Phospholipids Market

Phospholipids Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The Global Phospholipids Market stands at US$ 3.44 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 6.8% to reach a market valuation of US$ 6.62 billion by the end of 2033.

• East Asia and South Asia Pacific are expected to remain key regional markets, especially India, China, and Japan.
• Worldwide consumption of phospholipids is expected to reach 229,688 tons by the end of 2033.

Phospholipids are a type of lipid that form the basic structure of cell membranes in living organisms. They are composed of a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) tail. These are essential components of cell membranes as their hydrophilic head interacts with the watery extracellular fluid or cytoplasmic fluid inside cells, while their hydrophobic tails interact with each other, forming a barrier to prevent the free flow of water and other molecules across the membrane. This selective permeability allows cells to maintain their internal environment and selectively transport substances in and out of the cell.

Phospholipids are involved in several other important cellular processes, including signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and membrane fusion, are used in the synthesis of various signaling molecules, and are precursors to several important lipid-soluble vitamins. As such, phospholipids have a wide range of applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, nutraceuticals, and biotechnology.

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Consumption Analysis of Phospholipids (2018 to 2022) Vs. Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

Dietary phospholipids have been recognized for their positive effects on various symptoms and illnesses, including cancer, coronary heart disease, and inflammation, since the early 1900s. According to this analysis conducted by Persistence Market Research, phospholipid sales increased at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2018 and 2022.

In developing countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and India, investments in healthy foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceutical products have been increasing. Meanwhile, in developed countries, growing awareness of natural cosmetics and personal care products has spurred the demand for phospholipids.

One of the reasons for the rising popularity of natural phospholipids is that they can be produced from renewable sources using ecologically friendly processes, and are available at relatively low costs as compared to synthetic phospholipids. Another advantage of natural phospholipids is that they are widely accepted for use in products administered by any route and have gained regulatory approval. In contrast, synthetic phospholipids are only used in a few pharmaceutical products.

All in all, the global phospholipids market is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2023 to 2033).

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Why is Usage of Phospholipids Popular in Various Applications?

Functions of phospholipids (PLs) include emulsifiers, stabilizers, binding agents, and many others that are applicable in different end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceutical products.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) type of phosphorus-containing lipid is used to enhance mental and physical well-being. PS is used to treat an age-related decline in mental function, prevent exercise-induced stress, and many others. As such, phospholipids find wide application in nutraceutical products.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is another type of phosphorus-containing lipid that is widely used in pharmaceutical applications. This increases the solubility and absorption of pharmaceutically active ingredients and reduces the intolerable side effects of drugs.

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What Makes Phospholipids a Hit in the Infant Formula Space?

Phospholipids are essential ingredients in infant formula containing a rich source of omega-3, omega-6, and fatty acids. Such products are gaining popularity in the infant supplementary industry. In comparison to human milk, infant milk formula lacks the structural complexity of lipids (IF).

Sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (PE) are the common types of phospholipids in human milk, with total PL levels ranging from 9.8 to 47.4 mg/100 ml. Phospholipids in milk are primarily present in the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). Phospholipids provide long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and choline, which are essential nutrients that are needed for the optimum development of newborns.

Increased global consumption of infant nutritional products and other supplementary products has augured well for manufacturers of phospholipids. Advanced processing methods are being used for the production of goods with high quality, which has invariably raised the demand for phospholipids across regions.

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Will Growing Demand for Non-GMO-labeled Food Products Benefit the Market for Phospholipids?

GMO means genetically modified organisms. Products labeled GMO are DNA-modified products, and using GMO-labeled products in food and other products leads many consumers to suffer from different genetic allergies.

Increasing awareness about non-GMO labeled products in functional foods, infant formula, nutraceuticals supplements, cosmetics, and personal care products is benefiting target market expansion. Manufacturers’ focus on producing non-GMO phospholipids from natural sources has increased.

For instance,

• German manufacturer Lecico GmbH received a certificate from IMO Control for manufacturing rich quality non-GMO phospholipids and lecithin products.
• Sun Nutrafoods, a phospholipid manufacturer from India, is certified 100% non-GMO and allergy-free for producing phospholipids and lecithin from sunflower and soy sources.

Non-GMO labeling will continue to only be applicable only for specific food products such as soybean, maize, cotton, canola, sugar beet, alfalfa, and processed foods that have passed food safety assessments with international standards. Therefore, increasing demand for non-GMO labeled products will propel the market for phospholipids during the forecast period.

How is Allergy to Soy Restricting Market Growth to Some Extent?

Soy is one of the main raw materials for manufacturing these lipids. Several producers use soy to produce phosphorus-containing lipids. Soy is considered one of the allergenic food grains that cause different types of food allergies and immensely affects the immune system.

