Evonik sharply raised its 2026 earnings forecast after a strong Q2, driven by higher volumes, improved pricing, and cost reductions. The company also benefited from supply disruptions affecting Asian competitors. The improved pricing points to upward pressure on product prices in the short term, though the company warns the advantage may fade as global shipping normalizes.
Celanese has begun supplying ethyl acetate with 50% bio-based content to Siegwerk for use in printing inks as a drop-in replacement. The partnership expands availability of a sustainable solvent alternative and may introduce a price premium for bio-based ethyl acetate, though conventional market impact is limited.
The carbomer market in the second half of 2024 experienced upward price pressure driven by multiple interconnected factors. With acrylic acid - the primary raw material for carbomer production - witnessing supply constraints and rising costs, manufacturers likely passed these increased production expenses to downstream consumers.
The personal care and cosmetics sector, a primary application segment for carbomers, continued to demonstrate robust demand. Growing consumer preferences for advanced skincare formulations, particularly in anti-aging and sun protection products, created sustained market momentum. Major players like Lubrizol Corporation and BASF SE strategically positioned themselves to capitalize on these market dynamics.
Supply chain complexities, including raw material price volatility and stringent regulatory requirements, contributed to price variability. The market maintained its growth trajectory, indicating underlying market strength and potential for continued value appreciation.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, the Carbomer price trends are likely to remain on an upward trajectory, with manufacturers focusing on innovation and regulatory compliance to maintain competitive positioning.
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In the first half of 2024, the pricing outlook for carbomers, key thickeners, and stabilizers used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics was closely tied to the fluctuating dynamics of the acrylic acid market, their primary raw material. The beginning of the year saw muted activity in the acrylic acid market, with weak demand and controlled supply keeping prices stable despite fluctuations in crude oil and feedstock costs. Suppliers in China adopted a cautious approach, limiting bulk purchases to manage market conditions, which led to a slight price improvement by the end of Q1. Moving into Q2'24, the market saw a brief price increase driven by strong downstream demand and tight supply.
However, this momentum was short-lived as declining propylene prices, reduced overall production costs, stabilizing carbomer prices. Despite some production shutdowns and supply chain challenges, the market's slow growth led to sellers offering discounts to maintain demand. Carbomers followed a price pattern of initial increases followed by stabilization. As H1'24 progressed, the carbomer market remained cautious, with prices reflecting the broader uncertainties and dynamics of the acrylic acid sector.
Carbomer refers to a series of polymers that is primarily composed of acrylic acid. In appearance, it is a white, fluffy powder. It helps to distribute or suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid, keep emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components, control the consistency and flow of the products, and can absorb and retain water.
It is most commonly used as a gelling agent in cosmetics and personal care products to produce creams, ointments, and gels, especially formulated for the application on mucous membranes. It can be found in a wide range of product types including skin, makeup, and hair care products.
(C3H4O2)n
Cosmetics and Personal care industry, Superadsorbent polymers (SAPs) and disposable diapers, Ion exchange resins, Detergents, Thickening and dispersing agents, Suspending and emulsifying agents , Pharmaceuticals, Paints and adhesive, Construction Chemicals
Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(1-carboxyethylene), Alcosperse, Aquatreat, Sokalan
Evonik Industries AG, The Lubrizol Corporation, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co.,Ltd., Ashland Global Holdings Inc, Sumitomo Corporation, Hannong Chemicals Inc., Basildon Chemical Co. Ltd
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
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Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
In order to produce Carbomer, the process of free radical polymerisation is utilised. In this process, thermochemical initiators such as potassium persulfate and AIBN are utilised to complete the free radical polymerisation of acrylic acid. The monomers used to produce Carbomer are acrylic acid and polyalkenyl polyethers.
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