Crotonic Acid Market will see unprecedented growth in 2025 to 2035 since it is being used more and more in adhesives, coatings, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. The market would be around USD 845 million in 2025 and would be USD 2,148 million in 2035 with a CAGR of 9.8% in the forecast period.
There are quite a few drivers of market dynamics. One of the drivers is the demand for stronger adhesives and coatings utilized in the building and packaging sectors. Crotonic acid is one of the main intermediate chemicals used in manufacturing stronger adhesives with better bonding strength and resilience.
It finds wider applications in the pharmaceutical industry in manufacturing APIs, i.e., analgesics, and anti-inflammatory medication. The difficulty is that VOCs have no controls in the environment, and the producers have reacted by attempting to use newer, cleaner, greener manufacturing methods with a minimum loss of function.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 845 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 2,148 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 9.8% |
Crotonic acid may be categorized on the basis of application and type. The major derivatives include crotonate esters, copolymers, and crotonyl chloride. They are found predominantly in such materials as adhesives, coatings, resins, and medications. Crotonate esters are useful for providing tackiness and flex to coatings and thus have profoundly contributory applications in the car and industrial industry.
Crotonyl chloride also presents a greatly beneficial chemical intermediate for use for medicines and agriculture chemicals, mainly specialized drug synthesis. Coating and adhesive industry suppliers are also huge market demand through water-resistant as well as long-lasting mechanisms of adhesion. At the same time, the pharma industry is on the rise with growing R&D investments in new drug delivery via crotonic acid-derived products.
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The market for crotonic acid is a cost-conscious North American market based on traditional markets for drug and packaging markets in the USA and Canada. Local demand also receives boost from expanding application of high-performance adhesives to the healthcare industry's medical-grade coatings business segment.
Local firms even in highly regulated VOC emission setting of North American region marketplace are placing bets aggressively in environmentally friendly production machinery so they don't lose product quality. Bio-based substitutes of crotonic acid drive market demand too, our market research partner indicates on growing consumer preference for green chemistry products.
Europe dominates the market share of crotonic acid because of the huge demand of Germany, France, and the UK. The tough green regulations of the European Green Deal are compelling chemical businesses to shift their production processes towards an environmentally sustainable direction, reducing their use of harmful chemicals.
Crotonic acid finds widespread use in motor car motor coating, where big motor car makers like BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz utilize higher amounts of coating to facilitate maximum abrasion and motor car durability. European Swiss- and German-based pharmaceutical companies are also amongst the major buyers of drug formulation crotonic acid intermediates.
Asia-Pacific would be the quickest growing market for crotonic acid on account of China, India, Japan, and South Korea's rapidly growing construction, automotive, and pharma industries.
China is a large producer and user of crotonic acid as part of its vast chemical manufacturing complex. India's massive pharma sector is an important end-use of crotonic acid derivatives for drug manufacturing. Likewise, local urbanization and infrastructure advancement stimulate demand for high-performance coatings as well as adhesives. Waste and environment are longer-term drivers to force local companies to seek alternate bio-based alternatives of crotonic acids to keep pace with as well as adjust to market development.
Challenge
Environmental and Regulatory Concerns
Crotonic acid being a commercial chemical also has the challenge of VOC emission environmental management and treatment of toxic waste. Tighter regulations have been brought about by policies on volatile chemicals by all governments across the globe that force business firms to apply clean production systems. Investment in new technology apparatus in waste treatment is among the industry challenges.
Opportunity
Growth in Bio-Based Alternatives
Biobased conversion and green chemistry present a business opportunity for the crotonic acid sector. Green chemistry technology is where companies are investing in a bid to make less environmentally imbalanced crotonic acid with the assistance of biologic feedstocks.
New ways of manufacturing using fermentations-based productions are on the horizon, and high-purity industrial-grade crotonic acid awaits with sustainable objectives. Such types of processes will be needed in every sector but particularly in the coatings, adhesives, and pharmaceutical business.
The crotonic acid market evolved moderately in 2020 to 2024 with increased use of high-performance adhesives and paints for construction and packaging, and pharmaceutical demand. Market growth was driven by pharmaceutical industry demand, however. Regulation pressure on harmful chemicals led firms to increase production of green substitutes, though.
In 2025 to 2035, the market will be moving towards clean production, high technology waste recycling technology, and biological raw material-based crotonic acid production. Toxin-free adhesives, environmentally friendly paint, and mid-drugs will be the growth driver required.
Besides incurring environmentalist regulatory cost and worry, business stakeholders would have to invest in the new way of generating and replenishing raw material at the expense of seeking sustainable growth through fear and competition accumulated in an era.
Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | VOC emission and exposure to hazardous chemicals regulation affected crotonic acid use in coatings and adhesives. Regulations for compliance in North America and Europe were stringent, and this retarded growth in these markets. |
| Technological Advancements | Evolution in polymer manufacturing increased the use of crotonic acid in specialty resins and coatings. The synthesis process was improved by manufacturers to be more efficient and less expensive. |
| Adhesives & Coatings Industry Trends | Crotonic acid was a dominant feature in specialty adhesives and coatings, particularly auto body paints and construction and sealants. |
| Pharmaceutical & Agrochemical Applications | Pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries researched derivatives of crotonic acid as drug release and pesticide agents but were restrained commercially. |
| Polymer & Resin Market Expansion | Application of crotonic acid in specialty polymers grew, especially in thermoplastic composites and UV-cured resins with applications in packaging and the automotive industry. |
| Environmental Sustainability | Emphasis on waste minimization and production efficiency optimization enhanced crotonic acid production sustainability. |
| Production & Supply Chain Dynamics | Supply chain disruptions from volatile crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions impacted crotonic acid supply. China dominated production, causing regional supply imbalances. |
| Market Growth Drivers | Adhesives, coatings, and polymer markets drove demand growth, fueling moderate market growth. New applications in drug delivery and agrochemicals provided niche opportunities. |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Global regulatory policies focus on green chemistry and sustainable production, creating demand for bio-based crotonic acid. More stringent environmental regulations limit the use of petroleum-based crotonic acid, fueling the growth of renewable alternatives. |
| Technological Advancements | Improved bio-based synthesis techniques make crotonic acid more sustainable. New catalytic technologies enhance yield and purity, extending its applications in biodegradable polymers and in the medical field. |
| Adhesives & Coatings Industry Trends | Expansion in water-based coatings and green adhesives supports the demand for crotonic acid. Changing regulations towards non-toxic, low-emitting adhesives drive market players to invest in bio-based chemistry. |
| Pharmaceutical & Agrochemical Applications | More research in bioactive derivatives of crotonic acid extends applications in targeted drug release, biodegradable pesticides, and antimicrobial coatings. |
| Polymer & Resin Market Expansion | The demand for recyclable and biodegradable polymers increases the function of crotonic acid in future resins. Its use in smart packaging materials increases as a result of trend towards sustainability. |
| Environmental Sustainability | Circular economy actions result in greater recycling of crotonic acid and the inclusion of carbon capture technologies in production. Bio-based substitutes become more prominent, with a decrease in the use of fossil-fuel derivatives. |
| Production & Supply Chain Dynamics | Production diversification lessens the dependency on a few suppliers. Organizations invest in localized production and bio-based production techniques to make the supply chain more resilient. |
| Market Growth Drivers | Sustainable chemistry-driven market growth, enhanced use in biodegradable polymers, and government support for green substitutes. Advances in technology in medical and industrial uses also fuel demand at a faster pace. |
United States market of crotonic acid is witnessing consistent growth, fueled largely by its increasing applications in adhesives, coatings, and specialty polymers. Its strong environmental protection laws compel industries to switch to sustainable alternatives, thus opening up opportunities for innovation through the bio-based production of crotonic acid.
Construction and automotive segments remain the largest drivers for crotonic acid-based adhesives and coatings. Waterborne adhesive systems with VOC regulation are particularly popular and have helped in the market growth opportunities. Controlled-release drug delivery products from the pharmaceutical industry are also utilizing crotonic acid derivatives, and this offers a new growth opportunity for the market.
Regulatory, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) initiates petrochemical-based product reduction, pushing for the innovation of crotonic acid substitutes more environmentally friendly. Market development is also initiated through research in biodegradable polymer and antimicrobial coatings, making crotonic acid a market-leading focus material solution to green material solutions.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 9.8% |
UK crotonic acid market is transforming with increasing demand for green polymers, adhesives, and coatings. Implementation of the REACH directive has paved the way towards a paradigm shift towards bio-based crotonic acid, primarily utilized in construction and packaging sectors.
UK coatings industry is also seeing rising demand for low-VOC and UV-curable paints, to which crotonic acid is making major contributions in terms of resin formulation. Its market is also on the rise with better demand for biodegradable agrochemicals, which are being demanded particularly for green farm schemes.
