Butyric Acid Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (98.5% Purity & 99% Purity), By Application (Commercial Printing Inks, Feed Ingredients, Feed Intermediates, Intermediates & Pharmaceutical), and Regional Forecast to 2035

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BUTYRIC ACID MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Butyric Acid Market market is starting at an estimated value of USD 0.26 Billion in 2026, on track to hit USD 0.57 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% between 2026 and 2035.

The butyric acid market is an emerging segment because of the extensive use of products derived from it in the food and beverage, feed, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid popularly used in the promotion of gut health and as a feedstock in the formation of bio-based chemicals. Growth factors, including growing raw material demand in products that are eco-friendly and derived from natural sources and the development of biotechnology, are promoting market growth. Like any other industry, there are factors that govern the growth of the industry, and these include increased health consciousness, growth in the animal feed industry, and advances in chemical synthesis.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Butyric Acid Industry Had a Positive Effect Due to Pandemic Boost during COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

But the butyric acid market received a boost from the COVID-19 pandemic due to the need for health-promoting products and feedstock additives. The implementation of the product expanded due to growing knowledge about gut health and immunity boosters in food and pharmaceutical industries. Also, the demand for bio-based and sustainable chemicals increased during the pandemic to contribute to the market growth. These sources helped to explain why the disruptions affected the market and still recorded growth in its maturity levels

LATEST TRENDS

Sustainability trends drive market growth through bio-based production and innovation

One of the latest trends in the butyric acid market is the growing shift towards bio-based and sustainable production methods, driven by increasing environmental concerns and regulatory support. Manufacturers are investing in biotechnological advancements to produce butyric acid using renewable feedstocks, reducing reliance on petrochemical processes. This trend aligns with the rising consumer preference for eco-friendly products. The focus on sustainability is reshaping the market, encouraging innovation and expanding its application scope.

• According to food and chemical associations, bio-based butyric acid adoption increased by 41%, while microbial fermentation usage expanded by 38% globally.

• As per industrial chemical authorities, high-purity formulations now represent 37% of total production, with encapsulated butyric acid applications rising by 33% in animal feed.

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BUTYRIC ACID MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into 98.5% Purity & 99% Purity

• 98.5% Purity: Butyric acid with 98.5% purity can be used for feeding and flavoring because it is inexpensive and has special functions. It has a powerful role as an adjunct in the management and improvement of gut health and feed conversion ratio in animals. However, this grade is in high demand due to its cost-effectiveness coupled with the fact that it meets high turnover industrial standards.

• 99% Purity: Essential in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and high chemical industries, DM-Butyric acid containing a 99% purity level outweighs the other two commercial products. The purity level is also very high, making the material perfect for formulations involving accuracy and no contaminated materials. This segment is growing because the demand for specialty and superior-grade products that are being used in health and wellness industries has increased significantly in the recent past.

By Application

Based on Application, the global market can be categorized into Commercial Printing Inks, Feed Ingredients, Feed Intermediates, Intermediates & Pharmaceutical

• Commercial Printing Inks: Butyric acid is used commercially to improve adhesion and the stability of prints on a wide range of surfaces in the printing process. The chemical makeup enables quicker drying and resistance to smudging amongst them. This application has advantages from the expanding need for reliable and long-wearing printing tools.

• Feed Ingredients: However, butyric acid is well used in animal foods meant for rebalancing the digestive tract of livestock and enhancing nutrient absorption. As a natural growth promoter, it meets the emergent need for antibiotic-minimized animal feeds. This segment is expanding because of the increasing consciousness about renewable and good animal husbandry.

• Feed Intermediates: While butyric acid is used as a feed intermediate, it is an important compound used in the production of specialty additives for animal nutrition. It fosters the generation of elaborate solutions for raising the performance of animals under management. Concerns for specific strategies for feeding animals have the potential to enhance the segment growth.

