Europe Industrial Lubricants Market Size, Share, Trends, & Industry Analysis Report

Overview

The global Europe industrial lubricants market size was valued at USD 26.93 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2025–2034. Growth in automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing across Europe is creating consistent demand for industrial lubricants. In addition, stringent EU environmental regulations are accelerating the shift toward sustainable formulations further driving market growth.

Key Insights

• The mineral oils segment dominated the Europe industrial lubricants market share in 2024, driven by cost-effectiveness, wide availability, and compatibility with conventional machinery.
• The hydraulic fluids segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by rising demand for advanced hydraulic systems and improved formulations with higher efficiency.
• Germany accounted for the largest share in Europe industrial lubricant industry in 2024, fueled by strong manufacturing infrastructure, advanced automotive sector and widespread adoption of high-performance lubricants.
• The UK is projected to witness the highest CAGR by 2034, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding manufacturing hubs, and rising energy demand.

Industry Dynamics

• Growth in automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing across Europe is creating consistent demand for industrial lubricants, as manufacturers seek improved machinery efficiency and extended equipment life.
• Stringent EU environmental regulations are accelerating the shift toward sustainable formulations, driving the adoption of synthetic and bio-based lubricants across industries.
• Rising technological advancements such as synthetic and bio-lubricants creates opportunities to enhance performance, energy efficiency and environmental compliance.
• High costs of advanced synthetic lubricants coupled with raw material price fluctuations, continue to limit adoption across cost-sensitive end-use sectors.

Market Statistics

• 2024 Market Size: USD 26.93 Billion
• 2034 Projected Market Size: USD 34.26 Billion
• CAGR (2025–2034): 2.5%

AI Impact on Europe Industrial Lubricants Market

• AI enhances performance optimization in the Europe industrial lubricants market by analyzing machinery load profiles, operational environments, and lubricant behavior to ensure optimal friction reduction and equipment protection across manufacturing sectors.
• Integration of AI enables adaptive lubrication control, dynamically adjusting viscosity, flow rates, and re-lubrication intervals based on equipment type, usage intensity, and ambient conditions.
• AI-powered diagnostics assist in early detection of lubricant degradation, contamination, or wear-related anomalies, supporting predictive maintenance and extending machinery lifespan in European industrial operations.
• AI improves operator interaction by enabling automated lubricant monitoring, real-time alerts, and system-generated maintenance schedules, enhancing operational reliability, efficiency, and safety in Europe's manufacturing and heavy industry sectors.

Industrial lubricants are essential for reducing friction, minimizing wear, and improving the efficiency of machinery across various manufacturing and industrial operations. The product range includes hydraulic fluids, metalworking fluids, industrial engine oils, gear oils, compressor oils, and specialty lubricants formulated for specific applications. These products are widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, chemicals, construction, marine, and heavy equipment manufacturing to ensure smooth functioning of machinery and extend equipment life. According to Oxford Economics, global construction is projected to increase from USD 9.7 trillion in 2022 to USD 13.9 trillion by 2037, with China, the US, and India leading growth through urbanization and investment in green infrastructure.

In industrial operations, lubricants regulate temperature, protect components from corrosion, and enable uninterrupted production cycles. Their application in high-load and high-temperature environments improves machinery performance while reducing downtime and maintenance costs. The use of advanced synthetic and bio-based lubricants is growing preference across Europe as industries focus on sustainability and environmental compliance.

The Europe industrial lubricants market is expanding due to the presence of a large manufacturing base, stringent energy efficiency standards and growing adoption of advanced machinery across automotive and heavy industries. Rising demand for environmentally friendly formulations and the push toward circular economy models are also driving product innovation. In addition, government regulations supporting low-emission and biodegradable lubricants coupled with increasing investments in automation and smart manufacturing are creating new growth opportunities. The ongoing shift toward renewable energy and wind power applications further enhances the demand for specialty lubricants designed for turbines and related equipment.

