Global Oleochemicals Market Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 7.2%

Introduction

Oleochemicals are organic substances from tropical and animal oils, including soy, sunflower, palm, tallow, lard, and fish. Oleochemicals include creating essential oleochemical substances such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, glycerine, and methyl esters. Alcohol ethoxylates, alcohol sulfates, alcohol ether sulfates, quaternary ammonium salts, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, structured triacylglycerols, sugar esters, and other oleochemical intermediates are formed from the essential oleochemical components. Oleochemicals may be substituted for petrochemicals obtained from petroleum. Oleochemicals exhibit low toxicity, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness and quickly replace conventional petrochemicals.

Market Dynamics

Easy Availability of Raw Materials Drives the Global Market

The global production of oils and fats has increased dramatically in recent years. These resources are abundant or may be easily farmed (virgin vegetable oils) or inexpensively obtained (waste vegetable oils and animal fat) in practically every region globally. In the production of industrial chemicals, oleochemicals are becoming increasingly popular due to their ecological and monetary benefits. This explains the research interest in oleochemicals as one of the most cost-effective and widely accessible alternatives to various industrial chemicals, including petrochemicals. Fatty acids, methyl esters, fatty alcohols of these fatty acids, glycerol, and fatty amines are fundamental oleochemicals. Using tropical and non-edible oils instead of refined vegetable oil in production has greatly reduced the cost of oleochemical processes. In addition to minimizing the production process's environmental impact, converting waste materials into industrial fuels and chemicals stimulates market growth.

Increasing Demand for Green Chemicals Creates Tremendous Opportunities

The market is driven by rising consumer knowledge of renewable oleochemicals and environmental concerns. Current trends indicate that the price increases of petrochemicals stimulated the development of green chemicals. Green chemicals include those derived from renewable resources. The market for green chemistry is projected to surpass the market for conventional chemicals over the forecast period. In addition, businesses are decreasing their usage of hazardous substances, developing safer products, and reducing the negative impact of their products on human health and the environment. Increasing crude oil prices and more stringent environmental regulations encourage firms to adopt green chemicals to offset the capital expenditures required to replace existing equipment and establish new facilities. These characteristics would generate profitable market opportunities.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific is the most substantial global oleochemicals market shareholder and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.89% over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is a large producer and user of oleochemicals used in products such as personal care and cosmetics, soaps and detergents, and pharmaceuticals. Asia will dominate global production and consumption during the projection period. In addition, Malaysia and Indonesia manufacture palm oil-derived oleochemicals, such as fatty acids and fatty alcohols. They have drawn investments from most of the world's largest corporations, including Emery Oleochemicals, Wilmar, and BASF. This situation has altered substantially during the past few years. Nowadays, most manufacturing units are located in Asia-Pacific, and this region is also adding new capabilities. The extensive offshore manufacturing operations from Europe and North America to Asia-Pacific nations can be linked to the availability and affordability of labor.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.49% over the forecast period. Due to EU rules prohibiting synthetic chemicals in personal care and cosmetics, and food and beverage products, Europe is the second-largest oleochemical market. In Europe, oleochemicals are predominantly employed in the food and beverage industry. Several personal care and cosmetics manufacturers utilize oleochemicals for their safety and superior nourishing effects. Due to several heart hazards connected with hydrogenated fats, the European Union has updated its regulations and restricted the use of hydrogenated fats and their byproducts. In addition, several manufacturers will replace hydrogenated fats with oleochemicals if hydrogenated fats are restricted, stimulating the market growth of oleochemicals. Similarly, due to imported feedstocks later developed by German firms such as BASF and Emery Oleochemicals, Germany is leading the expansion of the oleochemicals market in Europe.

Key Highlights

• The global oleochemicals market was valued at USD 23.50 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 53.32 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period (2023–2031).
• Based on type, the global oleochemicals market is bifurcated into fatty acids, fatty alcohols, glycerine, methyl ester, and others. The fatty acids segment dominates the global market and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.96% over the forecast period.
• Based on raw material, the global oleochemicals market is divided into animal oil and tropical oils. The tropical oil segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.81% over the forecast period.
• Based on application, the global oleochemicals market is bifurcated into pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics, food and beverage, soaps and detergents, and others. The soaps and detergents segment owns the highest market share and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.82% over the forecast period.
• Asia-Pacific is the most substantial global oleochemicals market shareholder and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.89% over the forecast period.

Competitive Players

1. Croda
2. Evonik
3. BASF
4. Corbion
5. Stepan
6. Nouryon
7. Kao Corporation
8. Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad
9. Cargill
10. Emery Oleochemicals
11. Wilmar
12. Eastman Chemical Company
13. Corbion
14. IOI Oleochemical
15. Sabic
16. Godrej Chemicals
17. Ecogreen Oleochemicals

Recent Developments

• March 2024 - Arkema received the USDA BioPreferred® product label for its Oleris® C7 and C11 oleochemicals. Arkema's selection of innovative biomaterials derived from renewable castor seeds has received authorization to bear the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) BioPreferred® designation. This recognition follows an independent analysis and certification confirming that these materials are produced from biogenic carbon, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2) sourced from the atmosphere.
• February 2024 - The Düsseldorf, Germany-based Emery Oleochemicals revealed that, in its most recent grading, which was finished in January 2024, the company had received the EcoVadis Silver Medal. Emery Oleochemicals LLC is now in the top 15% of companies assessed worldwide because of this accomplishment. Emery Oleochemicals' sustainability pledges, practices, and performance are validated by the EcoVadis methodology, which also offers a practical roadmap for enhancing the company's total ESG impact over time.

Segmentation

1. By Type
   1. Fatty Acid
   2. Fatty Alcohol
   3. Methyl Ester
   4. Glycerol
   5. Others
2. By Raw Material
   1. Animal Oil
   2. Tropical Oils
3. By Applications
   1. Pharmaceuticals
   2. Personal Care and Cosmetics
   3. Food and Beverages
   4. Soap and Detergents
   5. Others
4. By System Type
   1. Gravity-Based
   2. Pressure-Driven