Southeast Asia has become a hotbed of activity in the oleochemicals production space. This is due to a combination of factors: the abundant availability of raw materials, escalating consumer preference for vegetable-based products, and low manufacturing costs.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Southeast Asia Oleochemicals Market, finds that the products manufactured in Southeast Asia are mainly basic oleochemicals that include fatty acids, fatty alcohols and glycerin. In 2013, the revenue of the fatty acid market was $1.26 billion, fatty alcohol was $471.6 million, and refined glycerin was $61.1 million. In 2020, these revenues are expected to increase to $2.74 billion, $1.03 billion, and $131.9 million, respectively.
"All over the world, the demand for fatty acids and fatty alcohols is swelling in end-user industries such as cosmetics, food, plastics, and rubber," said Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials & Food Consultant Sharmila Subramaniam. "Exports of these two derivatives are also on the rise as the products offered by many regional participants, especially those in Malaysia and Indonesia, are competitively priced and highly valued in the global market."
However, the markets are pegged back by the cost of feedstock. The intensifying demand for vegetable-based raw materials has had a substantial bearing on the profit margins of manufacturers, as raw materials account for 80 to 90 percent of the costs of fatty acids or fatty alcohols. Consequently, the frequent fluctuations in the prices of vegetable oils, such as palm oil and coconut oil, ripple into the oleochemicals market.
Oleochemicals manufacturers can manage price volatility and even stoke value creation by integrating their business with upstream plantations. Integration of raw materials and production in the supply chain will not only reduce production cost but ensure that oleochemicals manufacturers have a constant supply of raw materials without compromising their bargaining power over the suppliers.
"As global consumer preference for natural and environment-friendly products continues to rise, demand from markets such as China, India and the United States will drive the Southeast Asian oleochemicals market," concluded Sharmila. "The market will also benefit from emerging applications for all three derivatives – fatty acids, fatty alcohols and glycerin – in the areas of biolubricants, green chemicals, bioplastics, biopolymers, antioxidants and epichlorohydrin."
Southeast Asia Oleochemicals Market is part of the Chemicals Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include: Western European Market for Amino Acids and Specialty Protein Ingredients for Human Applications, Impact of US Shale Gas Boom on Middle East Petrochemical Feedstocks, Global Advanced Lead Acid (ALA) Batteries Market, and Global Automotive Biofuels Market. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
