Global Octadecanedioic Acid Market Size, Trend & Opportunity Analysis Report, by Application (Polyester Polyols, Cosmetics, Powder Coatings, Lubricating Oils, Others), and Forecast, 2024–2035

Market Definition and Introduction

The global Octadecanedioic Acid market was valued at USD 8.98 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 14.42 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.40% during the forecast period (2024–2035). The more sustainable dimension of the chemical industry, along with formulary performance, has carved for octadecanedioic acid, or ODDA, a steady niche as a chemical with high strategic value. Petrosourced or produced by biotechnological means to an increasing degree, these UDDAs attract attention for their apparent structural wonders and agreement with green chemistry calls. The range of their applications includes polyester polyols used in hi-tech polymers to lubricating bafflingly engineered for high-performance machinery, with ODDA marking a key enabling factor in both industrial and consumer-facing scenarios.

PPs are at the forefront of demand, wherein ODDA acts as an essential feedstock, conferring mechanical durability and thermal stability for coatings and adhesives at the ready. Cosmetic manufacturers can now merge efficacy and safety in products targeting eco-conscious consumers, largely thanks to ODDA's biobased derivatives. Powder coatings represent one of the fastest-growing markets for industrial and automotive applications, and ODDA-based systems enjoy good acceptance thanks to hardness, adhesion, and corrosion resistance. The ODDA application in lubricating oils is another emerging route, as the ODDA molecular structure imparts oxidative stability and reduces volatility, which is crucial for next-generation lubricants in a high-temperature operational environment.

Today's marketplace toward ODDA are its unique properties and the strategic investments being funnelled toward its synthetic biology-based platform. Corporations are essentially reinventing renewable feedstocks, positioning ODDA as a biobased replacement for conventional long-chain dicarboxylic acids while balancing performance requirements with global decarbonization demands. With tightening regulatory frameworks around hazardous substances and the rising importance of sustainability certifications, ODDA stands poised as a key player that integrates high-performance chemistry with environmental responsibility. This transition is inversely transforming sourcing strategies, reorienting R&D portfolios, and paving the way for commercialisation across the board.

Recent Developments in the Industry

In March 2024, The expansion of Croda International Plc's investment into bio-based ODDA manufacturing facilities, along with new biotechnology processes, was completed for scaling sustainable feedstock for coatings and cosmetics applications.

In May, BASF released a new family of polyester polyols based on ODDA, promising very good thermal stability, adhesion, and gloss retention for applications in both industrial coatings and automotive.

In August 2023, Cathay Biotech Inc. announced that it has put into operation a large-scale fermentation facility in China dedicated to ODDA and related diacids that it intends to use to target global markets with cost-competitive bio-based solutions.

In February 2024, Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. entered into a collaboration with lubricant producers to formulate oil lubricants that contain ODDA, which have lower volatility and a better environmental footprint.

In January 2025, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. announced its latest research and development program that focuses on the use of ODDA as precursors for skin and personal care formulations. This has been introduced in response to the demand for safer high performance active ingredients.

Market Dynamics

Trends in sustainable chemistry promote ODDA pricing across industries.

The prevalent kinds of bio-based chemicals and responsible feedstocks have been driving the exceptional demand for ODDA. In view of such end-user industries as cosmetics and coatings that are contesting the carbon footprint challenges, ODDA presents an opportunity to bind sustainability with no compromise of performance. One of the offshoots of the global changeover to renewable resources has been biotechnological innovations, which allow ODDA manufacturers to develop products for various industrial applications.

Regulatory frameworks are intensifying demand for substances that are perceived as being less toxic and environmentally compliant.

Above and beyond the rigorous regulatory regime governing chemicals in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, manufacturers have been forced to reformulate and redesign products to comply with safety requirements. At the same time, ODDA, produced through fermentation and other green processes, is fast emerging as a viable and compliant alternative to dicarboxylic acids that are more strongly classified as hazardous. This enhances ODDA's place in such formulations as personal-care products, coatings for industrial use, and even high-performance lubricants, where certification is an issue that really does drive market expansion.

Industrial growth provides consumption impetus for polyester polyols and powder coatings.

Rapid infrastructural growth has, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, spawned demand for high-performance materials in construction, automotive, and packaging industries. The use of ODDA in polyester polyols was fast becoming indispensable due to durable and corrosion-resistant coatings. In the meantime, the demand for powder coatings is enhanced with ODDA's unique molecular properties to enhance the mechanical strength and life of the product, thus giving the manufacturers an eco-compliant, yet durable option.

Long-term challenges include volatility in pricing and the complexity of the technology.

