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    Industrial Alcohol Market

    ID: MRFR/CnM/4331-HCR
    100 Pages
    Anshula Mandaokar
    October 2025

    Industrial Alcohol Market Research Report Information By Source (Sugar & Molasses, Corn, Grains, Fossil Fuels), By Type (Ethyl Alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol), By Application (Fuel, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products, Chemical Intermediate & Solvent) And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) –Market Forecast Till 2035

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    Industrial Alcohol Market Infographic
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    Industrial Alcohol Market Summary

    As per Market Research Future Analysis, the Global Industrial Alcohol Market was valued at USD 125.96 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 321.18 Billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 8.88% from 2025 to 2035. The market is driven by increasing demand from the pharmaceutical industry and government emission control requirements. The adoption of bioethanol as a renewable fuel is also a significant factor, as it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meets rising energy demands. Ethyl alcohol remains the most consumed industrial alcohol, primarily used in the fuel industry. The North American region is expected to dominate the market due to the growing use of ethanol as a transportation fuel.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Key trends driving the Industrial Alcohol Market include bioethanol adoption and pharmaceutical demand.

    • Market Size in 2024: USD 125.96 Billion
    • Projected Market Size by 2035: USD 321.18 Billion
    • CAGR from 2025 to 2035: 8.88%
    • North America to dominate the market due to increased ethanol usage

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size USD 125.96 Billion
    2035 Market Size USD 321.18 Billion
    CAGR (2024-2035) 8.88%

    Major Players

    Key players include Cargill Inc, MGP Ingredients Inc, Green Plains Inc, BASF SE, and Eastman Chemical Company.

    Industrial Alcohol Market Trends

    Growing Bioethanol Adoption Will Drive Market Growth

    Alternative fuels are favored due to uncertainty in energy security, rising fuel prices, and the ongoing growth in CO2 emissions levels. The adoption of wastes such as molasses and sugar beet pulp is motivated by the desire to reduce GHG emissions. They have significant benefits, such as lower waste disposal costs.

    Furthermore, the product's affordability lowers the cost of ethanol production. Thailand (cassava), India (using sugar cane), China (corn), France (sugar beet), Canada (wheat), and other countries have increased ethanol production. Fermentation processes result from the conversion of cellulosic material to ethanol. Additionally, this technique turns energy crops into bioethanol, resulting in increased ethanol yields. The technological innovation aimed at developing effective agricultural and forestry conversion for the manufacture of bioethanol is positively promoting market expansion.

    Alcoholic beverages, as well as medicines, have used alcoholic ingredients since the beginning of recorded history. Alcohol, on the other hand, has found its way into a wide range of other applications as a result of technological improvements. Ethyl alcohol, one of several forms of commercially available alcohol, is the most often consumed industrial alcohol and is widely recognized around the world. Currently, the majority of ethyl alcohol produced is supplied to the fuel industry for use as biofuel. Studies on bio-butanol development have also gained importance and are paving the way for commercialization.

    Despite the fact that ethyl alcohol is a commercially available biofuel utilized worldwide, the development of bio-butanol has gained importance.

    The global industrial alcohol market is poised for growth, driven by increasing demand across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, and food processing, suggesting a robust trajectory for the foreseeable future.

    U.S. Department of Energy

    Industrial Alcohol Market Drivers

    Rising Demand for Biofuels

    The Global Global Industrial Alcohol Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand for biofuels, driven by the global shift towards renewable energy sources. Governments worldwide are implementing stringent regulations to reduce carbon emissions, thereby promoting the use of bioethanol as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. For instance, the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive mandates a significant increase in biofuel usage by 2030. This trend is expected to contribute to the market's growth, with projections indicating that the Global Global Industrial Alcohol Market could reach 126.0 USD Billion by 2024, reflecting a robust commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

    Market Trends and Projections

    The Global Global Industrial Alcohol Market Industry is characterized by dynamic trends and projections that indicate robust growth. The market is anticipated to reach 126.0 USD Billion by 2024, with a remarkable CAGR of 8.88% projected from 2025 to 2035, ultimately achieving a valuation of 321.0 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory reflects the increasing adoption of industrial alcohols across diverse sectors, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. The evolving regulatory landscape and consumer preferences towards sustainable products further enhance the market's potential, suggesting a promising outlook for stakeholders.

    Growth in Personal Care and Cosmetics

    The personal care and cosmetics sector significantly influences the Global Global Industrial Alcohol Market Industry, as alcohols are integral to various formulations, including perfumes, lotions, and hair products. The rising consumer awareness regarding hygiene and personal grooming is propelling the demand for alcohol-based products. For instance, ethanol is commonly used in hand sanitizers and skincare products due to its antimicrobial properties. This trend is likely to sustain the market's growth trajectory, with a projected CAGR of 8.88% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the increasing integration of industrial alcohols in personal care formulations.

    Expansion of Pharmaceutical Applications

    The pharmaceutical sector is a critical driver of the Global Global Industrial Alcohol Market Industry, as alcohols serve as essential solvents and intermediates in drug formulation. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases necessitates the development of new medications, thereby boosting the demand for industrial alcohols in pharmaceutical manufacturing. For example, isopropyl alcohol is widely utilized for its antiseptic properties, particularly in hand sanitizers and disinfectants. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to expand, the Global Global Industrial Alcohol Market is poised for growth, potentially reaching 321.0 USD Billion by 2035, indicating a strong correlation between healthcare advancements and industrial alcohol consumption.

    Technological Advancements in Production

    Technological innovations in the production of industrial alcohols are reshaping the Global Global Industrial Alcohol Market Industry. Advanced fermentation technologies and bioprocessing techniques enhance yield efficiency and reduce production costs. For example, the adoption of genetically modified microorganisms in fermentation processes has shown potential in increasing ethanol production rates. These advancements not only improve profitability for manufacturers but also align with sustainability goals by minimizing waste and energy consumption. As these technologies proliferate, the market is likely to witness accelerated growth, further solidifying the role of industrial alcohols in various applications.

    Increasing Use in Industrial Applications

    The Global Global Industrial Alcohol Market Industry is significantly influenced by the rising utilization of industrial alcohols in various manufacturing processes. Industries such as automotive, paints, and coatings rely heavily on alcohols as solvents and cleaning agents. The growing emphasis on eco-friendly products is driving manufacturers to adopt bio-based alcohols, which are perceived as safer alternatives. For instance, the automotive sector increasingly employs ethanol in fuel formulations and as a solvent in paint applications. This trend is expected to bolster market growth, as industrial alcohols become integral to sustainable manufacturing practices.

    Market Segment Insights

    Industrial Alcohol Source Insights

    The Industrial Alcohol Market segmentation, based on Source includes Sugar & Molasses, Corn, Grains, and Fossil Fuels. During the projection period, corn category dominated the industrial alcohol market. The dry-milling method is used to transform maize into flour, which is subsequently fermented with other byproducts to produce ethanol. Sweeteners and ethanol are often manufactured in wet-mill plants. Met mills extract protein, starch, and fiber from corn for the purpose of creating ethanol. Corn, which is a significant producer of ethanol, dominates the market for industrial alcohol.

    Industrial Alcohol Type Insights

    The Industrial Alcohol Market segmentation, based on Type, includes Ethyl Alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, and Isopropyl Alcohol. In 2022, the ethyl alcohol category dominated the market. This is due to the product's strong demand, which can be easily obtained from biomass, corn, wheat, barley, and other sources. Because of its high octane concentration, it is a renewable fuel that is combined with gasoline. Regardless of the source, the ethanol produced has the same chemical properties and is available in a variety of forms.

    Figure1: Industrial Alcohol Market, by Type, 2022&2032(USD Billion)

    Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database, and Analyst Review

    Industrial Alcohol Application Insights

    The Industrial Alcohol Market segmentation, based on application, includes Fuel, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products, and Chemical Intermediates & Solvents. The fuel category is expected to be the largest in the industrial alcohol market during the forecast period. The fuel category is expected to dominate the market due to the increased demand for gasoline from the vehicle industry. Alcohols, especially ethanol, are commonly utilized as transportation fuel. Several US automakers are producing ethanol that allows automobiles to run on a specific type of gasoline with an advanced blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

    Get more detailed insights about Industrial Alcohol Market

    Regional Insights

    By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American Industrial Alcohol Market area will dominate this market, because of the increasing usage of ethanol as a transportation fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency has a variety of programs in place to aid in the production of ecologically friendly and sustainable items that use renewable energy sources. As more people acquire cars, the demand for ethanol fuel, which decreases total prices, is increasing considerably.

    Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

    Figure2: INDUSTRIAL ALCOHOL MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

    INDUSTRIAL ALCOHOL MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022

    Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database, and Analyst Review

    Europe's Industrial Alcohol Market accounts for the second-largest market share because of changing customer preferences, population growth, and rising disposable incomes, the food and beverage industry has increased demand for industrial alcohol as a solvent, preservative, and flavoring ingredient.  Further, the German Industrial Alcohol Market held the largest market share, and the UK Industrial Alcohol Market was the fastest-growing market in the European region

    The Asia-Pacific Industrial Alcohol Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is due to rapid industrialization, increased demand from a range of businesses, and favorable government policies for the manufacture and consumption of industrial alcohol. Moreover, China’s Industrial Alcohol Market held the largest market share, and the Indian Industrial Alcohol Market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Industrial Alcohol Market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Industrial alcohol industry must offer cost-effective items.

    Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the  Industrial Alcohol industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Industrial Alcohol industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the Industrial Alcohol Market, including Eastman Chemical Company (U.S.), Greenfield, Inc. (Canada), MGP (U.S.), Green Plains Inc. (U.S.), and Cristal (France), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

    Cargill, Inc. is a privately held American multinational food conglomerate headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and incorporated in Wilmington, Delaware. It was founded in 1865 and is the largest privately held firm in the United States by revenue. Cargill has regularly faced criticism for its environmental, human rights, financial, and other ethical practices. In 2021, Cargill announced a $475 million investment in the expansion of its maize milling facility in Iowa, which generates ethanol and other goods. The facility's ethanol production capacity will be increased by 40% as a result of the expansion.

    BASF SE is a European multinational corporation and the world's largest chemical producer. The company's headquarters are in Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has subsidiaries and joint ventures in over 80 countries and runs six integrated manufacturing sites as well as 390 other manufacturing locations throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Africa. In 2020, BASF and Linde announced the completion of a pilot project to recover high-purity ethanol from a fermentation off-gas stream. BASF's adsorption technology and Linde's distillation technology were employed in the project to produce ethanol that may be used in a range of industrial applications.

    Key Companies in the Industrial Alcohol Market market include

    Industry Developments

    In January 2024, BCL Industries Ltd placed an ethanol supply order worth Rs 339 crore. Furthermore, as per an exchange filing, BCL Industries has signed a contract for the delivery of ethanol worth Rs 222 crore through a subsidiary named Svaksha Distillery.

    In January 2024, Praj Industries, which is a firm in the industrial biotechnology sector, began the country's first attempt to convert alcohol-based fuel into aviation turbine fuel. The firm is planning to establish a facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel at its Pirangut research and development facility near Pune.

    In July 2020, Green Plains Wood River LLC announced an agreement with ICM, Inc. for the construction of a 25 million-gallon alcohol manufacturing plant that targets both the domestic and export markets. The company expects to enhance its processes over the next four to six months so that it can produce alcohol of USP grade. This will increase the company's production capacity at the Wood River Facility and is a clear demonstration of the company's commitment to satisfying the ever-increasing demand for quality alcohol from its clients.

    In May 2020, PKN ORLEN applied for a license and basic engineering design for an isopropanol unit. This, if approved, would enable the company to enhance its phenol production capability at the PŁock plant. This is the only fifth unit globally to have applied for the technology if approved.

    In early 2020, Steqens was able to utilize and join the high-end market for oxygenated solvents and is a sister in the European market through the Solvents & Phenol Specialties Business Unit. The company is set to expand by setting up an additional isopropanol production plant at the chemical site in Roussillon, France. This move is estimated to increase Sequens' overall ability to produce IPA over the next 70 years by more than 70 percent.

