• The market for adipic acid is being reshaped by heightened demand for sustainable feedstocks as bio-based variants gain traction, even though synthetic routes continue to dominate production.

• While the industry is expected to grow at around a 5%–6% CAGR over the coming years, the bio-based segment currently accounts for only about 15% of total supply—highlighting both a gap and an opportunity in the transition to greener chemistries.

• The expansion of high-performance applications such as nylon 6,6, engineering plastics and polyurethane systems is driving robust demand for adipic acid, since these end uses require precise polymer properties and increasing volumes.

• Asia-Pacific is emerging as the growth epicenter—supported by local manufacturing scale-up, expanding automotive and textile industries and strengthening chemicals infrastructure—while North America and Europe focus on high-purity grades and specialty chemicals.

• The shift toward bio-based adipic acid production is being accelerated by R&D breakthroughs in microbial fermentation, as well as regulatory and corporate sustainability mandates, yet progress is constrained by higher production costs and scale-up challenges.

• Key operational risks include raw-material feedstock volatility, regulatory pressures on emissions and residues, and the capital intensity of bio-based process development, which collectively require strategic risk-management by producers.

• Strategically, companies are moving toward a solutions-led value chain, bundling high-performance adipic acid grades with formulation support, supply-chain traceability and sustainability certifications to build competitive edge in emerging specialty applications.

In this report, the Synthetic and Bio-based Adipic Acid Market has been segmented by Product, Applications, and Geography.

Synthetic and Bio-based Adipic Acid Market, Segmentation by Product

The Synthetic and Bio-based Adipic Acid Market is segmented by product into Food Grade and Industrial Grade. Each grade caters to specific end-use requirements across diverse industries such as food processing, polymers, coatings, and resins. The increasing transition from petroleum-derived to bio-based production methods is reshaping market dynamics, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Food Grade

Food Grade adipic acid is primarily utilized as an acidulant and gelling agent in the food and beverage industry. It is widely used in carbonated drinks, flavoring agents, and gelatin-based products due to its controlled acidity and stability. With growing consumer preference for clean-label ingredients and regulatory approval for bio-based variants, this segment is witnessing strong growth in developed markets.

Industrial Grade

Industrial Grade adipic acid dominates overall consumption, accounting for a major share in the production of nylon 6,6, polyurethane resins, and plasticizers. Demand remains strong across automotive, construction, and textile sectors. The increasing emphasis on lightweight polymers and the integration of bio-based feedstocks are encouraging innovation in sustainable manufacturing processes within this segment.

Synthetic and Bio-based Adipic Acid Market, Segmentation by Applications

The market is segmented by applications into Paints & Coatings, Low-Temperature Lubricants, Plastic Additives, Polyurethane Resins, Food Additives, and Other Synthetic Fibers. Rising demand for eco-friendly polymers and high-performance materials across industrial and consumer sectors drives diversification in adipic acid applications.

Paints & Coatings

Paints & Coatings constitute a growing segment due to adipic acid’s role in enhancing durability, gloss, and flexibility in resin formulations. Increasing adoption of low-VOC and bio-based coatings is fueling demand for sustainable raw materials, particularly in architectural and automotive coatings.

Low-Temperature Lubricants

Low-Temperature Lubricants utilize adipic acid derivatives to improve thermal stability and viscosity control. Their use in aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery supports improved energy efficiency and operational reliability in extreme conditions.

Plastic Additives

Plastic Additives derived from adipic acid enhance flexibility, processing performance, and UV resistance in plastic products. With rising environmental concerns, the transition to bio-based plasticizers is expanding rapidly, particularly in packaging and consumer goods manufacturing.

Polyurethane Resins

Polyurethane Resins represent one of the largest application areas, where adipic acid acts as a key precursor for polyols and flexible foams. The growing use of polyurethane in furniture, automotive interiors, and insulation materials continues to bolster this segment’s growth trajectory globally.

