Natural Dyes Market by Type (Plant Based, Animal Based, Mineral Based), Structure, Form, Application, End-Use Industry (FnB, Cosmetic & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Pulp & Paper, Packaging, Stationary & Art Supplies) - Global Forecast to 2029
Natural Dyes Market
The global natural dyes market is valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.4 billion by 2029, growing at 5.7% cagr from 2024 to 2029. Natural dyes extracted from plants, animals, and minerals are essential in enhancing sustainability across different industries. These dyes are alternatives to synthetic dyes, which are associated with environmental pollution and adverse health effects. Organic/natural dyes are mostly used in the textile & leather, food & beverage, cosmetics & personal care, packaging, stationery & art supplies, and other industries. With the increasing consumer demand and awareness of natural ingredient-based products, the market for natural dyes is growing to meet this demand.
Attractive Opportunities for Players in Natural Dyes Market
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Natural Dyes Market Dynamics
Driver: Stringent government regulations
The non-wastewater streams generated from the production of synthetic dyes, pigments, food, drugs, and cosmetic colorants are listed as hazardous waste, K181, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This list of waste streams potentially affects some dyes, including azo dyes, triarylmethane, and anthraquinone dyes and pigments. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended certain regulations for the colorants used in the food & beverage and cosmetics industries. For instance, it has amended the color additive regulation that does not allow lead acetate use in cosmetic products designed for hair and scalp. Several regulatory bodies, including the European Union, have amended regulations for azo dyes. For instance, Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 restricts the usage of some azo dyes, such as benzidine-based azo dyes and o-Dianisidine-based azo dyes, in cosmetic products. REACH regulation prohibits using azo dyes that break down into amines, resulting in amine groups or compounds that are carcinogenic and harmful to human beings.
In 2024, the California state government announced it would introduce a bill banning six synthetic food dyes and titanium dioxide from foods served in public schools in the state. The state introduced the California Food Safety Act in 2023, which will ban cancer-causing Red 3 and three other harmful food additives from all foods sold in the state from 2027.
Conventional textile dyeing processes generate high levels of contaminants, such as unfixed dyestuffs and salts, which may be released into effluent water streams. Increasingly stringent regulations are imposed that mandate the release of cleaner mill wastewater to minimize the effect. The stringent regulations on the use and treatment of synthetic dyes have shifted manufacturers' focus on manufacturing environmentally friendly and sustainable natural dyes.
Restraint: High cost and accessibility of natural dyes
The high cost and accessibility are restraining the growth of the natural dye market. These dyes are more expensive than their alternative due to their high production cost. In the processing of natural dyes, extensive agricultural inputs and special extraction techniques are required. These additional steps result in increased production and product costs. Furthermore, the raw materials used in natural dyes, such as certain plants, insects, or minerals, may be scarce or seasonal, which impacts the price as well as the availability of raw materials for natural dyes. The limited availability of certain organic dye sources can lead to increased prices and constant supply. This is another factor that does not make natural dyes appropriate for bulk production. So, all these factors make natural dyes expensive, thereby restraining the growth of the natural dyes market.
Opportunity: Increasing use of natural dyes in pharmaceutical and personal care products
Consumers prefer pharmaceutical and personal care products made from natural dyes due to their natural origin and safety. This has been occasioned by rising consumer awareness and concern for quality products that are clean, safe, and free from synthetic additives. Another major factor is regulatory support, with many nations implementing rules and regulations that favor natural, non-harmful substances, encouraging producers to manufacture plant- and animal-based dyes to comply with the standards. The interest in natural dyes is due to their non-allergic characteristics, which means products manufactured using natural dyes are suitable for people with sensitive skin. The special focus on sustainability and environment-friendly products is also the major driving factor, as these dyes are biodegradable and have a smaller impact on the environment than synthetic dyes. All these factors align with the industry shift toward going green and appeal to environmentally friendly consumers. Also, the use of natural dyes is adaptive to the current market competition because it sets a company's products apart, especially in terms of natural and organic ingredients.
Challenge: Scalability issue of natural dyes
The scalability issue is the biggest challenge for the natural dyes market. Natural dyes are obtained from plants, animals, and minerals, and plant-based dyes are highly dependent on the availability of some crops, such as indigo, turmeric, or madder. However, in the agricultural sector, yields can be influenced by various factors such as farming practices, soil quality, and water availability. In addition, the availability of some dye plants is limited by seasonal crop yields; there may be short supplies or scarcity in a particular period of the year. The scarcity of land that can be used to grow crops for dye production, particularly in the areas where the availability of land is a problem, also poses a major challenge in scaling up the production of dyes because the crops used for dye production may compete with the food crops. Furthermore, various environmental factors, such as climate change, drought, and floods, also affect agricultural production and, thus, the supply of raw materials. Some natural dyes are available from plants that can grow only under certain conditions, making it more challenging to increase production. These challenges introduce some level of volatility in the supply chain, rendering it very hard for manufacturers to be in a position to supply the large industrial demand that is required.
