Valeric Acid Market (Category: Bio-Based and Synthetic; Application: Rubber and Plastic Products, Lubricant, Drugs and Medicines, Solvents, Food and Feed Additives, Chemical Intermediates, Flavoring Agent, Biofuel, Pesticides, Personal Care Ingredient, and Others; End Use: Agriculture, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Personal Care, Chemical, Automotive and Transportation, Energy, and Others) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2025-2033

Market Overview

The global valeric acid market was valued at US$ 186.3 Mn in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2033, reaching US$ 396.1 Mn by the end of 2033. The market is estimated to be valued at US$ 199.7 Mn in 2024 and will continue its steady growth through 2033, reaching approximately US$ 371.4 Mn.

Analysts’ Viewpoint on Valeric Acid Market Scenario

The valeric acid market is set to experience steady growth due to its increasing applications in chemical intermediates, biofuel, bioplastics, lubricants, food and feed additives, and flavoring agents. Due to its chemical properties, valeric acid is significantly used in fragrances and flavoring agents. As industries move toward sustainability, the demand for bio-based valeric acid is expected to rise.

The Asia-Pacific region holds a significant market share, driven by a large population, growing energy requirements, and increasing demand for bio-based products. Manufacturers are investing in cost-effective bio-based valeric acid production technologies to enhance output and meet sustainability goals.

Global Valeric Acid Market Overview

Valeric acid, also known as pentanoic acid, is a corrosive, colorless, oily liquid with an unpleasant odor. It is commonly derived through Oxo Process, biomass-derived sugars, and electrocatalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid.

Key Applications:

• Pharmaceuticals: Used in the production of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants.
• Food & Beverage: Acts as a flavoring agent due to its fruity taste.
• Fragrances & Cosmetics: Used in perfumes due to its pleasant-smelling esters.
• Chemical Industry: Used for pesticides, herbicides, and plasticizers.
• Biofuel Additive: Enhances fuel performance and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Industrial Applications: Utilized in synthetic lubricants and cement grinding additives.

Market Drivers

Expansion in Flavors and Fragrances Market

Valeric acid is increasingly used in flavors and fragrance industries due to its ability to create sweet-smelling, floral, and fruity aromas. Bio-based valeric acid is being adopted as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical ingredients.

Role in Biodegradable Plasticizers

Valeric acid is crucial in producing biodegradable plasticizers via valerate esters, which are eco-friendly alternatives to phthalates. With growing environmental concerns, the demand for sustainable plasticizers is rising, especially in automotive, construction, and packaging industries.

Biofuel Applications

Valeric acid is a key precursor for biofuel additives, helping improve fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The increasing regulatory push for renewable fuels is driving its adoption in the automotive and energy sectors.

Regional Market Insights

Leading Region: Asia Pacific (58.7% Market Share)

Asia Pacific dominates the valeric acid market due to rapid industrialization, expansion of chemical industries, and government support for biofuels.

North America accounts for 19.3% of the market, driven by strong biofuel initiatives and stringent environmental regulations. Europe holds 15.2% market share, benefiting from EU sustainability policies. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are emerging markets with growing adoption of valeric acid in biofuel and agriculture.

Key Market Developments

• October 6, 2020: Perstorp launched Valeric Acid Pro 20, containing 20% renewable raw materials, and Valeric Acid Pro 100, made entirely from renewable raw materials.
• December 12, 2024: Perstorp Group announced price hikes for valeric acid, effective January 1, 2025.
• May 22, 2023: ChemistrySelect published a study on a new catalyst-based process for valeric acid production from levulinic acid.
• August 29, 2020: Molecular Therapy Oncolytics highlighted valeric acid as a potential treatment for liver cancer.

Market Segmentation

By Category

• Bio-Based
• Synthetic

By Application

• Rubber and Plastic Products
• Lubricants
• Pharmaceuticals
• Solvents
• Food and Feed Additives
• Chemical Intermediates
• Flavoring Agent
• Biofuel
• Pesticides
• Personal Care Ingredients
• Others

By End-Use

• Agriculture
• Pharmaceuticals
• Food and Beverage
• Personal Care
• Chemical Industry
• Automotive & Transportation
• Energy
• Others

By Region

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

Key Companies Profiled

• Perstorp Holding AB
• Dow Inc.
• OQ Chemicals GmbH
• Yufeng International Group Co., Ltd.
• BioVeritas LLC
• Afyren SA
• ChainCraft
• Advanced Biotech
• Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.
• Hangzhou Better Chemtech Ltd.

The report includes company profiles with product portfolios, sales footprint, strategies, financials, and recent developments.

Conclusion

The valeric acid market is experiencing rapid growth due to its expanding applications in biofuels, flavors and fragrances, and sustainable plasticizers. Asia-Pacific leads the market, while North America and Europe benefit from stringent environmental regulations. The rise of bio-based valeric acid aligns with global sustainability trends, ensuring steady demand growth through 2033.