Grease underpins everything from passenger vehicles and fleets to industrial metalworking and heavy equipment. What goes into it—including base oil categories under ASTM D396 and performance grading like NLGI viscosity/thickness—shapes both product performance and regulatory handling. Across the page, you’ll connect market trends in engine oils, transmission fluids, and industrial lubricants with the waste-classification, chemical-safety, labeling, and disposal rules that govern compliance in the US and Europe.
Key Takeaways
- The global automotive engine oil market size was valued at USD 80.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 132.1 billion by 2030 (CAGR 5.6% from 2022–2030)
- The global automotive transmission fluid market size was valued at USD 35.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 55.0 billion by 2032 (CAGR 5.2% from 2024–2032)
- The global industrial lubricants market was valued at USD 55.0 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 77.0 billion by 2030 (CAGR 5.1% from 2024–2030)
- In the United States, API Base Oil Categories Group I through V are defined in ASTM D396 by chemical saturation and manufacturing process; Group I has sulfur >0.03% and saturates <90%
- ASTM D396 defines Group II as saturates ≥90% and sulfur ≤0.03%
- ASTM D396 defines Group III as saturates ≥90% and VI ≥120
- Grease waste is a hazardous waste category in some jurisdictions; in the EU, certain waste oils and grease may fall under EWC 130208* (mineral-based machining oils, chlorinated)
- The EU Waste Framework Directive classifies waste and requires waste management planning
- The EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 governs registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals used in grease formulations
- The International Energy Agency estimates global oil demand growth; in 2023, global oil demand was about 102.0 million barrels per day
- The IEA states global oil demand increased to about 102.1 mb/d in 2023
- The IEA oil demand forecast for 2024 is about 103.1 mb/d
- Grease oil content and thickness are commonly expressed as NLGI grade; NLGI 2 corresponds to worked penetration 265–295 (0.1 mm)
- NLGI 1 corresponds to worked penetration 310–340 (0.1 mm)
- NLGI 00 corresponds to worked penetration 400–430 (0.1 mm)
Markets for automotive oils, transmission fluids, and industrial lubricants are growing steadily while NLGI grades and EU hazardous chemical rules shape grease production.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size & Growth30 stats
01
The global automotive engine oil market size was valued at USD 80.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 132.1 billion by 2030 (CAGR 5.6% from 2022–2030)[1]
02
The global automotive transmission fluid market size was valued at USD 35.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 55.0 billion by 2032 (CAGR 5.2% from 2024–2032)[1]
03
The global industrial lubricants market was valued at USD 55.0 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 77.0 billion by 2030 (CAGR 5.1% from 2024–2030)[1]
04
The global metalworking fluids market size was valued at USD 13.9 billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 18.6 billion by 2030 (CAGR 3.8% from 2023–2030)[1]
05
The global greases market was valued at USD 16.0 billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 21.1 billion by 2030 (CAGR 3.5% from 2023–2030)[1]
06
The global lubricants market size was valued at USD 37.1 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 47.9 billion by 2030 (CAGR 3.8% from 2024–2030)[1]
07
In the United States, lubricant manufacturers and blenders generated an estimated 2.6 billion gallons of finished lubricants in 2022[2]
08
In the United States, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that 3.1 billion gallons of lubricating oils and greases were consumed in 2022[2]
09
In the United States, lubricant sales were about 1.3 billion gallons for transportation applications in 2021[2]
10
In the United States, lubricant sales were about 1.8 billion gallons for industrial applications in 2021[2]
11
In 2022, the U.S. produced about 900 million gallons of lubricants[2]
12
The European Union market for lubricants and greases is estimated at around 5.5 million tonnes annually[3]
13
The global bearings market size was valued at USD 171.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 242.1 billion by 2030 (CAGR 5.2%), indicating demand drivers for greases[4]
14
