Esters are chemical compounds derived from acids by replacing at least one –OH (hydroxyl) group by –O–alkyl (alkoxy) group. Whereas, fatty acid esters are the type of esters that are formed due to the combination of fatty acids and alcohols. Also known as oleochemical substances, fatty acid esters could be natural substitutes to petroleum products and find various applications in biofuels. Vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil, palm oil, and sunflower oil are prominent raw materials used for the production of fatty acid esters. Applications in the manufacture of various products such as surfactants, lubricants, cosmetics, and food are expected to drive the global fatty acid esters market. Furthermore, increasing applications in the paper and pharmaceuticals industries could promise a significant growth of the global market for fatty acid esters.
A report by Transparency Market Research (TMR) estimates that the worldwide market for fatty acid esters could grow to reach a value of US$2.24 bn by the end of 2020.
Various product types of fatty acid esters such as isopropyl palmitate, glyceryl monostearates (GMS), medium chain triglycerides (MCT), sucrose esters, glycol esters, and polyol esters could find numerous applications across a range of industries. Used in the food industry as an emulsifier and a thickening agent, GMS forms a significant market share of the world fatty acid esters market. Using MCT, man-made fats prepared from palm oil, in food items helps to burn calories to reduce weight. Another fatty acid ester produced by palm oil, isopropyl palmitate is used as a thickening agent and emollient in the production of cosmetics such as creams and lotions.
The growing demand from the cosmetic industry for isopropyl palmitate is anticipated to fuel the global market for fatty acid esters. Other product types such as sucrose esters, glycol esters, and polyol esters could account for a relatively smaller market share. Nevertheless, due to growing applications of these esters in industries such as surfactant, pharmaceutical, and paper, they are projected to grow their global annual production in future.
However, GMS could still be a major product in the world fatty acid esters market. It is usually in the form of a hygroscopic, sweet-tasting, odorless, and white flaky powder and finds applications in various markets such as health and personal care, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage. In food production, GMS is engaged as a texture stabilizer, flavor enhancer, and an emulsifier for food products such as instant noodles, biscuits, chewing gums, non-dairy creamers, toffees, caramels, chocolates, candies, pastas, and meats products.
According to the report, the global fatty acid esters market is envisaged to grow at a healthy CAGR with substantial support provided by key regions. The extensive use of fatty acid esters in the food industry may assist Asia Pacific countries to grow at a telling pace. The rising demand from the cosmetics and food industries is forecasted to boost the market for fatty acid esters in not only the Asia Pacific but also North America region. The market for fatty acid esters in Asia Pacific is foreseen to increase owing to a rising demand from the food industry.
In the recent past, North America had dominated the global fatty acid esters market. For the same year, the Europe market had secured a decent share in the fatty acid esters business worldwide. However, Europe is predicted to lose its market share because of volatile prices and strict regulations imposed by European Union (EU) regulation bodies such as Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
The international fatty acid esters market could witness the presence of several prominent players including Cremer Oleo, Chemicals Co. Ltd., Henan Eastar, China Top Chemical (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., and Zhengzhou Dahe Food S&T Co. Ltd.
List of Figures
FIG. 1 Global fatty acid esters: Market segmentation
FIG. 2 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 3 Fatty Acid Esters Market: Value Chain Analysis
FIG. 4 Global Skin Care Market Revenue, 2012-2020 (US$ Bn)
FIG. 5 Global Weight Loss Management Market Revenue, 2012-2020 (US$ Bn)
FIG. 6 Global Crude Oil Price Trend, 2011 – 2014 (US$ Per Barrel)
FIG. 7 Global Soybean Oil Price Trend, 2011 – 2014 (US$ Per Ton)
FIG. 8 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis For Fatty Acid Esters Market
FIG. 9 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market: Company Market Share Analysis (2013)
FIG. 10 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market: Market Attractiveness Analysis, By Application
FIG. 11 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market Volume Share, By Product Segment, 2013 and 2020
FIG. 12 Global Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil Market, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 13 Global Glyceryl Monostearate Market, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 14 Global Isopropyl Palmitate Market, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 15 Global Other Fatty Acid Esters Market, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 16 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market Volume Share, By Application, 2013 And 2020
FIG. 17 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market For Personal Care And Cosmetics, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 18 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market For Lubricants, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 19 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market For Food, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 20 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market For Surfactant, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 21 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market For Other Applications, 2013 – 2020 (Kilo Tons) (US$ Mn)
FIG. 22 Global Fatty Acid Esters Market Volume Share, By Region, 2013 And 2020