Drivers & Opportunities

Growth in automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing across Europe: Rising automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing is creating strong demand for industrial lubricants in Europe. As it helps to reduce friction, improve machinery efficiency and extend equipment life in vehicles and industrial equipment. According to OICA, global vehicle production grew from 79.9 million units in 2021 to 84.8 million in 2022 and further to 93.4 million in 2023, showing an increase of 11% in 2022 and 10% in 2023. Also, growing production of commercial vehicles and expansion in construction, agriculture, and mining equipment are increasing consumption of lubricants. Moreover, advanced manufacturing facilities require high-performance lubricants for engines, gearboxes and hydraulic systems to ensure uninterrupted operations. In addition, the expansion of industrial output across European countries is further driving demand for reliable and cost-efficient lubrication solutions.

Stringent EU environmental regulations accelerating the shift toward sustainable formulations: The European Union (EU) introduced strict regulations to lower emissions and promote sustainable industrial practices. These measures are driving the adoption of synthetic and bio-based lubricants in place of conventional mineral-based products. Also, manufacturers are focusing on biodegradable and low-emission formulations to comply with EU directives on sustainability and circular economy goals. Moreover, growing demand for eco-friendly lubricants is rising across industries such as automotive, marine, energy, and general manufacturing. In addition, the shift toward sustainable products is creating opportunities for innovation and strengthening the long-term growth of the industrial lubricants market in Europe.

Segmental Insights

Base Oil Type Analysis

Based on base oil type, the segmentation includes mineral oils, synthetic oils, bio-based oils, and recycled oils. The mineral oils segment dominated the Europe industrial lubricants market in 2024. These are widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and easy availability for large-scale applications across automotive, construction, and manufacturing industries. Also, their compatibility with a wide range of machinery makes them a preferred option for general-purpose lubrication. Moreover, increasing use in heavy machinery and conventional equipment supports the strong demand for mineral oils in Europe.

The synthetic oils segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, as it provides higher thermal stability, longer service intervals and improved performance under extreme operating conditions. Also, industries are rapidly adopting these oils to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. Moreover, the shift toward energy efficiency and sustainability in Europe is accelerating the adoption of synthetic lubricants. In addition, advanced machinery requires these formulations for reliable performance.

Application Analysis

Based on application, the segmentation includes metalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, general Europe industrial lubricants, process oils, and gear oils. The metalworking fluids segment dominated the Europe industrial lubricants market in 2024. These fluids are widely used in machining, cutting, and forming operations across automotive and general manufacturing sectors. Also, the presence of a strong automotive base in Europe drives high consumption of metalworking fluids. Moreover, rising demand for precision engineering and advanced machining processes further supports their dominance. In addition, growing investments in manufacturing facilities continue to strengthen this segment’s market position.

The hydraulic fluids segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Hydraulic fluids are essential for ensuring smooth operation of high-pressure systems in construction, energy, and industrial equipment. Also, rising demand for advanced hydraulic systems in modern machinery is boosting usage. Moreover, improved formulations offering better oxidation stability and energy efficiency support higher adoption. In addition, the growing use of automated equipment in Europe enhances demand for hydraulic fluids.

End User Analysis

Based on end user, the segmentation includes manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, and construction. The manufacturing segment dominated the Europe industrial lubricants market in 2024. According to the United Nations (UN), global manufacturing output increased by 1.3% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter. Industrial lubricants are essential in production facilities to reduce downtime, enhance equipment performance, and extend service life. Also, Europe is a strong manufacturing base across automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery industries. Moreover, growing demand for metalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, and process oils remains high in this sector. In addition, increasing modernization of production lines supports the strong position of manufacturing as the leading end user.

The automotive segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The automotive industry relies on lubricants for engines, gearboxes, and metalworking processes in vehicle production. Also, Europe is witnessing steady growth in electric vehicle and commercial vehicle manufacturing, boosting demand. Moreover, stricter efficiency requirements are pushing the adoption of high-performance lubricants. In addition, the integration of advanced machinery in automotive plants is expected to further support segment growth.

