Succinic Acid Market (2022 - 2030)

Succinic Acid Market Summary

Increasing preference for succinic acid over butane-based maleic anhydride in the production of chemicals, such as succinic anhydride, plastics, diethylmaleate, polymers, fumaric, and glyoxylic acid, which are conventionally manufactured from butane, is anticipated to positively influence the market growth.

Petro-based SA is alpha, omega-dicarboxylic acid from the oxidation of methyl groups of butane to the corresponding carboxyl group. The bio-based variant is produced by the process of fermentation of sugars. The enormous amount of CO2 emission is a major concern for the regulatory authorities in many developed countries. This has resulted in the shift of consumer focus toward organic and bio-derived products. Bio-succinic acid is eco-friendly, which is expected to work in favor of the growth of this market in the forthcoming years.

The global market is highly competitive owing to the presence of various multinational corporations trying to gain a competitive advantage with a strong product portfolio, diversification, distribution network, and business strategies, such as partnerships, joint ventures, and capacity expansions. For instance, in 2017, GC Innovation America opened another succinic acid production plant in Leuna, Germany, and expanded its production capacity to 5000 metric tons.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected every major sector. Most governments of the world had to impose lockdowns and movement restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. This adversely affected the economy of all the major countries. All industries and manufacturing units sustained shutdowns, disrupting the supply chain. Key countries, including France, Italy, Spain, India, and the U.K., witnessed an unfavorable effect on product demand. However, the gradual reopening of various sectors will lead to a stable rise in demand for succinic acid in the global market.

Type Insights

The petro-based type dominated the global market with a revenue share of more than 50.0% in 2021. This is attributed to the use of petro-based succinic acid as an alternative to adipic acid in polyurethane production. The petro-based variant is produced from the oxidation of methyl groups of butane to the corresponding carboxy group. It finds a wide range of applications including in the production of plasticizers and flavor enhancers in a variety of packaged food items. The increasing demand from industrial, personal care, and food & beverage industries is expected to fuel the segment growth.

The bio-based segment is the second-largest revenue contributor. Increasing health consciousness among consumers and the rising focus of the governments on environmental concerns have created a large barrier to the market growth of petro-based products. Increasing preference for succinic acid over butane-based maleic anhydride in the production of chemicals such as fumaric acid, succinic anhydride, plastics, diethylmaleate, polymers, and glyoxylic acid, which are conventionally manufactured from butane, is also anticipated to positively influence the demand for a bio-based product.

End-use Insights

The industrial -use segment dominated the succinic acid market with the largest revenue share of more than 39.0% in 2021. This significant share of the segment can be attributed to the increasing use of the products, such as 1,4-butanediol (BDO), polyurethane, and tetrahydrofuran, in various industries where succinic acid is the primary raw material. BDO is used for manufacturing tetrahydrofuran, which is not only used as a solvent in the chemical industry but also as a significant raw material for the production of spandex. Spandex has exceptional elasticity and strength. High demand for this material is in turn expected to contribute to the growth of this segment.

The coatings segment held the second-largest revenue share in 2021, attributed to the rising demand from the construction and automotive industries. Succinic acid is widely used as a raw material in coatings as it provides hardness, a quick cure ratio, and shine to the surface. Improving infrastructure due to increased government spending in countries like the U.S., India, and China is expected to further fuel the demand. Rising construction activities and rapid urbanization are also expected to drive the demand. The shifting of the automotive manufacturing industry from Europe to parts of Asia Pacific is likely to develop the automotive industry in this region and propel the demand for coatings.

Regional Insights

Europe dominated the market in 2021 and accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 35.5% 2021. This growth is attributed to the rising healthcare and agricultural sectors in the region. Europe is expected to witness a stagnant product demand due to the growing preference for bio-based products among consumers as a drop-in replacement.

In Europe, succinic acid is extensively used in the personal care & cosmetics industry. Europe is home to many cosmetic brands, such as Unilever and P&G, which is a key contributing factor to the growth of this regional market. The strong presence of aircraft manufacturers in various parts of Germany and the U.K. has led to the growth of the aerospace sector.

North America accounted for the second-largest revenue share of the global market in 2021. This can be attributed to the presence of various opportunities to build and expand new production facilities in the region. The production of succinic acid from the microbial conversion of renewable feedstock has piqued interest in North America as a means to achieve sustainable development in this era of petroleum scarcity.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The presence of many multinational players has resulted in high competition in the market. These companies are keen on expanding their operations in untapped markets to generate higher revenues. They are following various business strategies to establish a widespread dealer network, a strong customer database, and a variety of products to gain an advantage over other players. Companies, with the help of technological advancements, are also trying to adapt to innovative production techniques to gain maximum profit with minimal input and investment. For instance, in 2019, BASF SE launched a novel technique based on crude glycerol and whey permeate for effective succinic acid synthesis. Some prominent players in the global succinic acid market include:

• BASF SE

• GC Innovation America

• Parchem

• Dow Chemicals

• Ernesto Ventos S.A.

• The Chemical Company

• Kawasaki Kasei Chemicals Ltd.

• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Succinic Acid Market