Stricter regulations and rising ESG demands expected to push revenues beyond €2.2 billion by 2034.
Ceresana has released its first in-depth study of the European market for bio-based solvents, forecasting that sales will exceed €2.2 billion by 2034 as demand accelerates for safer and more sustainable alternatives to petrochemical products.
While conventional solvents such as xylene and toluene remain widely used in paints, cleaning agents and pharmaceutical production, concerns over toxicity and environmental impact are prompting a shift towards greener options derived at least partly from renewable raw materials. The trend is particularly evident in the beauty and personal care sector, where manufacturers are increasingly turning to ingredients aligned with sustainability standards such as ISO 16128 for natural and organic cosmetics.
Sustainable solutions across industries
Solvents are among the most economically significant chemicals, serving a wide range of industries. Bio-based variants are increasingly used in cleaning agents, coatings, and adhesives. The food industry also relies on solvents for processes such as coffee decaffeination, flavour dilution and surface degreasing. Beyond these applications, solvents play roles in chemical manufacturing, cooling systems and de-icing formulations.
According to the new report, market growth is being driven largely by tighter environmental regulations across the European Union and expanding ESG requirements. In addition to detailed market data and forecasts, the study examines the regulatory landscape and broader economic conditions in individual European countries.
Unlocking value from organic waste
Alcohols account for the largest share of bio-based solvent sales. Ethylene glycol, for instance, can be produced from fructose or cellulose, while glycerol is derived from used cooking oil and other natural fats and is also generated in substantial volumes as a by-product of biodiesel production in the form of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME).
A key advantage of bio-based solvents is their ability to utilise biomass residues that were previously underused. Ethyl acetate, a major solvent for plastics and adhesives, can be fermented from whey or molasses — by-products of dairy and sugar processing. D-limonene, used in the paint industry, is extracted from orange peel, while alpha-pinene, sourced from coniferous tree oils and a by-product of paper production, is applied in household cleaners, perfumes and food additive extraction. Another promising platform chemical is furfural, which can be produced from agricultural residues such as corn cobs and sugar cane bagasse.
Report structure and company profiles
The first chapter of the study provides a comprehensive analysis of the European bio-based solvents market, including demand in tonnes and revenues in both euros and US dollars through to 2034. Market data is segmented across seven application areas and broken down by product type, including ethanol, butanols, diols and triols, D-limonene, FAME, ethyl acetate and other solvents.
Chapter two examines national markets in the 18 European countries with the highest solvent sales, analysing demand and revenues across key application sectors such as paints and coatings, adhesives
and other uses.
The final chapter presents profiles of 21 leading manufacturers, detailing contact information, revenues, net income, product portfolios and production sites. Companies featured include Clariant International Ltd, Corbion NV, Croda International Plc, Merck KGaA and Novamont S.p.A.
The report, titled Bio-Based Solvents – Europe (1st Edition), marks the first dedicated assessment of this rapidly evolving segment of the European chemicals market.