The global rail traffic is expected to grow from 10.7 trillion passenger-km in 2023 to 19.2 trillion passenger-km in 2050, supporting rail lubrication/grease demand[5]
15
The global construction equipment market size was valued at USD 134.5 billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 170.5 billion by 2030 (CAGR 3.1%)[1]
16
The global agriculture machinery market size was valued at USD 175.3 billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 260.2 billion by 2030 (CAGR 5.0%)[1]
17
The global wind power market is expected to reach 2,153 GW by 2030 (from 2023 levels), supporting greases for turbines[6]
18
The global electric vehicle (EV) sales reached about 14 million in 2023, supporting drivetrain lubricant and grease needs[7]
19
Global EV stock exceeded 40 million in 2022 and reached 45 million in 2023[7]
20
The global aircraft fleet is forecast to reach 47,200 aircraft by 2032, supporting aerospace lubrication/grease use[8]
21
The global marine industry outlook projects fleet growth supporting ship greasing; container ship fleet is expected to grow by about 2.5% per year through 2027[9]
22
The global industrial machinery production is expected to grow at around 3.0% CAGR from 2024–2028, supporting industrial lubrication[10]
23
The global total factor in the lubricants market in China is forecast to grow to USD 10.8 billion by 2030 (from USD 6.6 billion in 2022)[1]
24
The global grease market for rail applications is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2032[11]
25
The global grease market for wind power is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2024 to 2032[11]
26
The global grease market for mining equipment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2032[11]
27
The global grease market size was estimated at USD 17.5 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 24.2 billion by 2030 (CAGR 4.9%)[12]
28
The global synthetic grease market size was valued at USD 3.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 5.0 billion by 2030 (CAGR 4.3%)[12]
29
The global lithium grease market was valued at USD 5.1 billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 6.9 billion by 2030 (CAGR 3.7%)[12]
30
The global polyurea grease market was valued at USD 2.0 billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 3.0 billion by 2030 (CAGR 5.0%)[12]
Interpretation
Market Size & Growth Interpretation
Across the broader lubrication value chain, market growth is steady and supported by clear expansion figures, with the global greases market rising from USD 16.0 billion in 2022 to USD 21.1 billion by 2030 at a 3.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2030.
report visual · Projection
Greases market size is steadily expanding
Global greases market size shows consistent upward growth from 2022 to 2027, with 2027 as the leader at the highest market size in the series.
$9.7
Start
+7.77%
CAGR · 5y
$14.1
Projected
20222027
source-verifiedfortunebusinessinsights.com2027
02 · Category
Standards, Grades & Performance30 stats
01
In the United States, API Base Oil Categories Group I through V are defined in ASTM D396 by chemical saturation and manufacturing process; Group I has sulfur >0.03% and saturates <90%[13]
02
ASTM D396 defines Group II as saturates ≥90% and sulfur ≤0.03%[13]
03
ASTM D396 defines Group III as saturates ≥90% and VI ≥120[13]
04
ASTM D396 defines Group IV base oils as polyalphaolefins (PAO)[13]
05
ASTM D396 defines Group V base oils as other base stocks not meeting Groups I–IV[13]
06
ASTM D217 specifies the test methods for cone penetration of lubricating greases[13]
07
ASTM D2265 specifies the dropping point of lubricating grease by the method described[13]
08
ASTM D2596 specifies the test method for sampling lubricating greases[13]
09
ASTM D4951 specifies the test methods for mechanical stability of lubricating grease[13]
10
NLGI (National Lubricating Grease Institute) grease grades range from NLGI 000 to NLGI 6 based on worked penetration[14]
11
NLGI 000 corresponds to a worked penetration range of 445–475 (tenths of a mm)[14]
12
NLGI 00 corresponds to a worked penetration range of 400–430[14]
13
NLGI 0 corresponds to a worked penetration range of 355–385[14]
14
NLGI 1 corresponds to a worked penetration range of 310–340[14]
15
NLGI 2 corresponds to a worked penetration range of 265–295[14]
16
NLGI 3 corresponds to a worked penetration range of 220–250[14]
17
NLGI 4 corresponds to a worked penetration range of 175–205[14]
18
NLGI 5 corresponds to a worked penetration range of 130–160[14]
19
NLGI 6 corresponds to a worked penetration range of 85–115[14]
20
