Segments - N-Butanol Market by Grade (Pharmaceuticals, Industrial, and Chemicals), Feedstock (Conventional and Biobased), Application (Coating Resins, Butyl Carboxylates, Direct Solvent Use, Plasticizers, Fuels & Lubricants, and Others), End-use Industry (Paints & Coatings, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Textiles, Agriculture, Buildings & Constructions, Food & Beverages, Transportation, and Pharmaceuticals), and Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2024–2032
The global n-butanol market size was USD 8.5 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 14.5 Billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 6.3% during 2024–2032. The growth in the global N-butanol market, driven by rising demand across diverse sectors such as coatings, paints, adhesives, sealants, inks, and solvent applications.
N-butanol finds extensive application as a solvent across diverse industries, including paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks, owing to its broad spectrum of solubility. Additionally, it plays a crucial role as a chemical precursor in the synthesis of other compounds such as butyl acrylate and butyl acetate, which are integral in the production of plastics, coatings, and resins. Moreover, its versatility extends to being utilized as a fuel enhancer or blendstock in gasoline, enhancing octane rating and curbing emissions. Furthermore, it serves the pharmaceutical sector as a solvent in the formulation of various drugs.
The widespread use of N-butanol as a solvent in industries such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks fueling its demand. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it indispensable in various manufacturing processes. Regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing harmful emissions and promoting the use of eco-friendly chemicals are influencing the demand for n-butanol. Its low environmental impact as compared to alternative solvents makes it a preferred choice for many applications.
In November 2021, scientists at WUSTL University revealed a novel method for cultivating microbes to produce N-butanol. This innovative approach allows for the generation of N-butanol biofuel using resources such as carbon dioxide, electricity generated from solar panels, and light. Thus, this biofuel production process offers a sustainable alternative.
Increasing demand for n-butanol from the transportation sector due to its utilization as a fuel additive or blendstock in gasoline. The automotive industry is undergoing a transition towards clean and sustainable fuels, thus driving the need for additives that enhance fuel performance while reducing harmful emissions. N-butanol has the ability to improve octane rating and low emission makes it an attractive option for blending with gasoline.
The transportation sector is focusing on reducing dependency on fossil fuels and transitioning towards renewable and bio-based alternatives that drives the product demand. N-butanol aligns with the sustainability goals of the transportation sector with the potential to be produced from renewable sources such as biomass briquette.
N-butanol production relies on raw materials such as fossil fuels or renewable feedstocks. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials affect the cost of production and the pricing of n-butanol in the market. Moreover, volatility in raw material prices pose challenges for producers and consumers in planning and budgeting.
Growing demand for bio-based products with increasing environmental concerns and a shift toward sustainability. Rising demand for bio-based alternatives to traditional chemicals creates opportunities in the market. N-butanol derived from renewable energy sources such as biomass present a significant opportunity for the market. Additionally, the demand for environmentally friendly products and processes is growing as businesses and consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability.
The market report includes an assessment of the market trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics are included in the report.
Attributes |
Details |
Report Title |
N-butanol Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast |
Base Year |
2023 |
Historic Data |
2017 -2022 |
Forecast Period |
2024–2032 |
Segmentation |
Grade (Pharmaceuticals, Industrial, and Chemicals), Feedstock (Conventional, and Biobased), Application (Coating Resins, Butyl Carboxylates, Direct Solvent Use, Plasticizers, Fuels & Lubricants, and Others), End-use Industry (Paints & Coatings, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Textiles, Agriculture, Buildings & Constructions, Food & Beverages, Transportation, and Pharmaceuticals) |
Regional Scope |
Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa |
Report Coverage |
Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Market Trends, and Revenue Forecast |
Key Players Covered in the Report |
BASF SE; Eastman Chemical Company; Galaxy Chemicals; INEOS Oxide Ltd; OQ SAOC; SABIC; The Mitsubishi Chemical Company; Solventis; Texmark Chemicals Inc; The DOW Chemical Company; |
In terms of region, n-butanol market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific held a large market share in 2023, owing to the increasing demand for solvents, chemical intermediates, and fuel additives, including n-butanol across various industries such as paints, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and automotives.
