Professionals 249 Users Online

Stearate Market

Market Study on Stearates: Industrial Grade Variants to Exhibit High Demand Growth

Stearate Market is Segmented By Type (Calcium Stearate, Magnesium Stearate, Zinc Stearate), The industrial grade currently holds a leading market share of 58.6%.

Stearate Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global stearate market expanded at 3.8% CAGR between 2018 and 2022 and ended up at a valuation of US$ 1.36 billion in 2023. As per this study by Persistence Market Research, worldwide sales of stearates are projected to increase at 5.2% CAGR to reach a market size of US$ 2.26 billion by the end of 2033.

Metallic stearates are formed by the reaction of stearic acid, an 18-carbon chain fatty acid, with basic metals such as calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and zinc. Due to the long hydrocarbon chain of stearic acid, stearates are hydrophobic in nature. This property makes them suitable for lubrication and provides a higher melting point compared to other metallic soaps.

The market has been shaped by increasing consumer awareness of stearate-based products, which are used as emulsifiers, lubricants, and detergents. This trend has been observed in both developed and developing countries.

Attribute Key Insights

Stearate Market Size (2023E)

US$ 1.36 Billion

Projected Market Value (2033F)

US$ 2.26 Billion

Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)

5.2% CAGR

Historical Growth Rate (2018 to 2022)

3.8% CAGR

Revenue Share of Top 4 Countries (2022E)

56%

Sample Report

FREE Report Sample is Available

In-depth report coverage is now just a few seconds away

Download PDF Get FREE Report Sample

What are the Key Trends Driving the Demand for Stearates?

“Lubricant and Hydrophobic Properties of Stearates Leading to Increased Product Demand and Wide Applicability”

Stearates are being increasingly used across various industries and for a variety of applications, such as preventing water absorption by detergents and solid washing powders, preventing caking by making materials water repellent- and acting as mold release agents to prevent materials from bonding to the surface of molds and plastics/polymer products.

Metallic stearates serve various purposes in different industries. In the textile industry, they act as antistatic agents and are utilized for dry impregnation. On the other hand, the printing ink industry uses stearates as additives for pigments, taking advantage of their swelling and suspension properties. Their lubricant properties make them useful as release agents for pastels and as matting agents for gravure inks.

The exceptional oil-binding properties of these substances make them suitable for use in cement and fillers. In the production of waxes and liquid wax components, their hydrophobic properties make them ideal as suspension agents, enhancing water repellency. They are also frequently added as anti-caking agents for different fillers and hygroscopic salts to enhance water resistance.

The use of stearates in the metallic processing industry involves employing them as lubricants, dry-film lubricants, and release agents. As a result of the broadened range of applications for stearates, the global market has exhibited strong growth dynamics.

“Emollient and Emulsification Properties of Stearates Boosting Demand in Cosmetics Industry”

Lubrication is one of the primary properties associated with stearate salts and their ability to retard emulsions from phase separation between the water and oil fractions. Stearate salts also increase the viscosity of the lipid (oil) portion of various cosmetics and other personal care products while reducing the clear/transparent appearance of the finished product.

Stearic acid, a waxy substance that serves as a precursor to many stearates, possesses emollient and emulsification properties. It can help make the skin feel softer and ensure that ingredients in a formulation mix homogeneously. Zinc stearate, which is derived from stearic acid and zinc, offers additional benefits such as hydration and improved texture due to its ability to increase slip in cosmetic products.

It is commonly used as a soap, emulsifier, or binder in various cosmetics and can also act as a pigment or coloring agent. Zinc stearate is considered generally safe and not associated with adverse reactions.

“Rising Utilization of Metallic Stearates in Rubber Industry as Release Coatings”

In recent years, the rubber industry has increasingly utilized metallic stearates for their unique properties. One of their primary functions in this context is their ability to prevent rubber from adhering to molds and to itself. Rubber manufacturers have found diverse applications for metallic stearates, including their use in rubber formulations as release coatings to prevent vulcanized rubber from sticking to molds, as well as preventing uncured rubber from adhering to itself.