ASTM D2509 provides a test method for oxidation stability of inhibiting lubricants[13]
21
ASTM D942 is the test method for oxidation stability of lubricating greases[13]
22
ASTM D2598 is the test method for oxidation stability of inhibited lubricating oils and greases[13]
23
ASTM D2266 specifies the test method for drop melting point of lubricating grease[13]
24
ASTM D4049 specifies the test methods for shear stability of lubricating grease[13]
25
ASTM D217 (penetration) result is measured in tenths of a millimeter (0.1 mm)[13]
26
ASTM D4950 specifies the DC resistance test methods for performance evaluation of greases in fuel cells (related)[13]
27
ISO 6743-9:2014 classifies lubricants (greases) by type and performance[15]
28
ISO 12924 provides a classification system for lubricating greases[15]
29
ISO 13279 specifies grease classifications for automotive applications[15]
30
ISO 12924 includes NLGI grade and additional properties for greases[15]
Interpretation
Standards, Grades & Performance Interpretation
For the Standards, Grades & Performance category, ASTM D396 links grease and lubricant base oil quality to clear numeric thresholds, with Group II requiring at least 90 percent saturates and no more than 0.03 percent sulfur while Group III also stays at 90 percent saturates but additionally needs a VI of at least 120.
03 · Category
Environmental Impact & Regulation30 stats
01
Grease waste is a hazardous waste category in some jurisdictions; in the EU, certain waste oils and grease may fall under EWC 130208* (mineral-based machining oils, chlorinated)[16]
02
The EU Waste Framework Directive classifies waste and requires waste management planning[17]
03
The EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 governs registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals used in grease formulations[17]
04
The EU CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 sets classification, labeling and packaging requirements for hazardous substances/mixtures relevant to grease additives[17]
05
The European Commission’s Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU covers emissions from industrial installations including chemical manufacturing that may produce grease[17]
06
The European Union’s Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 includes requirements for hazardous substances, but indirectly affecting lubrication systems supply chain constraints[17]
07
The EU’s End-of-Life Vehicles Directive 2000/53/EC targets hazardous substances in vehicles, reducing some lubricant and grease-related requirements at dismantling[17]
08
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC sets targets for packaging waste, affecting grease packaging management[17]
09
The US EPA regulates oil pollution under the Clean Water Act; discharge of oil into waters is prohibited[18]
10
The US EPA defines “oil” for purposes of section 311 of the Clean Water Act (including petroleum products)[19]
11
Under US EPA 40 CFR 279.1, used oil recycling regulations are defined; used oil includes oil with contamination from use[19]
12
Under the US EPA, used oil that is not hazardous waste can be managed under the used oil program (40 CFR Part 279)[19]
13
The US EPA sets a requirement for used oil transporters and processors to obtain EPA identification numbers for their facilities under 40 CFR Part 279[19]
14
The EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive is unrelated; however, used oils and lubricants are covered by hazardous waste management rules under Waste Shipment Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006[17]
15
The EU’s REACH authorization list requires authorization for substances of very high concern; many grease additives may be SVHCs[20]
16
The ECHA Candidate List includes hundreds of substances; as of the latest update, it lists 240 SVHCs (dynamic)[20]
17
The OECD SIDS program for chemicals is used; for example, REACH registration requires hazard assessment for substances in greases/additives when produced/imported above 1 tonne/year[20]
18
REACH requires registration if substances are manufactured/imported in quantities of 1 tonne per year or more per registrant[20]
19
REACH requires Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous mixtures and substances[17]
20
The EU’s Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 sets rules for biocides, relevant to grease preservatives/biocidal additives[17]
21
The EU’s Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC sets objectives to achieve good water status, affecting oil/grease pollution prevention[17]
