Demand for lactic acid driven by cosmetics and green packaging

The global market for lactic acid is set to reach 259 thousand metric tons according to a recent report by Global Industry Analysts, much of this driven by its increasing popularity as a cosmetics ingredient and its use in green packaging.

Lactic acid is used as a pH balancer in shampoos and soaps and is a commonly used alpha hydroxyl acid used in many cosmetic formulations.

According to the report the use of the ingredient in cosmetics products is expected to rise by 24.67 thousand metric tons between 2008 and 2012.

In addition, the trend for greener packaging will significantly drive demand for the ingredient, according to the market research company.

“Given the low toxicity and biodegradability advantages of lactic acid as a raw materials, demand for lactic acid in biodegradable polymers is forecast to post healthy gains”​ according to the report.

Consumption of the ingredient for such uses is expected to grow by 6 per cent between 2006 and 2011.

The report authors also expect this trend to be supported by high oil prices and greater consumer interest in greener products.

Lactic acid and its derivatives can also be used as a food additive and flavouring agent and the report expects growth in this market to increase by 22.96 metric tons by 2012.

Currently it is Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America that dominate the market for the products, taking more than an 80 per cent share of the market.

Within Europe it is Germany that leads the market, followed by France and Italy.