Food Additives

Food Additives leverage adipic acid for its acidulant and flavor enhancement properties. Its use in gelatin desserts, beverages, and bakery products is increasing, particularly as manufacturers shift toward natural and bio-based ingredient sources to meet clean-label expectations.

Other Synthetic Fibers

Other Synthetic Fibers segment includes the use of adipic acid in the synthesis of polyamides and performance textiles. The continued demand for lightweight, high-strength fibers in automotive, apparel, and industrial applications reinforces the importance of this segment within the overall value chain.

Synthetic and Bio-based Adipic Acid Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Synthetic and Bio-based Adipic Acid Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

North America

North America represents a major market for synthetic and bio-based adipic acid, driven by strong demand from automotive, construction, and coatings industries. Ongoing R&D in bio-based production technologies and the presence of leading chemical manufacturers contribute to sustained market growth across the U.S. and Canada.

Europe

Europe is at the forefront of the transition to bio-based adipic acid production due to stringent environmental regulations and carbon reduction targets. The region’s well-established polymer and coatings industries are embracing sustainable materials, particularly in Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region dominates global consumption, supported by strong manufacturing bases in China, India, and Japan. Rapid industrialization, rising automotive production, and increasing investments in bio-based chemical plants are accelerating regional growth.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa are witnessing steady adoption of adipic acid in construction and industrial manufacturing. Expansion of downstream chemical industries and diversification of industrial infrastructure are key growth enablers for the region.

Latin America

Latin America shows moderate but consistent growth, driven by increasing demand for polyurethane resins and food additives in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. The region is gradually adopting bio-based production methods as part of sustainability initiatives in the chemical sector.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Synthetic And Bio-Based Adipic Acid Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Synthetic and Bio-based Adipic Acid Market is witnessing rising competition as companies adapt strategies to balance sustainability with large-scale production efficiency. Leading players are focusing on innovation in bio-based processes while expanding collaboration with polymer and automotive industries. Strong reliance on partnerships and integrated supply chains continues to drive market growth across regions.

Market Structure and Concentration
The market reflects moderate concentration, with established producers holding around 57% to 63% share. Strong strategies in large-scale manufacturing and process innovation enable dominant positions. However, newer entrants are driving expansion with bio-based technologies, supported by niche collaboration and environmentally focused production models that reshape competitive dynamics.

Brand and Channel Strategies
Producers are pursuing integrated strategies to improve brand positioning within automotive, textile, and industrial applications. Roughly 44% of sales stem from long-term contracts, while digital channels and distribution partnerships are expanding steadily. Companies are leveraging collaboration with end-user industries and emphasizing innovation to secure sustainable growth.

Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Ongoing technological advancements in catalytic conversion, fermentation, and carbon reduction are accelerating innovation in production. Nearly half of market leaders are implementing R&D strategies focused on bio-based solutions. Strategic collaboration with chemical firms and energy providers, along with cross-sector partnerships, is essential for building competitive growth advantages.

Regional Momentum and Expansion
Asia-Pacific leads with nearly 42% share, driven by large-scale industrial expansion and demand from textiles and automotive. North America emphasizes innovation in bio-based materials, while Europe focuses on sustainable compliance strategies. Producers are reinforcing regional collaboration and developing partnerships to expand distribution reach and strengthen competitiveness.

Future Outlook
The competitive outlook will be shaped by low-carbon innovation, circular-economy strategies, and global collaboration. With nearly 50% of firms planning bio-based expansion, rivalry between synthetic and renewable solutions is set to intensify. Long-term growth will rely on building strategic partnerships and scaling sustainable technologies across key industries.

Key players in Synthetic And Bio-Based Adipic Acid Market include:

• BASF SE
• INVISTA (Koch Industries)
• Ascend Performance Materials
• Lanxess AG
• DSM
• BioAmber
• Genomatica
• Rodenburg Biopolymers
• Verdezyne
• Rennovia
• Ameris (bio-chemical firm)
• Aemethis
• Radici Partecipazioni
• Sumitomo Chemical
• Domo Chemicals

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Market Share Analysis
• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis