Pelargonic acid, also known as nonanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid produced both naturally and synthetically. In the United Kingdom, it is mainly synthesized through hydroformylation and oxidation reactions using raw materials like n-octanal or oct-1-ene. Some key UK manufacturers involved in its production include Croda International, Oxiteno, and Syrgis Performance Initiatives. On average, around 10,000 metric tons of pelargonic acid is produced annually in the country.
United Kingdom Pelargonic Acid finds numerous applications due to its antimicrobial properties. It is widely utilized as a preservative and fungicide in cosmetics, personal care products, and agricultural applications. Many shampoos, hand sanitizers, and makeup bases contain it as a natural preservative. In the food, pelargonic acid helps extend the shelf life of packaged foods by preventing microbial growth. It is approved for use in baked goods, baked snacks, chewing gum, and as a surface sanitizer in meat and poultry processing facilities.
Regulatory Standards And Pelargonic Acid Safety
In the UK, pelargonic acid production and use are regulated by several agencies to ensure environmental and human safety. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for controlling workplace risks from chemical exposure. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) approves food additives and establishes permitted maximum residue levels. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) performs risk assessments of food additives and issues approvals at an EU level.
Pelargonic acid is classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. It is approved for use in the EU under regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as a food additive. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) level set by EFSA is 0-5 mg/kg body weight. When used as directed, there are minimal health risks from exposure to pelargonic acid through food, personal care products, or other uses. However, it is considered a skin, eye, and respiratory irritant at high concentrations. Proper safety precautions must be followed during production and handling.
Environmental Impact And Sustainability
Like other fatty acids, pelargonic acid is naturally biodegradable and possesses low toxicity to aquatic organisms. Over 90% of it biodegrades within 28 days under aerobic conditions. However, as an industrial chemical, its manufacture and disposal can potentially impact the environment if not properly managed. United Kingdom Pelargonic Acid manufacturers follow stringent standards to minimise any adverse environmental effects.
Wastewater from production sites undergoes extensive treatment before being discharged. Hazardous waste containing pelargonic acid is transported and disposed of through approved waste management contractors. Companies are also exploring more sustainable production methods. For example, Croda sources its raw materials from natural plant and vegetable oils to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Oxiteno recovers and reuses solvents during production to optimise resource utilisation. Such initiatives help lower carbon footprint and promote a circular economy approach.
Trends And Future Outlook
The global pelargonic acid size was valued at around USD 200 million in 2019. Evolving consumer preferences for natural ingredients is driving demand in personal care and cosmetics end uses. Increasing regulation of synthetic chemicals also favours the adoption of pelargonic acid as a ‘clean label’ preservative. Its approval for use in infant formulas offers new opportunities especially in European and North American.
In the United Kingdom Pelargonic Acid is projected to grow at over 4% annually till 2027, according to expert forecasts. Cosmetics will remain the largest application area due to continuous new product launches. Growth in convenience foods packaging is another key factor supporting pelargonic acid consumption. Ongoing R&D aims to develop new delivery systems optimising its antimicrobial effect. This could potentially enable expanding usage scope to medical devices, textiles, and other industrial sectors. Adhering to highest production standards will be important for to maintain consumer and regulatory confidence moving forward.
Pelargonic acid has well established applications benefiting numerous UK industries and consumers. Robust demand, positive regulatory image, emphasis on sustainability and focus on new areas of product development point towards a promising future for this versatile organic acid produced and consumed widely within the UK. Adherence to safety guidelines during its production and applications will ensure its continued safe use.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author – Priya Pandey
Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement. LinkedIn Profile