However, the ODDA production chain is burdened by such variables as feedstock availability and production complexity. The sustainable biotechnological process, calling for high capital investments and the use of advanced fermentation systems, usually does not favour the small-scale market. However, these gloss over another area that majorly threatens to bring global supply bottlenecks into existence: that of price volatility in raw material acquisition and its subsistence with only a handful of suppliers. These challenges demand co-operative ventures, vertical integration models, and extensive research and development investments to sustain cost-effective and reliable product upgrading.

Attractive Opportunities in the Market

Bio-based production boom – Increasing investments in microbial fermentation drive bio-based ODDA adoption across industries.
Polyester polyols growth – Expanding infrastructure and automotive demand bolster ODDA-based polyol applications worldwide.
Cosmetic innovation drive – Rising consumer demand for safe, eco-friendly cosmetics fuels ODDA ingredient exploration.
Powder coating expansion – Industrial preference for durable, solvent-free systems accelerates ODDA incorporation in coatings.
Lubricants for high-performance – Demand for stable, low-volatility lubricants creates a niche for ODDA formulations.
Eco-certification advantage – Alignment with REACH and LEED standards enhances ODDA’s commercial attractiveness.
Asia-Pacific industrial surge – Regional growth in construction and automotive strengthens ODDA consumption outlook.
R&D collaborations rise – Joint ventures and partnerships catalyse product diversification and market entry.
Circular economy initiatives – Push for renewable feedstocks and recycling practices expands ODDA applications.
Customised formulation demand – Industry-specific ODDA blends open pathways for tailored high-value product launches.

Report Segmentation

By Application: Polyester Polyols, Cosmetics, Powder Coatings, Lubricating Oils, Others

By Region: North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), LAMEA (Brazil, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia (KSA), Africa Rest of Latin America)

Key Market Players

Croda International Plc, Cathay Biotech Inc., Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc., BASF SE, Verdezyne, Inc., TCI Chemicals, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Henan Tianfu Chemical Co., Ltd., Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., and Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.

Report Aspects

Base Year: 2024
Historic Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
Forecast Period: 2024-2035
Report Pages: 293

Dominating Segments

Polyester polyols are the major consumers of ODDA in the industrial coatings and adhesives area.

For ODDA, usages in polyester polyols are the most significant application segment in view of their immediacy in coatings, adhesives, and elastomers. Structural integrity, thermal stability, and resistance bestowed by ODDA ensure better performance even in high-demand applications. In line with durability and corrosion resistance needs that would spring from the construction and automotive industries, the role of ODDA in polyester polyols would also step up gradually, along with technological improvements in polyol synthesis.

Cosmetic segment-building for bio-based ODDA innovation

Cosmetics are probably the fastest-growing area of application among those geared toward ODDA, mainly because of consumer proclivity to sustainable personal-care solutions. These attributes have made the ingredients of ODDA promising for skin-care and beauty formulations: safety, biodegradability, and their functional benefits. Tailored cosmetic blends are opening doors for market gain within this segment as Tokyo Chemical Industry and Santa Cruz Biotechnology invest heavily in R&D.

Increased usage of powder coatings strengthened by eco-friendly and performance requirements

Powder coatings have become an important consumer of ODDA due to the fact that they are solvent-free, have high durability, and superior adhesion properties. This makes ODDA applicable in these coatings, especially with the increased regulatory push towards low-VOC products, and also offers mechanical strength crucial for automotive, industrial, and architectural uses. As manufacturers increase their volumes of eco-friendly coatings, it is expected that ODDA will have a considerably increasing presence in this segment over the period of forecast period.

Lubricating oils are a potential niche application with high growth potential.

Although presently a relatively minor segment for lubricating oils, growth is expected to occur rapidly, again because of the unique chemical structure of ODDA, resulting in very high stability against oxidation and very low volatility. Those characteristics are of great importance with respect to next-generation lubricants, particularly for high-temperature industrial equipment and automotive engines. In the wake of global industry efforts toward more efficient and more sustainable machinery maintenance, ODDA-based lubricants will gradually track an upward trend and thereby widen the range of applications for this versatile acid.

Key Takeaways

Polyester polyols lead – ODDA remains vital for coatings, adhesives, and elastomer formulations worldwide.
Cosmetics surge ahead – Bio-based ODDA derivatives support safer, eco-conscious personal-care product development.
Powder coatings rise – Growing demand for solvent-free, durable coatings accelerates ODDA uptake across industries.
Lubricant applications grow – High-performance oils with stability and low volatility favour ODDA’s adoption.
Asia-Pacific dominance – Industrial expansion across China and India solidifies ODDA consumption in core industries.
Green chemistry push – Transition toward bio-based ODDA aligns with regulatory and eco-labelling frameworks.
R&D investments climb – Partnerships and innovation expand ODDA’s role across emerging applications.
Sustainability certifications matter – Eco-compliance standards enhance ODDA’s competitiveness in global markets.
Price volatility persists – Raw material fluctuations and fermentation costs challenge scalability for smaller firms.
Emerging opportunities grow – Customised ODDA formulations create value-added opportunities in niche segments.

