| REPORT ATTRIBUTE |
DETAILS |
| Historical Period |
2020-2023 |
| Base Year |
2024 |
| Forecast Period |
2025-2032 |
| Glutaric Acid Market Size 2024 |
USD 325 million |
| Glutaric Acid Market, CAGR |
6.3% |
| Glutaric Acid Market Size 2032 |
USD 529 million |
Market Overview:
The Glutaric acid market size was valued at USD 325 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 529 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.3 % during the forecast period (2024-2032).
Rising pharmaceutical production, particularly in Asia-Pacific and North America, is a primary driver of glutaric acid demand. It plays a crucial role in manufacturing key pharmaceutical compounds used in the treatment of metabolic disorders and neurological conditions. In the polymer sector, the growing preference for bio-based and biodegradable polymers is pushing the demand for glutaric acid as a key building block in polyesters and polyamides. Moreover, increasing utilization in personal care formulations—particularly in pH regulators and cosmetic intermediates—adds another growth dimension. The push for sustainable and cost-effective specialty chemicals has also led manufacturers to explore bio-based synthesis routes for glutaric acid, reinforcing its relevance in green chemistry applications.
Regionally, Asia-Pacific holds the dominant market share due to strong industrial infrastructure, rising pharmaceutical exports, and expanding chemical manufacturing capacity in countries like China, India, and South Korea. Key producers such as Yixing Lianyang Chemical Co., Ltd, Liaoyang Hengye Chemical Co., Ltd, and SR GROUP actively support regional supply. North America follows closely, driven by advanced R&D capabilities, strong demand from pharmaceutical and polymer industries, and established distribution networks. Major players like Ottokemi and Merck KGaA contribute to product availability and innovation. Europe remains a key contributor, supported by environmental regulations promoting biodegradable materials and the presence of leading specialty chemical firms. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to show moderate growth, supported by increasing investments in industrial chemicals and healthcare.
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Market Insights:
- The Glutaric acid market was valued at USD 325 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 529 million by 2032, driven by rising demand across pharmaceutical and polymer sectors.
- Pharmaceutical production is a key growth factor, with glutaric acid serving as a core intermediate in treating metabolic and neurological disorders.
- Demand for biodegradable polymers is rising, with glutaric acid used in polyesters and polyamides across packaging, textiles, and automotive applications.
- Personal care formulations increasingly rely on glutaric acid for pH regulation, product stability, and compatibility with clean-label trends.
- Bio-based production technologies are gaining traction, with manufacturers adopting renewable feedstocks and fermentation methods to reduce environmental impact.
- Market faces raw material price volatility and regulatory pressure, requiring supply chain diversification and investment in compliant infrastructure.
- Asia-Pacific holds the largest share at 43%, followed by North America (26%) and Europe (19%), with regional growth supported by chemical manufacturing, regulatory alignment, and product innovation.
Market Drivers:
Rising Pharmaceutical Applications in Specialty Drug Manufacturing:
The Glutaric acid market is benefiting from its expanding role as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is widely used in the synthesis of compounds for treating metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and in research-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The growing global burden of rare genetic diseases is encouraging greater demand for precision drugs that incorporate glutaric acid derivatives. Pharmaceutical companies are increasing investments in complex chemical synthesis, where glutaric acid serves as a critical building block. Regulatory approvals for niche therapeutic areas are also stimulating product development, supporting consistent consumption of the compound. The market is responding to this trend through improved production scalability and better supply chain integration.
- For instance, A metabolic engineering research team at KAIST successfully developed an engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum strain achieving a world-record titer of 105.3 g/L of glutaric acid from glucose in 69 hours by fed-batch fermentation, without any byproducts, demonstrating its potential for pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis on a large scale.
Surging Demand for Biodegradable Polymers and Sustainable Plastics:
Environmental policies and consumer preferences are driving a shift toward sustainable materials, enhancing the adoption of glutaric acid in polymer production. It plays a vital role in manufacturing polyesters and polyamides used in biodegradable plastic applications. The packaging, textile, and automotive sectors are shifting toward eco-friendly alternatives, where glutaric acid-based polymers offer low toxicity and high compatibility. It contributes to the production of high-performance resins with improved degradation profiles. This application supports compliance with circular economy goals and carbon reduction targets. The Glutaric acid market is capitalizing on this momentum by aligning with sustainability benchmarks.
- For instance, researchers at Saarland University metabolically engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum to produce over 90 g/L of glutaric acid from glucose and molasses-based sugars, enabling the synthesis of fully bio-based nylon-6,5—demonstrating identical structural and thermal properties to traditional nylon.
