The Global Mannosylerythritol Lipids (MELs) Market was valued at USD 0.48 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 0.77 Million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.2% during the forecast period (2024–2029). This growth is being driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetics and personal care, advancements in fermentation technology, and the expanding application of bio-surfactants in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

As the global market shifts towards green chemistry and bio-based alternatives to synthetic surfactants, the focus intensifies on the specialized producers who are pioneering the commercial production and application of these versatile glycolipids. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Mannosylerythritol Lipids (MELs) Industry—a group of biotechnology firms, chemical manufacturers, and research-driven entities shaping the future of this niche but high-value market.

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🔟 1. Toyobo Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: High-Purity MELs (Composition 95%), Customized MEL formulations

Toyobo Co., Ltd. is the undisputed global leader in the commercial production of Mannosylerythritol Lipids. Leveraging advanced microbial fermentation technologies, the company has established a robust production platform for these high-value biosurfactants. Toyobo’s MELs are renowned for their exceptional purity and consistency, making them the ingredient of choice for premium skincare brands seeking natural and effective moisturizing agents.

Innovation and Market Position:

• Pioneer in the commercial-scale production of MELs

• Held an estimated 64% global revenue share in 2022

• Active R&D in novel MEL variants with enhanced functional properties

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9️⃣ 2. Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. (Part of Kao Corporation)

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: MEL-based cosmetic ingredients, Finished skincare products

Kanebo Cosmetics, a subsidiary of the Kao Corporation, is a key player that commercializes MELs primarily for its own luxury skincare lines. The company utilizes the unique self-assembly and moisturizing properties of MELs to develop high-performance cosmetic formulations that improve skin barrier function and provide long-lasting hydration.

Innovation and Market Position:

• Integration of MELs into proprietary cosmetic product portfolios

• Strong focus on clinical efficacy and consumer safety testing

• Leverages parent company Kao’s extensive R&D in surface science

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8️⃣ 3. Saraya Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Bio-surfactants, Hygiene products, MEL research

Saraya is a leading Japanese company specializing in hygiene, cleaning, and cosmetic ingredients with a strong commitment to sustainability. While known for its plant-derived surfactants, the company is actively involved in research surrounding glycolipids like MELs, exploring their potential in eco-friendly cleaning agents and personal care products due to their excellent biodegradability.

Innovation and Market Position:

• Strong R&D focus on bio-based and sustainable ingredients

• Potential for future commercialization of MEL-based products

• Commitment to reducing environmental impact through green chemistry

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7️⃣ 4. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty surfactants, Rhamnolipids, Sophorolipids, MEL research

Evonik Industries is a global leader in specialty chemicals, with a significant focus on sustainable solutions. The company has extensive expertise in bio-surfactants and conducts research into various glycolipids, including MELs. Evonik’s strong fermentation capabilities and global distribution network position it as a potential major player should it decide to scale up MEL production.

Innovation and Market Position:

• World-class biotechnology and fermentation expertise

• Strategic focus on expanding its bio-surfactant portfolio

• Active in exploring high-value applications for specialty lipids

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6️⃣ 5. Jeneil Biotechnology Inc.

Headquarters: Saukville, Wisconsin, USA
Key Offering: Rhamnolipids, Sophorolipids, Custom fermentation services

Jeneil Biotechnology is a prominent US-based manufacturer of bio-surfactants via fermentation. While its current commercial focus is on rhamnolipids and sophorolipids, the company’s advanced technological platform is adaptable for producing other glycolipids like MELs. Jeneil serves diverse industries, including personal care, agriculture, and industrial cleaning, making it a strategically important company in the bio-surfactant landscape.

