Bio-degradable home and personal care end products, which have a lesser environmental impact than synthetic solutions, are in demand among environmentally conscious European consumers. These early adopters are set to transform the highly user-centric organic and natural ingredients market in Western Europe into a fast-growing market by fuelling the need for sustainable ingredients, such as enzymes and plant-derived active ingredients. Exploring novel sources, including oleochemicals, to develop specialty ingredients will enable product manufacturers to keep up with consumer requirements and achieve an edge over the competition.
Frost & Sullivan’s new study, Analysis of Organic and Natural Ingredients Market in Western Europe for Home and Personal Care, estimates revenues of $659.2 million in 2012 with projections to cross $800 million in 2017.
"Innovation and product differentiation are key success factors in this fiercely competitive market," said Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials and Food Research Analyst Aparna Balasubramanian. "The cost associated with the procurement and processing of organic and natural raw materials into specialty ingredients is higher than that for synthetic chemical based ingredients."
Further, the lack of common unified standards leads to end-user confusion, affecting market development. Although certifying bodies such as Ecocert are well-recognised across Europe, regional certifications find better acceptance. This poses a challenge for producers that must comply with various certification rules for marketing products in different countries.
"To overcome cost restraints, employing lean manufacturing and price optimisation will be vital," noted Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials and Food Research Vice President Shomik Majumdar. "As a multitude of suppliers scramble to expand their share in the market, strategic partnerships and backward integration of specialty chemical companies with plant-based extract manufacturers will also simplify supply chain difficulties and enhance product lines."
Analysis of Organic and Natural Ingredients Market in Western Europe for Home and Personal Care is part of the Chemicals & Materials Growth Partnership Service program.
