Castor Oil Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Castor Oil Market is projected to expand from USD 3.36 Billion in 2025 to USD 5.38 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 8.16%. Sourced from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, this non-volatile vegetable oil is noted for its high ricinoleic acid content, which imparts exceptional chemical stability and viscosity. Growth is largely propelled by rising requirements for sustainable, bio-based inputs in the manufacturing of high-performance lubricants, biopolymers, and pharmaceuticals, as various sectors move away from petrochemicals. This fundamental transition toward renewable chemical feedstocks establishes a solid growth base that goes beyond fleeting consumption trends.

According to the Solvent Extractors' Association of India, India's castor oil exports reached 662,598 metric tonnes in the fiscal year 2025. Notwithstanding this significant trade volume, the industry encounters substantial hurdles related to raw material price volatility, stemming from the crop's dependence on specific weather conditions in key cultivation areas. This reliance results in supply chain instability, potentially hindering steady market development.

Market Drivers

Growing interest in renewable biodiesel is transforming the sector as major energy companies search for sustainable, non-food feedstocks to achieve decarbonization goals. Castor is becoming a preferred choice for agri-feedstock projects within the aviation and transportation industries due to its ability to grow on marginal lands without competing with food crops. This preference is illustrated by substantial financial investments in infrastructure aimed at securing long-term supply lines. For instance, Rigzone reported in May 2024 that Eni obtained USD 210 million to boost its oilseed feedstock output in Kenya - heavily dependent on castor - to 500,000 tons annually. These investments underscore the rapid scaling of cultivation for energy purposes, establishing a high-volume demand stream separate from conventional industrial applications.

Simultaneously, the increased uptake of bio-based polymers serves as a key driver, spurred by industrial needs for high-performance materials with reduced environmental footprints. Castor oil acts as the exclusive precursor for Polyamide 11, used in automotive and electronics sectors to foster a circular economy, prompting manufacturers to broaden their offerings with bio-circular grades to meet regulations. As noted by Arkema in March 2024, the firm extended its recycling initiative to cover more than 15 certified high-performance thermoplastic grades sourced from bio-based materials. This advancement guarantees ongoing demand, backed by strong primary production; the Solvent Extractors' Association of India estimated in February 2024 that India's total castor seed yield for the 2023-24 season was 2.05 million tonnes.

Market Challenges

The dependence of castor cultivation on precise weather conditions constitutes a major constraint for the global market, leading to considerable volatility in raw material prices and instability within the supply chain. This unpredictability obstructs market growth by eroding the reliability that industries need to commit fully to this bio-based feedstock. Weather disruptions that impact farming lead to an immediate drop in seed supply and a subsequent rise in costs, rendering castor oil less economically competitive against more stable petrochemical options. For producers in the lubricant and pharmaceutical fields, this irregularity presents a significant threat to long-term manufacturing strategies and investments in bio-based products.

Recent agricultural data from the primary supply region clearly demonstrates this vulnerability. The Solvent Extractors' Association of India reported in 2025 that the nation's castor seed production was projected to fall by 21% to 1.56 million tonnes for the crop year, attributed to unfavorable weather and decreased planting areas. This acute reduction in raw material availability tightens global stocks, causing price swings that discourage steady market growth and postpone the widespread industrial uptake of castor oil derivatives.

Market Trends

The adoption of Certified Sustainable Farming Standards is significantly transforming procurement practices, with manufacturers increasingly requiring compliance with the SuCCESS code to meet strict ESG standards. This evolution ensures that feedstock farming tackles environmental issues such as water preservation while protecting the livelihoods of farmers, thus creating a stable supply chain for international markets. The magnitude of this shift is reflected in the growing availability of verified inventory for industrial purchasers, guiding the market away from unverified spot buying. Arkema reported in February 2025, within the 'Arkema and its partners publish Year 8 impacts for Pragati' document, that roughly 100,000 tons of certified castor seed have been grown since the project began, indicating a substantial shift toward responsible and standardized sourcing.

At the same time, the incorporation of castor derivatives into clean-label cosmetic products is gaining momentum as personal care companies rapidly switch from petrochemical components to botanical bio-actives. Castor oil is highly prized in this industry for its ricinoleic acid, a high-performance, skin-friendly precursor essential for the natural emollients and surfactants demanded by eco-aware consumers. This movement compels chemical suppliers to revise their product lines to enhance natural origin indices and stay competitive in the beauty market. As noted in BASF's 'Responsible Sourcing Report' from March 2025, the firm's bioactives division verified that 92.8% of its raw materials were mineral-derived or bio-based, highlighting the vital importance of renewable resources like castor in contemporary beauty formulations.

Key Players Profiled in the Castor Oil Market

• Glanbia PLC
• Pfizer Inc.
• Bayer AG
• Amway Corp.
• GlaxoSmithKline PLC
• Good Health New Zealand
• The Nature's Bounty Co.
• NOW Foods
• Abbott
• Herbalife Nutrition

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Castor Oil Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Castor Oil Market, by Type:

• Cold Pressed Castor Oil
• Hydrogenated Castor Oil
• Jamaican Black Castor Oil
• Dehydrated Castor Oil
• Others

Castor Oil Market, by Application:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care
• Lubricants
• Paints
• Food & Beverages
• Others

Castor Oil Market, by Distribution Channel:

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Departmental Stores
• Pharmacies/Drug Stores
• Online
• Others

Castor Oil Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Castor Oil Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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