In 2012, China was flagged up as consuming around 34.8 per cent of the global demand of the solvent that the cosmetics industry relies considerably on for the likes of hairspray and hairstyling products, as well as in deodrants, colour cosmetics and nail varnish formulations due to its ability to dissolve other substances, and help with an overall smooth application.
While this comes as good news for the ever emerging region, the market researcher also finds that production facilities of n-butanol are majorly concentrated in Europe and North America, making them key exporting regions in regards to the near future.
The market is further segmented and forecasted for major regions with the Middle East expected to be big mainly due to focused efforts by their governments to attract various chemical and petrochemical companies.
Also a rising demand for green solvents
Although the solvents sector has been heavily impacted by the recession on a global scale, it is now looking like it is to become the largest by 2021 particularly in consumer oriented markets, which will be responsible for driving advances while alcohols and glycols, both of which can be sourced at least partially from renewable resources, will achieve the most gain.
The report further highlights that a long term rise in consumer demand for environmentally friendly products is having a profound effect on the sector.
"Cosmetic and toiletry manufacturers are increasingly introducing new or reformulated products that can be marketed as green because they use chemicals and/or solvents derived from renewable (green) resources."
In fact, one US ingredient supplier in particular, Archer Daniels Midland is taking 'green' to a new level by establishing a facility that produces industrial grade, bio–based propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is another commonly used solvent in cosmetics like skin lotions, moisturisers and liquid foundations as well as toothpaste and mouthwash.