NEW YORK, NY - The rising demand for biofuels will spur the market for bio-based epichlorohydrin (ECH) and biomethanol, the fastest-growing segments of the bio-based chemicals industry, according to The World Market for Bio-Based Chemicals, 2^nd Edition, a research report from energy publisher SBI. The report also states that production of bio-based chemicals is shifting away from western nations and towards growing economies.

Bio-based chemicals regained ground by 2011 after commodity prices went in flux following the economic crash in 2008, managing a 19.5 percent compound annual growth rate between 2007-2011. When glycerin prices dropped to historic lows in 2009, producing bio-based ECH and biomethanol for synthetic glycerin became more economical, spurring the market through 2011.

Production and refinement of bio-based chemicals, including glycerin and lactic acid, is shifting from western nations and moving towards growing economies, such as Thailand, Brazil and Argentina. According to the report, the European Union remains one of the largest producers and refiners of glycerin with over one billion pounds since 2010.

"Although the EU produces the largest share of glycerin, Argentina is the largest exporter of crude glycerin, and Malaysia is the largest exporter of refined glycerin," said Carr.

The report, The World Market for Bio-Based Chemicals, 2^nd Edition, provides key insights and drivers into the current and future markets for bio-based chemicals worldwide, with a particular emphasis on U.S., European and Asian markets. Segments covered include glycerin, lactic acid, bio-based polymers used to form plastics and other industrial organic acids, amino acids and organic compounds made from bio-based feedstocks and used as precursors for the production of other chemicals. It also profiles the leading manufacturers in the industry.

SBI Energy, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes research reports in the industrial, energy, building and construction, and automotive and transportation markets. SBI Energy also offers a full range of custom research services. To learn more, visit www.sbireports.com.