Growth in Personal Care and Cosmetic Formulation Demand:
The personal care industry is expanding the use of specialty chemicals like glutaric acid for pH adjustment, formulation stability, and active ingredient synthesis. It supports the creation of mild, skin-compatible cosmetic products with better performance and shelf life. Rising demand for clean-label and high-performance skincare solutions is increasing the inclusion of glutaric acid in product formulations. It enables controlled reactivity and formulation consistency, essential for premium cosmetic lines. The Glutaric acid market is gaining from this shift toward ingredient transparency and multifunctional additives. Brands are adopting it to meet consumer demands for quality and safety.
Advancement in Bio-Based Chemical Production Technologies:
The chemical industry is witnessing a transition from petrochemical-derived inputs to bio-based alternatives, favoring the use of glutaric acid in green chemistry. It can be synthesized through biotechnological processes using renewable feedstocks, aligning with industry decarbonization goals. Technological innovation in microbial fermentation and biocatalysis has reduced production costs and improved yield efficiency. Manufacturers are investing in scalable, eco-friendly production methods to meet regulatory expectations and supply chain sustainability metrics. The Glutaric acid market is evolving in response to this trend by partnering with biotechnology firms and research institutions. It supports the development of next-generation bio-intermediates for diverse industrial uses.
Market Trends:
Increased Focus on Bio-Based and Green Chemical Synthesis:
Sustainability is shaping production methods across the chemical sector, with glutaric acid increasingly manufactured through bio-based routes. It is now synthesized using renewable feedstocks such as glucose or bio-oils via microbial fermentation, reducing dependence on petroleum-based raw materials. This shift reflects growing environmental regulation and corporate ESG commitments. Companies are investing in greener alternatives to minimize carbon emissions and reduce chemical waste in industrial processes. The Glutaric acid market is aligning with circular economy practices by promoting low-impact production and lifecycle transparency. Strategic collaborations between chemical producers and biotechnology firms are supporting this transformation at commercial scale.
- Solugen operates a commercial facility in Houston that produces about 12,000 metric tons per year of biobased organic acids including glutaric acid using renewable dextrose as feedstock; its new partnership with ADM will increase annual biobased capacity to 75,000 metric tons at full scale.
Adoption in High-Performance Industrial and Specialty Applications:
Glutaric acid is gaining traction in new industrial applications beyond traditional pharmaceutical and polymer use. It is being explored in battery electrolytes, corrosion inhibitors, and specialty coatings where its molecular stability and reactivity enhance performance. R&D investments are expanding its role in next-generation materials, including nanocomposites and sustainable resins. The Glutaric acid market is responding to demands from advanced manufacturing sectors such as electronics, energy storage, and aerospace. Product innovation and customization are enabling suppliers to meet stringent performance and safety specifications. It continues to attract interest from industries seeking versatile, multi-functional chemical intermediates.
- For instance, glutaric acid cross-linked with polyaspartic acid (PASP) enhanced the corrosion inhibition of Q235 carbon steel by forming a more compact and stable adsorbed inhibitor film, thereby improving protection and reducing the cost and environmental impact of industrial water treatment.
Market Challenges Analysis:
Volatility in Raw Material Supply and Price Fluctuations:
The Glutaric acid market faces significant challenges from fluctuations in raw material availability and pricing. Petroleum-based feedstocks, still used in conventional synthesis, are subject to global oil market instability and supply chain disruptions. This volatility creates cost unpredictability, impacting manufacturing margins and procurement planning. It limits the ability of producers to maintain stable pricing models for end users. Inconsistent availability of bio-based alternatives further complicates production continuity. The market must address these challenges through supply diversification and process optimization.
Stringent Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Constraints:
Evolving environmental regulations and chemical safety standards pose operational hurdles for glutaric acid producers. It requires strict compliance with REACH, EPA, and other regional frameworks governing emissions, toxicity, and safe handling. Meeting these standards involves costly upgrades in manufacturing infrastructure and waste treatment systems. Regulatory delays can slow product development cycles and market entry timelines. The Glutaric acid market must continually adapt to evolving legal frameworks while maintaining product performance. It increases compliance costs and pressures smaller players with limited technical resources.
