Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT): A Comprehensive Overview
Butylated Hydroxytoluene, commonly referred to as BHT, is a
synthetic antioxidant that is commonly used in the food, cosmetic, and
pharmaceutical industries. It is a white or yellowish solid that is soluble in
fats and oils but insoluble in water. BHT is widely used to prevent oxidation,
which can lead to spoilage and rancidity in food products, cosmetics, and
pharmaceuticals. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of BHT,
including its properties, uses, safety, and regulatory status.
Properties of BHT
BHT is a synthetic phenolic compound that is produced by the
reaction of p-cresol with isobutylene. The resulting product is then purified
and crystallized to obtain the final product. BHT is a stable and non-volatile
compound that has a melting point of 70-73°C and a boiling point of 265°C. It
has a molecular weight of 220.35 g/mol and a density of 1.048 g/cm3 at 25°C.
Uses of BHT
BHT is a widely used antioxidant that is added to a variety
of products to prevent oxidation and spoilage. It is commonly used in the food
industry to preserve the quality and freshness of fats, oils, and fatty foods,
such as baked goods, snack foods, and meats. BHT is also used in the cosmetic
industry to prevent the oxidation and spoilage of oils and other ingredients in
personal care products, such as lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. In the
pharmaceutical industry, BHT is used as a stabilizer in drugs, vitamins, and
other supplements.
Safety of BHT
BHT has been extensively tested for safety and is generally
considered safe for use in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. The US
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified BHT as a Generally Recognized
as Safe (GRAS) substance, which means that it is safe for consumption in small
amounts. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated BHT and
concluded that it is safe for use in food products at the currently approved
levels. However, some studies have suggested that BHT may have adverse effects
on human health in high doses, including liver damage and carcinogenicity.
Therefore, it is recommended that BHT should be used in small amounts and in
accordance with the approved levels.
Regulatory Status of
BHT
BHT is regulated by various agencies around the world,
including the FDA, EFSA, and the World Health Organization (WHO). In the United
States, BHT is approved for use in food, cosmetics, and drugs, and is listed as
a GRAS substance. In the European Union, BHT is approved for use as an
antioxidant in food products, but is subject to strict usage limits. The WHO
has also evaluated BHT and has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of
0-0.3 mg/kg body weight per day.
BHT is a widely used synthetic antioxidant that is added to
a variety of products to prevent oxidation and spoilage. It is considered safe
for consumption in small amounts, but should be used in accordance with the approved
levels. BHT is regulated by various agencies around the world and is subject to
strict usage limits. While there have been concerns about the potential health
risks associated with high doses of BHT, it is generally considered safe when
used appropriately.
Butylated hydroxytoluene Market Dynamics
Drivers in Butylated
Hydroxytoluene Market
The demand for Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is influenced
by various factors, including its application as an antioxidant in plastics
production. The oxidation process can negatively impact the properties of
thermoplastics and thermosetting resins, leading to a loss of flexibility,
tensile strength, and impact resistance, among other adverse effects. BHT plays
a crucial role in retarding oxidation and enhancing the stability of plastics,
which are extensively used in various end-use industries such as packaging,
automotive, construction, and agriculture.
The Plastic Atlas 2019 reported a global production of 460
million tons of plastics in 2019, with China accounting for one-third of the
total share. The increasing demand from emerging economies, Europe, and North
America, driven by the growth of end-use industries, is expected to further
boost the production of plastics and create a massive demand for BHT in
stabilizing them.
The usage of BHT is not limited to plastics production; it
is also widely used as a preservative in food and cosmetics. North America is
currently the largest market for BHT, accounting for over 31.60% of the global
market share. This can be attributed to the region's robust economy, which has
enabled significant investments in research and development, resulting in innovative
products that have increased demand for BHT in the region. Furthermore,
numerous government initiatives promoting the use of natural preservatives have
also driven up demand from consumers.
In conclusion, the growth in global plastics production and
the increasing demand for natural preservatives are among the drivers of the
Butylated hydroxytoluene market. The versatile nature of BHT, which finds usage
across different industries, also makes it a sought-after compound.
