Bio-Based Solvents Global Market Report 2026

A bio-based solvent is a liquid produced from renewable biological materials such as plant oils, sugars, or other biomass, used to dissolve or thin substances. Its purpose is to perform cleaning and dissolving functions similar to conventional solvents while reducing dependence on petroleum and often lowering toxicity and environmental impact.

The key product types of bio-based solvents include bio-alcohols, bio-glycols, bio-lactate esters, bio-based ketones, bio-based ethers, D-limonene, and others. Bio-alcohols are environmentally friendly solvents derived from renewable biomass sources such as sugar, starch, or cellulose. They serve as sustainable alternatives to conventional petrochemical solvents due to their low toxicity, high solvency power, and biodegradability. These solvents are characterized by properties such as solvency power, evaporation rate, toxicity level, biodegradability, and volatility, and are produced from feedstock sources including sugar-based, starch-based, cellulose-based, vegetable oil-based, algae-based, and glycerol-based (a by-product of biodiesel) materials. Key applications include paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, printing inks, industrial and domestic cleaners, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care, and others. The key end users include automotive, construction, packaging, textiles, and others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have impacted the bio based solvents market by increasing costs of imported feedstocks, processing catalysts, and refining equipment. Asia pacific and europe are particularly affected due to reliance on cross border biomass supply chains. These tariffs have influenced solvent pricing across industrial applications. However, they are supporting local feedstock utilization, regional bio refinery development, and domestic solvent production expansion.

The bio-based solvents market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides bio-based solvents market statistics, including bio-based solvents industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a bio-based solvents market share, detailed bio-based solvents market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the bio-based solvents industry. This bio-based solvents market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The bio-based solvents market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $7.61 billion in 2025 to $8.3 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to use of conventional organic solvents, growth in chemical manufacturing, industrial cleaning demand, availability of biomass feedstocks, regulatory pressure on emissions.

The bio-based solvents market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $11.57 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to stringent environmental regulations, growth in sustainable manufacturing, innovation in bio solvent chemistry, rising demand for biodegradable products, expansion of green chemistry initiatives. Major trends in the forecast period include shift from petroleum based to renewable solvents, rising demand for low toxicity solvents, growing use in paints and coatings, expansion in personal care and pharmaceutical applications, focus on high performance green solvents.

The increasing regulatory pressures to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are expected to drive the growth of the bio-based solvent market in the coming years. Volatile organic compounds are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and contribute significantly to air pollution, ground-level ozone, and adverse health effects. The rise in regulatory pressure is due to the harmful environmental and health impacts of VOCs, including photochemical smog, respiratory illnesses, and climate change. Bio-based solvents help reduce VOC emissions by providing low-VOC, eco-friendly, and compliant alternatives, enabling industries to meet stricter emission standards and transition to sustainable production processes. For example, in July 2024, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation reported that VOC emissions in key ozone nonattainment areas remained within state implementation plan goals for 2023; however, some regions saw increases compared to 2022. In the San Joaquin Valley, emissions rose from 12.528 tons per day (tpd) in 2022 to 14.788 tpd in 2023, with projections indicating continued growth in 2024. Similarly, the Sacramento Metro area saw emissions increase from 1.097 tpd in 2022 to 1.371 tpd in 2023. Restrictions on high-VOC applications are expected to continue through 2025, reflecting ongoing regulatory enforcement. This demonstrates how rising regulatory pressures to reduce VOC emissions are driving the bio-based solvent market.

Key companies in the bio-based solvent market are focusing on innovations in biotechnology and green chemistry, such as levulinate-ketal solvents, to replace volatile silicones and petrochemical solvents in formulations. Levulinate-ketal solvents are acetals made from levulinic acid (derived from second-generation biomass) and bio-diols; they offer silicone-like volatility and feel with high biobased content and biodegradable profiles. For instance, in October 2025, GFBiochemicals, a France-based biochemical company, launched RE:CHEMISTRY NEW320 (INCI: Ethyl Propanediol Acetal Levulinate), a plant-based solvent and emollient alternative to cyclopentasiloxane (D5) for personal-care formulations. Produced from second-generation biomass using levulinate-ketal chemistry, this solvent provides silicone-like volatility and sensory performance while maintaining high biobased content and enhanced biodegradability. RE:CHEMISTRY NEW320 allows formulators to reduce dependence on petrochemical and palm-derived ingredients without compromising texture, dry-down, or overall product quality. This launch highlights GFBiochemicals' commitment to green chemistry solutions and reflects a broader shift toward sustainable, high-performance bio-based solvents in cosmetics and personal care.

