Latin America Oleochemicals Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The Latin America oleochemicals market size reached a value of D 735.37 Million in 2024. It is expected to expand further at a CAGR of roughly 3.90% in the forecast period of 2025-2034. The market size will reach a value of around USD 1.07 billion by 2034.

News and Developments in the Market

In July 2023, B.A.S.F.'s production site in Italy was certified according to the Rainforest Alliance Mass Balance certification scheme. This made B.A.S.F. the first company to offer certified sustainable personal care products based on coconut oil.

The certification was made possible with the partnership between BASF, Cargill, The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, a German government agency. This can be a key driving factor for Latin America oleochemicals market during the forecast period.

In September 2020, Emery Oleochemicals, a speciality chemical manufacturer, launched its new general purpose fatty acid esters product line named EMERY E.

It is a bio-based product, presented and provided as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based materials. It can be used for the formation of a wide range of products, including solvent, adhesive, additives, and lubricant, among others.

Latin America Oleochemicals Market Trends

Oleochemicals are chemical compounds derived from animal fat, vegetable fat, or oil. These can substitute the use of petrochemicals in petroleum-based products. The production of oleochemicals is carried out through processes like hydrolysis, alcoholysis, and hydrogenation, among other processes. These chemical compounds contain little to zero carcinogens, which makes them a safer option than any other synthetic chemical alternative.

• The increasing demand for oleochemicals for application in personal care, detergents, food and beverages is driving the market growth.
• The steady growth of the green chemical market due to the rising awareness of the environment among people will add to the Latin America oleochemicals market.
• The lower cost and sustainable raw materials of oleochemicals as compared to fossil fuels, are expected to enhance the market growth.

Latin America Oleochemicals Market Segmentation

The report titled “Latin America Oleochemicals Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Fatty Acid
• Fatty Alcohol
• Glycerine
• Ester
• Others

Market Breakup by Form

• Solid
• Liquid

Market Breakup by End Use

• Soap and Detergent
• Intermediate Plastic
• Coating and Resin
• Personal Care
• Paper
• Lubricants and Grease
• Rubber
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Colombia
• Others

The extensive E.M.R. report provides an in-depth evaluation of the market based on Porter's five forces model and a SWOT analysis.

Types of Oleochemicals in the Market Include Fatty Acid, Fatty Alcohol, Glycerine, And Ester

Based on type, the market can be segmented into glycerine, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, and ester, among others.

Glycerine is made from raw natural vegetable oils like palm, soy, and coconut oils, which are rich in triglycerides. They are heated with a strong alkali such as lye . Glycerine has many benefits for the skin and helps it stay moisturised. It is one of the fastest growing segments of oleochemicals in the market due to rising demand from the personal care and cosmetic market.

Fatty alcohols are derived from fatty acids, and fatty acids are carboxylic acids that are found in fats, oils, and waxes. They are most used for making soaps, detergents, and surfactants. Fatty alcohols are usually used as emulsifiers, emollients, and thickeners in cosmetic formulations.

Esters are formed by the substitution reaction of carboxylic acid and alcohol. Esters are used in the oleochemical market to manufacture various industrial chemicals that can substitute petrochemicals.

Forms of Oleochemicals in the Market include Solid and Liquid

Based on form, the segments in the Latin America oleochemicals market include solid and liquid forms. The liquid form segment is leading in the market. They are the most utilised in the market, and the products in this form available in the market include lubricants, glycerin, and other chemical products.

The Product Finds End-Uses in Soap, Detergent, Intermediate Plastic, Coating, Resin, Personal Care, Paper, Lubricants, Grease, And Rubbers

Based on end-uses, the market segments include soap and detergent, paper, personal care, rubber, intermediate plastic, lubricant and grease, coating and resin, among others.

Soap and detergent segment holds a significant share of the market. They are the most common end-uses in the market. Personal care is the largest segment in the market, and it is expected to grow further with the increasing demand for eco-friendly products.

The lubricant and grease segment is expected to show significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the technological advancements and growing surfactant industry.

The coating and resin segment utilises oleochemicals as additives in paints to improve the spread and achieve different results.

The Regional Outlook for Latin America Oleochemicals Market

In the Latin American market of oleochemicals, Brazil and Argentina hold the most significant share. This can be attributed to the thriving population and increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable products.

Surfactants made of oleochemicals instead of petrochemicals are rising in demand. The petrochemicals are becoming costly and are non-renewable. Oleochemicals are being used as a replacement for petrochemicals as they are sustainable and renewable.

Competitive Landscape

The Latin America oleochemicals market report comprehensively analyses key players in the market, covering their competitive landscape and the latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

CREMER OLEO GmbH & Co. K.G.

CREMER OLEO GmbH & Co. K.G. is a Germany-based chemical company specialising in producing and distributing oleochemicals. The company focuses on vegetable oils and their derivatives like glycerine, fatty acids and alcohols, and bioethanol.

Vantage Speciality Chemicals

Vantage Speciality Chemicals is an American speciality chemical company. It is engaged in four business fields: personal care, oleochemicals, performance materials, and foods. They provide products like Jojoba oil, moisturisers, colour cosmetics, hair colours, and bath and shower products.

Baerlocher GmbH

Baerlocher GmbH is a global market leader in additives for the plastic industry. It provides additives for P.V.C. and metal stearates for plastic applications. Their products include lead commodities, P.V.C. stabilisers, polymer stabilisers, and special additives, including lubricants, oleochemicals, and metal soaps.

Materia Hnos S.A.C.I.F

Materia Hnos S.A.C.I.F is one of the top companies in the production of oleochemicals and by-products. They offer products for cosmetic, paint, plastic, pharmaceutical, food, and rubber industries. The oleochemical products produced by the company include stearic acid, oleic acid, ácido graso destilado, ácido graso vegetal, and glycerin. These oleochemicals are obtained from beef tallow and vegetable oils depending on the volume required.

Evonik Industries AG

Evonik Industries AG is a speciality chemical company based in Germany. It is one of the world's leading companies, offering a wide range of products from agriculture and food to electronics and machinery.