Top 10 Companies in the Palm-based Oleochemicals Industry (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Bio-economy

In Business Insights
January 30, 2026


The Global Palm-based Oleochemicals Market was valued at USD 9.75 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 12.35 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.5% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This sustained growth is primarily driven by the global shift towards bio-based and sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals, rising consumer demand for natural ingredients in personal care and food products, and supportive government biofuel policies in key producing nations.

As the chemical industry pivots toward renewable feedstocks and circular economy principles, the focus intensifies on the major producers who are integrating sustainability with innovation. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Palm-based Oleochemicals Industry—a dynamic mix of vertically integrated agribusiness giants and specialized chemical innovators shaping the future of green chemistry.

Download FREE Sample Report: Palm-based Oleochemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. Wilmar International Limited

Headquarters: Singapore
Key Offering: Fatty Acids, Fatty Alcohols, Glycerine, Methyl Esters

Wilmar International is the undisputed global leader in palm-based oleochemicals, leveraging its massive, vertically integrated supply chain that stretches from palm plantations to state-of-the-art refineries and oleochemical plants. As one of the world’s largest palm oil traders, it commands a significant portion of the global market, supplying a comprehensive portfolio of oleochemical derivatives to diverse industries worldwide.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Committed to a No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) policy

  • Active member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)

  • Investing in traceability technologies to ensure sustainable sourcing across its supply chain


9️⃣ 2. KLK Oleo

Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Key Offering: Specialty Oleochemicals, Fatty Alcohols, Personal Care Ingredients

A division of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, KLK Oleo is a major global integrated oleochemical manufacturer. The company is renowned for its strong focus on specialty and high-value oleochemicals, particularly for the personal care and cosmetics industries, where its products are prized for purity and performance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneer in sustainable palm oil production with a high percentage of RSPO-certified supply

  • Investment in R&D for green chemistry applications and waste-to-value projects

Download FREE Sample Report: Palm-based Oleochemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report


8️⃣ 3. IOI Oleochemicals

Headquarters: Selangor, Malaysia
Key Offering: Fatty Acids, Glycerine, Soap Noodles, Esters

IOI Oleochemicals is a key player with a strong manufacturing footprint in Malaysia and Europe. The company produces a wide range of basic and derivative oleochemicals, serving markets from industrial surfactants to food ingredients, and has established itself as a reliable global supplier.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Implementation of stringent sustainability standards across its plantation and manufacturing operations

  • Focus on energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of its production processes


7️⃣ 4. Musim Mas Group

Headquarters: Singapore
Key Offering: Full range of Oleochemicals including biodiesel precursors

Musim Mas is another leading integrated Singapore-based group with a significant presence in the oleochemicals space. The company operates one of the largest standalone fatty acid plants globally and has a diverse product slate that caters to both regional and international markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Comprehensive sustainability platform with a strong focus on smallholder inclusion

  • Extensive RSPO certification and active participation in multi-stakeholder sustainability initiatives


6️⃣ 5. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: High-purity Fatty Alcohols, Surfactants, Care Chemicals

BASF is a global chemical powerhouse and a major buyer of palm (kernel) oil derivatives for its Care Chemicals division. The company transforms basic oleochemicals into high-value specialty ingredients for personal care, home care, and industrial applications, emphasizing performance and sustainability.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Aiming for 100% RSPO-certified palm oil and palm kernel oil in its cosmetic ingredients by 2025

  • Pioneering the use of mass balance approach to drive sustainable palm through complex supply chains

Download FREE Sample Report: Palm-based Oleochemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 6. Emery Oleochemicals

Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Key Offering: Green Polymer Additives, Bio-lubricants, Specialty Esters

Emery Oleochemicals is a leading global specialty oleochemicals producer, jointly owned by PTT Global Chemical and KLK Oleo. The company focuses on innovative, bio-based solutions for polymers, lubricants, and agrochemicals, differentiating itself through application-specific expertise.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Dedicated to producing 100% bio-based carbon content products

  • Strong commitment to RSPO certification and sustainable sourcing practices


4️⃣ 7. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty Surfactants, Fatty Alcohol Derivatives, Phosphate Esters

Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals that utilizes palm-based oleochemicals as key building blocks. Its focus is on creating high-margin, performance-driven products for the personal care, household, and industrial sectors, leveraging its strong technical expertise.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Committed to sustainable palm sourcing with a target for 100% transparency and certification

  • Development of biodegradable and renewable-based product lines


3️⃣ 8. Croda International Plc

Headquarters: Snaith, United Kingdom
Key Offering: High-performance Ingredients for Personal Care and Life Sciences

Croda is a world-renowned specialty chemical company that uses oleochemicals to create innovative ingredients for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. The company is known for its customer-centric innovation and commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Achieved its target of 100% sustainable palm derivative procurement ahead of schedule

  • Leader in the ‘Origin Green’ sustainability program, focusing on reducing environmental impact


2️⃣ 9. Kao Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Surfactants, Glycerine, Esters for Consumer Products

Kao is a major Japanese chemical and cosmetics company with significant in-house oleochemical production. It utilizes palm-based feedstocks to manufacture surfactants and other ingredients for its own leading brand consumer products as well as for industrial customers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Strong commitment to using 100% certified sustainable palm oil

  • Investment in R&D for green chemistry and reducing water/energy usage in production


1️⃣ 10. Cargill, Incorporated

Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Biodiesel, Glycerine, Food-grade Oleochemicals

Cargill, a global agricultural powerhouse, has a growing oleochemicals division that leverages its extensive supply chain capabilities. The company produces a range of products, with a notable focus on biodiesel and glycerine, serving the energy, food, and industrial markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Committed to a transparent and sustainable palm supply chain, aiming for 100% physical certification in key origins

  • Active participation in industry collaborations to drive systemic change towards sustainability

Get Full Report Here: Palm-based Oleochemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Palm-based Oleochemicals Is Sustainable and High-Value

The palm-based oleochemicals market is evolving rapidly. While traditional applications like soap and detergent feedstocks remain crucial, the industry is increasingly investing in sustainable sourcing, circular economy models, and high-value specialty applications.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated adoption of RSPO and other sustainability certifications to meet regulatory and consumer demands

  • Strategic expansion into bio-lubricants, green polymers, and advanced pharmaceutical excipients

  • Technological advancements in processing to improve yields, purity, and environmental performance

  • Growing importance of traceability and transparency throughout the entire supply chain

Get Full Report Here: Palm-based Oleochemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential green chemicals—they are actively leading the transition to a more sustainable bio-economy.