Lactic Acid Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Application, By Raw Material, By Region, & Competition, 2020-2030F

Description

Global Lactic Acid market was valued at USD 3.40 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.30 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.68%. The global lactic acid market has demonstrated consistent growth over the past decade and is positioned for sustained expansion, underpinned by rising demand for bio-based and sustainable chemicals across multiple industrial sectors. Produced primarily through the fermentation of renewable feedstocks such as corn, sugarcane, and other biomass, lactic acid serves as a foundational chemical for a wide array of applications, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care, biodegradable plastics (PLA), and specialty industrial products. Its versatility and renewable origin have made it a cornerstone in the transition toward more sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size 2024	USD 3.40 Billion
Market Size 2030	USD 5.30 Billion
CAGR 2025-2030	7.68%
Fastest Growing Segment	Sugarcane
Largest Market	North America

The market is expected to continue its robust trajectory, driven by the adoption of high-performance, eco-friendly materials, increased integration of lactic acid derivatives in advanced applications, and strategic investments in scalable, efficient production technologies. The alignment of regulatory frameworks, corporate sustainability initiatives, and industrial demand reinforces lactic acid's role as a strategic bio-based chemical, presenting substantial growth opportunities for established producers and new entrants alike.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Biodegradable and Sustainable Products

The rising demand for biodegradable and sustainable products is a key driver shaping the growth trajectory of the global lactic acid market. This trend reflects a global shift toward environmentally responsible consumption and production practices, particularly in response to the growing awareness of plastic pollution and climate change. A growing proportion of consumers approximately 85% report directly experiencing the disruptive effects of climate change, driving a marked shift toward sustainability-conscious purchasing and consumption decisions. Lactic acid serves as a primary feedstock for polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based and biodegradable polymer increasingly adopted as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. PLA is widely used in packaging, disposable tableware, agricultural films, and other consumer products. The surge in regulatory measures across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific such as bans on single-use plastics and mandates promoting sustainable materials has directly boosted the adoption of PLA, thereby driving lactic acid demand.

Consumer preferences are evolving rapidly, with greater emphasis on clean-label, eco-friendly, and renewable products. Companies are responding by incorporating lactic acid-based solutions in their offerings, which not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances brand reputation. Retailers and manufacturers are increasingly marketing products as biodegradable or compostable, leveraging lactic acid-derived materials to meet sustainability commitments and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. The trend is further reinforced by corporate sustainability initiatives. Many global corporations in packaging, food and beverage, and consumer goods sectors are setting ambitious targets to reduce their carbon footprint and switch to bio-based materials. Lactic acid, as a versatile and renewable chemical, aligns perfectly with these objectives, making it a preferred choice for large-scale production of biodegradable polymers and specialty products. Technological innovations in PLA production and lactic acid fermentation have enhanced material performance, cost-efficiency, and scalability. Improved process efficiency and higher-quality end products have enabled manufacturers to expand the application of lactic acid-derived biodegradable materials across diverse sectors, from packaging to medical devices.

Key Market Challenges

High Production Costs and Feedstock Dependence

One of the primary challenges hindering lactic acid market growth is the high cost of production, particularly for high-purity, medical- or food-grade lactic acid. The production process involves fermentation and downstream purification steps, which are capital- and energy-intensive. Additionally, the market is heavily dependent on renewable feedstocks such as corn, sugarcane, and another biomass. Fluctuations in feedstock availability, seasonal variations, and price volatility can significantly affect production costs, making large-scale operations less predictable and constraining profitability for manufacturers.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Circular Economy Practices in Chemical Manufacturing:

A prominent trend influencing the lactic acid market is the adoption of circular economy principles by manufacturers. Companies are increasingly focusing on recycling biomass, industrial by-products, and food waste to produce lactic acid, thereby minimizing environmental impact and optimizing resource efficiency. This trend is driving investment in biorefineries and innovative fermentation technologies that utilize non-food feedstocks. By aligning production with sustainable and circular practices, manufacturers not only reduce costs and waste but also cater to eco-conscious industries, ensuring the long-term relevance of lactic acid in the global bio-based chemical ecosystem.

Key Market Players

BASF SE
GALACTIC
FUTERRO S.A.
Corbion NV
The Dow Chemical Company
TEIJIN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
NatureWorks LLC
Danimer Scientific
Henan Jindan lactic acid Technology Co., Ltd.
thyssenkrupp AG

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Lactic Acid Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Lactic Acid Market, By Application:

Industrial
Food & Beverages
Pharmaceuticals
Personal Care
Polylactic Acid
Other

Lactic Acid Market, By Raw Material:

Corn
Sugarcane
Cassava
Yeast Extract
Other

Lactic Acid Market, By Region:

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Germany
- Spain
Asia-Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- South Korea
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Lactic Acid Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Lactic Acid market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Impact of COVID 19 on Global Lactic Acid Market

5. Lactic Acid Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value & Volume
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Application (Industrial, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Polylactic Acid, Other)
- 5.2.2. By Raw Material (Corn, Sugarcane, Cassava, Yeast Extract, Other)
- 5.2.3. By Region
- 5.2.4. By Company (2024)
5.3. Market Map

6. North America Lactic Acid Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value & Volume
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Application
- 6.2.2. By Raw Material
- 6.2.3. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Application
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Raw Material
- 6.3.2. Canada Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Application
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Raw Material
- 6.3.3. Mexico Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Application
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Raw Material

7. Europe Lactic Acid Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value & Volume
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Application
- 7.2.2. By Raw Material
- 7.2.3. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Application
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Raw Material
- 7.3.2. United Kingdom Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Application
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Raw Material
- 7.3.3. Italy Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Application
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Raw Material
- 7.3.4. France Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Application
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Raw Material
- 7.3.5. Spain Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Application
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Raw Material

8. Asia-Pacific Lactic Acid Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value & Volume
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Application
- 8.2.2. By Raw Material
- 8.2.3. By Country
8.3. Asia-Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Application
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Raw Material
- 8.3.2. India Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Application
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Raw Material
- 8.3.3. Japan Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Application
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Raw Material
- 8.3.4. South Korea Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Application
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Raw Material
- 8.3.5. Australia Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Application
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Raw Material

9. South America Lactic Acid Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value & Volume
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Application
- 9.2.2. By Raw Material
- 9.2.3. By Country
9.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Brazil Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Application
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Raw Material
- 9.3.2. Argentina Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Application
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Raw Material
- 9.3.3. Colombia Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Application
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Raw Material

10. Middle East and Africa Lactic Acid Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value & Volume
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Application
- 10.2.2. By Raw Material
- 10.2.3. By Country
10.3. MEA: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. South Africa Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Application
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Raw Material
- 10.3.2. Saudi Arabia Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Application
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Raw Material
- 10.3.3. UAE Lactic Acid Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Application
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Raw Material

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Recent Developments
12.2. Product Launches
12.3. Mergers & Acquisitions

13. Global Lactic Acid Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Competitive Landscape

14.1. BASF SE
- 14.1.1. Business Overview
- 14.1.2. Product & Service Offerings
- 14.1.3. Recent Developments
- 14.1.4. Financials (If Listed)
- 14.1.5. Key Personnel
- 14.1.6. SWOT Analysis
14.2. GALACTIC
14.3. FUTERRO S.A.
14.4. Corbion NV
14.5. The Dow Chemical Company
14.6. TEIJIN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
14.7. NatureWorks LLC
14.8. Danimer Scientific
14.9. Henan Jindan lactic acid Technology Co., Ltd.
14.10.thyssenkrupp AG