Regional Analysis

Germany dominates the Europe industrial lubricants market due to its strong automotive production base, which drives consistent demand for high-performance lubricants across engines, gear systems and manufacturing processes. According to the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), domestic passenger car production reached 363,600 units in May 2025, marking a 19% increase from the same month last year. From January to May 2025, a total of 1.8 million passenger cars were produced in Germany, up 4% compared to the same period in 2024. Moreover, the presence of advanced industrial machinery and automation technologies is increasing the need for synthetic and specialty lubricants to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. In addition, Germany’s strong focus on energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing practices continues to expand opportunities for eco-friendly lubricant formulations.

The UK Europe Industrial Lubricants Market

The UK is projected to grow at the fastest rate in the industrial lubricants market, fueled by the expansion of renewable energy projects, including offshore wind, which require specialized lubricants for turbines and related equipment. For instance, in June 2025, the UK government sees clean energy as a major economic opportunity, with over USD 54.16 billion invested since July. Working with industry and workers, the government plans to double clean energy investment to more than USD 40.62 billion a year by 2035, creating jobs and boosting growth. Moreover, the country’s growing adoption of electric vehicles and modern automotive technologies is boosting demand for advanced lubricants in production and maintenance processes. In addition, investments in sustainable manufacturing and smart factories are further creating opportunities for high-performance lubricant solutions in the UK.

Key Players & Competitive Analysis Report

The Europe industrial lubricants market is moderately competitive, with leading companies focusing on advanced formulations to improve machinery efficiency, reduce friction, and extend equipment life. Manufacturers are expanding product portfolios with synthetic, bio-based, and specialty lubricants designed for applications in automotive, aerospace, energy, and heavy machinery sectors. Moreover, collaborations between lubricant producers, OEMs, and research institutes are supporting the development of eco-friendly and high-performance products. In addition, increasing investment in sustainable and region-specific solutions is strengthening long-term competitiveness across the European industrial lubricants market.

Major companies operating in the Europe industrial lubricants industry include Shell plc, BP p.l.c., Exxon Mobil Corporation, TotalEnergies SE, Chevron Corporation, FUCHS SE, PETRONAS Lubricants International Sdn Bhd, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Phillips 66 Company, Enilive S.p.A., Gazpromneft-Lubricants Ltd., and Quaker Chemical Corporation.

Key Players

• BP p.l.c.
• Chevron Corporation
• Enilive S.p.A.
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• FUCHS SE
• Gazpromneft-Lubricants Ltd.
• Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
• PETRONAS Lubricants International Sdn Bhd
• Phillips 66 Company
• Quaker Chemical Corporation
• Shell plc
• TotalEnergies SE

Industry Developments

• May 2024: FPT Industrial and PETRONAS Lubricants International introduced co-branded lubricants in Europe for marine, on-road, off-road, and power generation applications. The range, available in mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic formulations, enhances efficiency, lowers fuel consumption, and extends engine life. This collaboration strengthens their competitive presence in the European industrial lubricants market.
• February 2023: Neste introduced its new Neste ReNew lubricants in Finland, Sweden, the Baltic states, and Poland, made with renewable and re-refined base oils. The range delivers high performance while cutting carbon footprint, with renewable content up to 50%. This launch strengthens Neste’s presence in sustainable lubricants across Europe.

Europe Industrial Lubricants Market Segmentation

By Base Oil Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

• Mineral Oils
• Synthetic Oils
• Bio-Based Oils
• Recycled Oils Source

By Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

• Metalworking Fluids
• Hydraulic Fluids
• General Europe Industrial Lubricants
• Process Oils
• Gear Oils

By End User Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

• Manufacturing
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Energy
• Construction

By Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

• Europe

• Germany
• France
• UK
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Russia
• Rest of Europe

Europe Industrial Lubricants Market Report Scope