The global crotonic acid market is expected to grow from USD 845 million in 2025 to USD 2,148 million by 2035, expanding at a robust CAGR of 9.8%. The strong performance of this specialty chemical is primarily linked to its growing demand for adhesives, paints and coatings, and polymer modification applications.
Known for its excellent adhesion and flexibility properties, crotonic acid is widely used in hot melt adhesives, water-based paints, and dispersions. As industries shift toward low-VOC and environmentally friendly materials, crotonic acid is gaining preference due to its compatibility with sustainable formulations.
The market is also experiencing tailwinds from the packaging, construction, and automotive sectors where polymer-modified products are increasingly deployed. In addition, crotonic acid serves as a key building block for pharmaceutical intermediates and personal care esters, contributing to its expanding footprint. As end-use sectors accelerate R&D in functional polymers and cosmetic actives, the need for specialty acids like crotonic acid is expected to rise significantly.
Companies are investing in capacity expansion and technology upgrades to meet rising demand. Asian producers, particularly in China and India, are scaling up production due to cost advantages and proximity to end-use industries. Furthermore, bio-based synthesis methods are being explored to align with global climate and sustainability goals, adding an innovation-driven layer to the market’s evolution.
In a broader industry context, Karen McKee, President of ExxonMobil Product Solutions, emphasized in a 2024 interview the company’s focus on specialty chemicals, stating, “We are transforming our business to meet growing demand for high-value, performance chemicals that enable sustainable solutions.” This strategic vision is aligned with trends shaping the crotonic acid market, where specialty polymers and eco-conscious additives are gaining momentum.
With ongoing innovation and rising cross-sector demand, crotonic acid is poised to play a critical role in next-generation adhesives, coatings, and medical formulations.
Key Industry Attributes
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025) | USD 845 million |
| Industry Size (2035) | USD 2,148 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 9.8% |
The Crotonic Acid Market is expected to see substantial growth, with adhesive resins and coatings leading the way due to their applications in industries demanding durable, flexible, and eco-friendly materials. Crotonic acid plays a vital role in enhancing product performance across adhesives, coatings, and plasticizers. These two segments are predicted to dominate the market through 2025.
The adhesive resins segment is projected to dominate the crotonic acid market with an estimated 48.5% market share in 2025. This segment's growth is largely driven by the increasing demand for high-performance adhesives in various industries, particularly packaging, automotive, and construction.
Crotonic acid enhances the adhesive properties by providing greater bonding strength, improving durability, and increasing resistance to wear and environmental factors. It is particularly effective in flexible packaging materials, which require durability for long-lasting performance.
The automotive industry has embraced crotonic acid-based adhesives to replace mechanical fasteners, reducing vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, there is a growing shift toward eco-friendly adhesives, such as solvent-free formulations, which help in reducing environmental impact.
This shift has made crotonic acid a key ingredient in green adhesives that are compliant with sustainability regulations. The increasing need for lightweight, durable, and sustainable materials across various industrial applications ensures that adhesive resins will continue to be a leading market segment for crotonic acid, with growth driven by the rising demand for eco-conscious, high-performance solutions.
The coatings segment is expected to capture 31.2% of the crotonic acid market by 2025. This segment is poised for growth as crotonic acid-based coatings gain traction in the construction and automotive industries, driven by the need for high-quality and durable finishes.
Crotonic acid-modified coatings are highly valued for their superior adhesion properties, weatherability, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for protecting infrastructure and automotive parts exposed to harsh conditions.
In the construction sector, demand for durable and weather-resistant coatings has risen, particularly as the industry moves toward sustainable construction practices. Crotonic acid coatings are increasingly preferred due to their ability to provide long-lasting protection to buildings, bridges, and other structures, while reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Similarly, in the automotive industry, these coatings are used to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and enhance the vehicle's overall aesthetic appeal.
The transition from solvent-based to water-based coatings, spurred by environmental regulations, has made crotonic acid-modified coatings more popular. These coatings not only meet eco-friendly standards but also offer superior performance. As sustainability continues to drive the industry, the coatings segment of the crotonic acid market is expected to thrive, with significant growth in demand for durable, eco-friendly solutions.
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% |
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:
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Total Market Size (2025) | USD 845 million |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 2,148 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 9.8% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD million for value |
| Applications Analyzed (Segment 1) | Adhesive Resins, Coatings, Plasticizers, Fungicides, Intermediates |
| End Use Sectors Analyzed (Segment 2) | Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Paints & Coatings, Automobile, Packaging, Textile, Electronics |
| Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa |
| Countries Covered | China, United States, India, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, France, Indonesia, United Kingdom |
| Key Players Influencing the Market | Zhejiang Guoguang Biochemistry, Tianjin Jinhui Pharmaceutical, Kono Chem Co., Ltd., WeylChem International, Xuchang Dongfang Chemical, DuPont, Otto Chemie, Godavari Biorefineries, BIO-TECH, ALB Technology Limited, Chem of China, Zhengzhou Tuozhixiang Trading |
| Additional Attributes | Total market size in dollar sales and CAGR, application-wise dollar sales breakdown (adhesives, coatings, pharmaceuticals), regional dollar sales trends (China, North America), competitor market share, purity-grade demand shifts, regulatory and sustainability factors, and end-use industry growth drivers. |
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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