Restraints in
Butylated Hydroxytoluene Market
There is a growing concern regarding the use of BHT in the
food and beverage industry, as it is a major consumer of this antioxidant. BHT
is commonly used in a variety of food products such as cake mixes, cereal-based
snacks, chewing gum, sauces, processed nuts, and many others.
However, studies have shown that excessive consumption of
BHT may have adverse effects on the human body, such as interactions with
hormonal birth control methods or steroid hormones, elevated liver enzymes,
allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and organ system toxicity. According to the
US Department of Health and Human Services, National Toxicology Program's
Report on Carcinogens, BHA, which is closely related to BHT, is believed to be
a human carcinogen.
Despite the current FDA approval for the use of BHT by food
manufacturers, its use is mostly banned in several countries, including
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and throughout Europe, due to these
concerns.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the butylated
hydroxytoluene market in 2020. With the low production of plastic and rubber
goods, the food and beverage processing, personal care, and rubber industries
had to close several factories due to the trade restrictions and
government-imposed worldwide lockdowns. As a result, the demand for butylated
hydroxytoluene decreased globally. However, the market has started to recover
in 2021.
Opportunity:
Industrial Development in Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is currently the global center for the chemical
industry's manufacturing, producing over 50% of the world's polymer production.
An expanding per capita expenditure on healthcare and food products, a vast
consumer base, an increasing urban population, low labor costs, and a ready
supply of raw materials have drawn global manufacturers of petrochemicals,
personal care, and food & beverage industries to move their production
facilities to the region. Consequently, many companies have invested in Asian
Pacific countries, including China, which is expected to be the largest and
fastest-growing market for BHT in the region during the forecast period.
Therefore, the growth of the industry in the area is predicted to drive the
consumption of BHT as an antioxidant.
Recently, food product manufacturers have made significant
progress in research and development, leading to the development of new food
ingredients, and extensive research is currently being conducted on food
additives. The demand for perishable food products with improved flavor and
texture is increasing among consumers, creating an opportunity for food
manufacturers to innovate and create new products.
Challenges in
Butylated Hydroxytoluene Market
The growing concern for safety and sustainability in pet
food has led to a rising demand for natural and non-toxic feed ingredients. As
synthetic additives in pet food come under scrutiny, the use of antioxidant
products to stabilize pet food has become increasingly popular among both
manufacturers and consumers.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a commonly used synthetic
antioxidant in pet food, but it has been found to be toxic to aquatic organisms
and accumulates in the environment. This has prompted manufacturers to focus on
developing safe and sustainable alternatives. For instance, Kemin Industries
Inc., a US-based feed ingredient manufacturer, has introduced natural
antioxidants to replace BHT in pet food. These natural antioxidants are now a
preferred choice for animal feed due to their non-toxic nature.
The development of sustainable and non-toxic alternatives to
BHT is a significant challenge for the BHT market. Pet food producers and
consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term impact of
synthetic additives on the environment and animal health. The development of
safe and natural alternatives to BHT is thus becoming a necessity, and pet food
manufacturers are likely to shift towards sustainable alternatives in the
future.
Ecosystem of
Butylated Hydroxytoluene Market
The butylated hydroxytoluene market's largest end-use
industry is plastic and rubber, accounting for 57.7% of the market share in
terms of value in 2021. BHT is used as an antioxidant in this industry to
stabilize polymers during processing and protect the finished product
throughout its service life. It is considered safe and approved for use in
plastic food containers and wrappings. This segment is expected to be the
largest and fastest-growing in terms of volume and value during the forecast
period.
Asia Pacific is the largest market for butylated
hydroxytoluene in terms of value in 2021, and it is expected to lead the global
market by 2027. The region's emerging economies, government initiatives toward
economic development, and the expansion of plastic and rubber and food and
beverage sectors due to rapid economic development are expected to fuel
significant demand for butylated hydroxytoluene. Additionally, the growing
population in these countries represents a strong customer base. Asia Pacific
is the fastest-growing market for butylated hydroxytoluene globally in terms of
value and volume during the forecast period.
However, the market growth for butylated hydroxytoluene is
restrained by stringent regulations and norms regarding its use. The guidelines
associated with the application of BHT as a synthetic antioxidant are particularly
rigid. Despite this, recent acceptance of BHT for other applications, such as
cosmetics, may fuel product penetration. In December 2021, the EU's Scientific
Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released new concentration limits for BHT
in cosmetics products, providing new opportunities for market players.
Europe: A Prominent
Market for Butyl Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Europe is a dynamic market for Butyl Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
because of its strict regulatory framework, availability of raw materials, and established
production facilities. BHT, which is an antioxidant used in food product
preservation, offers numerous advantages.
The European Union (EU) has implemented strict laws
governing the use of BHT in food products and other items to ensure consumer safety
against potential risks associated with its use. Additionally, the EU's REACH
Regulation provides manufacturers access to a diverse range of raw materials
produced in Europe for their product manufacturing. Moreover, several countries
have sophisticated production facilities that allow companies to manufacture
high-quality BHT at competitive prices.
The food and beverage industry is a significant driver of
the Butyl Hydroxytoluene (BHT) market, as it is used as an antioxidant to
extend the shelf life of food products. The growing demand for packaged foods
has led to an increase in the use of BHT in food products globally. BHT is
commonly used by food and beverage companies as a stabilizing agent,
preservative, and flavor enhancer in products such as cereal, breakfast bars,
chips, granola bars, confectionery items, vegetable oil spreads, and margarine
blends.
BHT is also a widely used synthetic antioxidant in the
cosmetics industry, owing to its vivid coloring and long shelf-life stability.
The cosmetics industry is expected to experience maximum growth in the
application of BHT in the coming years. BHT is used in various makeup products,
lotions, and sunscreens. As consumers become more conscious of their skin
health and seek natural products with fewer chemicals, BHT provides a safe and
effective option to maintain product stability and quality.
As the demand for natural and sustainable ingredients grows
in both the food and cosmetics industries, the development of safer and more
sustainable alternatives to BHT will become a challenge for the BHT market.
However, for the time being, BHT remains a popular and widely used synthetic
antioxidant in both the food and cosmetics industries.
Key Players in Butylated Hydroxytoluene Market
- SASOL LIMITED
- LANXESS
- EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
- CAMLIN FINE SCIENCE
- OXIRIS CHEMICALS S.A.
- FINORIC LLC
- FINAR LIMITED
- YASHO INDUSTRIES LIMITED
- JAY DINESH CHEMICALS
- TWINKLE CHEMI LAB PVT. LTD.
- DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL IND., CO., LTD.
- DYCON CHEMICALS
- HONSHU CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
- VDH CHEM TECH PVT. LTD.
- KH CHEMICALS
- OTTO CHEMIE PVT. LTD.
- SHIV SHAKTI GROUP
- WEGO CHEMICAL GROUP
- OCTA CHEM
- SHANGHAI CHEMEX
- UNIVAR SOLUTIONS
- SILVERLINE CHEMICALS
- CHEMEX CHEMICALS
- KEMIN INDUSTRIES
- CALDIC B.V
Recent Developments in Butylated Hydroxytoluene Market
The butylated hydroxytoluene market has seen several recent
developments in terms of product innovation and government regulations. One
notable development is the increasing demand for natural antioxidants in the
food industry, which has led to the introduction of plant-based alternatives to
synthetic antioxidants like BHT. This trend is driven by consumer demand for
healthier and cleaner label products.
Furthermore, the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer
Safety (SCCS) released new concentration limits for BHT in cosmetics products
in December 2021, which could open up new opportunities for market players.
This decision was based on new scientific evidence that showed BHT's safety in
cosmetic products at certain concentrations.
On the regulatory front, several countries and regions have
imposed restrictions on the use of BHT in food products. For example, BHT use
in food products is mostly banned in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and
throughout Europe. This has led to a shift towards alternative antioxidant
solutions in these regions.
The COVID-19 pandemic also had a significant impact on the
butylated hydroxytoluene market in 2020, with low plastic and rubber production
leading to decreased demand for BHT. However, the market has started recovering
in 2021 as the world slowly recovers from the pandemic's impact.
Overall, these recent developments suggest that the
butylated hydroxytoluene market is undergoing significant changes in response
to evolving consumer demands and regulatory trends.