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Global Renewable Chemical Manufacturing Market Overview
The renewable chemicals sector is witnessing a significant upswing in growth, fueled by increasing demand driven by sustainability efforts, biotechnology innovations, and substantial investments in pilot and large-scale production plants. Past challenges have instilled caution about the widespread adoption of bio-based chemicals, but there's now a clear increase in investment activity evident throughout the industry and its target markets. Stakeholders at every stage of the supply chain are realizing the importance of sustainable operations and are actively pursuing goals aligned with environmental responsibility. This growing sense of urgency highlights a shared dedication to transitioning toward eco-friendlier practices.
Market Introduction
The renewable chemicals sector is seeing swift expansion, fueled by rising interest in bio-based polymers, advancements in technology and innovation, and supportive government policies and regulations. This transition toward renewable chemicals presents a host of environmental and economic advantages, such as lower carbon emissions, improved resource efficiency, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. With global sustainability becoming increasingly important, the renewable chemical manufacturing market is set for continued growth. Furthermore, industry players must address challenges such as cost-effectiveness, scalability of production, and maintaining sustainability in feedstock supply chains to drive revenue growth in this sector.
Industrial Impact
Key players in the renewable chemical manufacturing market are heavily investing in research and development to broaden their product offerings, driving further growth in the sector. These market participants are engaging in various strategic initiatives, such as launching new products, forming contractual agreements, pursuing mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments, and fostering collaborations with other organizations. To thrive in an increasingly competitive market environment, the renewable chemicals industry must deliver cost-effective solutions to expand its reach and sustain growth.
One crucial business strategy employed by manufacturers in the renewable chemicals sector is local manufacturing to reduce operational costs, ultimately benefiting customers and bolstering market presence. Renewable chemicals have recently demonstrated significant medical benefits, further fueling market demand. Major players such as BioAmber (Canada), Corbion (Netherlands), Myriant Corporation (U.S.), Braskem (Brazil), Metabolix Inc. (U.S.), Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (Japan), and BASF SE (Germany) are actively investing in research and development to stimulate market demand.
Established in 1983 and headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, India, Praj Industries Limited is an Indian multinational company specializing in process and project engineering. With offices in South Africa, North America, Thailand, and other countries, Praj Industries offers a range of products, including ethanol plants, water and wastewater solutions, bioproducts, and research services. In July 2020, Praj Industries introduced its Bio-Prism portfolio, which is focused on manufacturing bio-based renewable chemicals and materials (RCM). This portfolio includes various bio-industrial products, with bioplastics being a primary focus, along with cellulose-lignin refinery products and specialty items. The launch of the Bio-Prism portfolio expands Praj Industries' product offerings and is expected to contribute to revenue growth.
Market Segmentation
Segmentation 1: by Application
• Transportation
• Agrochemical
• Food and Beverage
• Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Paints and Coatings
• Detergents and Cleaners
• Industrial
• Others
Transportation to Dominate the Global Renewable Chemical Manufacturing Market (by Application)
In 2022, the bio-based chemicals market was primarily driven by the transportation sector, spurred by the increasing demand for bio-based fuels. As the world's third-largest oil producer and largest oil exporter, Russia's conflict with Ukraine caused a surge in crude oil prices, escalating fuel and gas costs globally. Consequently, nations are increasingly seeking alternatives to fossil fuels to expedite the green transition and reduce dependency. Bioethanol has emerged as a promising solution due to its renewable nature and ability to enhance fuel efficiency while reducing emissions when blended with gasoline and petrol. In response, various countries are considering raising the bioethanol blending mandate to lower fuel prices and promote sustainability. For instance, to reduce the skyrocketing fuel prices in the U.S. caused by the Russian war in Ukraine, Joe Biden presented a new plan to increase the availability of gasoline blended with ethanol derived from corn in April 2022.
