A Market Fueled by Expanding Applications and Strong Growth Potential

The global refined glycerine market is entering a period of remarkable expansion, with forecasts pointing to steady growth between 2020 and 2040. Valued at around USD 2 to 3.15 billion in 2023, the market is projected to reach nearly USD 5.4 billion by 2030, representing a robust CAGR of 5.25% to 7.5% during 2024–2030. This trajectory highlights refined glycerine’s versatility across pharmaceuticals, personal care, industrial sectors, and biodiesel.

As companies navigate these dynamics, access to reliable partners in sourcing and distribution becomes a competitive edge. Tradeasia International, through its global network and focus on palm-based and oleochemical solutions, underscores this value. As the company notes, “palm-based ingredients remain at the heart of sustainable innovation, powering industries from beauty to biofuels.” This positioning reflects how the refined glycerine market is not only about growth but also about building resilient supply chains that align with sustainability and global demand.

Cosmetics and personal care remain the largest consumer of refined glycerine, fueled by its moisturizing properties and rising consumer preference for natural, organic skincare. Pharmaceutical applications are on a fast-growth path as well, with demand expected to climb from 132,000 tons in 2020 to nearly 244,000 tons by 2030. Industrial use, especially in epichlorohydrin (ECH) production and in adhesives, textiles, and coatings, accounts for over 35% of consumption in Asia Pacific, where manufacturing industries continue to expand.

Supply Chains, Regional Strengths, and Pandemic Acceleration

On the supply side, biodiesel production generates roughly 60% of global glycerine output, making it the backbone of availability. This trend is particularly visible in Asia Pacific, with Malaysia, China, and India shaping global supply. Vegetable oil processing is another growing source, offering high-purity grades suited for halal and vegan-certified products. Indonesia’s biodiesel mandates play a pivotal role, tying palm oil and glycerine more closely to global bio-based chemical markets.

The pandemic years of 2020–2022 also amplified glycerine demand. Rising consumption of sanitizers, disinfectants, and pharmaceutical formulations significantly boosted refined grades, embedding glycerine deeper into consumer health and hygiene. Looking ahead, global production is expected to approach 5.95 million tons by 2030, with Asia Pacific maintaining its dominance. Japan and South Korea continue to prioritize ultra-pure glycerine, while India expands output through its biodiesel and soap industries.

In conclusion, the refined glycerine market is firmly on a growth path, supported by expanding applications, a resilient biodiesel-driven supply chain, and accelerating demand for sustainable, bio-based products. With Asia Pacific at the center of production and consumption, refined glycerine represents not just a USD 5+ billion market opportunity by 2030, but also a long-term growth story stretching to 2040.

 

Sources:

  1. Oleochemicals Asia (for supply chain insights) - https://www.oleochemicalsasia.com

  2. Verified Market Research - Refined Glycerine Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends & Forecast - https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/refined-glycerine-market/

  3. LinkedIn article on Refined Glycerine Market Size, Share and Opportunities 2032 - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/refined-glycerine-market-size-share-opportunities-npa4f