Food Grade Lubricants Market

Market Definition

Food grade lubricants are specialty lubricants formulated to meet safety standards for incidental contact with food. They are used in food processing, packaging, and handling equipment to ensure operational efficiency while complying with hygiene and contamination prevention requirements. 

The market includes a wide range of lubricant types such as mineral-based, synthetic, and bio-based formulations, all designed for use in sectors where safety and hygiene are essential. The report presents an overview of the primary growth drivers, supported by regional analysis and regulatory frameworks expected to impact market development over the forecast period.

Food Grade Lubricants Market Overview

The global food grade lubricants market size was valued at USD 424.2 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 459.5 million in 2025 to USD 828.6 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.65% during the forecast period. 

The market is driven by the rising focus on food safety and contamination prevention and increasing demand for lubricants that ensure safe processing environments. The shift toward biodegradable and bio-based lubricants is supported by sustainability goals and environmental concerns. Manufacturers are developing products that meet strict regulatory standards while minimizing environmental impact.

Major companies operating in the food grade lubricants industry are Clearco Products, Calumet, Inc., CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Kano Laboratories, LLC., The Chemours Company, LANXESS, CONDAT group, KLÜBER LUBRICATION INDIA Pvt. Ltd., Exxon Mobil Corporation, FUCHS, JAX Incorporated, Dow, SKF, Petro‐Canada Lubricants Inc., and Matrix Specialty Lubricants.

Rising automation in food & beverage processing drives the demand for dependable food grade lubricants. These lubricants minimize equipment wear and downtime, enhancing operational efficiency. Manufacturers are creating formulations that withstand high-speed and high-temperature conditions. This ensures consistent productivity while meeting regulatory safety standards such as FDA 21 CFR 178.3570.

Key Highlights:

1. The food grade lubricants industry size was valued at USD 424.2 million in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.65% from 2025 to 2032.
3. North America held a market share of 34.09% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 144.6 million.
4. The mineral segment garnered USD 163.1 million in revenue in 2024.
5. The food segment is expected to reach USD 232.9 million by 2032.
6. The market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.66% during the forecast period.

 Market Driver

Rising Focus On Food Safety and Contamination Prevention

The food grade lubricants market is driven by the rising focus on food safety and contamination prevention. Manufacturers are focusing on complying with strict hygiene regulations and reducing the risk of product recalls caused by lubricant leaks. Food grade lubricants are formulated to be non-toxic and safe for incidental contact with food, which is critical in high-sensitivity environments like dairy, meat, and bakery processing. 

Regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) mandate the use of certified lubricants reinforcing the adoption of food grade lubricants across the industries.

Market Challenge

Limited Compatibility with High-performance Machinery

A key challenge in the food grade lubricants market is the limited compatibility of certain formulations with high-performance or extreme-temperature machinery. Food grade lubricants must comply with strict food safety standards while withstanding tough mechanical conditions, which may reduce performance or shorten equipment life. This limits their suitability for complex processing operations.

Manufacturers are focusing on developing advanced formulations that balance food safety with high thermal and mechanical stability. Investments in R&D and close collaboration with equipment manufacturers help create lubricants for modern, high-performance food processing systems.

Market Trend

Growing Shift Toward the Use of Biodegradable and Bio-based Lubricants

The food grade lubricants market is registering a growing shift toward the use of biodegradable and bio-based lubricants. This trend is attributed to increasing environmental awareness and industry-wide efforts to reduce dependence on petroleum-based products. 

Companies are adopting lubricants made from renewable sources to align with sustainability goals and minimize ecological impact. These alternatives provide reliable performance and meet food safety standards making the market suitable for use in regulated processing environments.

• In April 2025, CRC Industries expanded its food grade lubricant portfolio with three new products. Among them is a bio-based lubricant that delivers the durability of synthetic formulas while being biodegradable. It is engineered to perform under extreme temperatures and fortified with antioxidants, extreme pressure agents, anti-wear and anti-corrosion additives, plus ceramic powder for enhanced equipment protection.

Food Grade Lubricants Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Product	Mineral, Synthetic, Bio-based
By Application	Food (Bakery, Dairy, Sugar, Meat, poultry & seafood, Animal feed, Others), Beverage (Carbonated Soft Drinks, Fruit Beverages, Sports Drinks, Alcoholic Beverages, Others), Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Others
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation:

• By Product (Mineral, Synthetic, and Bio-based): The mineral segment earned USD 163.1 million in 2024, due to its widespread availability, lower cost, and established use across standard food processing equipment.
• By Application (Food (Bakery, Dairy, Sugar, Meat, poultry & seafood, Animal feed, Others), Beverage (Carbonated Soft Drinks, Fruit Beverages, Sports Drinks, Alcoholic Beverages, Others), Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Others): The food segment held 28.08% share of the market in 2024, due to strict hygiene standards, high equipment usage, and growing demand for processed food across bakery, dairy, and meat industries.

Food Grade Lubricants Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

North America food grade lubricants market share stood at around 34.09% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 144.6 million. The market dominance is attributed to the presence of well-established food processing and pharmaceutical industries along with strong regulatory enforcement from bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) that mandate the use of certified lubricants. High levels of automation in manufacturing facilities and early adoption of hygiene-compliant lubricants have also contributed to the regional market growth.

The food grade lubricants industry in Asia Pacific is poised to grow at a significant CAGR of 9.66% over the forecast period. The market growth is attributed to rapid industrialization and expansion of food & beverage manufacturing across countries like China, India, and Indonesia. 

Rising consumer demand for packaged and processed food, improving awareness about food safety, and increasing investments in modernizing production infrastructure are key factors supporting market expansion in the region.

• In May 2024, Klüber Lubrication announced the expansion of its manufacturing plant in Mysore, India. The upgraded facility will feature advanced production technology and aim to secure IATF and ISO 21469 certifications, including for food grade lubricants. The expansion will strengthen R&D capabilities and speed up product launches.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S, the regulatory framework for food grade lubricants is governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA sets strict guidelines for incidental food contact, requiring lubricants to meet specific safety standards.
• In the European Union (EU), food grade lubricants must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, which covers materials intended to come into contact with food. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates the safety of lubricant components.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the food grade lubricants industry are actively launching bio-based and synthetic lubricant products to meet diverse industry needs. Several companies have expanded production capacity to address increasing demand globally. Strategic partnerships with food and pharmaceutical manufacturers are strengthening supply chains and enabling tailored solutions. 

Recent acquisitions have helped companies broaden their product portfolios and extend their presence into new geographic markets. Investments in research and development focus on enhancing lubricant safety, efficiency, and compliance with evolving regulations.

• In January 2024, Kano Laboratories acquired Synco Chemical Corporation, including its Super Lube brand. The acquisition expanded Kano’s product portfolio to include premium synthetic and food grade lubricants.

List of Key Companies in Food Grade Lubricants Market:

• Clearco Products
• Calumet, Inc.
• CITGO Petroleum Corporation
• Kano Laboratories, LLC.
• The Chemours Company
• LANXESS
• CONDAT group
• KLÜBER LUBRICATION INDIA Pvt. Ltd.
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• FUCHS
• JAX Incorporated
• Dow
• SKF
• Petro‐Canada Lubricants Inc.
• Matrix Specialty Lubricants

 Recent Developments (M&A)

• In August 2024, SKF announced the acquisition of John Sample Group’s lubrication and flow management businesses. The acquisition enhances SKF’s capabilities in lubrication management and strengthens its presence in India and South-East Asia.