The Global Citric Acid Ester Market was valued at USD 3.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.8 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is driven by the global shift towards bio-based and non-toxic plasticizers, rising demand from the food and pharmaceuticals sectors, and stringent regulations phasing out phthalate-based additives.
As industries worldwide prioritize health, safety, and environmental sustainability, the demand for high-performance, safe additives is accelerating. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Citric Acid Ester Industry—a diverse group of chemical innovators, ingredient suppliers, and sustainability champions shaping the future of green chemistry.
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🔟 1. DuPont
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Citroflex® series plasticizers (e.g., Citroflex A-4, A-6)
DuPont is a global leader in specialty chemicals, renowned for its Citroflex range of citric acid esters. These high-purity, non-toxic plasticizers are widely used in medical devices, food packaging, children’s toys, and personal care products, offering excellent compatibility and low volatility.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Focus on replacing ortho-phthalates in sensitive applications
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Investment in bio-renewable feedstocks for ester production
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Commitment to circular economy principles in material design
9️⃣ 2. Jungbunzlauer
Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
Key Offering: Citrofol® series (Citrofol AI, BI), Citroflex® under license
Jungbunzlauer is a leading producer of nature-based ingredients, specializing in citric acid and its derivatives. The company’s Citrofol esters are certified for food contact and pharmaceutical use, manufactured from sustainable, fermentation-derived citric acid.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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100% renewable raw material sourcing for citric acid production
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Energy-efficient manufacturing processes with low carbon footprint
8️⃣ 3. Vertellus
Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Key Offering: Citroflex® plasticizers, Citrocoat® coatings additives
Vertellus is a specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on citrate esters. It holds the rights to the Citroflex brand in many regions, producing plasticizers for PVC, PVA, and cellulose-based polymers used in packaging, flooring, and wire insulation.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Development of low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) formulations
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Partnerships with brands seeking safer material alternatives
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Global Citric Acid Ester Market – View in Detailed Research Report
7️⃣ 4. ASPEK
Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Key Offering: Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), Tributyl citrate (TBC)
ASPEK is a key supplier of citric acid esters to the European and Middle Eastern markets. The company specializes in high-quality ATBC and TBC, which are essential plasticizers for food packaging films, gaskets, and childcare articles.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Compliance with EU REACH and FDA regulations for food contact
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Expanding production capacity to meet growing demand for green plasticizers
6️⃣ 5. Fine Organics
Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Citrofol esters, polymer additives
Fine Organics is a leading Indian manufacturer of specialty additives, including a comprehensive portfolio of citrate esters. The company serves the plastics, coatings, and personal care industries across Asia and Africa with a strong focus on quality and regulatory adherence.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Localized production to reduce supply chain emissions
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R&D focused on bio-compatible and biodegradable additives
5️⃣ 6. Azelis
Headquarters: Antwerp, Belgium
Key Offering: Distribution of citric acid esters and other specialty chemicals
Azelis is a leading global distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients. The company provides a wide range of citrate esters from multiple producers, offering technical support and tailored solutions to formulators in over 50 countries.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Promoting sustainable product portfolios to customers
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Logistics optimization for reduced environmental impact
4️⃣ 7. Jeevika Yugchem
Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC), Triethyl citrate (TEC)
Jeevika Yugchem is an emerging manufacturer and supplier of pharmaceutical-grade citric acid esters. The company’s products are critical excipients in controlled-release drug formulations and coatings, meeting stringent pharmacopeia standards.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Investment in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliant facilities
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Focus on high-purity, low-impurity products for sensitive applications
3️⃣ 8. Avril Group
Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Bio-based intermediates for ester production
Avril Group, through its subsidiaries, is a major player in the oleochemicals sector, producing glycerine and fatty acids that serve as feedstocks for esterification. The group supports the production of bio-based citrate esters through its sustainable agricultural model.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Leader in the European biofuels and oleochemicals sector
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Commitment to traceable and sustainable vegetable oil sourcing
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Global Citric Acid Ester Market – View in Detailed Research Report
2️⃣ 9. Henan Zhengtong Food Technology
Headquarters: Henan, China
Key Offering: Food-grade citrate esters, acidulants
Henan Zhengtong is a significant Chinese producer of food additives, including citrate esters used as emulsifiers and stabilizers. The company benefits from China’s large-scale citric acid production, offering competitive pricing for the Asian market.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Adherence to GB (Chinese National Standards) and international food safety norms
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Vertical integration with local citric acid producers
1️⃣ 10. Kasel Group
Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany
Key Offering: Specialized plasticizers, including citrate esters
Kasel Group is a German specialty chemicals company focusing on polymer additives. It offers citrate esters as part of its eco-friendly plasticizer range, catering to the stringent requirements of the European market for toys, medical, and packaging applications.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Development of tailor-made solutions for circular economy products
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Active participation in industry consortia for sustainable chemistry
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Global Citric Acid Ester Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Citric Acid Esters Is Green and High-Performance
The citric acid ester market is experiencing a profound transformation. While traditional phthalate plasticizers still hold significant market share, regulatory pressures and consumer awareness are accelerating the adoption of safer, bio-based alternatives. Citrate esters are at the forefront of this shift, offering a unique combination of performance, safety, and sustainability.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Rising global demand for non-phthalate plasticizers in flexible PVC applications
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Expansion of citrate ester use in pharmaceutical controlled-release formulations
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Increasing regulatory bans on phthalates in consumer products across North America and Europe
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Growing investments in bio-refineries to secure sustainable citric acid feedstocks
Get Full Report Here:
Global Citric Acid Ester Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies profiled above are not only supplying essential chemicals—they are enabling the green transition of multiple industries, from packaging and healthcare to consumer goods.
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