected to reach $9.49 billion by 2032. Asia-Pacific leads this market, holding roughly 44% of sales in 2023. Grease lubricants reduce friction and wear in machinery from cars to airplanes. As industries grow, demand for high-performance greases rises.
| Année | Global Grease Market Size |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6.36 billionfortunebusinessinsights.com |
| 2024* | $6.60 billion (est.) |
| 2032† | $9.49 billion (proj.) |
*Projected values; †Projectede era.
The photo above shows part of the Anhui Zhongtian Petrochemical plant in China. Zhongtian is a leading Chinese manufacturer of industrial greases. The global grease industry is dominated by both major international oil companies and emerging Chinese producers. According to market reports, Shell, ExxonMobil, Castrol (BP), Chevron, Klüber et Sinopec are among the top grease makers worldwide. These companies produce well-known grease brands used in heavy-duty and automotive applications.
Global & Asia-Pacific Grease Market (2023–2030)
| Region | 2023 Market Size | Prévisions pour 2030 | CAGR (2023–2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global | USD 6.36 B | USD 9.49 B | 4.6 % CAGR (2024–32) |
| Asia–Pacific | USD 2.32 B | USD 3.10 B | 4.2 % CAGR (2023–30) |
| APAC Lubricating Grease | USD 1.82 B (2022) | USD 2.59 B (2030) | 4.5 % CAGR |
Leading International Grease Manufacturers
- ExxonMobil (USA): Makes the Mobilgrease (e.g. Mobilith) line. These greases are known for excellent high-temperature stability and strong water resistance. Exxon’s long history in lubricants makes it a trusted brand.
- Shell (UK/Netherlands): Produces Shell Gadus greases. Shell Gadus covers lithium-based and complex lithium greases for general machinery. These multi-purpose greases work in many bearings and components.
- BP Castrol (UK): Known for Castrol Spheerol et Optigear greases. Castrol focuses on automotive and industrial markets. Its greases are designed for low friction and long life, helping engines and gears run smoothly.
- Chevron (USA): Supplies Delo Grease and the synthetic Ulti-Plex series. Chevron uses advanced synthetic thickener technology. Their greases perform in very tough conditions, such as extreme pressures and high heat.
- Klüber Lubrication (Germany): Specializes in high-performance greases. Klüber makes greases for special needs like food-grade lubricants (H1 certified) and extreme temperature ranges. They lead in quality for niche applications.
These global players have vast resources and R&D. They offer a wide range of grease types for engines, bearings, gears, and more. Major industry analyses list all above as key grease manufacturersopenpr.com. Their brands are often approved by vehicle makers and industries, and many meet strict standards (ISO, ASTM, OEM specs).
Grease Types by Thickener
| Type d'épaississant | 2022 Market Share | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Metallic (e.g., lithium) | Largest share arxiv.org | Widely used; good temp & load range |
| Non-soap (e.g., clay, polyurea) | Growing | High stability and corrosion resistance |
| Inorganic (e.g., bentonite) | Niche | Excellent water resistance and thermal properties |
Top Chinese Grease Manufacturers
The Chinese market also has strong grease makers. China’s domestic producers make greases for cars, machinery, and even aerospace. For example, Anhui Zhongtian Pétrochimie is a national high-tech enterprise founded in 1998ztshoil.com. The company runs a modern plant with an annual output capacity of 200,000 tons of lubricantsztshoil.com. It offers over 1,000 types of grease and oil, many meeting international standardsztshoil.com.
- Zhongtian Petrochemical (China): A leading domestic maker. It produces the Fu Mantian grease series. Zhongtian serves industrial and defense sectors, supplying greases for factory machines, vehicles, and even military equipmentztshoil.com. Its R&D strength and high output capacity make it stand out among Chinese firms.
- Sinopec Great Wall (China): A brand from China’s state company Sinopec. They offer the Great Wall grease series (e.g. types like L-XBCHA2). These include lithium, polyurea, and calcium-sulfonate greases. Sinopec is one of the largest lubricant groups in China, covering many grease types for industry and transport.
