Global Acrolein Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2024-2032)

Acrolein Market Trends

Rising demand for downstream chemicals, water treatment, and sustainable practices drives market growth.

Acrolein is an important intermediate for chemical products, including acrylic acid, methionine, and glycerol. These products bolster the demand from various sectors like automotive, healthcare, and building. It also finds extensive applications in the water treatment system as a biocide that controls microorganisms. It is thus vital for industries like power generation and oil & gas and hence propels the acrolein demand growth. Growing environmental concerns have led to a move toward bio-based production techniques, which use renewable feedstocks to limit the environmental impact of acrolein production and lessen dependency on fossil fuels.

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Industry News

April 2024

DAICEL Corporation and ITRI signed a Virtual Accelerator Service Agreement to support Taiwan-based startups, focusing on business development and commercialization of DAICEL’s research technologies and innovations.

November 2022

Arkema launched bio-attributed acrylic monomers and specialty additives, certified under ISCC+ mass-balance framework, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable materials and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Historical Market Analysis

By implementing more environmentally friendly production techniques, such the glycerol dehydration process, which lessens reliance on petroleum-based feedstocks, the major players in the market have surmounted long-standing acrolein market challenges. Technological developments in process optimization and catalyst efficiency have also increased manufacturing yields while reducing costs. To be competitive in a changing global market, businesses are also concentrating on creating environmentally acceptable acrolein derivatives to satisfy stricter environmental requirements.

Opportunities in the Acrolein Market

Rising demand for biocides, water treatment agents, and sustainable production offers growth.

• Increasing demand for biocides and water treatment agents presents significant growth potential for acrolein producers.
• Growing use of acrolein in agricultural applications, particularly as a pesticide and herbicide, offers expansion opportunities, thus opening up acrolein market opportunities. 
• The shift towards more sustainable production methods, like glycerol dehydration, allows players to cater to environmentally conscious consumers.
• Rising industrialization and urbanisation, especially in developing regions, will drive higher consumption of acrolein in various chemical and manufacturing sectors.

Market Dynamics

Glycerol dehydration method is gaining traction for acrolein production due to sustainability benefits.

Glycerol dehydration process is a new technology that is fast-emerging in the acrolein industry as it offers a much more environmentally friendly, bio-based production approach that is shaping acrolein market dynamics and trends. The glycerol dehydration process yields acrolein from glycerol that is a byproduct from the manufacturing of biodiesel. It is less toxic for the environment than propylene oxidation traditionally and goes against the trend of being much more environmentally friendly. For example, the major chemical manufacturer, Solvay, has adopted this technology, at least partially assuring that acrolein manufactured is as green as can be.

Growth Drivers

Acrolein drives pesticide demand, particularly for herbicides used in global agricultural applications.

The pesticide industry is a primary driver of the acrolein industry. Acrolein is used as a powerful herbicide to control unwanted vegetation in agricultural applications, thereby bolstering the growth of acrolein market. As global demand for food production rises, more farmers use acrolein-containing herbicides to control weeds and maximise crop harvests. This growing need for effective weed control solutions in the agricultural sector is a major factor driving the continuous demand for acrolein, ensuring its widespread use in the pesticide industry.

Market Restraints

Stricter regulations on acrolein could lead to reduced production and market share loss.

The increasing regulation pressure regarding toxic and harmful chemicals represents a significant threat to the acrolein market. Stricter environmental regulations, particularly concerning the use of acrolein in biocides and pesticides, can lead to reduced production and sales.  Manufacturers who fail to innovate with safer alternatives or improve compliance with the environment may face heavy fines, sanctions that may lead to product bans, and lose market share while eroding profitability and growth prospects.

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Acrolein Industry Segmentation

“Acrolein Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

On the basis of product type, the market can be divided into the following:

• Propylene Oxidation Method
• Glycerol Dehydration Method

On the basis of application, the market can be divided into the following:

• Glutaraldehyde
• Biocides
• Pesticide
• Methionine
• Water Treatment Agent
• Others

Based on region, the market can be segregated into:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Acrolein Market Share

By Product Type Analysis

Glycerol dehydration method is expected to account for a sizable portion in the global market.

The propylene oxidation method is increasingly gaining traction in the global acrolein industry as it is more efficient in its practice and widely adopted in the petrochemical industries. It is a cost-effective way to make acrolein on a large scale, thus pushing the acrolein market growth. The glycerol dehydration method is the latest trend in making acrolein due to its sustainability. It then uses glycerol, the byproduct of biodiesel production, and thereby finds a bio-based solution which is in line with the increasing environmental regulations as well as the increasing demand for more environmentally friendly chemical processes.

Market Analysis by Application

Acrolein is predominantly used in glutaraldehyde production for disinfection and sterilisation purposes.