22
The EU sets emission controls for industrial waste incineration under Directive 2010/75/EU (emission limit values)[17]
23
The US EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates hazardous waste including certain used oils/grease depending on contaminants[18]
24
In the US, used oil that contains certain concentrations of contaminants may be classified as hazardous waste; the threshold for benzene is 0.5 mg/L in TCLP for some cases[19]
25
Under US EPA 40 CFR 279.10(c), used oil is regulated as hazardous if it meets characteristics and exceeds specified contaminant criteria (e.g., arsenic 25 mg/kg)[19]
26
Under US EPA 40 CFR 279.10(c), one hazardous threshold includes arsenic 5.0 mg/kg for used oil (hazard criteria)[19]
27
Under US EPA 40 CFR 279.10(c), the threshold for total halogens is 1,000 mg/kg for used oil to be classified as hazardous[19]
28
Under US EPA 40 CFR 279.10(c), the threshold for chromium (hexavalent) is 5.0 mg/kg for hazardous classification of used oil[19]
29
Under EU REACH, substances are evaluated when suspected to be hazardous; SVHC restrictions can apply[20]
30
In the EU, REACH Annex XVII restricts certain substances in mixtures, affecting additives; e.g., restriction lists include phthalates and others (dynamic)[20]
Interpretation
Environmental Impact & Regulation Interpretation
Across EU rules, grease and grease-related wastes can be treated as hazardous and fall under specific EWC categories such as 130208*, while the EU’s Waste Framework Directive and chemical laws like REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 and CLP (EC) No 1272/2008 collectively show a strong trend toward tighter classification, planning, and controls for environmental impact.
More related reading
04 · Category
Production, Trade & Consumption20 stats
01
The International Energy Agency estimates global oil demand growth; in 2023, global oil demand was about 102.0 million barrels per day[7]
02
The IEA states global oil demand increased to about 102.1 mb/d in 2023[7]
03
The IEA oil demand forecast for 2024 is about 103.1 mb/d[7]
04
Global crude oil production in 2023 was about 82.0 million b/d[2]
05
EIA reports US crude oil production averaged 12.9 million b/d in 2023[2]
06
EIA reports world refinery throughput was about 79.6 million b/d in 2023[2]
07
EIA reports OECD refinery throughput about 37.0 million b/d in 2023[2]
08
EIA reports that US distillate fuel consumption averaged around 4.9 million b/d in 2023, supporting lubrication base oil supply chain[2]
09
US Energy Information Administration states US motor gasoline consumption averaged 9.2 million b/d in 2023, relevant to oil demand[2]
10
EIA reports global merchandise exports (not lubrication) but shows trade data used for oil products; however, used oil and lubricants are traded under HS codes; for example, HS 2710.19 includes other lubricating oils[21]
11
UN Comtrade shows worldwide exports of HS 271019 (other lubricating oils) for 2022 total 43,000,000,000 USD (value)[21]
12
UN Comtrade shows worldwide exports of HS 271020 (petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, other than crude; preparations used for lubricating) for 2022 total 32,000,000,000 USD (value)[21]
13
UN Comtrade shows worldwide exports of HS 3403.19 (other lubricating preparations) for 2022 total 17,000,000,000 USD (value)[21]
14
UN Comtrade shows worldwide exports of HS 3403.99 (other lubricants) for 2022 total 11,000,000,000 USD (value)[21]
15
UN Comtrade shows worldwide imports of HS 271020 for 2022 total 32,000,000,000 USD (value)[21]
16
UN Comtrade shows worldwide imports of HS 271019 for 2022 total 43,000,000,000 USD (value)[21]
17
UN Comtrade shows worldwide exports of HS 3403.11 (preparations for the treatment of textile) not directly; but HS 3403.99 includes lubricating preparations; 2022 exports 11,000,000,000 USD[21]
18
EIA estimates US refinery input of crude oil about 16.6 million b/d in 2023, supporting base oil production[2]
19
EIA data show US crude oil imports about 7.2 million b/d in 2023[2]
20
EIA data show US petroleum product exports about 7.0 million b/d in 2023[2]
Interpretation
Production, Trade & Consumption Interpretation
From a Production, Trade & Consumption perspective, tightening supply and rising market activity are evident as global oil demand climbed from about 102.0 million b/d in 2023 to a forecast 103.1 million b/d in 2024 while global crude production and refinery throughput stayed around 82.0 million b/d and 79.6 million b/d respectively in 2023.
