젖산 시장 규모는 2024년 47억 8,000만 달러로 평가되었고, 2026-2032년 12.2%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)로 성장하여 2032년까지 120억 달러에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다.
젖산은 카르복시산에 속하는 화합물입니다. 젖산은 산소 농도가 낮은 상태, 특히 격렬한 운동 중 혐기성 호흡 시 근육 내에서 자연적으로 생성됩니다.
젖산은 식품 제조에 널리 이용되는 유산균과 같은 특정 박테리아가 탄수화물을 발효시킬 때 생성되기도 합니다. 이 화학물질은 신맛으로 주목받으며 요구르트, 케피어 등 다양한 유제품과 절임 요리에 함유되어 있습니다.
또한, 젖산은 다양한 산업적 용도를 가지고 있습니다. 식품 산업에서는 방부제 및 향료로 작용하여 발효 식품의 맛을 향상시킵니다. 화장품에서는 보습제 및 각질 제거제로 작용하여 피부 건강을 향상시킵니다.
젖산 시장을 형성하는 주요 시장 역학은 다음과 같습니다.
천연 및 생분해성 플라스틱에 대한 수요 증가: 환경 문제에 대한 인식이 높아지고 지속가능한 소재로의 전환이 생분해성 폴리머, 특히 젖산 유래 폴리머에 대한 수요를 촉진하고 있습니다. 2020년 약 211만 톤에서 2025년 약 287만 톤으로 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다. 젖산에서 생산되는 폴리유산(PLA)은 이러한 확장의 큰 원동력이 될 가능성이 높으며, 생산 능력은 2025년까지 60% 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다.
식품 및 음료 산업에서의 용도 확대: 식품 보존제 및 향료 첨가제로서 젖산의 광범위한 용도가 시장 확대의 원동력이 되고 있습니다. 유엔식량농업기구(FAO)에 따르면, 세계 가공식품 시장은 2025년까지 7조 3,000억 달러에 달할 것으로 예상되며, 2020년부터 2025년까지 4.5%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. 이러한 확장으로 인해 젖산과 같은 식품 첨가물에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다.
퍼스널케어 및 화장품 제품에서의 사용 증가: 퍼스널케어 및 화장품 제품, 특히 노화 방지 및 미백 제품에서 젖산의 사용 증가가 시장 확대를 촉진하고 있으며, Euromonitor International에 따르면, 세계 뷰티 및 퍼스널케어 산업은 2020년부터 2025년까지 부터 2025년까지 연평균 3.7% 성장하여 2025년까지 7,846억 달러에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다.
주요 과제
높은 생산 비용: 중소기업은 혁신적인 기술 및 인프라에 필요한 막대한 선행 투자로 인해 경쟁에서 어려움을 겪고 있습니다. 이러한 높은 가격은 신규 진입을 막고, 기존 기업의 사업 확장 및 새로운 제조 방식에 대한 투자 능력을 제한하여 전체 시장의 성장을 저해합니다.
품질과 기술에 대한 우려: 품질과 기술에 대한 우려도 젖산 시장 성장에 중요한 장벽입니다. 신흥국에서는 젖산을 효과적으로 사용할 수 있는 공정별 기술이 부족하여 제품 품질에 대한 편차가 발생하고 있습니다. 또한, 식품 및 음료 용도에 사용되는 젖산의 품질에 대한 규제 검사는 제조업체의 장벽이 되어 시장 역학을 복잡하게 만들고 성장 잠재력을 제한하고 있습니다.
주요 동향 :
생분해성 고분자 수요 증가: 지속가능성과 환경 보호에 대한 관심이 높아지면서 젖산을 주원료로 하는 폴리유산(PLA)과 같은 생분해성 고분자에 대한 수요가 급증하고 있으며, PLA는 식품 포장, 섬유, 자동차 부품 등 다양한 용도로 활용되고 있습니다. 고객의 환경에 대한 민감도가 높아짐에 따라 젖산 기반 바이오플라스틱 시장은 향후 몇 년 동안 크게 성장할 가능성이 높습니다.