Segmentation 2: by Product Type
• Alcohols
• Organic Acids
• Polymers
• Others
Alcohol to Dominate the Global Renewable Chemical Manufacturing Market (by Product Type)
In 2022, the alcohol segment emerged as the dominant force in the renewable chemical manufacturing market, fueled by the escalating demand for alcohol, such as ethanol and methanol, across various sectors. Notably, the transportation and mobility segment has witnessed a notable shift toward the adoption of green methanol, driven by the pressing need to decarbonize the marine industry. Major players such as A.P. Moller – Maersk and Stena have made significant investments in embracing green methanol as a primary fuel for marine vessels. For instance, A.P. Moller – Maersk's substantial agreement with Ørsted in March 2022, securing 300,000 tons of e-methanol annually for its fleet of 12 methanol-powered vehicles, underscores the industry's commitment to sustainability. This strategic move not only addresses the imperative to reduce carbon emissions but also reflects a broader momentum toward greener solutions in the transportation sector.
Segmentation 3: by Feedstocks
• Plant Oil
• Ligno
• Sugar
• Starch
• Biomass
• Others
Plant Oil Segment to Dominate the Global Renewable Chemical Manufacturing Market (by Feedstocks)
In 2022, plant oil feedstock emerged as the dominant force in the bio-based chemical market, driven by several key factors. Plant oils derived from renewable sources, such as soybean, palm, rapeseed, and sunflower, offer a promising solution due to their renewable nature and lower environmental footprint. Moreover, advancements in biotechnology and chemical engineering have enhanced the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of converting plant oils into bio-based chemicals.
Innovative processes, such as enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, have enabled the production of a wide range of bio-based products, including bioplastics, biofuels, and biochemicals, from plant oil feedstocks. These factors collectively propelled plant oil feedstock to the forefront of the bio-based chemical market in 2022, driving its widespread adoption and market dominance.
Segmentation 4: by Region
• North America: U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, U.K., and Rest-of-Europe
• Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia and New Zealand, Indonesia, and Rest-of-Asia-Pacific
• Rest-of-the-World: South America and Middle East and Africa
North America has emerged as a leader in the renewable chemical manufacturing market due to a convergence of influential factors. The region's robust research and development infrastructure, particularly in biotechnology and chemical engineering, enables it to drive innovation and pioneer new products and processes. Moreover, the region benefits from supportive regulatory policies that incentivize sustainability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, fostering investment and market growth.
For instance, as per the Constitutional Rights Foundation, San Francisco implemented a policy to prohibit the use of standard plastic bags commonly employed by supermarkets and major retailers for packaging and other purposes. The policy explicitly mandates that stores wishing to continue using bags must ensure they are exclusively crafted from recyclable paper or biodegradable plastics. Consequently, this regulation is expected to significantly impact the uptake and expansion of renewable chemicals across the U.S.
Recent Developments in the Global Renewable Chemical Manufacturing Market
• NatureWorks LLC, a prominent producer of low-carbon polylactic acid, unveiled its latest fully integrated manufacturing facility for Ingeo PLA Biopolymer in Thailand in November 2022. This expansion significantly bolstered its position in the renewable chemical manufacturing market.
• In September 2022, BASF SE revealed an inventive collaboration with RiKarbon, a startup technology company based in the U.S. RiKarbon possesses patented technology that is capable of transforming bio-waste into bio-based degradable emollients. Leveraging this partnership, BASF plans to utilize its manufacturing facilities to broaden its market reach.
• In October 2021, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, headquartered in Japan, unveiled its ambition to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions throughout its group operations by 2050. A key aspect of this endeavor involves implementing eco-friendly production methods and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The company sees significant potential in the journey toward carbon-free production. At the heart of its plan is a commitment to invest approximately $875 million (100 billion yen) by 2030. These funds will support initiatives such as installing on-site solar panels and constructing a plastics plant designed to utilize spent vegetable oils.
Demand - Driver, Challenge, and Opportunity
Market Driver: Rising Awareness of Sustainable Products to Reduce Pollution
• This heightened awareness significantly influences purchasing decisions, prompting industries to adopt renewable chemicals in response to market demands. Companies are placing greater importance on sustainability to bolster their brand image and meet the evolving expectations of consumers.
• Moreover, stringent environmental regulations further incentivize the adoption of renewable chemicals. As awareness continues to grow, the market experiences consistent expansion, fostering innovation and investment in sustainable practices to address the demand for environment-friendly products.
