Market Overview
n-butanol market is estimated to reach at a CAGR of 4.34 % during the forecast period (2024-2031). N-butanol, commonly known as n-butyl, is an alcohol made from sugar from agricultural products and generated through a petrochemical process.
It's employed as an intermediary in producing high-value resin and specialty solvents, used in several manufactured products such as paints and coatings, cosmetics & fragrances, adhesives, ink, camphor, dyes, and more. It's also utilized in cross-linked baked finishes and lacquers, among other applications.
Due to its versatile use in the building & construction industry, n-Butanol is in high demand as a solvent, coating, and chemical intermediary for butyl acetate, ethers, and other compounds. The demand is fueling the growth of the n-Butanol market. Additionally, the growing use of bio-based N-Butanol and biofuel for use in automobiles, chemicals, and other industries will increase demand for the market during the forecast period.
Because of rising demand in various industries such as coatings, paints, adhesives, sealants, inks, and solvent products in countries such as China, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the U.S., the global n-butanol market is likely to rise significantly throughout the forecast period. Paints, coatings, varnishes, resins, and dyes are predicted to expand in demand due to rapid industrialization and rising disposable income, which will boost the n-butanol market demand.
Market Summary
| Metrics | Details |
| Market CAGR | 4.34% |
| Segments Covered | By Application, By End-User, and By Region |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, and Other key insights. |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market Share | Asia Pacific |
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Market Dynamics
The rising infrastructure and construction industries are driving the global market. Furthermore, due to increased demand for coating from end-use industries, global n-Butanol production is predicted to rise. However, the demand for n-Butanol is being hampered by variable raw material prices and their scarcity in the future, as well as potential health and environmental risks connected with solvent-based systems.
Rising infrastructure and construction across the world
Rapid industrialization and urbanization in key nations such as China and India have recently boosted demand for n-Butanol. For protection & decoration, the building & construction sector demands high-performance materials. The quality and performance of n-Butanol-based building and construction systems such as paint, coatings, adhesives, and sealants must be exceptionally consistent and cost-effective. As a result, the building & construction industry is seeing an increase in demand for n-Butanol-based solutions.
The global use of n-Butanol is predicted to be driven by the rising population in emerging regions, particularly Asia-Pacific, and the need for enhanced infrastructure and residential spaces. The most significant contributor to the market size for n-Butanol-based systems in residential and commercial buildings. Due to increased demand for single-family homes, changing lifestyles, rising disposable incomes, simpler financing options, and higher investment levels, residential building has grown significantly in recent years.
Growing demand for bio-based butanol
As a biofuel, N-butanol is in high demand. Currently, the most popular biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Due to properties like less hydrophilic nature, high energy content, low volatility, more energy per volume, more compatibility with the existing base of vehicles & oil infrastructure, environmentally friendly by-product (H2), and low corrosive nature, bio-based n-Butanol will most likely be the preferred fuel in the next 5 to 10 years.
Butyl acrylates, which are used in the manufacturing of paints and coatings, adhesives, and textiles, among other things, are made using bio-butanol as an intermediary. Increasing demand for such goods from various end-user sectors is projected to pull demand from all value chain stages, propelling the n-butanol market forward. Green Biologics (U.S.), Eastman (U.S.), and others are among the largest producers of bio-based n-Butanol.
Health hazards and environmental issues
A primary market restraint is the detrimental effects of solvent-based systems on human and environmental health. The acute health risks associated with solvent-based systems are headache, dizziness, and lightheadedness that lead to unconsciousness and seizures. Other side effects of working with these systems include the nose, eye, and throat irritation.
VOCs in paint systems are hazardous to both the environment and humans. During the drying or curing process, paints emit VOCs. Exposure to VOCs degrades the body, causing headaches, allergies, and asthmatic symptoms. Furthermore, this might strain essential organs like the heart and lungs.
COVID-19 Impact on Market
Refineries, power plants, chemical processing, food, and pharmaceuticals are just a few industries that employ n-Butanol. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on these industries. Lockdowns in numerous countries and logistical constraints have negatively influenced the sectors. Supply chain interruptions, manpower shortages, logistical constraints, limited component availability, market declines, low corporate cash, and manufacturing shutdowns due to lockdowns in several nations have all harmed the industry. During this crisis, raw material suppliers and other linked businesses are being pushed to rethink their tactics to serve this industry.