Acrolein is utilised as one of the key precursors in the glutaraldehyde product line. It is used in the form of a bactericidal and fungicidal agent in biocides, mainly to control bacteria and fungi in various industries. As per acrolein industry analysis, in pesticides, acrolein is used as an herbicide controlling unwanted vegetation in agriculture. The intermediate is also used in the form of methionine and represents the primary product in its line involved in animal feed. Acrolein is also used as a water treatment agent as it helps in controlling the growth of algae and bacteria in water systems besides its applications in chemical syntheses and polymer production.

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Acrolein Market Regional Insights

North America Acrolein Market Opportunities

North America is likely to hold a leading position in the global market for acrolein. The United States is anticipated to hold a sizable portion of the market, which can be attributed to the flourishing industrial sector. The United States is also one of the largest importers of acrolein biocide. In addition, acrolein is also considered an important chemical for controlling germs and bacteria in oil wells, liquid hydrocarbon fuels, and water treatment ponds, which further enhances the market value.

Europe Acrolein Market Dynamics

EU's Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy are key drivers in the Europe acrolein industry. These policies encourage sustainable agricultural practices, boosting demand for bio-based chemicals like acrolein in herbicides, pesticides, and water treatment. As part of this shift, companies like BASF are exploring eco-friendly acrolein production methods. This aligns with the EU's goal to reduce carbon emissions and promote circular economies within the chemical and agricultural industries by 2030, driving innovation and demand for sustainable solutions.

Asia Pacific Acrolein Market Trends

The Asia Pacific market for acrolein is seeing increased demand driven by industrial growth and sustainability initiatives. China, India, and Southeast Asian countries are expanding their chemical and water treatment industries, boosting acrolein consumption. For example, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is investing in eco-friendly acrolein production technologies to meet growing demand in water treatment and agriculture. Additionally, India’s focus on expanding its agricultural sector has increased the need for acrolein-based herbicides and biocides, supporting market growth.

Latin America Acrolein Market Insights

In Latin America, the acrolein market share is driven by increasing demand from the chemical manufacturing and water treatment sectors. Countries like Brazil and Argentina are experiencing growth in industrial activities, particularly in agriculture and oil & gas, which require acrolein-based products. According to the Latin American Chemical Industry Association (ALIQ), the region’s chemical industry saw a 3.5% growth in 2022, indicating rising demand for chemical intermediates like acrolein. Additionally, expanding urbanisation is driving water purification requirements across major cities.

Middle East and Africa Acrolein Market Drivers

A key driver of the acrolein market in the Middle East and Africa is the region's growing demand for water treatment solutions. As many countries in the region face water scarcity, acrolein is increasingly used in water treatment chemicals, including algicide and biocide formulations. For instance, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is exploring eco-friendly acrolein derivatives for improving water purification systems, contributing to both industrial growth and addressing the region's water security challenges.

Competitive Landscape

Global acrolein market players are focusing towards higher sustainability and a lower carbon footprint due to bio-based acrolein production. Organisations are investing more into eco-friendly processes and innovative solutions such as bio-based feedstocks and renewable sources which can meet the booming demand for green chemicals. Further, the acrolein companies are focusing on better performance characteristics of derivatives made out of acrolein in water treatment, plastics, and pharmaceuticals to establish themselves in an upper echelon of the consciousness-based business lines.

Key Market Players

Key industry leaders in this market are:

Daicel Corporation is a prominent Japanese chemical company known for its expertise in manufacturing and advancing high-performance materials and industrial products. The company was founded in 1919 as the first producer of celluloid in Japan. Since its foundation, the company has significantly diversified its product portfolio, focusing on the development of cutting-edge materials and technologies across various industries.

Merck KGaA, also known as Merck, is a German multinational pharmaceutical, chemical, and life sciences company. It is one of the oldest pharmaceutical and chemical companies in the world, with a history dating back to 1668. The company has research and development centres, manufacturing facilities, and sales offices worldwide.

Evonik Industries AG, a globally operating German speciality chemicals company, was established in 2007 through the merger of Degussa AG and the speciality chemicals division of the RAG Group. Renowned for its extensive array of inventive products and solutions, Evonik caters to diverse industries. The company specialises in the development and production of advanced materials for diverse sectors, including automotive, electronics, and healthcare. Evonik’s product portfolio also includes polymer materials, high-performance plastics, and composite materials.

Other market players include Hubei Jinghong Chemical Co., Ltd, Puyang ShengHuaDe Chemical Co.,Ltd., Hubei Shengling Technology Co., Ltd., and Hubei Xinjing New Material Co. Ltd, among others.

Recent Developments

January 2024

Evonik launched VISIOMER® HEMA-P 100, a versatile, flame-retardant monomer for coatings and adhesives. Its development, leveraging acrolein derivatives, and offering advanced, sustainable chemical solutions.

September 2023

BASF launched bio-based 2-Octyl Acrylate with 73% bio-content, offering a reduced carbon footprint using its biomass balance approach, alongside a certified ISCC Plus variant.