Introduction
The global Ethyl Lactate Market is experiencing substantial growth and is projected to expand significantly from USD 3.3 Billion in 2023 to approximately USD 6.3 Billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. This expansion is driven by the escalating demand for eco-friendly solvents across various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care, where ethyl lactate is valued for its non-toxic and biodegradable properties.
The market’s popularity is further bolstered by its applications in adhesives, inks, and cleaners, where ethyl lactate is preferred for its efficacy and environmental safety. Moreover, advancements in production technologies that enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency are expected to propel market growth during the forecast period. These innovations help mitigate the traditionally high production costs associated with ethyl lactate, making it more competitive against conventional solvents.
Opportunities for market expansion are particularly notable in the packaging sector, which is seeing increased usage of ethyl lactate due to its effectiveness as a solvent and plasticizer. The demand in this segment is anticipated to grow, further driven by the broadening applications in food packaging where safety and sustainability are paramount.
Key Takeaways
- By grade, the Ethyl Lactate market was dominated by the Food Grade segment, with a market share of 39.2% in 2022. Owing to its natural origin and alignment with sustainability.
- By end-use industry, the Ethyl Lactate market was dominated by the Food & Beverage segment, with a market share of 39.2% in 2022. Owing to its safety approvals and extended shelf-life.
- In 2022, APAC dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 36.1% because of the robust industry growth and cost-effective production.
Ethyl Lactate Statistics
- Three types of ethyl lactate are produced; better purity is indicated by a higher selling price. between $1.60 to $2.10 a pound.
- With a yearly market value of 20 million pounds, ethyl lactate has been used in high-end electronics and specialized chemicals.
- 561 million pounds of ethyl lactate production would be the break-even point, where the price of the raw material would surpass the cost of operation, even if the price of oats is $0.055 per kilogram compared to the price of maize ($0.067 per kilogram).
- In 2001, it was estimated that the domestic ethyl lactate market was worth between 30 and 40 million pounds annually.
- Major equipment costs were determined using capacities ranging from 50 million pounds per year for a finished ethyl lactate manufacturing plant to 250 million pounds per year.
- On these materials, we demonstrated that mild circumstances can provide moderate ethyllactate yields (≈70%), with productivities that rely on the experimental conditions (≥500 g EL/kg cat h).
- The liquid form of ethyl lactate is transparent, colorless, and has a slight smell. 115 °F is the flash point. Both soluble in water and denser than water. heavier than air vapors.
- Many antiacne remedies also use ethyl lactate as an active ingredient. It is also used to make lacquers, paints, enamels, varnishes, safety glass, stencil sheets, flavorings, and cosmetic formulations (0.2%).
- HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: When tested at 8% in petroleum, etyl lactate did not cause skin irritation or sensitization in humans.
- Irritation: In a 48-hour closed-patch test on human volunteers, ethyl lactate at 8% in petrolatum did not cause any irritation.
- One person who used an antiacne soap with 10% ethyl lactate as the active ingredient developed allergic contact dermatitis.
- Four lactate esters have been the subject of subacute inhalation experiments at concentrations of 600 mg/cu m or above.
- All investigations observed both regenerative and degenerative changes in the nasal cavity. 200 mg/cu m was the NOAEL in the ethyl, n-butyl, and isobutyl-l-lactate vapor investigations.
- Fruits and vegetables contain ethyl lactate. A vapor pressure of 3.75 mm Hg at 25 °C suggests that ethyl lactate will only exist as a vapor in the atmosphere if it is discharged into the environment.
- When ethyl lactate was applied at a mean concentration of 1.88 mg/L, the Closed Bottle screening test revealed that it displayed 22% of its theoretical BOD after 5 days and 75% of its theoretical BOD after 28 days.
- Ethyl lactate was found to be 36% of its theoretical BOD after 5 days and 85% of its theoretical BOD after 28 days when applied at a mean concentration of 4.0 mg/L.
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Emerging Trends
- Emerging trends in the ethyl lactate market are highlighting its growing appeal as a sustainable solvent across various industries due to its biodegradable and non-toxic nature. One of the key trends is the development and increasing adoption of bio-based ethyl lactate, which is derived from renewable resources like corn. This shift is aligned with the broader industry trend towards more environmentally friendly production processes and products.
- Additionally, ethyl lactate is gaining traction in the personal care and cosmetics industry, where it’s valued for its effectiveness as a solvent and its low toxicity, making it suitable for skin care and hair care products. This trend is supported by growing consumer demand for products that are both effective and gentle on the environment and personal health.