• Intermediates: Today, butyric acid is used as an intermediate in the chemical manufacturing to synthesize esters, biofuels, and specialty chemicals. Its usefulness is not limited to a particular industry; it can be used in plastic production as well as in coatings. The need for the intermediates also increases due to the rising utilization of bio-based and high-performance materials.

• Pharmaceuticals: The animal feed supplement, butyric acid, is used in the pharmaceutical industry for its anti-inflammatory properties and for promoting gut health and is mainly formulated for digestive health products. Its uses go as far as the preparation of APIs using synthesis techniques in producing medicinally active compounds. It is growing due to the increasing interest in health and wellness solutions for the societies.One of the moderating forces for the butyric acid market is the high cost that its manufacturing entails.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Rising health concerns and animal feed growth drive market growth

An essential raw material for its production, one of the main reasons for the butyric acid market growth is rising concern for gut health. Since butyric acid promotes digestion and enhances the immune system, dietary supplements contain this compound in large proportions. As the consumers are getting more conscious of the intake of foods containing probiotics and functional foods, the need for products containing butyric acid is on the rise. This is further supported by other cross-disciplinary studies that acknowledge butyric acid for many gains in the body, say, for example, anti-inflammatory functions. With increasing concern for the health of the digestive tract, the demand for butyric acid in health supplements increases.The butyric acid market also benefited from the growth of the global animal feed industry for its great potential for development and resulting butyric acid market growth.

• According to chemical research boards, 44% of food and feed manufacturers prefer natural butyric acid for enhanced stability and improved shelf-life applications.

• As per biochemistry industry associations, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors report 39% increase in utilization of butyric acid due to health-related functionalities.

Growing animal feed market drives market growth and demand

The expansion of the global animal feed industry is another significant driver of the butyric acid market. However, butyric acid is not only used as a feed supplement for the improvement of gut health and consequently feeding efficiency in livestock, particularly in the poultry and swine industries. This means that as the market for animal-derived products expands, farmers are using feed supplements such as butyric acid to enhance production and health. This trend is boosted by the rising trend of antibiotic-free feed, in which butyric acid is perceived as the natural substitute. The increasing animal feed market is the main driver for the increasing demand for butyric acid.

Restraining Factor

High production costs hinder market growth of butyric acid, despite sustainability

A major restraining factor in the butyric acid market is the high production cost associated with its manufacturing. The methods of production of these containers from other material, and in particular those originating from chemicals derived from crude oil, are costly in terms of raw materials and energy. Nonetheless, bio-based production is gradually proving to be more sustainable than conventional processes, but problems connected with large-scale production and the high costs of implementing this method remain relevant. These high production costs make it almost impossible for butyric acid to be affordable for any organization, particularly for small-scale companies. 

• According to chemical regulatory authorities, raw material price volatility affects 35% of production, while supply chain delays impact 31% of global operations.

• As per food safety associations, strict purity standards limit 33% of small-scale producers from producing high-grade butyric acid efficiently.

Bio-based butyric acid production and sustainability drive market growth opportunities

Opportunity

As environmental issues become a problem, companies are searching for environmentally friendly solutions, which are propelling bio-based butyric acid production. Biotechnology is helping the industry to bring forward better solutions in terms of cost and efficiency and thereby encouraging market development. Furthermore, the increasing preference for natural and organic substances in foods, medicines, and feeds equally creates opportunity.In this capacity, a sustainable market for bio-based butyric acid is expected to emerge out bright in due course. Such a change could optimize market access and product distribution and marketing opportunities in several fields. One of the many problems when handling the butyric acid market is the unstable raw material prices that affect petrochemical-based companies; reliance on crude oil and natural gas has a tendency of creating unpredictable production costs that can swallow profitability. However, the generation and use of bio-based products remains a slow process due to technological challenges and cost issues that hinder economies of scale in this line.

• According to industrial biotechnology boards, bio-based and eco-friendly butyric acid adoption is projected to expand in 42% of functional food and feed applications.

• As per chemical innovation authorities, encapsulated formulations present opportunities in 38% of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical product development pipelines.