In June 2024, Technip Energies, a France-based engineering and technology company focused on the energy transition, partnered with Shell Catalysts & Technologies to accelerate the commercialization of Bio-2-Glycols technology for producing bio-based monoethylene glycol (MEG) from glucose. The partnership combines Shell's research and development expertise with Technip Energies' bio-MEG process technology to deliver a more efficient, scalable, and sustainable bio-based MEG solution. Shell Catalysts & Technologies, a Netherlands-based company, provides advanced refining and chemical technologies, supporting bio-based chemicals with catalyst and process innovations that improve efficiency and sustainability in chemical production.

Major companies operating in the bio-based solvents market are Shell Catalysts & Technologies, Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), BASF SE, Merck KGaA, Dow Chemical Company, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., AkzoNobel N.V., Eastman Chemical Company, Solvay S.A., Huntsman Corporation, Clariant AG, Stepan Company , Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Corbion N.V., Genomatica Inc. , Gevo Inc., GFBiochemicals Ltd., Galactic S.A., INEOS Nitriles.

Europe was the largest region in the bio-based Solvents market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the bio-based solvents market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

The countries covered in the bio-based solvents market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain

The bio-based solvents market consists of sales of bio-ethanol, plant-derived propylene glycol, ethyl lactate, bio-acetone, and 2-methyloxolane. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Bio-Based Solvents Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses bio-based solvents market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for bio-based solvents ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The bio-based solvents market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Product Type: Bio-Alcohols; Bio-Glycols; Bio-Lactate Esters; Bio-Based Ketones; Bio-Based Ethers; D-Limonene; Other Bio-Based Solvents
• 2) By Solvent Properties: Solvency Power; Evaporation Rate; Toxicity Level; Biodegradability; Volatility
• 3) By Feedstock Source: Sugar-Based; Starch-Based; Cellulose-Based; Vegetable Oil-Based; Algae-Based ; Glycerol-Based (By-Product Of Biodiesel)
• 4) By Application: Paints And Coatings; Adhesives And Sealants; Printing Inks; Industrial And Domestic Cleaners; Pharmaceuticals; Cosmetics And Personal Care; Other Applications
• 5) By End-User: Automotive; Construction; Packaging; Textiles; Other End-Users
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Bio-Alcohols: Bio Ethanol; Bio Methanol; Bio Propanol; Bio Isopropanol; Bio Butanol; Bio Isobutanol
• 2) By Bio-Glycols: Bio Ethylene Glycol; Bio Propylene Glycol; Bio Diethylene Glycol; Bio Triethylene Glycol; Bio Butanediol
• 3) By Bio-Lactate Esters: Ethyl Lactate; Methyl Lactate; Propyl Lactate; Butyl Lactate; Isoamyl Lactate
• 4) By Bio-Based Ketones: Bio Acetone; Bio Methyl Ethyl Ketone; Bio Methyl Isobutyl Ketone; Bio Cyclohexanone; Bio Diisobutyl Ketone
• 5) By Bio-Based Ethers: Bio Diethyl Ether; Bio Dibutyl Ether; Bio Dipropyl Ether; Bio Tetrahydrofuran; Bio Methyltetrahydrofuran
• 6) By D-Limonene: Food Grade D Limonene; Technical Grade D Limonene; Industrial Grade D Limonene; Fragrance Grade D Limonene; High Purity D Limonene
• 7) By Other Bio-Based Solvents: Methyl Soyate; Ethyl Levulinate; Gamma Valerolactone; Propylene Carbonate From Bio Based Carbon Dioxide; Ethyl Acetate From Bio Ethanol
• Companies Mentioned: Shell Catalysts & Technologies; Cargill Incorporated; Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM); BASF SE; Merck KGaA; Dow Chemical Company; LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.; AkzoNobel N.V.; Eastman Chemical Company; Solvay S.A.; Huntsman Corporation; Clariant AG; Stepan Company ; Ashland Global Holdings Inc.; Corbion N.V.; Genomatica Inc. ; Gevo Inc.; GFBiochemicals Ltd.; Galactic S.A.; INEOS Nitriles.
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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