- In the food and beverage sector, ethyl lactate is being increasingly utilized as a flavor enhancer and preservative due to its ability to dissolve a variety of substances, which helps in stabilizing flavors and preserving freshness. This application is expected to see growth, particularly in regions with stringent regulations regarding food safety and environmental impact.
Use Cases
- Food and Beverage Industry: Ethyl lactate is widely used as a flavor enhancer and preservative due to its ability to inhibit microbial growth, which helps extend the shelf life of perishable items like sauces, dressings, and baked goods. Its properties make it an effective mold inhibitor in bakery products, contributing to its significant market share in this sector.
- Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, ethyl lactate serves as a solvent for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients. Its role is crucial in the production of high-quality pharmaceutical products, particularly in Germany, which has a robust pharmaceutical sector.
- Personal Care and Cosmetics: Due to its low toxicity and adaptability in formulations, ethyl lactate is used in various personal care products, including skincare and haircare solutions. It’s valued for its effectiveness in formulations ranging from cleansers to exfoliants.
- Paints and Inks: Ethyl lactate is employed as a solvent in the production of paints and inks due to its ability to dissolve other substances effectively. This use case is supported by its growing demand in the paints and coatings segment.
- Electronics: The compound is also utilized in the electronics industry, where its properties are beneficial in manufacturing processes that require solvents.
Key Players Analysis
Merck KGaA plays a significant role in the ethyl lactate market, particularly noted for its contribution to the sector’s growth and its market share of 2.18% as of 2023. The company focuses on leveraging ethyl lactate primarily for its pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications, taking advantage of the solvent’s non-toxic and environmentally friendly properties. This aligns with the broader industry trend towards sustainable and safer product formulations, enhancing Merck’s competitive edge in both these vital sectors.
Corbion N.V. has established itself as a leader in the ethyl lactate market, particularly renowned for its high-purity, biobased solvents designed for the microelectronics industry. Their product, PURASOLV ELECT, is tailored for advanced applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, where it is used as a photoresist solvent, thinner, and for edge bead removal. Corbion’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their production of ethyl lactate, which is 100% biobased and biodegradable, aligning with their broader corporate strategy to advance eco-friendly solutions across industries.
Thermo Scientific Chemicals is actively engaged in the ethyl lactate sector, focusing on the production of high-purity ethyl L-lactate, a compound widely recognized for its green solvent properties due to its biodegradability. This product finds extensive applications in various industries, including the preparation of food additives, pharmaceutical formulations, and the production of nitrocellulose and cellulose ethers. Thermo Scientific offers ethyl L-lactate in several quantities, ensuring adaptability for both small-scale laboratory needs and larger industrial applications. Their ethyl L-lactate is praised for its quality and consistency, making it a preferred choice for companies seeking sustainable and effective solvent solutions.
Spectrum Chemical Manufacturing Corp. specializes in producing high-quality ethyl lactate, among other chemicals. Ethyl L-Lactate, a key product, is marketed primarily as a solvent for various industrial applications due to its effectiveness and biodegradable nature. The company promotes this chemical under its extensive catalog of laboratory and production chemicals, showcasing its application in diverse sectors from pharmaceuticals to specialty manufacturing processes. With a focus on quality and compliance, Spectrum ensures that their ethyl lactate meets rigorous standards, catering to a broad range of professional needs in the chemical industry.
Vigon International, LLC, actively participates in the ethyl lactate market as a prominent supplier of this versatile solvent, which is known for its eco-friendly properties. Positioned as a specialty ingredient supplier, Vigon offers ethyl lactate primarily for flavor and fragrance applications, showcasing its commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable solutions. The company leverages its expertise to supply ethyl lactate, ensuring product availability with high purity and reliability, catering to a variety of industrial needs. Vigon’s robust supply chain capabilities allow for effective distribution, making it a reliable partner in the ethyl lactate sector.
Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co. Ltd., a prominent player in the ethyl lactate market, leverages advanced microbial fermentation technology to produce high-quality ethyl lactate. Recognized for its environmental sustainability efforts, the company focuses on producing ethyl lactate that is widely utilized in food flavors, pharmaceutical intermediates, and as a green solvent in industrial applications. With a commitment to efficient and eco-friendly production processes, Henan Jindan continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, aligning with global demand for safer and more sustainable chemical solutions.
