Plant-based Preservatives Market Report

Increasing consumer awareness of the potential health risks associated with synthetic preservatives, leading to a shift towards plant-based alternatives used in applications including dairy, fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, cereals, and juices, due to which many market players are launching new and innovative preservatives. For instance, in January 2022, announced to launch VegStable Fresh, a plant-based antioxidant a clean-label alternative to ingredients for chemical additives, derived from green tea, rosemary, acerola, and rice bran extract maintain the quality and freshness of meat and poultry products, such as fresh and cooked pork sausage, and ground turkey, with plants powder.

However, the rising focus on environmental sustainability and the increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives have driven market players to innovate advanced plant-based preservatives, as these natural options are preferred over synthetic counterparts for their lower environmental impact leading to increasing demand among consumers.  For instance, in October 2022, Prinova Europe announced to launch PlantGuard AM, a plant-based antimicrobial solution developed to inhibit the growth of yeasts, molds, and bacteria in foods. This preservative extends the freshness and shelf life as well as also, delays rancidity, preserving flavour and color and addressing both environmental concerns, PlantGuard AM, helps in advance the plant-based preservative market towards more sustainable and effective solutions and expanding market growth.

Many plant-based preservatives, often derived from specialized or rare plants, face significant challenges due to supply constraints and high costs. For example, extracts from exotic plants such as those from rare herbs or fruits can be expensive due to limited cultivation areas and the complex nature of harvesting these resources. This high cost makes plant-based preservatives less competitive compared to their synthetic counterparts. Additionally, advancements in extraction and formulation technologies intended to enhance the performance of plant-based preservatives often come with substantial costs.

However, limited access to advanced extraction technologies in developing regions stifles innovation and market growth for plant-based preservatives, putting smaller companies at a disadvantage globally. Additionally, the approval process for new preservatives is cumbersome due to varying regional regulations, resulting in a protracted and complex pathway to market. This regulatory maze can delay product launches and hinder growth, presenting substantial challenges for manufacturers trying to introduce novel plant-based solutions. The approval process for new plant-based preservatives is complex due to varying regional regulations, leading to lengthy and intricate procedures. This regulatory diversity can delay market entry and growth, making it challenging for manufacturers to launch new products effectively.

Increasing demand for natural preservatives among consumers and enabling manufacturers to use natural clean-label solutions to minimize food waste in various food products, including baked goods, dairy, sauces, and beverages, results in the introduction of new plant-based preservatives that help maintain freshness and extend shelf life by market players. For instance, in November 2023, AndKwan Natural Science Inc. announced to launch WTGPhLATM, which can be used in cosmetics to food, health functional foods, and pharmaceuticals, as it is highly effective against pathogenic strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumoniae, E.coli, and black mould with an international KOLAS certificate for testing and analysis preservative passed the test, having an antibacterial effect of 99.99% against special strains of acne bacteria, dandruff bacteria, and scalp inflammation, seborrheic dermatitis bacteria that cause hair loss, making it effective in wide applications and increasing market opportunities and market expansion.

Furthermore, with the increasing side effects of chemical preservatives and decreased efficacy caused by resistance of commonly used antibacterial and preservative agents, the concerns over the side reduced efficacy of traditional antibacterial agents grow, and there is a notable shift towards 'organic bioantibacterial preservatives.' This demand is driven by the need for safer, more effective alternatives for both environmental and human health. In response, companies are innovating with new products designed for diverse applications. For instance, in November 2022, Inolex announced to launch Lexgard GH70 Natural and Spectrastat GHL Natural, as these products are made using 100% natural, non-palm sources and are especially designed to control microbial growth. Lexgard GH70 Natural and Spectrastat GHL Natural serve as key components developed using Hurdle Technology system, offering antimicrobial control that is particularly suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products, providing wide applications, as these are compatible with solubilizers,  making them ideal for clear formulations, due to which the need for more sustainable and effective preservatives can be fulfilled as well as also highlighting a growing trend towards integrating natural solutions in product development and increasing market opportunities.

In North America, the surge in plant-based preservatives is driven by consumer demand for clean-label products, the plant extracts from rosemary, green tea, and thyme have gained popularity due to their antioxidant properties and effective use in the shelf life extension of baked goods and processed foods, however, with the advances in the extraction technology has significantly,  enhanced the potency and stability of natural compounds, making them suitable for wide range of applications such as health, pharmaceuticals and more. Plant-based preservatives are increasingly featured in organic and natural foods due to their alignment with consumer demand for clean-label products. Concurrently, the natural cosmetics market is growing, with these preservatives becoming common in skincare, haircare, and personal hygiene items. This shift responds to rising allergy concerns and a broader trend toward avoiding synthetic additives, reflecting a growing preference for health-conscious and eco-friendly options.

In Latin America, the region’s rich biodiversity is being leveraged to explore native plants like açaí and guaraná for their preservative qualities. Recent advances in biotechnological methods have improved the extraction and effectiveness of these plant compounds. This progress is facilitating their use in pharmaceuticals and other industries, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives. The focus on these native plants underscores the potential of regional biodiversity in providing sustainable solutions for global markets.

The European market is at the forefront of integrating and regulating plant-based preservatives, driven by rigorous food safety standards and environmental regulations, as plant-based preservatives are emerging as a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals, resonating with commitment to eco-friendly practices and consumer health. The continent’s rigorous environmental regulations and focus on clean-label products drive the adoption of plant-based preservatives such as rosemary and green tea extracts, that align with consumer preferences for natural ingredients used for their potent antimicrobial properties, particularly in preserving meat and dairy products and expanding market growth.

Moreover, in the Asia-Pacific region, the use of plant-based preservatives is deeply rooted in traditional practices and advanced innovations are modernizing these methods by using nobel formulation techniques as well as researchers are enhancing the efficacy of traditional substances and optimizing them for contemporary food preservation needs and other application to improve food safety, extend shelf life, and meet current market demands.

In the Middle East and Africa, there is a continuous effort to develop low-cost, effective plant-based preservation methods using local plant resources, which aims to address critical food security challenges reduce post-harvest losses, and leverage native plants for enhancing food quality but also supports local agriculture and integrating them in other applications such as cosmetics and pharmaceutical. These efforts are crucial for improving food security in the region and promoting the adoption of natural preservatives by local companies.