The UK's interest in green chemistry innovation and circular economy design is revolutionizing crotonic acid use across industries. Industry stakeholders are investing in research and development to leverage crotonic acid in new adhesives and high-performance resins, further propelling the market's growth.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| UK | 9.8% |
In the EU, stringent environmental protection and sustainability regulatory standards are propelling the shift towards bio-based crotonic acid. Automotive, coating, and packaging markets remain strong in demand with Germany, France, and Italy leading due to their strong manufacturing sectors.
Shift towards biodegradable plastics and high-performance resins has raised investment in crotonic acid-based products. The European Green Deal also compels chemical manufacturers to reduce carbon footprints, and thus they are shifting towards bio-based rather than petroleum-based crotonic acid.
With greater adoption of sustainable agriculture, crotonic acid used as bio-pesticides and regulators of plant growth is also being sought in rising demand. Polymer science expansion also drives market development, with steady growth through application for eco-friendly coatings and special adhesives.
| Region | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union | 9.3% |
Japan's crotonic acid business is expanding aggressively as a result of gigantic demand from the electronics, automotive, and specialty chemicals industries. New material science technologies are opening up crotonic acid uses in high-performance coatings, adhesives, and conductive polymers for electronic devices.
The country's robust research infrastructure is propelling innovation in crotonic acid-based biomedical polymers and biodegradable packaging. Additionally, Japan's regulatory environment is favorable for green chemical production, propelling the shift towards bio-based crotonic acid in accordance with its carbon-neutrality targets.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 10.0% |
South Korean crotonic acid business is growing in a geometrical way with more use in adhesives, packaging, and coatings markets. Its technological growth in the field of polymer science is driving uses of crotonic acid towards high-performance resins in automotive and building product markets.
Because of the government's green production support, South Korean businesses are investing in bio-based crotonic acid production. The electronics sector of the country, which requires hard but lightweight materials, is also propelling the market growth, primarily for UV-curable coatings and conductive adhesives. Green industrial processes that South Korea is emphasizing and expansion in the applications of biodegradable polymers also improve the crotonic acid market forecast.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 9.2% |
The greatest proportion is that of the adhesive resins, owing to extensive uses in consumer and industrial markets. Resins are strengthened by the addition of crotonic acid, and as such, they possess vast uses in creating high-performance adhesives used in packaging, the automotive sector, and construction industries. Adhesives created using the use of crotonic acid possess significantly stronger bonds in packages, which offer increased durability to flexible packaging materials.
Car firms also prefer employing crotonic acid adhesives for joining interior components, reducing mechanical fasteners, and improving car look. Increasing vehicle demand for lighter weight material also propels use of such resins. Inorganic growth to green and solvent-free adhesives is also propelling technological advancements in utilization of crotonic acid and hence making the same a focal raw material within green adhesive offerings.
One of the biggest end-use markets for crotonic acid is coatings, and applications in paint adhesion and weatherability. Growth in the construction industry, especially in India and Brazil's booming economies, is driving the demand for improved quality coatings with increased durability. Water-based coatings have extensive application in crotonic acid uses, as these are taking the place of solvent-based coatings with rising environmental regulations.
In automotive and industrial application, crotonic acid-modified coatings are resistant to corrosion, and metal surface life is improved. The paint and coating industries are also formulating new products in the form of crotonic acid derivatives with improved chemical stability and UV resistance to meet greater demand for long-term exterior coatings.
Plasticizer industry is experiencing random development in the use of crotonic acid because the industry needs effective solutions to make polymers flexible. Crotonic acid is a chemical intermediate used in the manufacture of plasticizers used in PVC products like cables, flooring, and mock leather. Increased uses of flexible PVC in building products, automotive interiors, and medical devices are driving demand for plasticizers from crotonic acid.
Apart from this, the global transformation to phthalate-free plasticizers from phthalate plasticizers has been stimulating demand for bio-based items and hence crotonic acid was a leading product in the market. More green packaging focus and consumer business will be responsible for driving crotonic acid plasticizers' growth.
Crotonic acid is an important intermediate used in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector for the manufacture of specialty numbers of active ingredients. In the pharma sector, crotonic acid finds its application in the manufacture of specialty drugs such as anti-inflammatory drugs and dermatology drugs. Crotonic acid is now an indispensable intermediate used in the manufacture of drugs because of the need for new drugs in the European and North American market.
Chemical industry utilizes crotonic acid in manufacturing specialty chemicals used as agrochemicals and surfactants. Derivatives of crotonic acid used in fungicides provide protective functions and provide long-term protection to plants against disease. The use of the product in agriculture is fueling long-term growth in the industry.