Natural Dyes Market: Ecosystem
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, and MarketsandMarkets Analysis
"Dyeing & coloring was the largest application segment of the natural dyes market in 2023, in terms of value."
The dyeing & coloring segment accounted for the largest share of the natural dyes market in 2023. Natural dyes are environment-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes. In textiles, these dyes are used to dye fibers and yarns and to give fabrics special and brilliant tones, which are distinguishing features of natural dyes. Besides textiles, natural dyes are used in the food processing and drinks sectors to enhance the visual appeal of products. The application of natural dyes adds esthetic value and supports sustainable practices. The increasing demand for natural or chemical-free products has driven significant innovation in this market. Many companies are investing in new techniques to improve the performance of natural dyes. This move is the reaction to the increasing number of customers to have safer and more eco-friendly products.
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"Asia Pacific was the fastest-growing market for natural dyes, in terms of value."
Asia Pacific is the largest and the fastest-growing market for natural dyes. The cultural heritage and traditional textile industry drive the market. Many traditional textile manufacturers of the region have always used natural dyes, which propels the demand for these environment-friendly dyes. There is a shift in consumer trends toward green products due to the rising consciousness of the effects of the environment and the current trends that allow the use of natural products. The market for natural dyes in Asia Pacific is also stimulated by government actions and financial support for sustainable practices.
Natural Dyes Market Players
The key players in this market are Abbey Color (US), AMA Herbal (India), Pylam Products Company Inc. (US), Archroma (Switzerland), GNT Group (Netherlands), Stony Creek Colors (US), NIG GmbH (Germany), Givaudan (Switzerland), Dohler GmbH (Germany), and Couleurs DE Plantes (France)
Natural Dyes Market Report Scope
Report Metric |
Details |
Study Period |
2021–2022 |
Base Year |
2023 |
Forecast Period |
2024–2029 |
Units Considered |
Value (USD Billion), Volume (Kiloton) |
Segments Covered |
Type, Form, Application, Structure, End-use Industry, and Region |
Regions Covered |
Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and South America |
Companies |
Abbey Color (US), AMA Herbal (India), Pylam Products Company Inc. (US), Archroma (Switzerland), GNT Group (Netherlands), Stony Creek Colors (US), NIG GmbH (Germany), Givaudan (Switzerland), Dohler GmbH (Germany), and Couleurs DE Plantes (France) |
This report categorizes the global natural dyes market based on Type, Form, Application, Structure , End-Use industry and Region.
Based on the Type:
- Plant Based
- Animal Based
- Mineral Based
Based on the Structure:
- Anionic
- Cationic
- Non-Ionic
Based on the Form:
- Powder Dyes
- Liquid Dyes
Based on the Application:
- Tanning
- Dyeing & Coloring
- Paints & Coatings
- Printing Inks
- Others
Based on the end-use industry:
- Food & Beverage
- Cosmetic & Personal Care
- Pharmaceutical
- Pulp & Paper
- Packaging
- Stationary & Art Supplies
- Others
Based on the region:
- Asia Pacific
- Europe
- North America
- South America
- Middle East & Africa
Recent Developments
- In May 2024, AMA Herbal launched Bio Indigo PreR. It is a biochemically modified pre-reduced natural indigo in liquid form. It is a very cost-effective and sustainable solution. The benefits of this product include reducing energy consumption, CO2 emission reduction, landfill savings, and economic opportunities for farmers.
- In January 2023, AMA Herbal signed a MoU with Amity School of Fashion Technology. This move will nurture and strengthen the inherent feeling of sustainability in fashion design students about natural dyes.
- In February 2023, Archroma announced that they acquired the Textile Effects business from Huntsman Corporation. This move adds to the rich heritage of Archroma, with Archroma having previously acquired the global textile chemicals business of BASF, M. Dohmen, and the stilbene-based paper optical brightener business of BASF.
- In April 2022, Archroma formed a strategic partnership with Stony Creek Colors, a trusted producer of traceable natural indigo dyes. With this partnership, both companies entered a strategic partnership to produce and bring Stony Creek's IndiGold high-performance plant-based pre-reduced indigo at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the expected growth rate of the natural dyes market?
The forecast period for the natural dyes market in this study is 2024–2029. The market is expected to record a CAGR of 5.7% in terms of value during the forecast period.
Who are the major key players in the natural dyes market?
Abbey Color (US), AMA Herbal (India), Pylam Products Company Inc. (US), Archroma (Switzerland), GNT Group (Netherlands), Stony Creek Colors (US), NIG GmbH (Germany), Givaudan (Switzerland), Dohler GmbH (Germany), and Couleurs DE Plantes (France) are the leading manufacturers of natural dyes.