This is made possible by the combination of the chemical and physical properties of metallic stearates.

“Expanding Polymer Industry in Developing Countries”

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in demand for polymers from developing countries such as India and China. India is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in polymer demand over the next five years, outperforming the Chinese market and other emerging economies. There is significant investment taking place in developing countries in the petrochemical, polymer, and plastic processing industries, which is expected to accelerate the demand for polymers and plastics during the forecast period.

Polymers are one of the fastest growing industries in developing countries, with immense potential in terms of infrastructure, capacity, and skilled labor, which further expands the demand for metallic stearate used in the plastic and polymer industries. India’s polymer industry is emerging rapidly in this regard, and it is expected to account for around 3% market share of the global polymer export market in the next three to four years.

Custom Report Cover

Make This Report Your Own

Take Advantage of Intelligence Tailored to your Business Objective

> Get a Customized Version

What are the Hindrances to the Adoption of Stearates?

“Consumers’ Increasing Preference for Naturally Derived Products”

Increasing use of chemicals in everyday products and the risks associated with them have made consumers increasingly conscious of their utility and resulted in the growing demand for naturally derived and similar products devoid of artificial chemicals. This will result in reduced demand for stearates in the cosmetics and food & beverages sectors.

  • Minorito, a Norwegian food supplement brand, has invested in a new technology that allows the company to produce tablets without magnesium stearate. The technology allows the company to ensure high-quality products with excellent consistency. This step was taken by the company to limit the usage of magnesium stearate, an artificial additive.
Market Research Methodology

Market Research Methodology

-Perfect through Years of Diligence

Check Research Methodology

Country-wise Insights

What Makes India a Lucrative Market for Manufacturers of Stearates?

“Increasing Investments in Polymer Production”

India accounts for 35.8% of the South Asia and Pacific stearate market and is a rapidly growing market for stearates. Demand for stearates in India is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period.

Developing nations are making considerable investments in petrochemicals, polymer production, and plastic processing industries, which is likely to drive the demand for polymers and plastics during the forecast period.

What is the Demand Outlook for Stearates in the United States?

“Strong Presence of Prominent Market Players in the Country”

Demand for stearates in the United States is expected to reach US$ 223.1 million in 2023 and occupy 83.3% of the North American market.

Key players have established a significant presence in the United States due to the growing demand for stearate across various end-use sectors. These sectors include personal care and cosmetics, food and beverages, plastics and rubber, and pharmaceuticals.

Sales Team

Sales Team
Client Partner

Let's Connect

Connect me to identify winning opportunities

Ask An Expert
I'm Available

Category-wise Insights

Where are Stearates Being Widely Utilized?

“Expansion of Pharmaceutical Industry in Developing Countries Contributing to Market Growth”

Stearates are widely used in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. Demand for stearates from the pharmaceutical segment of the market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period, driven by the growth of the industry in developing countries like India and China. Use of stearates as anticaking and mold-release agents is a prevalent factor contributing to their wide use in the pharmaceutical industry.

What are the Different Stearate Grades Available in the Market?

Oil Binding and Anti-caking Properties of Industrial-grade Stearates Fueling Their Consumption”

The global stearate market is categorized into different grades, including food grade, pharmaceutical grade, and technical (industrial) grade. The industrial grade currently holds a leading market share of 58.6%. This can be attributed to the numerous properties that make stearates highly versatile, including their oil-binding, suspension, water repellency, anti-caking, and lubrication properties, among others.

Competitive Dashboard

With the utilization of advanced and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, companies are focusing on offering high-quality standards and grades of stearates. Companies operating in the market are focusing on expanding their product portfolio and extending their reach into new geographical territories. Many players in the market are developing products that align with evolving consumer trends.

