Published December 2022
Hydrocolloids are water-soluble polymers extracted from plant or animal sources, or generated in fermentation reactions. Native (unmodified) and modified starches account for the lion’s share (95%) of the market by weight; smaller-volume, higher-priced materials such as guar gum, gelatin, casein, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and carrageenan make up the remainder.
In 2022, Northeast Asia—mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan—was responsible for more than half of total (starch and nonstarch) hydrocolloid consumption. North America and Western Europe were the second- and third-largest consuming regions, respectively.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of starch and nonstarch hydrocolloids:
Mainland China will drive future market growth. In 2027, mainland China is expected to account for almost three-quarters of the increase in consumption from 2022 market volumes. Northeast Asia as a whole (and mainland China in particular) is expected to see above-average consumption growth through 2027; Southeast Asia/Oceania and Africa will also experience growth at or above the world average during the forecast period. All other regions will see slower growth.
Overall demand for hydrocolloids will track growth in major end-use industries, including paper, food, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas production.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
S&P Global’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Hydrocolloids is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including
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