How will bio-based sebacic acid capacity reshape the global supply landscape?

How will bio-based sebacic acid capacity reshape the global supply landscape?
Sebacic acid production is undergoing a structural shift. Traditionally made via castor oil hydrolysis-cracking, global capacity is roughly 110,000 tonnes, with China accounting for about two-thirds of output. Key Chinese producers include Hengshui Jinghua (40,000 t), Hebei Kaide/Arkema (23,000 t), Shanxi Zhengang (20,000 t), Shandong Siqiang (15,000 t) and Tongliao Xinghe (12,000 t). The major disruption is Cathay Biotech's 40,000 t bio-based plant in Shanxi, which started up in Q3 2022. This is the world's first industrial bio-route to sebacic acid and directly challenges conventional makers on cost and quality. Cathay already dominates long-chain diacids with ~80% global share, and its entry into sebacic acid is expected to pressure margins for castor-oil-based producers while expanding supply availability for downstream polyamide, plasticizer and rust-inhibitor buyers.