Top 10 Companies in the Microbial Oils Market (2025): Industry Pioneers Driving Sustainable Bio-Based Solutions

In Business Insights
June 04, 2025

The Global Microbial Oils Market was valued at USD 74.66 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 103.66 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast period (2024-2030). This remarkable expansion is fueled by surging demand across food, biofuels, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, coupled with groundbreaking advancements in microbial fermentation technologies.

As the world shifts toward sustainable alternatives to traditional oils, microbial oil producers have emerged as key enablers of the bioeconomy transition. This comprehensive analysis highlights the Top 10 Companies in the Microbial Oils Market—innovators who are transforming production methods, expanding applications, and commercializing eco-friendly solutions at scale.


🔟 1. DSM (Royal DSM)

Headquarters: Heerlen, Netherlands
Key Offering: Nutritional, personal care, and industrial microbial oils

Royal DSM stands at the forefront of microbial oil innovation through its cutting-edge biotechnology platforms. The company specializes in high-value nutritional lipids and functional ingredients for diverse applications ranging from infant formula to bioplastics.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commercial production of algal omega-3 oils replacing fish oil

  • Closed-loop fermentation systems utilizing agricultural residues

  • Carbon-negative production processes certified by independent auditors

Download FREE Sample Report: Microbial Oils Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Cargill, Incorporated

Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Food-grade and industrial microbial lipids

Cargill combines its agricultural expertise with advanced fermentation capabilities to produce sustainable microbial oils. The company has made significant investments in yeast and fungal oil platforms serving the food, feed, and industrial sectors.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • $150 million investment in next-gen fermentation facilities

  • Landmark partnerships with bio-lubricant manufacturers


8️⃣ 3. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty oleochemicals and bio-intermediates

BASF’s biotechnology division develops microbial-derived alternatives to petrochemicals. Their engineered microbial strains produce tailored lipids for surfactants, lubricants, and other industrial applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Carbon footprint reduction of 30% across production

  • Strategic collaboration with algae cultivation experts


7️⃣ 4. TerraVia Holdings

Headquarters: South San Francisco, California, USA
Key Offering: Customized algal oil solutions

TerraVia’s proprietary algal platform produces oils with precise fatty acid profiles for targeted industry needs. The company holds over 200 patents in microbial oil production and application technologies.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Vertical photobioreactor systems minimizing land use

  • Partnerships replacing palm oil in cosmetics and food

Download FREE Sample Report: Microbial Oils Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Corbion

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Functional food ingredients and green chemicals

Corbion integrates microbial oil production into its circular economy model. The company specializes in sustainable alternatives for bakery, dairy, and meat applications while expanding into biopolymer precursors.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% renewable energy-powered fermentation

  • Zero-waste production certification across facilities


5️⃣ 6. Evonik Industries

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: High-purity pharmaceutical and nutraceutical lipids

Evonik’s health nutrition division produces premium microbial oils meeting strict pharmacopeia standards. Their portfolio includes vegan omega-3s and specialty lipids for drug delivery systems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Alternative to endangered fish oil sources

  • Water recycling systems achieving 90% reuse


4️⃣ 7. Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Commodity-scale microbial oils

ADM leverages its global agricultural infrastructure to produce cost-competitive microbial oils. The company focuses on biofuel feedstocks while expanding into food ingredients and industrial applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Byproduct utilization reducing waste by 40%

  • Low-carbon logistics network optimization


3️⃣ 8. Bunge Limited

Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Key Offering: Food-functional microbial oils

Bunge applies its oilseed processing expertise to microbial lipid production. The company develops ingredient solutions enhancing texture, nutrition, and shelf-life in plant-based foods.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Carbon accounting across entire value chain

  • Partnerships with food majors for sustainable formulations


2️⃣ 9. Novozymes A/S

Headquarters: Bagsværd, Denmark
Key Offering: Enzymatic solutions for oil production

Novozymes provides the biological catalyst technologies enabling efficient microbial oil production. Their enzyme systems optimize lipid yields while reducing energy and water consumption.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 30% increase in lipid productivity through enzyme innovation

  • Water footprint reduction programs


1️⃣ 10. Algenol Biotech

Headquarters: Fort Myers, Florida, USA
Key Offering: Direct photosynthetic oil production

Algenol’s proprietary cyanobacteria platform converts CO2 directly into oils using solar energy. Their technology demonstrates revolutionary potential for sustainable fuel and chemical production.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Carbon capture and utilization technology

  • Desert-based production minimizing freshwater use

Read Full Report: Microbial Oils Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Market Outlook: Accelerating the Bio-Based Revolution

The microbial oils industry is reaching an inflection point as production economics improve and commercial adoption expands. While challenges remain in scaling and cost competitiveness, technological breakthroughs are rapidly closing gaps with conventional oil sources.

📈 Key Market Trends:

  • Explosive growth in plant-based food applications

  • Regulatory support for bio-based ingredients in cosmetics

  • Breakthroughs in genetic engineering boosting yields

  • Integration with carbon capture technologies

  • Emerging applications in bioplastics and functional materials

Read Full Report: Microbial Oils Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The profiled companies represent the vanguard of sustainable oil production—transforming scientific innovation into commercial solutions that address global sustainability challenges while meeting growing market demand.