Report

Global castor oil market size was valued at USD 1.35 billion in 2022, expected to reach USD 1.98 billion in 2030, with a CAGR of 4.9% for the forecast period between 2023 and 2030. With changing consumer preferences and shifting trends toward plant-based cosmetic ingredients, castor oil is expected to witness higher demand in the coming years. Additionally, castor oil is highly used to make biodiesel and other biobased products and is expected to become more prevalent as a renewable energy source. With its properties, castor oil has a wide range of uses and can adapt to shifting consumer and industrial trends, it is a product resistant to external factors such as supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty.
The therapeutic approach of castor oil is also creating a demand from the pharmaceutical industry. Castor oil's acute impact extends into the pharmaceutical industry, where its versatile properties are harnessed for medicinal purposes. Renowned for its therapeutic qualities, castor oil is a key ingredient in pharmaceutical laxatives, offering a natural remedy with time-tested effectiveness. Embraced for its dual role in promoting health and enhancing overall wellbeing, castor oil remains a versatile cornerstone in pharmaceutical sector.
India is the global leader in castor oil production. During 2021-2022, 1.6 million tons of castor oil was produced in the country, which increased by 15% to reach 1.9 million tons in 2022-2023. The improved yields can be attributed to higher acreage and better water availability. Furthermore, India now exports more castor oil than in 2018, from 547,000 tonnes to over 685,000 tonnes in 2021, nearly 90% of the global supply. However, Indian growers and exporters are frequently exposed to price volatility due to various internal and external risks, despite being near-monopoly producers of Castor products. This highlights the need for price risk management.
Shifting Consumer Trends Toward Natural and Organic Products Soars Demand for Castor Oil
Castor oil is becoming increasingly popular due to consumers' preference for natural and organic products as part of a global movement towards healthier living. Castor oil demand is rising, particularly in cosmetics and personal care products, as consumers become more conscious of the advantages of chemical-free alternatives. Being a plant-based sustainable substitute and known for its natural qualities, Castor oil is becoming a popular ingredient in cosmetic products known for its natural qualities. Castor oil's eco-friendliness and versatility make it a sought-after option for consumers who value transparency in product ingredients. This aligns with the growing trend of people adopting clean and organic lifestyles.
For instance, Sugar Beauty showed the properties of castor oil as it is well known for strengthening and moisturizing the hair and is also known for treating thin brows and sparse lashes. Further, it is stated that it contains a rich combination of proteins, fatty acids, and antioxidants derived from castor beans that provides a shining feel in skincare, haircare, and cosmetics. Through its properties, it has created a major position as it acts like a moisturizer to the skin and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help the skin, hairs and scalp.
Castor Oil is Essential for High-Efficiency Lubrication and Chemical Synthesis for Industrial Superiority
In the chemical industry, castor oil is essential because it is a flexible raw material that can be used to create important compounds. Its contributions include synthesizing derivatives like polyesters and polyamides and important chemicals like undecylenic acid and sebacic acid. Castor oil has unique qualities that make it a valuable lubricant in high-performance machinery, in addition to its chemical applications. Castor oil is superior to conventional lubricants due to its high viscosity and heat resistance, making it useful in demanding operating conditions. This dual use in industrial lubrication and chemical synthesis highlights the importance of castor oil as a multipurpose resource that enhances the effectiveness and functionality of various industrial processes.
For instance, castor oil is one of the world's most versatile oilseeds that is used in multiple industries. The by-products of castor oil are used in more than 700 products, ranging from nylon to polyester to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and high-performance castor oil. It has a major use in the industrial sector. Furthermore, it is seen that India is the world leader in castor oil production as it accounts for over 75% of the global production and 90% of exports, with an annual output of 3,50,000 to ns. In addition, when it comes to processing castor oil, China and Brazil are slowing down behind India; their share of the global output is 5% and 12%, respectively.
Driving Demand for Bio-Based Products and the Production of Biodiesel
Castor oil is becoming more well-known as a renewable resource, which is in line with the movement toward sustainability on a global scale. The demand for castor oil in various applications has increased due to consumer awareness of and preference for bio-based products. Its use as a feedstock for biodiesel production, which supports the renewable energy industry, is one significant application. Castor oil is a highly versatile and environmentally friendly solution that can help nations achieve their goals of cleaner, greener energy sources. It also plays a significant role in the global advancement of renewable energy initiatives and the development of bio-based products.
In July 2023, Casterra Ag Ltd ., a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. announced to supply castor seeds worth USD 2.2 million to African territories. These castor seeds are to be used for producing oil for sustainable biofuel.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the castor oil market, introducing both challenges and opportunities. The initial disruption in global supply chains and economic downturns led to a decrease in industrial activities, affecting the demand for castor oil in sectors such as chemicals and manufacturing. Lockdowns and restrictions also hindered agricultural operations, impacting castor bean cultivation and oil production. However, the pandemic-induced focus on health and wellness has propelled the demand for natural and organic products in the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors, including those containing castor oil. As the world adapts to the new normal, the castor oil market is witnessing a resurgence, driven by the growing awareness of its diverse applications, bio-based nature, and the increasing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in various industries. The post-COVID-19 era presents an opportunity for the castor oil market to rebound and thrive amidst evolving consumer preferences and renewed global economic activities.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The castor oil market is characterized by key players contributing significantly to its growth and development. Prominent companies such as Jayant Agro-Organics Limited, ITOH OIL CHEMICALS CO., LTD., and Gokulrefoil play pivotal roles in producing, processing, and distributing castor oil globally. To maintain a competitive edge, these key players actively engage in strategic initiatives, including research and development, product innovation, and geographical expansion. The outlook for the castor oil market is optimistic, with increasing demand across various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and chemicals.
As the market embraces sustainability and bio-based solutions, key players will likely explore opportunities in renewable energy applications, such as biodiesel production. Collaboration with regional partners, adherence to quality standards, and a focus on meeting the rising consumer demand for natural and organic products are anticipated to shape the future landscape of the castor oil market.
For instance , BASF SE in 2022, became the first manufacturing company that successfully completed the certification process conducted by SuCCESS (Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social Standards) Code, which resulted in making BASF SE as a global leader in the castor oil market.