Due to the epidemic, residential and commercial construction has halted. During this crisis, N-butanol demand from this industry is predicted to be moderate to medium. Delays in order delivery, supply chain constraints, staffing & equipment shortages, and material shortages are serious concerns. Following this crisis, the market is expected to recover and demand n-Butanol is predicted to rise. Even in the absence of shutdowns, restrictions on the movement of people and goods have caused delays in operations. Countries increasingly eased limitations and began business activities in numerous industries in the second half of 2020. Even after the lockdown is lifted, returning to normal working conditions for n-Butanol makers would be difficult. It will have an impact on the n-Butanol market.
Market Segment Analysis
By application, the n-Butanol market is segmented into butyl acrylate, butyl acetate, glycol ethers, direct solvents, plasticizers, and others.
Rising usage of butyl acrylate in various copolymers to drive segment growth.
Due to its expanding use in the formulation of various copolymers, butyl acrylate is the most common application of n-Butanol. Paint resins & dispersions and aqueous dispersions for fabrics, varnishes, inks, glues, and adhesives are examples of these copolymers' applications. They can also be used in manufacturing textiles & paper and making plastics & other chemicals.
As a result, as the paints & coatings, adhesives, textile, plastic, paper, and other sectors increase, the demand for butyl acrylate increases. As a result, rising building activities and infrastructure development in emerging economies, owing to rising disposable income and a higher standard of life among consumers, play a key role in the butyl acrylate application, which boosts demand for n-butanol.
Market Geographical Share
Rising population and increasing demand from end-use industries in Asia-Pacific
The greatest market for n-Butanol will be Asia-Pacific. The rising demand for n-butanol in making butyl acrylate, butyl acetate, glycol ethers & plasticizers and its use as a direct solvent contribute to market expansion. The better growth potential of n-butanol in the automotive sector also contributes to market expansion in this region.
Construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paints & coatings, and automotive industries are all growing in Asia-Pacific, fueling demand for n-butanol. Moreover, half of all vehicles produced in Asia-Pacific came from China, India, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea. The region's demand for n-butanol would be boosted by continued infrastructure development in these countries.
Market Companies and Competitive Landscape
The global market for n-butanol is crowded. Key companies emphasize utilizing various techniques to retain their competitive position in the industry. The companies used various inorganic expansion tactics to expand their regional presence and address the rising demand for n-Butanol in new markets.
Due to rising demand and supply problems, OQ Chemicals issued a sales control for U.S. oxo intermediates in January 2021. Following the lockout, demand for these chemicals soared across the U.S. due to increasing demand from the construction and textile industries.
The Dow Chemical Company and Johnson Matthey (U.K.) announced in February 2020 that Guangxi Huayi New Material Company (China), a Chinese company, had chosen LP SELECTOR 10 technology to generate butanol at a new manufacturing site. The facility has a capacity of 300,000 metric tons of butanol per year and was developed in Huayi's integrated petrochemical complex in Qinzhou Port, China.
Major global n-butanol market companies include Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, Eastman, OQ Chemicals, Mitsubishi Chemical Company, Sinopec, KH Ecochem, Sasol Ltd, Cobalt Technologies, and Formosa Plastics Corp.
OQ Chemicals
Overview: Alcohols, polyols, carboxylic acids, specialty esters, and amines are among the oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives produced by OQ Chemicals (previously Oxea). High-quality coatings, lubricants, cosmetics & pharmaceutical items, tastes & fragrances, printing inks, and plastics are all made with the products. OQ Chemicals is part of OQ, an integrated energy firm with roots in Oman and employs over 1,400 people worldwide. The successful combination of nine heritage enterprises resulted in the formation of OQ in 2019. OQ encompasses the whole value chain in the hydrocarbon sector, from exploration and production to marketing and distribution of its products, with operations in 13 countries. OQ sells fuels and chemicals in more than 60 countries throughout the world.
Product Portfolio: The main oxo alcohols utilized commercially include 2-ethyl hexanol (2EH), n-propanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, and isononyl alcohol. N-Butanol is a clear, flammable liquid with an odor similar to rubbing alcohol. It is soluble in organic solvents but has low solubility in water. Under the suggested storage circumstances, n-butanol is a stable chemical.
A transparent, flammable liquid with a smell resembling rubbing alcohol is n-butanol. UN 1A1/X1.2/300 55-gallon carbon steel drums, DOT 111A100W1 tank cars, DOT MC 307 or DOT 407 tank trucks, and ship tanks & barge are the packages of n-butanol that OQ offers.
Key Development:
OQ Chemicals Corporation increased prices for several oxo intermediates in the Americas on September 1, 2021. The cost of n-butanol and isobutanol climbed by US$0.15 per pound in North America and Mexico. The price of n-butanol and isobutanol increased by US$330 per metric ton in South America.
