Butyl acetate (BAC, butac, or BuAc) is the acetate ester of butanol and a chemical intermediate, which is widely used as a solvent in acrylic polymers, coating resins, adhesives, cosmetic formulations, etc. Apart from demonstrating a significant solvent power, it serves a range of other roles, such as a flavouring agent and a food additive, a stain remover, a paper additive, an octane booster, a biofuel ingredient, an odour enhancer, and others. In these capacities, it is consumed by various industries and commodities, including automotive, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and leather, to name only a few.
Industrial production of butyl acetate involves n-butanol esterification with acetic acid. As such, is it closely related to other oxo-chemicals. Solvents manufactured with the help of bio-based renewable materials have received special focus thanks to sustainability considerations and net-zero commitments of various companies. Innovative low-volatility solvents, such as 3-methoxy-n-butylacetate manufactured by Celanese under the Butoxyl brand name, are vital for producing eco-friendly products applicable in various specialised applications.
The current state of the butyl acetate market is not very different from the situation in a vast majority of the markets for other chemicals. The butyl acetate market is strongly influenced by ongoing macroeconomic issues. The macroeconomic environment is dominated by weak demand, especially in key butac-consuming sectors (e.g. paints, coatings, automotive, or construction). Pessimistic consumer sentiment is exacerbated by high inflation rates, particularly in Europe.
Key butyl acetate manufacturers by production capacity in Europe
The butyl acetate market is faced with challenges associated with high energy prices, which weigh on production costs. Such market behaviour manifests amid ample butyl acetate supply, which is not significantly impacted by butyl acetate imports drop from Asia or traditional summer turnarounds at butyl acetate-manufacturing facilities, like those owned by OQ Chemicals (formerly Oxea). Moreover, the end of planned turnarounds continues to add new butyl acetate volume to the market.
A detailed analysis of the butyl acetate market can be found in the in-demand research report “Butyl Acetate (BAC): 2023 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2032”.