Market Challenge: High Cost of Production Expenses in Renewable Chemicals
• The renewable chemical manufacturing market faces formidable challenges hindering its growth trajectory. Energy intensity and feedstock expenses contribute significantly, with renewable processes demanding more energy and intricate methods compared to conventional counterparts.
• Renewable chemicals face higher production costs due to complex manufacturing processes, expensive feedstock acquisition, and ongoing technology development. For instance, extracting fermentable sugars from plant material for bio-based chemicals incurs processing expenses. To mitigate these challenges, manufacturers can focus on improving process efficiency, optimizing resource usage, and integrating renewable energy sources into production, ultimately working toward more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Market Opportunity: Growth of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Industry
• The electric vehicle (EV) industry's rapid expansion acts as a significant catalyst for the growth of the renewable chemical manufacturing market. One of the pivotal drivers in this relationship is the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, primarily used in EVs.
• As reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2023, the remarkable growth of the automotive lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is particularly driven by the expansion of electric vehicles worldwide. This surge, exemplified by a 65% increase in battery demand in 2022 alone, signifies a burgeoning market for energy storage solutions, consequently propelling the demand for chemicals integral to battery production.
• The dominance of traditional vehicles (82% market share as reported by IEA report, 2023) presents a substantial opportunity for EV battery chemical manufacturers due to the vast potential for growth as EV adoption rises. With shifting market dynamics favoring EVs and ongoing technological advancements, there's a sustained demand for EV battery chemicals. Manufacturers can capitalize on this by expanding production capacity, investing in R&D for superior battery materials, and diversifying their product offerings. This opportunity positions them to become key players in shaping the future of transportation.
Analyst View
According to Debraj Chakraborty, Principal Analyst, BIS Research, “Driven by increasing environmental concerns and the push toward sustainable practices, the renewable chemical manufacturing market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. The convergence of technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences is creating a fertile ground for innovative solutions and market expansion.”
Renewable Chemical Manufacturing Market - A Global and Regional Analysis
Focus on Application, Product, and Region - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: The Global Renewable Chemical Manufacturing Market encompasses the production of chemicals derived from renewable resources such as biomass, agricultural products, and waste materials. It includes the manufacturing of bioplastics, biofuels, biochemicals, and other sustainable alternatives to conventional petrochemicals. This market is driven by environmental concerns, government regulations promoting sustainability, and technological advancements in renewable energy.
Ans: The global renewable chemical manufacturing market presents several key business opportunities for companies keen on sustainability and innovation. One opportunity lies in the development of cutting-edge processes and technologies that enable the cost-effective production of renewable chemicals from biomass, agricultural products, and waste materials. Meeting the rising demand for sustainable alternatives in various industries, including packaging, automotive, and cosmetics, is another significant opportunity. Collaborating with governments and industries to establish favorable policies and incentives for renewable chemical adoption is crucial. Moreover, expanding market reach and distribution channels to capitalize on the growing consumer preference for environment-friendly products offers a promising avenue for growth and differentiation in this rapidly evolving market.
Ans: Existing market players are increasingly focusing on vertical integration to secure their supply chains and reduce costs while also investing in research and development to drive innovation and enhance product offerings. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with technology providers, raw material suppliers, and downstream industries are being leveraged to expand market reach and accelerate growth in the renewable chemical manufacturing sector.
Ans: A new company entering the global renewable chemical manufacturing market could differentiate itself by specializing in niche renewable chemical products with high demand and limited supply, leveraging advanced and sustainable production processes to minimize environmental impact, and establishing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders across the value chain to enhance market penetration and ensure long-term success.
The following are some of the USPs of this report:
• A dedicated section focusing on the trends adopted by the key players operating in the global renewable chemical manufacturing market
• Competitive landscape of the companies operating in the ecosystem offering a holistic view of the global renewable chemical manufacturing market
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the global renewable chemical manufacturing market at the region and country level and granularity by application and product segments
• Supply chain and value chain analysis
Ans: Stakeholders, including investors seeking insights into emerging opportunities in the renewable chemical manufacturing market, existing companies looking to expand their presence or diversify their product offerings, policymakers, and regulatory bodies interested in promoting sustainability initiatives, and research institutions aiming to further explore the potential of renewable chemicals in addressing environmental challenges, can buy this report.