Tokyo Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. (TCI) is a prominent supplier in the ethyl lactate sector, offering high-purity ethyl lactate used across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing. Known for its purity levels exceeding 98%, TCI’s ethyl lactate acts as a versatile solvent, aiding in flavor enhancement, cleaning solutions, and as a carrier in pharmaceutical formulations. Its biodegradable properties align with the market’s increasing demand for eco-friendly solvents, reinforcing TCI’s position in green chemistry applications.
Musashino Chemical Laboratory Ltd. is a prominent player in the ethyl lactate market, leveraging its expertise in lactate derivatives to provide high-purity, eco-friendly solvents. Their ethyl lactate, available in industrial and electronic grades, is utilized extensively in applications requiring stringent purity standards, such as semiconductor manufacturing and LCD panel cleaning. Known for its low toxicity and biodegradability, Musashino’s ethyl lactate offers an environmentally friendly solution across industries including pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial cleaning, positioning it as a versatile option in green chemistry advancements.
Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. has established itself as a prominent producer of bio-based chemicals in India, including ethyl lactate, derived from renewable sources. Known for its commitment to green chemistry, the company utilizes sugarcane as a key feedstock in its Maharashtra and Karnataka facilities, which allows it to manufacture sustainable solvents like ethyl lactate. This compound is valued in applications across electronics, food, and cleaning products due to its low toxicity and biodegradability, aligning with global demand for eco-friendly solutions in industrial and consumer products.
Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co. Ltd. specializes in environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials, with a focus on lactate esters like ethyl lactate. Leveraging its research capabilities, Esun produces high-purity ethyl lactate, which serves as a green solvent for applications in food preservation, personal care, and industrial cleaning. Esun’s ethyl lactate products align with the rising demand for bio-based, non-toxic solvents, making it an essential supplier in sustainable chemical manufacturing for multiple industries.
Otto Chemie Pvt. Ltd., an India-based chemical manufacturer, produces high-purity ethyl lactate, primarily used as a solvent and water-rinsable degreaser. Known for its eco-friendly and biodegradable properties, ethyl lactate from Otto Chemie is applied across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and coatings, where it serves as a safer alternative to conventional solvents. With ISO 9001 and GMP certifications, Otto Chemie emphasizes quality control, providing ethyl lactate in bulk and semi-bulk quantities to meet growing industrial demand both domestically and internationally.
Aurochemicals, a leader in natural flavor and fragrance ingredients, actively engages in the ethyl lactate sector by producing high-purity, food-grade ethyl lactate. Known for its eco-friendly properties and pleasant fruity aroma, Aurochemicals’ ethyl lactate is widely used as a solvent and flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry, as well as in cosmetics for personal care applications. This aligns with growing consumer demand for biodegradable and low-toxicity ingredients in multiple industries, driving Aurochemicals to prioritize sustainability and natural product standards in its offerings.
Vertec BioSolvents Inc. specializes in producing bio-based, eco-friendly solvents with a strong focus on ethyl lactate, marketed as VertecBio EL. This solvent, derived from renewable sources, is fully biodegradable and is used widely in applications ranging from industrial cleaning to personal care formulations. Known for its high performance and low vapor pressure, VertecBio EL serves as a green alternative to traditional petroleum solvents, making it ideal for removing inks, adhesives, and paint. Additionally, its safety profile aligns with FDA standards, supporting its use as a flavor additive in food applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ethyl lactate market is experiencing substantial growth due to its eco-friendly properties and versatility across various industries. As a biodegradable and non-toxic solvent, ethyl lactate is increasingly favored in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care, where it improves product safety and environmental sustainability.
Advances in production technologies are also making ethyl lactate more cost-effective, thus increasing its competitive edge against traditional solvents. With ongoing innovations and growing market demand, ethyl lactate is set to play a pivotal role in the global shift towards sustainable and safer chemical solutions. This trend is supported by increasing regulatory support for bio-based products, which further drives the adoption of ethyl lactate across diverse applications. As industries continue to prioritize sustainability, the ethyl lactate market is well-positioned for continued expansion and innovation.
Sources:
- https://www.ou.edu/class/che-design/a-design/projects-2003/ETHYL%20LACTATE%20PRODUCTION-SUMMARY.pdf
- https://ri.conicet.gov.ar/bitstream/handle/11336/43102/CONICET_Digital_Nro.53362e4f-1f1e-47fd-a0c0-d6b424eab304_A.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=n
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ethyl-lactate#section=Environmental-Biodegradation
- https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/methods/osha-pv2081.pdf