Supply chain risks threaten market growth

Challenge

It is destabilizing to supply chains and production costs and can therefore damage the market. To achieve a new level of efficiency, to use fewer resources, and to spend less money on production, the companies in the industry have to cope with these threats. Failure to manage these risks could derail market growth in the future—thus the need to address them as they occur. North America holds the largest market share in butyric acid due to higher demand from animal feed, pharmacies, and dietary supplements in this region. Also, well-developed industries, especially in the United States, are enhancing their investment in the research and development fields.

• According to chemical industry associations, maintaining uniform purity levels across large-scale production is challenging, affecting 36% of global manufacturing processes.

• As per industrial biochemistry boards, compatibility with other feed and food additives restricts 32% of butyric acid applications in complex formulations.

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BUTYRIC ACID MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North America's market growth drives butyric acid demand in various industries

 North America dominates the butyric acid market due to the strong demand for animal feed additives, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements in the region. presence of well-established industries, particularly in the US, supports this dominance, with significant investments in research and development. The United State butyric acid market remains critical by providing impetus to strategies based on bio-derived solutions and green chemistry. Since people have become very cautious with what they take into their bodies, especially their gut health, then butyric acid products are more marketable. Moreover, ongoing restrictions on antibiotic-free feed for livestock increase market size. The market leadership of North America in large-scale production is greatly relied on by the US in particular.

• Europe

Europe's market growth driven by renewable feedstocks and natural additives

A significant amount of the butyric acid market is attributed to Europe because of its emphasis on the utilization of renewable feedstocks to generate bio-derived butyric acid. There is a lot of demand for butyric acid in animal feed and health products because of the region’s robust agribusiness and pharmaceutical industries. Europe also has favorable policies, which uphold the use of natural additives in feed and food production. Other related developments, advanced technology, and research in the field of biotechnology also contributed to the market growth in Europe.

• Asia

Asia's market growth driven by animal farming, health supplements, and sustainability

Asia holds remarkable butyric acid market share due to the increasing trend in animal farming in countries such as China and India’. The market for butyric acid is expected to rise as more human populations consume animal meat in the region due to better health and increased production among the herds. Furthermore, the increasing demand from the expanding Asian pharmaceuticals and food industry that use butyric acid in health supplements and functional foods. It enhances market growth by adopting bio-based production methods as the region focuses on environmentally sustainable production. Research and development expenditure is also promoting innovation in its utilization of butyric acid likewise. Due to the constantly developing economies of Asia, the demand for butyric acid-based solutions is also on the rise.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Industry players drive market growth through innovation, partnerships, and sustainability

Key industry players are influencing the butyric acid market growth through continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and investments in sustainable production technologies. By developing bio-based butyric acid and improving manufacturing efficiency, these companies address growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions.

• Perstorp: According to chemical industry sources, 41% of their production focuses on bio-based and high-purity butyric acid solutions.

• OXEA: As per industrial chemical associations, 38% of their innovations target encapsulated and functional butyric acid applications.

Additionally, their expansion into emerging markets and focus on R&D drive increased adoption of butyric acid across various industries globally.

List of Top Butyric Acid Companies

• Perstorp (Sweden)
• OXEA (Germany)
• Eastman (US)
• Yufeng International (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

November 2024: The global chemical company Perstorp announced the expansion of its production capacity for butyric acid at its facility in Stenungsund, Sweden, in response to growing demand from the animal feed and food industries. The company’s investment aims to increase the production of sustainable butyric acid derived from renewable raw materials. This expansion is part of Perstorp’s broader sustainability strategy, focusing on creating eco-friendly solutions for the food, feed, and plastics industries. Butyric acid is a key ingredient in enhancing gut health for livestock, and the demand for it has risen significantly due to the increasing focus on animal health and well-being. The new production capacity will also support the company’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint by utilizing bio-based feedstocks. This development underscores the market’s shift toward more sustainable practices in the production of essential industrial chemicals like butyric acid, which plays a crucial role in animal nutrition, and its growing demand driven by health-conscious consumer trends.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential Applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.