Innovation and Market Position:

• Expertise in scalable fermentation processes for glycolipids

• Strong presence in the North American bio-based product market

• Potential to diversify into MEL production based on market demand

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5️⃣ 6. Givaudan Active Beauty

Headquarters: Vernier, Switzerland
Key Offering: Active cosmetic ingredients, Natural extracts, Sustainable formulations

Givaudan Active Beauty, a division of the global flavor and fragrance giant Givaudan, is a leading supplier of active ingredients for the cosmetics industry. The company’s focus on natural, sustainable, and efficacious actives makes it a key potential user and distributor of MELs. Givaudan’s vast customer base and formulation expertise could significantly drive the adoption of MELs in premium cosmetic products worldwide.

Innovation and Market Position:

• Global leader in cosmetic active ingredients

• Strong commitment to sustainability and natural sourcing

• Ability to integrate novel ingredients like MELs into market-ready solutions

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Mannosylerythritol Lipids (MELs) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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4️⃣ 7. BASF SE (Care Chemicals)

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Broad portfolio of cosmetic ingredients, Synthetic and bio-based surfactants

BASF’s Care Chemicals division is one of the world’s largest suppliers of ingredients for the personal care industry. The company invests heavily in R&D for sustainable and high-performance ingredients. While not a current commercial producer of MELs, BASF’s immense resources and focus on green chemistry make it a significant entity to watch, as it could rapidly enter the market through in-house development or partnerships.

Innovation and Market Position:

• Extensive R&D capabilities in surfactant chemistry and biotechnology

• Strong global distribution network for personal care ingredients

• Strategic emphasis on expanding its bio-based product offerings

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3️⃣ 8. Croda International Plc

Headquarters: Snaith, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Specialty chemicals, Personal care actives, Bio-based ingredients

Croda International is a global specialty chemical company with a strong focus on markets including personal care and life sciences. Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, Croda actively seeks out and develops ingredients from renewable sources. Its expertise in lipid chemistry and formulation makes it a natural potential leader in the application and commercialization of innovative glycolipids like MELs.

Innovation and Market Position:

• Leader in sustainable and high-performance ingredients

• Proven track record in commercializing novel bio-based molecules

• Deep customer relationships in the global personal care industry

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2️⃣ 9. Solvay

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Specialty polymers, Surfactants, Green chemistry solutions

Solvay is a leading advanced materials and specialty chemicals company. Its Novecare business unit provides a wide range of specialty surfactants and offers solutions for various industries. Solvay’s commitment to sustainable development and its capabilities in developing products from renewable resources position it as a key influencer in the bio-surfactant space, with potential interest in glycolipid technologies like MELs.

Innovation and Market Position:

• Strong portfolio of bio-based and biodegradable surfactants

• Active investment in R&D for sustainable chemical solutions

• Global reach and technical support capabilities

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1️⃣ 10. Various Academic and Research Institutions

Headquarters: Global (e.g., AIST in Japan, TU Berlin in Germany)
Key Offering: Fundamental research, Strain development, Process optimization

Beyond commercial entities, numerous leading academic and government research institutions play a critical role in the MEL ecosystem. Organizations like Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and several universities in Europe and Asia are at the forefront of discovering new MEL-producing strains, optimizing fermentation processes, and uncovering novel applications, thereby fueling the future growth of the market.

Innovation and Market Position:

• Source of groundbreaking research and intellectual property

• Collaboration partners for industrial scale-up and application development

• Training ground for the next generation of scientists in glycolipid research

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Mannosylerythritol Lipids (MELs) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of MELs Is Multifunctional and Sustainable

The Mannosylerythritol Lipids market is poised for significant evolution. While high-value cosmetics remain the primary driver, research is unlocking potential in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and nanomedicine, indicating a future where MELs are valued for their multi-functional properties beyond surface activity.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Expansion into pharmaceutical applications as drug delivery agents and antimicrobials

• Development of cost-effective fermentation processes to improve market accessibility

• Growing regulatory support and consumer preference for bio-based, biodegradable ingredients

• Strategic partnerships between biotechnology firms and large chemical companies to accelerate commercialization

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Mannosylerythritol Lipids (MELs) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies and institutions listed above are not only advancing bio-surfactant science—they are building the foundation for a more sustainable and innovative future across multiple industries.

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