Uses of crotonic acid are opening doors for a new future for the electronics industry in the coming times. Its application in high-performance polymers blend is contributing to the improvement of dielectric quality of insulators and electronic coating. Electronics manufacturing entails minute, rugged coatings, and thus crotonic acid-composition materials are taking the place of the finest constituents.
Crotonic acid grades find application in the textile business in specialty end-of-line finishing chemicals with increased strength, crease resistance, and dye fixation of fabrics. Crotonic acid additive products are industrially end-use market-driven in functionalized fabrics, home textile bedding linens, and sports wear because of industry demand for these types of fabrics. Growing requirements for bio-based and green treating of fabrics pose new market potential for crotonic acid solution as well.
Crotonic acid industry is competitive and dominated by world industry giants in the global market and domestically based companies driving industry growth. World industry giants are concerned with producing high-purity crotonic acid, efficiency in production, and other applications in adhesives, coatings, and the pharmaceutical intermediates industry. The industry consists of mature industries and new industries, both driving technology growth as well as green growth.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Zhejiang Guoguang Biochemistry | 10-15% |
| Tianjin Jinhui Pharmaceutical | 8-12% |
| Kono Chem Co., Ltd. | 6-10% |
| WeylChem International | 5-9% |
| Xuchang Dongfang Chemical | 4-8% |
| Other Companies (combined) | 50-60% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Zhejiang Guoguang Biochemistry | Produces high-purity crotonic acid for adhesives, coatings, and plastic modification. Focuses on enhancing production efficiency through advanced synthesis techniques. |
| Tianjin Jinhui Pharmaceutical | Manufactures crotonic acid derivatives for pharmaceutical intermediates. Invests in high-yield production methods to ensure cost-effectiveness and supply reliability. |
| Kono Chem Co., Ltd. | Specializes in fine chemicals, including crotonic acid, for agrochemical and polymer applications. Emphasizes eco-friendly production technologies. |
| WeylChem International | Supplies crotonic acid for coatings, resins, and specialty chemicals. Develops sustainable solutions to meet global environmental standards. |
| Xuchang Dongfang Chemical | Engages in crotonic acid production for specialty adhesives and polymer synthesis. Prioritizes research and innovation for diversified applications. |
Key Company Findings
Zhejiang Guoguang Biochemistry (10-15%)
Zhejiang Guoguang Biochemistry is the market leader in crotonic acid supply used in the production of high-purity chemicals used in adhesives, coatings, and plastic modification. It applies cutting-edge synthesis technologies to achieve high efficiency with low waste. Its large global reach and high research and development expenditure drive new industrial applications growth and make it a market leader in specialty chemicals.
Tianjin Jinhui Pharmaceutical (8-12%)
Tianjin Jinhui Pharmaceutical is treating crotonic acid derivatives, i.e., pharma intermediates, which it utilizes with state-of-the-art production technology in a bid to cut costs and reap high returns. Being consistent with regulatory standards and guaranteed supply chain, it is well established as a quality supplier for the pharma and chemical industry.
Kono Chem Co., Ltd. (6-10%)
Kono Chem Co., Ltd. is a crotonic acid high-purity chemicals manufacturer of polymers and agrochemicals. It is a grandmaster at production on a green production base and has already gone green with chemistry in its business. With consistent product innovation and quality along with sustainability, Kono Chem is gaining more popularity in the global specialty chemical business.
WeylChem International (5-9%)
WeylChem markets crotonic acid as specialty chemicals, resins, and coatings under environmentally friendly conditions because the regulations over the environment are stringent. With its investment of R&D spending, it can enhance performance as well as create new functions in different industries. Having good distribution channels, WeylChem can access new markets as well as mature ones.
Xuchang Dongfang Chemical (4-8%)
Xuchang Dongfang Chemical is the largest market supplier of crotonic acid and therefore is in a position to offer specialty grades for use in adhesives, as well as in polymers manufacture. Diversification is enhanced by company R&D concentration. By blending with advanced technology of production, it ensures constant product purity, as well as cost competitiveness in overseas markets.
Other Key Players (50-60% Combined)
Several additional companies collectively hold a significant market share, contributing to industry growth through innovation, sustainability, and cost optimization. Notable players include:
The global crotonic acid market size was valued at USD 845 million in 2025.
The crotonic acid market is projected to reach approximately USD 2,148 million by 2035.
The increasing consumption of crotonic acid-based copolymer dispersions in adhesives, paints, and coatings, which enhance adhesion performance, is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
The top 5 countries driving the development of the crotonic acid market are China, India, the United States, Japan, and Germany.
On the basis of application, adhesive resins are expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
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Crotonic Acid Market
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