Market Opportunities:
Expansion Potential in Biodegradable Polymer and Resin Applications:
The shift toward sustainable materials presents strong growth opportunities for glutaric acid in biodegradable polymers and specialty resins. It serves as a key intermediate in producing eco-friendly polyesters and nylons with applications across packaging, textiles, and consumer goods. Rising demand for low-toxicity, high-performance alternatives to traditional plastics is opening new markets. Manufacturers are investing in bio-based product lines where glutaric acid enhances mechanical strength and environmental compatibility. The Glutaric acid market stands to benefit from increased adoption across industries aligning with circular economy principles. It creates long-term value for producers focused on green innovation.
Growth in Specialty Chemicals and Emerging End-Use Sectors:
Expanding use of glutaric acid in high-value specialty chemicals offers untapped commercial potential. It supports the development of corrosion inhibitors, battery components, and advanced surface coatings in automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. Demand for customized, high-purity intermediates is rising with the emergence of next-generation manufacturing technologies. R&D partnerships and end-user collaborations can drive tailored formulations and new application pathways. The Glutaric acid market can leverage these developments to diversify revenue streams and enter premium segments. It provides competitive advantage through technical differentiation and product versatility.
Market Segmentation Analysis:
By Product Form:
The glutaric acid market is segmented into solid and liquid forms. Solid glutaric acid holds the dominant share due to its ease of handling, storage stability, and suitability for bulk manufacturing processes. Liquid form is gaining traction in niche applications where precise formulation and solubility are required, particularly in cosmetics and pharmaceutical suspensions. Manufacturers are optimizing product forms based on end-user specifications and processing needs. It remains a critical factor in logistics and formulation strategies.
- For instance, employing a synthetic microbial consortium in a 5-liter bioreactor enabled the conversion of lysine into 73.2 g/L of glutaric acid with a 74% molar yield, demonstrating the benefits of collaborative cell systems for efficient liquid-phase synthesis.
By Application:
Key applications of glutaric acid include intermediate chemicals, corrosion inhibitors, plasticizers, and others. Intermediate chemicals represent the leading application, with glutaric acid widely used in synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients and polyesters. Corrosion inhibitors and plasticizers are key secondary segments, driven by demand from coatings, construction, and automotive industries. It enables the production of durable, high-performance formulations suited for harsh environments and structural applications. These applications expand the market’s industrial reach and performance relevance.
- For instance, bio-based dioctyl glutarate (DOG) plasticizer, synthesized using C. glutamicum-produced glutaric acid, exhibited comparable flexibility and abrasion resistance to traditional plasticizers in PVC films, delivering production yields as high as 56.0 g/L in pilot-scale fermentation.
By End-Use:
The glutaric acid market serves end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals, polymers, personal care, and specialty chemicals. Pharmaceuticals lead due to increasing reliance on glutaric acid in drug formulation and clinical research. Polymers follow closely with expanding use in biodegradable plastics and engineering resins. Personal care is emerging as a fast-growing end-use, driven by clean-label trends and demand for stable cosmetic ingredients. It remains a versatile compound across industrial and consumer-facing sectors.
Segmentations:
By Product Form:
By Application:
- Intermediate Chemicals
- Corrosion Inhibitors
- Plasticizers
- Coatings and Adhesives
- Others
By End-Use:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Polymers and Resins
- Personal Care and Cosmetics
- Specialty Chemicals
- Research and Laboratories
By Purity Level:
- ≥99% Pure
- 95%–98% Pure
- <95% Pure
By Distribution Channel:
- Direct Sales
- Distributors and Wholesalers
- Online Retail
- Specialty Chemical Suppliers
By Region:
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- U.K.
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- South-east Asia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC Countries
- South Africa
- Rest of the Middle East and Africa
Regional Analysis:
Asia-Pacific :
Asia-Pacific holds 43% market share in the global glutaric acid market, driven by robust chemical manufacturing and expanding pharmaceutical production. China and India lead regional consumption due to high demand in API synthesis, polymer processing, and personal care formulations. It benefits from a large pool of raw materials, competitive production costs, and favorable industrial policies. Domestic companies are scaling bio-based production capabilities to support sustainability mandates. Rising investments in specialty chemicals and healthcare infrastructure continue to fuel regional growth. It strengthens the region’s position as a key supplier and consumer hub for glutaric acid.
North America :
North America accounts for 26% of the global glutaric acid market, supported by advanced R&D capabilities and a strong presence of pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturers. The United States leads regional adoption, backed by high-value drug formulation and polymer innovation. It sees growing application in sustainable materials and personal care product development. Industry collaborations with academic institutions and biotech firms are driving adoption of green synthesis methods. Regulatory support for biodegradable products and clean manufacturing enhances market penetration. It enables regional players to maintain a competitive edge in high-purity and specialized segments.