What are some of the strategies adopted by the top market players to penetrate emerging regions?
The major players in the market have adopted product launches, acquisitions, and partnerships as important growth tactics.
What are the drivers and opportunities for the natural dyes market?
Stringent government regulations are driving the market during the forecast period. Increased use of natural dyes in pharmaceutical and personal care products is an opportunity.
What are the key technology trends prevailing in the natural dyes market?
The key technologies prevailing in the natural dyes market include enhanced mordanting techniques and advanced extraction methods. .
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The study involved four major activities in estimating the market size of the natural dyes market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the market, the peer market, and the grandparent market. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to estimate the complete market size. Thereafter, the market breakdown and data triangulation procedures were used to estimate the market size of the segments and subsegments.
Secondary Research
In the secondary research process, various secondary sources have been referred to for identifying and collecting information for this study. These secondary sources include annual reports, press releases, investor presentations of companies, white papers, certified publications, trade directories, articles from recognized authors, gold standard and silver standard websites, and databases. Secondary research has been used to obtain key information about the value chain of the industry, monetary chain of the market, the total pool of key players, market classification and segmentation according to industry trends to the bottom-most level, and regional markets. It was also used to obtain information about the key developments from a market-oriented perspective.
Primary Research
The natural dyes market comprises several stakeholders in the value chain, which include manufacturers, and end users. Various primary sources from the supply and demand sides of the natural dyes market have been interviewed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information. The primary interviewees from the demand side include key opinion leaders in textile and food & beverage sector. The primary sources from the supply side include manufacturers, associations, and institutions involved in the natural dyes industry. Primary interviews were conducted to gather insights such as market statistics, data of revenue collected from the products and services, market breakdowns, market size estimations, market forecasting, and data triangulation. Primary research also helped in understanding the various trends related to type, end-use industry, and region. Stakeholders from the demand side, such as CIOs, CTOs, and CSOs were interviewed to understand the buyer’s perspective on the suppliers, products, component providers, and their current usage of natural dyes and outlook of their business, which will affect the overall market.
The breakdown of profiles of the primary interviewees is illustrated in the figure below:
Note: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 companies are classified based on their market revenue in 2023 available in the public domain, product portfolios, and geographical presence.
Other designations include consultants and sales, marketing, and procurement managers.
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Market Size Estimation
The top-down and bottom-up approaches have been used to estimate and validate the size of the natural dyes market.
- The key players in the industry have been identified through extensive secondary research.
- The supply chain of the industry has been determined through primary and secondary research.
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
- All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study have been accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data.
- The research includes the study of reports, reviews, and newsletters of the key market players, along with extensive interviews for opinions with leaders such as directors and marketing executives.
TOP - DOWN Approach-
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BOTTOM - UP Approach-
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the total market size from the estimation process, the overall market has been split into several segments and sub-segments. To complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics for all the segments and sub-segments, the data triangulation and market breakdown procedures have been employed, wherever applicable. The data has been triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides. Along with this, the market size has been validated by using both the top-down and bottom-up approaches and primary interviews. Hence, for every data segment, there have been three sources—top-down approach, bottom-up approach, and expert interviews. The data was assumed correct when the values arrived from the three sources matched.
Market Definition
Natural dyes are colorants derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, and minerals. Unlike synthetic dyes, which are produced through chemical processes, natural dyes are obtained through the extraction of pigments from natural materials like roots, leaves, flowers, bark, insects, and minerals. These dyes have been used for centuries in various applications, including textiles, food, cosmetics, and art, offering a range of colors that are often more muted and varied than synthetic alternatives. Natural dyes are valued for their eco-friendly properties, biodegradability, and potential health benefits, making them a sustainable option in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
Key Stakeholders
- Senior Management
- End User
- Finance/Procurement Department
- R&D Department
- Manufacturers
- Raw Material Suppliers
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, and forecast the size of the natural dyes market, in terms of value and volume.
- To provide detailed information regarding the major factors (drivers, opportunities, restraints, and challenges) influencing the growth of the market
- To estimate and forecast the market size based on type, form, application, structure ,end-use industry, and region.
- To forecast the size of the market with respect to major regions, namely, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America, along with their key countries
- To strategically analyze micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide a competitive landscape of market leaders.
- To track and analyze recent developments such as expansions, new product launches, partnerships & agreements, and acquisitions in the market.
- To strategically profile key market players and comprehensively analyze their core competencies.
Available Customizations
Along with the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:
Regional Analysis
- Further breakdown of a region with respect to a particular country or additional application
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players
Tariff & Regulations
- Regulations and Impact on natural dyes market
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Natural Dyes Market