The UK market is expected to expand steadily throughout the forecast period with an expected value of approximately GBP 850 million in 2035, from 2025 to 2035 with a CAGR of 4.7%.
Sustainability drives growth for the industry; technology helps bring these goals to light. Demand grows among the principal application industries for this product-automotive, textiles, construction, food and beverages, and packaging. Advancements towards green technologies and sustainable solutions will again drive the demand for adipic acid, mainly in areas like production of nylon, plasticizers, and food additives.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Projected UK Adipic Acid Market Value (2035F) | GBP 850 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.7% |
The UK's pledge to reduce carbon and reach net-zero by 2050 has seen a lot of interest in sustainable chemicals and processes. Being a product, Adipic acid particularly is increasingly being used by industries seeking compliance with environmental regulations in meeting the demand of greener products by the consumer themselves.
This is especially true in the automotive sector, where adipic acid is used to produce high-performance materials such as nylon and polyurethane, which are integral to lightweight vehicle production and energy efficiency improvements.
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Eco-Friendly and Bio-Based Adipic Acid
Bio-based and renewable sources are the emerging alternatives in response to the ever-growing sustainability concerns. Bio-based adipic acid, which comes from renewable feedstocks, is finding acceptance because of its lower negative environmental impact in comparison to the fossil-based traditional method.
This is also in sync with the government regulations by the UK that emphasize greener manufacturing processes and reducing carbon footprints. Automotive and textile are some of the industries that make use of more bio-based adipic acid to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce environmental footprint, and keep pace with regulations. This is one trend that reflects an increased need for green products in the UK market.
Advances in Nylon and Polyurethane Manufacturing
Adipic acid is an important intermediate in the synthesis of nylon 66, that is used in automobiles, textile industries as well as in industrial fields. The automotive industry requires lightweight, tough material and more sustainable textiles are being increasingly requested. Also, adipic acid is applied in the production of polyurethanes, which are widely applied in insulation materials. The focus of the construction industry on building energy-efficient buildings and implementing green building standards necessitates more use of high-performance polyurethane insulation. This drives demand for adipic acid as people push for more sustainability and energy efficiency in every activity.
Sustainability in Packaging and Food Additives
The food and beverages sector in the UK is one area where the growth in demand is taking place with adipic acid, especially the form of adipate esters, plasticizers for packaging materials. Adipic acid is coming to play an important role with more stringent rules around recyclability and sustainability in eco-friendly packaging solutions.
As the UK moves forward with agendas to reduce plastic waste and increase the recyclability of materials, it is using adipic acid in the development of greener forms of packaging products. This is a step in the direction toward a greener form of packaging, in alignment with greater environmental responsibility in the food and beverage industry.
| Segment | Nylon 66 Fiber |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.3% |
| Key Trends | Increasing demand for lightweight materials in the automotive and textile sectors. |
| Segment | Polyurethanes |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.8% |
| Key Trends | Demand growth in energy-efficient construction and automotive insulation. |
| Segment | Food and Beverage Additives |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.1% |
| Key Trends | Focus on reducing preservatives and increasing sustainability in food packaging. |
| Segment | Plasticizers |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.5% |
| Key Trends | Growth driven by the shift towards recyclable and eco-friendly plastic products. |
The UK adipic acid market is moderately consolidated, with major global and domestic players competing to supply both conventional and bio-based adipic acid solutions.
Leading Players
Key players in the market include the global companies such as BASF SE, DuPont, and LANXESS. Together, they own a major portion of the market share. Their main strategy focuses on innovation and sustainability by investing in R&D for the production of bio-based adipic acid and its advanced applications.
Domestic Manufacturers
UK-based manufacturers such as Ineos and Croda International are integral to the domestic market, supplying adipic acid for various industries, especially automotive, textiles, and food.
Emerging Innovators
There are growing bio-based adipic acid production initiatives and innovators' focus on new feedstocks that include renewable biomass and waste materials for the rising sector of sustainable applications for adipic acid.
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| Date | Key Development |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | BASF launched a new bio-based adipic acid product aimed at the automotive sector. |
| March 2025 | Croda International announced an expansion of its adipic acid production for sustainable applications. |
| October 2025 | Ineos acquired a new biotechnological process for producing adipic acid from renewable resources. |
The UK adipic acid market is expected to continue growing, driven by sustainable manufacturing practices, technological innovations, and the expansion of key industries such as automotive, textiles, and food.
Key factors shaping the market include
The market is expected to reach GBP 850 million, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%.
Nylon 66 fiber is the largest application, particularly in automotive and textile industries.
Key trends include the adoption of bio-based adipic acid, sustainability in packaging, and innovations in nylon and polyurethane manufacturing.
Major players include BASF SE, DuPont, LANXESS, Ineos, and Croda International.
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UK Adipic Acid Market
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