PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1668607
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1668607
Specialty oleochemicals represent a category of chemical compounds derived from plant-based sources, serving as alternatives to petroleum-based products. These oleochemicals find applications as natural components in various industries, including lubricants, cosmetics, biodegradable polymers, and bio-surfactants, among others.
The key products within the specialty oleochemicals category include specialty esters, fatty acid methyl esters, glycerol esters, alkoxylates, fatty amines, and other derivatives. Specialty esters, for instance, play a vital role in the production of a diverse range of industrial goods. These goods span multiple sectors, including medical applications, automotive and architectural uses, personal care products such as shampoos and cosmetics, as well as skincare items. The versatility of specialty esters makes them valuable in various applications, ranging from personal care and cosmetics to consumer goods, food processing, textiles, paints and inks, industrial processes, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and polymer and plastics additives. Ultimately, these specialty oleochemicals contribute to the formulation and enhancement of products used in industries such as food and beverages, personal care, cosmetics, and more.
The specialty oleochemicals market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides specialty oleochemicals market statistics, including specialty oleochemicals industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a specialty oleochemicals market share, detailed specialty oleochemicals market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the specialty oleochemicals industry. This specialty oleochemicals market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The specialty oleochemicals market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from$30.4 billion in 2024 to $32.55 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased demand for sustainable products, shift towards bio-based raw materials, awareness of environmental impact, regulatory support for renewable resources, diverse applications in end-use industries
The specialty oleochemicals market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $46.87 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising preference for green chemistry, increasing demand in emerging economies, innovation in product development, expanding applications in the healthcare sector, strategic collaborations and partnerships. Major trends in the forecast period include increased use in the food and beverage industry, shift towards bio-based surfactants, technological innovations in oleochemical production, rising application in lubricants and greases, exploration of high-value specialty oleochemicals.
The rising consumer demand for beauty and cosmetics products is expected to drive the growth of the specialty oleochemicals market in the future. Beauty and cosmetic products encompass various ingredients, textures, fragrances, and packaging. Oleochemicals, derived from natural sources, are considered safe for use in these products. The growing consumer preference for organic and safe options is likely to boost the incorporation of oleochemicals in beauty and cosmetics. For instance, in July 2024, the British Beauty Council, a UK-based non-profit organization focused on addressing shared challenges in the beauty industry, reported that the personal care sector contributed a total of $35.34 billion to GDP in 2023, marking an 11% increase compared to 2022. Thus, the increasing consumer demand for beauty and cosmetics is fueling the growth of the specialty oleochemicals market.
The expanding pharmaceutical sector is significantly contributing to the growth of the specialty oleochemicals market. The pharmaceutical industry employs specialty oleochemicals in the production of excipients, emulsifiers, and various other ingredients. For instance, in July 2024, the European Commission, the primary executive arm of the European Union based in Belgium, reported that pharmaceutical production in the EU rose from $39.08 billion in 2021 to a peak of $47.76 billion in 2023. Additionally, it projected an overall increase in prescription drug spending of 4.0% to 6.0% in 2022, with spending in clinics and hospitals expected to rise by 7.0% to 9.0% and 3.0% to 5.0%, respectively, compared to 2021. Therefore, the ongoing growth of the pharmaceutical sector is driving the expansion of the specialty oleochemicals market.
Major companies in the specialty oleochemicals market are concentrating on developing innovative products, such as performance polyols, to enhance product performance, improve sustainability, and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions across various industries. Performance polyols are specialized polyols designed to improve the properties and processing of polyurethane formulations, enhancing characteristics such as flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. For instance, in May 2023, Emery Oleochemicals, a US-based manufacturer of high-performance, natural-based specialty chemicals, launched INFIGREEN 420R. This recycled content polyester polyol, derived from post-industrial waste, aims to enhance sustainability in specialty oleochemicals. It possesses autocatalytic properties, making it well-suited for various urethane systems, while its unique backbone ensures excellent mechanical and hydrolytic resistance.
Major players in the specialty oleochemicals market are focusing on the development of new technologies for sustainable oleochemical production. Oleon, a Belgium-based chemicals manufacturing company, exemplifies this trend by introducing an innovative plant in Oelegem, Belgium, in June 2023. This plant operates solely on naturally occurring proteins (enzymes), reducing waste and significantly lowering CO2 emissions in the production of enzymatic esters for applications in the food and cosmetics industries, among others. The plant's operation is based on "enzymatic esterification," a process using naturally occurring building blocks, such as proteins or enzymes. This cutting-edge technology was developed as part of the INCITE European research program, involving collaboration between Oleon, seven other businesses, academic institutions, and research organizations.
In October 2024, Oleon, a Belgium-based producer of sustainable oleochemicals, acquired Azevedo Oleos for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to bolster Oleon's position in the specialty oils market by enhancing its capabilities in producing high-quality, natural-based products for a variety of applications. Azevedo Oleos is a Brazil-based provider of oleochemicals.
Major companies operating in the specialty oleochemicals market include Evonik Industries AG, Vantage Speciality Chemicals Inc., Emery Oleochemicals LLC, Wilmar International Ltd., Kao Corporation, Ecogreen Oleochemicals GmbH, Oleon NV, IOI Corporation Berhad, KLK OLEO, Corbion NV, Godrej Industries Limited, Alnor Oil Co Inc., Ferro Corporation, Global Ecogreen Oleochemicals, Pan Century Oleochemicals, Timur Oleochemicals Malaysia, Pacific Oleochemicals Sdn Bhd, The Procter & Gamble Company, Musim Mas Holdings, VVF LLC, Evyap Sabun Yag Gliserin San ve Tic A.S., Lubrizol Corporation, Emerald Performance Materials LLC, Koster Keunen Inc., Sasol Inc.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the specialty oleochemicals market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the specialty oleochemicals market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the specialty oleochemicals market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain
The specialty oleochemicals market consists of sales of oleochemicals derived from rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, and palm oil. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Specialty Oleochemicals Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on specialty oleochemicals market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for specialty oleochemicals ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The specialty oleochemicals market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.