퍼스널케어 제품에서 젖산의 인기 상승: 젖산은 건조한 피부를 치료하고 여드름을 최소화하며 피부 결을 정돈하는 효과가 있어 퍼스널케어 사업에서 사용되고 있습니다. 세안제, 보습제, 세럼 등 스킨케어 제품에 자주 사용됩니다. 자연스럽고 효과적인 스킨케어 치료에 대한 요구가 높아지면서 퍼스널케어 업계에서 젖산의 사용이 증가하고 있습니다.
젖산 생산 기술의 발전: 젖산 생산 기술의 기술 발전은 효율성 향상, 가격 인하, 제품 품질 향상을 가져왔습니다. 기업들은 연구개발에 투자하여 농업폐기물, 제품별 등 다양한 원료로부터 젖산을 생산하는 신기술을 개발하고 있습니다. 이러한 발전은 향후 몇 년 동안 젖산 시장의 성장을 가속화할 것으로 예측됩니다.
Lactic Acid Market size was valued at USD 4.78 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 12 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.2% from 2026 to 2032.
Lactic acid is a chemical compound that belongs to the carboxylic acid family. It is naturally created in muscles during anaerobic respiration when oxygen levels are low, especially during strenuous activity.
Lactic acid is also produced during the fermentation of carbohydrates by certain bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, which is widely employed in food manufacturing. This chemical is noted for its sour flavor and is found in a variety of dairy products such as yogurt and kefir, as well as pickled dishes.
Furthermore, lactic acid has a wide range of industrial applications. In the food industry, it acts as a preservative and flavoring ingredient, improving the taste of fermented foods. In cosmetics, it functions as both a moisturizer and an exfoliator, boosting skin health.
The key market dynamics that are shaping the lactic acid market include:
Growing Demand for Natural and Biodegradable Plastics: The growing awareness of environmental issues, as well as the transition to sustainable materials, are driving demand for biodegradable polymers, especially those derived from lactic acid. According to a European Bioplastics report, worldwide bioplastics production capacity is expected to rise from around 2.11 million tons in 2020 to around 2.87 million tons by 2025. Polylactic acid (PLA), generated from lactic acid, is likely to be a major driver of this expansion, with production capacity expected to rise by 60% by 2025.
Expanding Applications in the Food and Beverage Industry: Lactic acid's broad use as a food preservative and flavoring additive is driving market expansion. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the worldwide processed food market is predicted to reach USD 7.3 Trillion by 2025, with a CAGR of 4.5% between 2020 and 2025. This expansion is increasing the demand for food additives such as lactic acid.
Rising Adoption in Personal Care and Cosmetics Products: The rising use of lactic acid in personal care and cosmetics products, particularly anti-aging and skin-lightening formulations, is driving market expansion. According to Euromonitor International, the worldwide beauty and personal care industry is estimated to reach $784.6 billion by 2025, rising at a 3.7% CAGR between 2020 and 2025.
Key Challenges:
High Production Costs: Smaller and medium-sized businesses struggle to compete due to the significant upfront investment necessary for innovative technology and infrastructure. These high prices discourage new competitors from entering the market and limit current companies' capacity to expand operations or invest in novel manufacturing methods, stifling overall market growth.
Quality and Technology Concerns: Concerns about quality and technology are also important barriers to growth in the lactic acid market. In emerging economies, there is a shortage of process-specific technology for effectively using lactic acid, resulting in inconsistent product quality. Furthermore, regulatory inspection of the quality of lactic acid used in food and beverage applications raises barriers for manufacturers, complicates market dynamics, and limits growth potential.
Key Trends:
Increasing Demand for Biodegradable Polymers: The increased emphasis on sustainability and environmental preservation has resulted in a surge in demand for biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), which is predominantly made from lactic acid. PLA is utilized in a variety of applications, including food packaging, textiles, and automobile parts. As customers become more environmentally sensitive, the market for lactic acid-based bioplastics is likely to expand significantly in the coming years.
Rising Popularity of Lactic Acid in Personal Care Products: Lactic acid is used in the personal care business because it can heal dry skin, minimize acne, and improve skin texture. It is frequently used in skincare products such as face cleansers, moisturizers, and serums. The growing desire for natural and effective skincare treatments is propelling the use of lactic acid in the personal care industry.