Europe:
Europe represents 19% of the global glutaric acid market and emphasizes eco-friendly production aligned with REACH and circular economy goals. Germany, France, and the Netherlands lead demand, particularly in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biopolymer applications. It sees consistent product innovation focused on low-toxicity formulations and compliance-driven sourcing. Regional players prioritize environmental certifications and invest in closed-loop manufacturing systems. Market growth is supported by regulatory clarity and strong consumer awareness of sustainable ingredients. It creates a favorable environment for value-added chemical development and regional self-sufficiency.
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Key Player Analysis:
- DuPont
- Liaoyang Hengye Chemical Co., Ltd
- Charkit Chemical Company LLC
- Penta Manufacturer
- BOC Sciences
- Yixing Lianyang Chemical Co., Ltd
- Liaoyang hengye Chemical Co., Ltd
- Ottokemi
- Merck KGaA
- SR GROUP
Competitive Analysis:
The Glutaric acid market features a mix of global chemical giants and regional producers competing on product quality, pricing, and distribution reach. Key players include Yixing Lianyang Chemical Co., Ltd, Liaoyang Hengye Chemical Co., Ltd, Ottokemi, Merck KGaA, and SR GROUP. These companies focus on high-purity product grades, consistent supply, and application-specific customization to strengthen market presence. It remains moderately fragmented, with established players dominating pharmaceutical and specialty chemical supply chains. Investments in bio-based production and strategic collaborations are shaping competitive advantage. Companies are expanding geographic reach and optimizing logistics to meet rising demand across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. It reflects a market that rewards technical capability, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric innovation.
Recent Developments:
- In May 2025, DuPont launched AmberChrom™ TQ1 chromatography resin, designed for purification in the biopharma industry.
- In May 2025,Penta Fine Ingredients entered an investment partnership with Keystone Capital and appointed Mike Size as CEO, setting the stage for future growth and acquisitions in specialty chemicals.
- In December 2023, BOC Sciences partnered with Spaya to expand its chemical offerings and enhance access for scientists to over 140,000 chemicals.
Market Concentration & Characteristics:
The Glutaric acid market exhibits moderate concentration, with a mix of multinational chemical producers and regional specialty manufacturers competing across key application segments. It is characterized by strong integration in the pharmaceutical and polymer supply chains, with consistent demand from downstream industries. Players focus on high-purity production, cost optimization, and bio-based synthesis to strengthen competitive positioning. Technological capability, regulatory compliance, and product customization play a critical role in market differentiation. It remains sensitive to raw material price volatility and regulatory shifts, requiring continuous adaptation. Strategic partnerships and vertical integration are common among leading firms seeking long-term supply security and innovation capacity.
Report Coverage:
The research report offers an in-depth analysis based on Product Form, Application, End-Use, Purity Level, Distribution Channel and Region. It details leading Market players, providing an overview of their business, product offerings, investments, revenue streams, and key applications. Additionally, the report includes insights into the competitive environment, SWOT analysis, current Market trends, as well as the primary drivers and constraints. Furthermore, it discusses various factors that have driven Market expansion in recent years. The report also explores Market dynamics, regulatory scenarios, and technological advancements that are shaping the industry. It assesses the impact of external factors and global economic changes on Market growth. Lastly, it provides strategic recommendations for new entrants and established companies to navigate the complexities of the Market.
Future Outlook:
- Global demand will increasingly shift toward bio-based glutaric acid driven by corporate sustainability targets and regulations.
- Manufacturers will invest in advanced fermentation and biocatalysis technologies to improve yield and reduce production costs.
- Pharmaceutical applications will expand in specialty API synthesis, with glutaric acid enabling novel therapeutic molecules.
- Polymer and biodegradable resin industries will integrate glutaric acid more deeply, enhancing eco-friendly packaging and textile offerings.
- Specialty chemical sectors—including cosmetics, coatings, and corrosion inhibitors—will adopt glutaric acid for its stability and reactivity benefits.
- Strategic partnerships between chemical producers, biotech firms, and academic institutions will accelerate product innovation and scale-up.
- Digitalization and Industry 4.0 practices will optimize production processes and supply chain transparency for quality and efficiency gains.
- Regulatory frameworks promoting low-toxicity and environmentally responsible chemicals will support market growth and acceptance.
- Company consolidation and vertical integration will continue, improving control over raw material access and reinforcing market presence.
- Emerging markets in Latin America, Middle East, and Africa will grow demand, driven by industrialization, healthcare infrastructure investment, and chemical sector expansion.
