What is currently driving the additive market? [69th Edition of the ADDITIVES Newsletter]

The global markets for creatine, ATO, MSM and key additives are under pressure. Demand for creatine is growing rapidly beyond the sports sector. MSM prices continue to rise and disruptions in ATO supplies are driving up costs in the ceramics and plastics industries. At the same time, sorbic acid and gelatine prices are rebounding and the UK bioethanol industry is at a crossroads. More details inside!

Creatine

The market for creatine in 2025 is growing rapidly and clearly extends beyond the sports segment. The supplement is gaining popularity among new audiences – especially women, seniors and those concerned with metabolic health and cognitive function. The fastest growing region is Asia-Pacific with the market projected to grow to USD 1.92 billion by 2030 (CAGR 27.5%), with India recording a record growth rate (CAGR 32.4%). North America accounts for approximately 39.4% of global revenues, with the US market forecast to grow to USD 173.5 million as early as 2025. In Europe, the trend towards premium and organic products is dominant, with growing popularity among seniors and women. Online sales already account for more than 37% of the global market and are growing further, driven by the trend towards personalisation and DTC subscriptions. Innovative forms of creatine are important: micronised, buffered, HCl and multi-ingredient formulas with adaptogens, vitamins and collagen. Challenges include the rising cost of raw materials, mainly sarcosine, and tightening regulations in the US and Europe. The global creatine market is expected to exceed USD 2.7-3.0 billion by the end of 2025 and reach up to USD 4.21 billion by 2030.

ATO (Antimony Trioxide)

is a key raw material for the ceramics and glazing industry – although also used in plastics and fireproof materials – where it generates the highest demand today. The steep price increase of several times (from ~€17-18/kg to €50-60/kg in a few months) is due to a prolonged shutdown of one of the largest producers, which has strongly reduced ATO availability and forced customers to secure supplies in advance or look for substitutes. The situation is exacerbated by declines in antimony ore imports from, for example, China (-45% month-on-month in May 2025), export restrictions from China and significant increases in market prices (up to approximately $60,000/t), affecting costs in the ceramics, plastics, battery cells and defence sectors . In addition, ATO formulation manufacturers are forcing up the price of refractory resins, and the industry must look for alternatives – halogen-free substitutes or new sources in Central Asia – and review the impact on its own production costs.

Organic sulphur

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), or organic sulphur, is one of the fastest growing raw materials in the health and beauty industry in 2025. The market for MSM supplements has now reached approximately USD 500 million and is growing at an annual rate of approximately 6.5 per cent. In the powder market, the value of products is approximately USD 1.2 billion with a projected growth to USD 2.3 billion by 2032 (CAGR ~7-8%). Major sources of supply – particularly China, accounting for more than 60% of production – are facing constraints and price increases, leading suppliers to recommend securing supplies in advance. The largest demand is generated in North America and Europe, while the Asia-Pacific region is growing fastest, thanks to the growth of e-commerce and segments such as nutricosmetics, women’s supplements and veterinary products. MSM is valued for its anti-inflammatory effects and support for joints, skin and hair, and premium pharma/food grade forms with a transparent supply chain are becoming increasingly important. The powder form continues to dominate the online and pharmacy market.

What else?