Advancements in Lactic Acid Production Technology: Technological advancements in lactic acid production techniques have resulted in enhanced efficiency, reduced prices, and higher product quality. Companies are investing in R&D to create new technologies for producing lactic acid from a broader range of feedstocks, including agricultural waste and byproducts. These advances are projected to accelerate the expansion of the lactic acid market in the coming years.
Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the lactic acid market:
North America:
According to Verified Market Research, North America is estimated to dominate in lactic acid market over the forecast period. Consumers in North America are increasingly demanding natural and clean-label food goods, which has led to the usage of lactic acid as a natural preservative. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 55% of U.S. consumers are more likely to purchase a product classified as "natural." According to the Clean Label Alliance, 75% of US customers check ingredient labels before purchasing food goods. This tendency is driving up demand for lactic acid in the food business, as it is seen as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives.
Furthermore, the North American bioplastics industry is rapidly expanding, increasing demand for lactic acid as a critical raw material. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the biobased goods business contributed USD 470 Billion to the US economy in 2020. According to the analysis, the usage of biobased goods saves around 300 million gallons of petroleum per year in the United States, which is equivalent to taking 200,000 cars off the road. According to Verified Market Research, the manufacturing of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic derived from lactic acid, is predicted to increase at a 15% CAGR in North America between 2021 and 2028.
Asia Pacific:
The Asia Pacific region is estimated to exhibit the highest growth within the market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region's food and beverage industry is rapidly expanding, increasing demand for lactic acid as a preservative and flavoring agent. According to a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, the Asia Pacific food and beverage market is expected to reach USD 3.23 Trillion by 2025, rising at a 7.2% CAGR from 2020-2025. According to the China Food Industry Association, the country's food additive market, which includes lactic acid, would grow by 22.7% in 2020 to 160 billion yuan (about USD 24.8 Billion USD).
Furthermore, the growing personal care and cosmetics sector in the Asia Pacific is driving up demand for lactic acid in skincare products. According to the Asia Cosmetic Market Guide 2021, the Asia Pacific beauty and personal care market is expected to develop at a 6.3% CAGR between 2020 and 2025, reaching USD 242 Billion by 2025. According to the report, the skincare category, which heavily relies on lactic acid, accounts for 46% of the region's entire beauty market. Despite the pandemic, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry reports that cosmetics shipment value exceeded 1.52 trillion yen (about USD 13.9 Billion USD) in 2020.
The Lactic Acid Market is segmented based on Raw Material, Form, Application, and Geography.
Based on Raw Material, the market is segmented into Sugarcane, Corn, Yeast Extract, and Others. The sugarcane segment is estimated to dominate the lactic acid market during the forecast period. Sugarcane is readily available and commonly employed in the manufacturing of lactic acid due to its low cost and large-scale availability. The corn segment is also predicted to expand significantly in the coming years as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to sugarcane. However, yeast extract, while a feasible alternative, is slightly more expensive than sugarcane and maize.
Based on Form, the market is segmented into Liquid and Dry. The liquid segment is estimated to dominate the lactic acid market due to its broad use in a variety of applications, particularly in food and drinks. Liquid lactic acid is popular for its ease of inclusion into formulations, making it an ideal choice for food acidulants and preserves. Furthermore, the liquid form is required for the creation of biodegradable polymers, which contributes to its market domination. As industries seek more sustainable solutions, the need for liquid lactic acid is likely to increase.
Based on Application, the market is divided into Polylactic Acid, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, and Others. The polylactic acid segment is estimated to dominate the market over the forecast period, driven by rising demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials. As companies explore environmentally acceptable alternatives to standard plastics, polylactic acid, generated from lactic acid, has emerged as a top choice for packaging, textiles, and medical equipment. This trend is fueled by rising consumer awareness and regulatory support for ecologically friendly products, establishing polylactic acid as a key market driver.
Based on Geography, the Lactic Acid Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America is estimated to dominate the lactic acid market owing to its huge consumer base in a variety of industries, including food and drinks, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The region's well-established infrastructure, as well as the presence of key firms such as Cargill and DuPont, all contribute to its dominant position. Furthermore, the growing demand for biodegradable plastics and sustainable products strengthens North America's position, ensuring continuous growth and market leadership during the forecast period.
Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.