Regional Insights

North America, propelled by advanced coatings and green R&D, shapes this ODDA market.

North America remains a position of great importance in the international ODDA market, driven by its advanced coatings and lubricants industry. The heavy thrust towards sustainable R&D within the region and the large-scale acceptance of eco-friendly formulations relate quite appropriately to various regulations, including the Clean Air Act. Given the high demand for ODDA in the area of polyester polyols and lubricant innovations, the market in the U.S. is likely to remain a stronghold for the entire duration of the forecasted period.

Europe's lead strengthened by bio-based chemical innovations and regulatory compliance.

Europe is the leader in green chemistry and adoption of ODDA, with companies using fermentation technology to produce bio-based diacids. REACH compliance and the EU Green Deal have both increased demand for safer and renewable feedstocks. Strong uptake of ODDA for coatings, cosmetics, and lubricants is seen in Germany and France, among other countries, backed by strong innovation pipelines and sustainability-driven framework conditions.

Asia-Pacific emerges as the fastest-growing hub for ODDA applications.

The fastest growth in ODDA consumption will be seen in the Asia-Pacific region due to rapid industrialisation, construction expansion, and increasing demand for cosmetics. China and India are spearheading the growth, with ever-growing automotive and infrastructure sectors driving the applications of polyester polyol and powder coatings. The other opportunity for large-scale production of ODDA is being paved by biotechnological investments in the region, thus upholding the Asia-Pacific dominance in global growth trajectories.

LAMEA explores ODDA adoption with rising industrial and consumer-driven opportunities

Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are gradually increasing their footprint in the ODDA market, owing to industrial expansion and rising consumer awareness. Major growth engines include Brazil's construction and automotive sectors, plus industrial lubricant demand from countries in the region of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The region is still in the early stages of ODDA adoption; however, targeted investments in sustainable chemistry and partnerships with global players are creating grounds for long-term growth opportunities.

Core Strategic Questions Answered in This Report

What is the expected growth trajectory of the Octadecanedioic Acid market from 2024 to 2035?

The global Octadecanedioic Acid market is projected to grow from USD 8.98 million in 2024 to USD 14.42 million by 2035, registering a CAGR of 4.4%. This growth is driven by expanding applications in polyester polyols, cosmetics, lubricants, and powder coatings, alongside a surge in bio-based production initiatives.

Which key factors are fuelling the growth of the Octadecanedioic Acid market?

Several key factors are propelling market growth:

Rising demand from the automotive, construction, cosmetics, and lubricant industries
Transition toward sustainable, bio-based chemical alternatives
Increased R&D investments in fermentation technologies and product customisation
Growth of eco-certified and solvent-free product applications
Stringent regulatory frameworks encouraging green chemistry adoption

What are the primary challenges hindering the growth of the Octadecanedioic Acid market?

Major challenges include:

High production costs of biotechnological ODDA processes
Price volatility of petrochemical feedstocks and raw materials
Limited scalability of fermentation technologies in emerging regions
Regulatory barriers in transitioning from petro-based to bio-based ODDA
Supply chain dependencies on a handful of global producers

Which regions currently lead the Octadecanedioic Acid market in terms of market share?

North America currently leads the Octadecanedioic Acid market due to its advanced industrial base, green chemistry innovations, and strong coatings and lubricants demand. Europe closely follows, spearheading bio-based ODDA development under regulatory frameworks, while Asia-Pacific is rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing region.

What emerging opportunities are anticipated in the Octadecanedioic Acid market?

The market is ripe with new opportunities, including:

Expansion of bio-based ODDA fermentation capacity
Rising demand from the Asia-Pacific’s construction and automotive industries
Increasing applications in cosmetics and skin-care formulations
Growth of eco-certified powder coatings and lubricants
Strategic collaborations driving R&D for new performance-driven ODDA products

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

The report offers a quantitative assessment of market segments, emerging trends, projections, and market dynamics for the period 2024 to 2035.
The report presents comprehensive market research, including insights into key growth drivers, challenges, and potential opportunities.
Porter's Five Forces analysis evaluates the influence of buyers and suppliers, helping stakeholders make strategic, profit-driven decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer relationships.
A detailed examination of market segmentation helps identify existing and emerging opportunities.
Key countries within each region are analysed based on their revenue contributions to the overall market.
The positioning of market players enables effective benchmarking and provides clarity on their current standing within the industry.
The report covers regional and global market trends, major players, key segments, application areas, and strategies for market expansion. Show more