• FDA says approximately 0.5% to 1% of American children have a soy allergy and a significant number of children remain allergic to soy after the age of 10 years.

More consumers around the world are now conscious of the ingredients used in final products to minimize health-related issues. Therefore, soy-based phospholipids are losing their appeal in the global market due to the adverse effects of phospholipid allergies.

Country-wise Analysis

Why Does India Account for a Significant Share of the Asia Pacific Phospholipids Market?

Demand for lecithin is high in India and is expected to hold around 56.9% share of the regional market. Around 70% of the total lecithin consumed in the country is imported primarily from global market players such as VAV Life Sciences, Cargill Incorporated, and Evonik Industries AG., besides a few others.

Expansion of the phospholipids market in India is largely being driven by the rising demand for nutraceuticals and their usage in infant formula.

For instance:

• The first production facility for lecithin in India was opened by VAV Life Sciences. The facility was built for the development of lecithins and phospholipids in functional foods, dietary supplements, innovative medications, and cosmetics.

What Does South Korea Account for High Phospholipid Demand?

South Korea is expected to be a prominent market for phospholipids. More people have now become conscious of their beauty and glamor quotient. As such, they are using various cosmetics and beauty creams to maintain their skin glow. Cosmetic product manufacturers use various chemicals as ingredients at the time of manufacturing the final product, and these chemicals can lead to skin irritation.

Consumers are shifting toward cosmetics made from natural sources. Phospholipid is an ideal component with its natural origin and multifunctional properties. It solves problems such as skin irritation and many others. Hence, demand for these lipids is increasing in the cosmetic and personal care industry, which has a noteworthy presence in South Korea.

One of the top 10 beauty markets in the world, South Korea is renowned for its inventiveness, mild ingredients, and attractive packaging.

• According to Korea Customs Service statistics, in 2021, skincare cosmetics continued to be the largest import category representing 34.17%, or US$ 560 million of total cosmetic imports.

Category-wise Insights

Which Application Generates High Revenue for Suppliers of Phospholipids?

Based on application, the nutraceutical segment accounted for 37.5% market share in 2022.

There has been substantial demand growth for functional food and dietary supplements in the recent past owing to the steady growth of end-use industries. Increasing use of nutritional supplements by consumers is driving up demand for phospholipids in the nutraceutical industry. It helps improve cognitive function; phosphatidylserine is widely utilized in supplements for brain health.

Recent research suggests that taking phosphatidylserine supplements can help young people who are anxious or stressed, as well as children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Phosphatidylserine is extensively used in sports nutrition products due to its health advantages, which include enhancing athletic performance, accelerating recovery, and reducing muscular pain. Phosphatidylcholine is frequently used in infant formula since it is filled with docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, which are crucial for an infant’s growth.

What Opportunity Awaits Phospholipid Producers in the Cosmetic Industry?

In the global phospholipids market, the cosmetic industry accounted for 19.5% value share in 2022. More people are becoming careful about their appearance and are using various cosmetics and creams to maintain their skin.

Since many cosmetic products available in the market have several chemicals that can damage the skin and cause skin irritation, more people are inclined toward cosmetics made with ingredients derived from natural sources.

With natural origin and numerous beneficial qualities, these lipids are considered to be an important component for addressing an array of skin issues. As a result, demand for phospholipids is rising; a trend that is anticipated to last throughout the projection period and elevate the cosmetics and personal care sector to the position of a significant end user in this market.

Competitive Landscape

Prominent phospholipid manufacturers are continuously engaged in new product launches and updating their product portfolios. Enhancing the product line gives an opportunity for customers to choose the product of their choice in the market. Increasing new product launches and altering existing products by key manufacturers will multiply product options in the market.

For instance:

• In 2022, LECICO GmbH from Germany, a global key manufacturer, launched new phosphatidylcholine from a soy source named LIPAMINE PC 30 P IP.
• In 2021, New Zealand market player Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited launched milk PLs under its brand name NZMP, called 'NZMP milk phospholipids 70'. This product has been specially manufactured for solving mental stress problems.
• In November 2021, Bunge loaders crocklaan, a natural plant-based business from Bunge, announced a plan to build a production facility in Amsterdam by 2024.

Phospholipids Industry Report Scope

Key Segments Covered in Phospholipids Industry Research

By Type:

• Phosphatidylserine
• Phosphatidylcholine
• Others

By Source:

• Soy
• Sunflowers
• Eggs
• Others

By End Use:

• Food and Beverages
• Nutraceutical Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia Pacific
• East Asia
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)