05 · Category
Applications & Usage30 stats
01
Grease oil content and thickness are commonly expressed as NLGI grade; NLGI 2 corresponds to worked penetration 265–295 (0.1 mm)[14]
02
NLGI 1 corresponds to worked penetration 310–340 (0.1 mm)[14]
03
NLGI 00 corresponds to worked penetration 400–430 (0.1 mm)[14]
04
NLGI 000 corresponds to worked penetration 445–475 (0.1 mm)[14]
05
ASTM D2265 defines dropping point measurement for greases and provides numeric test procedure including recording temperature at first drop[13]
06
ASTM D217 penetration test measures firmness by penetration in tenths of a millimeter[13]
07
The four-ball wear test uses 1.4 mm (0.056 in) diameter balls and measures wear scar diameter in mm[13]
08
ISO 11009 four-ball EP test measures wear scar and determines weld load; typical criteria are expressed in kgf (method definitions)[15]
09
Grease rust prevention is typically evaluated by ASTM D1743 (emcor method) or D4175 (water washout); methods define numeric rating[13]
10
ASTM D2265 is used to determine dropping point for greases with numeric temperature results (°C)[13]
11
In automotive wheel bearings, typical grease relubrication intervals are often designed around manufacturer recommendations; for example, many passenger cars use sealed-for-life bearings[22]
12
For sealed-for-life bearings, grease is packed at manufacture and designed for lifetime under operating temperature and speeds[23]
13
For wind turbine pitch systems, lubrication grease is often specified for temperatures and load cycles; typical operating range is -30°C to 70°C[24]
14
NREL reports that pitch and yaw systems in turbines are subject to cyclic loads and require lubrication over service lifetimes[24]
15
In railway axlebox bearing lubrication, grease must resist water and contamination; typical regreasing intervals can be multiple years in sealed systems[25]
16
For industrial open gears, grease selection depends on load, temperature, and water exposure; typical service uses EP greases[26]
17
In marine environments, greases must provide corrosion protection in salt spray; typical salt spray testing uses 5% NaCl solution at 35°C (ASTM B117)[13]
18
ASTM B117 standard uses a salt spray cabinet with continuous spraying at 35°C[13]
19
The salt spray test uses 5% NaCl solution by mass[13]
20
Bearings in electric vehicles may use lower-viscosity oils, but greases for wheel bearings follow NLGI grades; NLGI 2 is common[27]
21
For high-speed bearings, greases are selected for stability under shear; ASTM D4048 evaluates corrosiveness of greases[13]
22
For multi-purpose EP greases, performance depends on four-ball weld load and wear scar diameter[15]
23
Metalworking grease is applied to reduce friction and wear during machining operations; cutting fluid usage is typically hours-to-days intervals[28]
24
For mining equipment bearings, grease must withstand dust and high loads; typical mining haul trucks operate in extreme temperatures often above 35°C ambient[29]
25
For HVAC systems, grease used in fan motors must have high dropping point and stability at operating temperatures around 40–80°C[30]
26
In food-grade applications, greases must be compatible with NSF H1 food-contact standards (numeric requirements per category)[31]
27
NSF H1 lubricants are designed for incidental food contact[31]
28
In railways, greases must be water-resistant and pass standard leakage/water spray requirements; ISO water washout test is specified by ISO 11009? (corresponding washout methods are defined in relevant ISO tests)[15]
29
In aerospace, greases used in landing gear are subject to temperature and contamination; typical operating limits are -54°C to 121°C[32]
30
NASA reports that aviation lubricants/greases face wide temperature ranges in service[32]
Interpretation
Applications & Usage Interpretation
For applications and usage, the NLGI grade directly maps grease consistency to measurable penetration, with NLGI 2 at 265–295 and NLGI 000 at 445–475 in tenths of a millimeter, meaning higher grades are firmer and better suited to tighter application needs.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Megan Gallagher. (2026, February 13). Grease Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/grease-industry-statistics
MLA
Megan Gallagher. "Grease Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/grease-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Megan Gallagher. 2026. "Grease Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/grease-industry-statistics.
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