- Kunlun Lubricants (China): Part of CNPC (PetroChina). Kunlun markets Kunlun greases used in automotive, steel, and renewable energy (like wind turbines). Their products fit common machinery and also heavy-duty equipment.
- Unipec (China): An independent Chinese maker. Unipec greases are known for good value. They aim at the mid-tier market, offering multipurpose lithium and calcium complex greases at competitive prices.
Key China Grease Manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Parent Group | Grease Types | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobil | ExxonMobil (USA) | Lithium complex, EP greases | High-temp & water resistance |
| Shell | Shell (UK/NL) | Gadus Li, Li-complex | Multi-purpose, global approvals |
| BP Castrol | BP (UK) | Spheerol, Optigear | Low friction, long life |
| Chevron | Chevron (USA) | Delo Grease, Ulti-Plex synthetic greases | Synthetic innovation, extreme conditions |
| Klüber Lubrication | Freudenberg (GER) | Food-grade, specialty high/low temp | High-performance special applications |
| Pétrochimie Zhongtian | Anhui Zhongtian (CN) | Fu Mantian series: Li, polyurea, Ca-sulfonate | 200k tons/year, >1,000 SKUs, export focus |
In particular, Zhongtian Petrochemical’s storage tanks (seen above) highlight the scale of its production. This illustrates how Chinese manufacturers like Zhongtian have built large facilities. Together, Chinese companies are now among the world’s top grease suppliers.
Common Grease Types and Selection
Lubricant greases come in various types for different uses. Key categories include:
- General-purpose (Lithium grease): For most machinery and vehicles. Example: NLGI grade 2 lithium complex greases suit bearings and chassis.
- Graisse haute température: Often lithium-complex or polyurea-based (e.g. SKF LGHP 2). These greases work at higher heat ranges (up to 200°C or more).
- Food-grade grease: Low-toxicity greases that meet NSF H1. For example, Klüber Foodlub greases are designed for food machinery (in case of incidental contact).
- Extreme-pressure (EP) grease: Contains additives like molybdenum disulfide or graphite for heavy loads. Example: Mobilgrease XHP 222 has MoS₂, making it suitable for gears and pivots under high stress.
Choosing the right grease depends on application and performance needs. Consider where it is used: wheel hubs, conveyor bearings, high-speed motors, etc. Check requirements like temperature range, water resistance, et load capacity. Also note certifications: many greases carry OEM approvals (e.g. Mercedes-Benz MB-Approval or BMW LGA standards). For green considerations, some manufacturers offer biodegradable or eco-friendly greases (e.g. Castrol Ecolube series).
Industry Trends
The grease industry is moving toward sustainability and innovation. Key trends include:
- Green and bio-based greases: There is a big push for eco-friendly lubricants. Bio-based oils and low-toxicity thickeners are in demand. Many firms emphasize biodegradable formulas and recyclability. For instance, Asia, Europe, and North America are tightening regulations and favoring “green” greases. Bio-greases often offer good performance while being safer for the environment.
- Long-life synthetic greases: Synthetic base oils (like PAO or ester) are used to create greases that last longer and handle extreme conditions. These greases reduce maintenance needs. For example, synthetic greases in electric vehicles or wind turbines can operate longer without changing.
- Digital grease management: Some companies now offer digital services for lubrication management. This means using sensors and software to monitor grease condition and scheduling. Smart lubrication solutions help users apply the right grease at the right time, improving equipment uptime.
- Innovation in products: Manufacturers continue to develop specialty greases (e.g. nanotechnology additives, multi-functional compounds). Market reports note growth in bio-based options and multifunctional greases.
Both global giants and Chinese companies like Zhongtian are expanding their grease portfolios. They compete on quality, performance, and eco-friendliness. As demand for reliable machinery grows, lubricant grease manufacturers play a critical role. Industry data shows they must innovate continuously to meet rising standards and environmental goals