The demand for automobiles is growing in Asia Pacific due to the rise in disposable income and urbanization. Automobile manufacturers are increasingly focusing on fuel efficiency and emission reduction, creating a demand for fuel additives such as n-butanol to enhance octane rating.
The market in North America is expected to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast period. The automotive industry in the region is a major consumer of the product as a fuel additive or blendstock in gasoline. Additionally, the manufacturing and construction industries in the region are driving the demand for n-butanol particularly in applications such as paints & coating, adhesives, and sealants. Growth in residential and commercial construction projects and industrial manufacturing activities, supports the demand for n-butanol based products.
Based on grade, the n-butanol market is divided into pharmaceuticals, industrial, and chemicals. The pharmaceutical segment is expected to register a considerable CAGR in the coming years. The presence of a strong pharmaceutical industry with stringent quality standards, pharmaceutical grade n-butanol is used as a solvent in drug formulations, where purity and compliance with regulatory requirements are crucial.
The pharmaceutical sector focuses in quality and safety which drives demand for pharmaceutical-grade-n-butanol, especially in market with a significant pharmaceutical manufacturing is prominent.
The industrial segment is projected to hold a large market share during the assessment period with a diverse industrial base, including sectors such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and textiles. This grade of n-butanol is typically used as a solvent in industrial applications where high purity is not a primary concern.
On the basis of feedstock, the n-butanol market is bifurcated into conventional, and biobased. The conventional segment to lead the market, in terms of share in 2023. Conventional n-butanol is derived from fossil fuel sources, such as petroleum or natural gas. This conventional production method has been widely used historically and remains prevalent in many regions. Conventional n-butanol continues to be significant with ample access to fossil fuel reserves and established production infrastructure.
The biobased segment constituted a key share of the market in 2023. Biobased n-butanol produced from renewable biomass sources such as sugar, starches, and cellulose. This production method offers several environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emission, decreased reliance on fossil fuel resources and potential for sustainability. Biobased n-butanol aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives across various industries.
In terms of application, the n-butanol market is fragmented into coating resins, butyl carboxylates, direct solvent use, plasticizers, fuels & lubricants, and others. The butyl carboxylates segment held a major share of the market in 2023.
N-butanol serves as a pioneer in the synthesis of butyl carboxylates, which have applications as plasticizers, surfactants, and lubricant additives. Butyl carboxylates contribute to improving the flexibility, viscosity, and performance characteristics of various products, including adhesives, sealants, and personal care items.
The fuels & lubricants segment is anticipated to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period. N-butanol is used as a fuel additive or blendstock in gasoline to improve octane rating and reduce emissions. Additionally, it finds applications as a lubricant additive, where its high boiling point and lubricity properties enhance the performance of automotive lubricants and metalworking fluids.
Based on end-use, the n-butanol market is segregated into paints & coatings, chemicals & petrochemicals, textiles, agriculture, buildings & constructions, food & beverages, transportation, and pharmaceuticals. The buildings & constructions segment is expected to register a considerable CAGR in the coming years.
N-butanol is used in the construction industry for various applications, including as a solvent in construction adhesives, sealants, and caulks. It contributes to the adhesion, cohesion, and durability of construction materials, such as concrete, mortar, and sealant joints.
The paints & coatings segment is projected to hold a large share of the market during the assessment period. The paints and coatings industry is a major consumer of N-butanol, utilizing it as a solvent and intermediate in the formulation of paints, varnishes, and coatings for architectural, automotive, industrial, and marine applications. N-butanol contributes to the performance characteristics and application properties of coatings, such as adhesion, durability, and gloss.
The n-butanol market has been segmented on the basis of
Key players competing in the global n-butanol market are BASF SE; Eastman Chemical Company; Galaxy Chemicals; INEOS Oxide Ltd; OQ SAOC; SABIC; The Mitsubishi Chemical Company; Solventis; Texmark Chemicals Inc; and The DOW Chemical Company.
These players utilize several development strategies, including product launch, partnerships, acquisition, and geographical expansion, to increase their global presence. For instance,
In February 2020, TASNEE and SABIC entered into an agreement for the supply of butanol. This agreement delivered additional volumes of butanol products, which serve as feedstock for butyl acrylate production. Thus, this increases the demand for butanol products within the industry.