  • In November 2022, Peter Greven GmbH & Co. KG established its new production line in Penang, Malaysia. The new facility produces metallic soaps using the patented COAD technology, increasing the capacity and efficiency of its metallic soap production.
  • In August 2022, SK Capital, a private investment firm, successfully acquired Valtris Specialty Chemicals. This partnership is expected to help Valtris strengthen its specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical segments.
  • In December 2021, Dover Chemical Corporation, a subsidiary of ICC Industries, signed a distribution agreement with Ravago Chemicals North America to broaden its product range in the North America Midwest region. This expansion is expected to enhance the company's product portfolio and provide opportunities to improve the stability and value of its customer supply chains.
  • In February 2019, Baerlocher Group made a US$ 30 million investment in its subsidiary located in India, aimed at increasing its existing capacity. This strategic move is expected to allow the company to expand its production of metal stearate, as well as its warehousing facilities. It would also enable the company to establish a research and development laboratory, providing further opportunities for product innovation and development.

Stearate Industry Report Scope

Attribute Details

Forecast Period

2023 to 2033

Historical Data Available for

2018 to 2022

Market Analysis

US$ Billion for Value

Key Regions Covered

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • East Asia
  • Middle East & Africa

Key Countries Covered

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Thailand
  • Malaysia
  • Indonesia
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • GCC Countries
  • Türkiye
  • Northern African Countries
  • South Africa

Key Market Segments Covered

  • Type
  • Grade
  • End Use
  • Region

Key Companies Profiled

  • Akrochem Corporation
  • Baerlocher GmbH
  • FACI SPA
  • Global Calcium Pvt. Ltd.
  • ICC Industries, Inc.
  • James M. Brown Ltd.
  • Kraft Chemical Company
  • Lumega Industries
  • Mateos, S.L.
  • Mittal Dhatu Rashayan Udyog
  • MLA Group of Industries
  • Nimbasia Stabilizers
  • Peter Greven GmbH & Co. KG
  • PMC Group (PMC Biogenix, Inc.)
  • Roquette Frères
  • Sinwon Chemical
  • Sunkem Industries & S.N. Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.
  • Valtris Specialty Chemicals
  • WSD Chemical Company

Report Coverage

  • Market Forecast
  • Company Share Analysis
  • Competition Intelligence
  • DROT Analysis
  • Market Dynamics and Challenges
  • Strategic Growth Initiatives

Customization & Pricing

Available upon Request

Stearate Industry Research Segmentation

By Type:

  • Calcium Stearate
  • Magnesium Stearate
  • Zinc Stearate

By Grade:

  • Food Grade
  • Pharmaceutical Grade
  • Technical (Industrial) Grade

By End Use:

  • Plastic & Rubber Industry
  • Personal Care & Cosmetics Industry
  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Food & Beverages Industry

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • East Asia
  • Middle East & Africa

- Companies Covered in This Report -

  • Akrochem Corporation
  • Baerlocher GmbH
  • FACI SPA
  • Global Calcium PVT LTD
  • ICC Industries, Inc.
  • James M. Brown Ltd.
  • Kraft Chemical Company
  • Lumega Industries
  • Mateos, S.L
  • Mittal Dhatu Rashayan Udyog
  • MLA Group of Industries
  • Nimbasia Stabilizers
  • Peter Greven GmbH & Co. KG
  • PMC Group(PMC Biogenix, Inc.)
  • Roquette Frères
  • Sinwon Chemical
  • Sunkem Industries & S.N. Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.
  • Valtris Specialty Chemicals
  • WSD Chemical Company

- Frequently Asked Questions -

The global stearate market is valued at US$ 1.36 billion in 2023.

Consumption of stearates increased at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2018 to 2022.

Worldwide demand for stearates is estimated to reach US$ 2.26 billion by 2033.

Global demand for stearate is projected to increase at 5.2% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.

PMC, Akrochem, Baerlocher, Peter Greven, ICC, and FACI collectively account for 25% to 35% market share.

The market for stearates in East Asia is forecasted to reach US$ 693.2 million by 2033.

The U.S., China, Japan, Germany, and India lead as far as the consumption of stearates is concerned.

Germany, France, and the U.K. are prominent markets for stearates in the European region.

This site uses cookies, including third-party cookies, that help us to provide and improve our services. Privacy Policy
Google translate