    In May 2020, Partnerships of Procter and Gamble with Cargill enabled innovation to take place aimed at sustainable products that converted lactic acid to bio-based acrylic acid. By granting P&G an exclusive license, Cargill was able to develop and attempt to sell this technology further. That technology would eventually be used in superabsorbent polymers employed in absorbent hygiene products, as well as thickeners used in domestic paint and other products.

    MGP Ingredients purchased New Columbia Distilleries LLC (US) in March 2020. This acquisition strengthened the company's position in the United States and enhanced its operational capabilities.

    Future Outlook

    Industrial Alcohol Market Future Outlook

    The Global Industrial Alcohol Market is poised for growth at 8.88% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing demand in pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and personal care products.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Invest in sustainable production technologies to reduce carbon footprint. Expand product lines to include bio-based alcohols for eco-conscious consumers. Leverage digital marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.

    By 2035, the Global Industrial Alcohol Market is expected to achieve robust growth, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements.

    Market Segmentation

    Industrial Alcohol Regional Outlook

    • {"North America"=>["US"
    • "Canada"]}
    • {"Europe"=>["Germany"
    • "France"
    • "UK"
    • "Italy"
    • "Spain"
    • "Rest of Europe"]}
    • {"Asia-Pacific"=>["China"
    • "Japan"
    • "India"
    • "Australia"
    • "South Korea"
    • "Rest of Asia-Pacific"]}
    • {"Rest of the World"=>["Middle East"
    • "Africa"
    • "Latin America"]}

    Industrial Alcohol Market By Type Outlook

    • Ethyl Alcohol
    • Methyl Alcohol
    • Isopropyl Alcohol

    Industrial Alcohol Market By Source Outlook

    • Sugar & Molasses
    • Corn
    • Grains
    • Fossil Fuels

    Industrial Alcohol Market By Application Outlook

    • Fuel
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Personal Care Products
    • Chemical Intermediate & Solvent

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/MetricDetails
    Market Size 2024USD 125.96 Billion
    Market Size 2035321.18 (Value (USD Billion))
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)8.88% (2025 - 2035)
    Base Year2024
    Market Forecast Period2025 - 2035
    Historical Data2018- 2022
    Market Forecast UnitsValue (USD Billion)
    Report CoverageRevenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Segments CoveredSource, Type, Application and Region
    Geographies CoveredNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World
    Countries CoveredThe US, Canada, German, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil
    Key Companies ProfiledCargill, Incorporated (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Raizen (Brazil), Exxon Mobil Corporation (U.S.), Royal Dutch Shell plc (Netherlands), Eastman Chemical Company (U.S.), Greenfield , Inc. (Canada), MGP (U.S.), Green Plains Inc. (U.S.), and Cristalco (France).
    Key Market OpportunitiesRising demand for organic solvents due to their high efficiency and low toxicity.
    Key Market DynamicsEthanol can be utilized as a blending fuel in gasoline engines
    Market Size 2025137.15 (Value (USD Billion))

    Market Highlights

    Author
    Anshula Mandaokar
    Team Lead - Research

    Anshula Mandaokar holds an academic degree in Chemical Engineering and has been contributing to the field for more than 5 years. She has expertise in Market Research and Business Consulting and serves as a Team Lead for a reputed Market Research firm under the Chemicals and Materials domain spectrum. She has worked on multiple projects, generating explicit results in a quick turnaround time. Her understanding of data interpretation justifies her role as a leader.

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    FAQs

    How much is the Industrial Alcohol Market?

    Industrial Alcohol Market crossed a valuation of USD 125.96 Billion in 2024

    What is the growth rate of the Industrial Alcohol Market?

    Industrial Alcohol Market is projected to register a CAGR of 8.88% from 2025-2035

    Which region held the largest market share in the Industrial Alcohol Market?

    North America had the largest share of the Industrial Alcohol Market

    Who are the key players in the Industrial Alcohol Market?

    The key players in the market are Eastman Chemical Company (U.S.), Greenfield , Inc. (Canada), MGP (U.S.), Green Plains Inc. (U.S.), and Cristalco (France).

    Which Source led the Industrial Alcohol Market?

    The corn-sourced category dominated the Industrial Alcohol Market in 2022.

    Which application had the largest market share in the Industrial Alcohol Market?

    The fuel had the largest share in the Industrial Alcohol Market

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