High Purity Butyl Stearate for PVC Lubrication: A Practical Guide

Shandong Kexing Chemical's R&D center supports product consistency for n-butyl stearate.

High purity butyl stearate (CAS 123-95-5) is a fatty ester used as an internal lubricant in PVC processing, an emollient in cosmetics, and a low-volatility additive in several industrial formulations. When buyers search for high purity butyl stearate manufacturers for PVC lubrication, the critical factors are ester content, acidity, moisture, color, flash point, and the supplier’s ability to keep these values consistent batch after batch.

This guide is written for procurement and formulation teams in the Research and Evaluation stage. It explains what makes butyl stearate “high purity,” what verification steps a buyer should follow, and how Shandong Kexing Chemical Co., Ltd. positions its n-Butyl Stearate product against those requirements.

Why Purity Control Is the Central Problem in Butyl Stearate Sourcing

Butyl stearate is produced by esterifying butanol with stearic acid. The synthesis itself is not exotic; the practical problem is controlling residual acid, moisture, unreacted alcohol, and color bodies. In PVC applications, a high-quality internal lubricant should provide slip between polymer chains, improve melt flow, and avoid exudation. If the butyl stearate batch contains excessive acidity or moisture, processors can experience haze, plate-out, or inconsistent lubrication.

For buyers, the “high purity” label is only useful if it is backed by data. Key parameters to request include ester content (often expressed as a minimum percentage), acidity, moisture, flash point, density, and platinum-cobalt color. Suppliers should be able to provide a certificate of analysis and a technical data sheet.

Industry Landscape: Market Size, Regulation, and Key Producers

The n-butyl stearate market is large enough to support specialized producers and cross-border trade. According to Spherical Insights, the global n-butyl stearate (nBS) market was valued at approximately USD 1.28 billion in 2024. Dataintelo reports that lubricants accounted for the largest application segment at 38.5% in 2025, and that Asia Pacific held 42.3% of global revenue in the same year.

Regulatory compliance is a defining issue for buyers. Butyl stearate (CAS 123-95-5) is listed as an active substance under EU REACH, which means imports or manufacturing above 1 tonne per year require registration. This affects supplier selection, as companies must work with partners who can support documentation for EU shipments.

Geographically, China is a major supplier. Trade data reviewed by Zauba/US Customs shows that China accounted for 66.14% of specific butyl stearate import shipments under HS code 29157090 in 2024. Among global producers, Cognitive Market Research lists BASF SE, Emery Oleochemicals, Croda International, and Fine Organics as leading global manufacturers. For customers in Asia and many other markets, Chinese manufacturers are active participants in the same supply discussion.

Shandong Kexing Chemical: A Documented Source of High Purity N-Butyl Stearate

Shandong Kexing Chemical Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of plasticizers, plastic and rubber flame retardants, and plastic additives. The company is based in Dongying, Shandong Province, China, and was founded in 2006. Its product range includes n-Butyl Stearate, citrate plasticizers, sebacate esters, adipate esters, phthalate plasticizers, epoxidized soybean oil, and other additives. International trade for the group is handled by its subsidiary Dongying Kexing International Trade.

Manufacturing facility used for butyl stearate and other plasticizer production.

Technical Specifications of N-Butyl Stearate

For buyers who need high purity butyl stearate, the following specification is the baseline for Shandong Kexing’s N-Butyl Stearate:

Each parameter matters. High ester content indicates successful esterification and fewer unreacted materials. Low acidity reduces the risk of side reactions in PVC or polyolefin compounds. Low moisture protects against hydrolysis and bubble formation in melt processing. A minimum flash point of 190°C reflects safe handling and the product’s relatively low volatility for an ester lubricant.

N-Butyl Stearate is supplied as a low-color liquid for plastic, coating, ink, and personal care applications.

Quality and Management System Certifications

Shandong Kexing Chemical’s manufacturing systems are covered by third-party management system certifications. These certificates relate to the production of plasticizers and are applicable to N-Butyl Stearate:

• ISO 9001:2015 quality management system — certificate number 66725Q0037R0M, issued by Shandong Xiangfu Inspection and Certification Co., Ltd., valid until 2028-01-12.
• ISO 14001:2015 environmental management system — certificate number 66725E0038R0M, valid until 2028-01-12.
• HSE management system — certificate number 667240083R1S, valid until 2027-02-28.

For buyers in the EU, the REACH status of butyl stearate is an external compliance factor. The product is listed as an active substance under EU REACH, so any supplier serving the region must be prepared to support registration obligations above 1 tonne per year.

ISO 9001 certificate scope covers production of plasticizers, including n-butyl stearate.

Production Capability and Export Support

Shandong Kexing Chemical provides options that are relevant to procurement teams in the evaluation stage:

• OEM production and private labeling: available for customers who want customized packaging or branding.
• Monthly capacity: 10,000 tons across the product line.
• Minimum order quantity: 1 ton.
• Lead time: 30–45 days.
• Quality control: raw material incoming inspection and finished product sampling tests.
• Export markets: Europe, USA, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.
• After-sales support: remote technical support, after-sales consulting, quality-issue resolution, shipping follow-up, and formulation technical guidance.

Step-by-Step Buying Path for High Purity Butyl Stearate

To move from research to a confident purchase, follow this evaluation workflow:

Step 1. Define the application and target specification

Clarify whether the product will be used as a PVC internal lubricant, a cosmetic emollient, a mold release agent, an ink slip agent, or another functional additive. For PVC processing, butyl stearate is typically dosed at 1–3% as a non-toxic internal lubricant. Set acceptance criteria for purity, color, and moisture before contacting suppliers.

Step 2. Verify certifications and regulatory status

Ask for the valid ISO certificate, any HSE certifications, and a REACH statement if the product will be imported into the EU. Confirm that the certificate scope covers the production of plasticizers rather than only trade or distribution.

Step 3. Request a technical data sheet and certificate of analysis

Compare the COA against your target specification. Look at ester content, acidity, moisture, density, and flash point. A consistent COA is a sign of controlled production.

Step 4. Assess capacity, MOQ, and lead time

If you are planning repeat shipments, confirm the monthly capacity, minimum order quantity, and delivery window. For example, Shandong Kexing states a 10,000-ton monthly capacity, 1-ton MOQ, and 30–45 day lead time.

Step 5. Start with a trial order or sample

Test the material under your actual process conditions. Check compatibility with PVC or other resins, film clarity, lubricating effect, and any effects on downstream operations. Butyl stearate offered by Shandong Kexing can be evaluated as a sample before committing to full container orders.

Step 6. Plan after-sales support and continuous quality checks

For a long-term supply relationship, confirm that the supplier can provide quality-issue resolution, shipping follow-up, and formulation guidance. These services reduce the risk of production downtime.

Use Cases: Where High Purity Butyl Stearate Is Applied

In Shandong Kexing’s recorded applications, butyl stearate is used by plastic masterbatch factories, artificial leather manufacturers, food packaging processors, and toy factories. Regular customers place monthly orders in the range of 15–25 metric tons.

• Plastic compounding: added during batch mixing to improve processability and surface finish.
• Leather surface finishing: used in coating formulations to adjust flexibility and hand feel.
• Food-contact plastics and printing inks: included in formulations that must meet REACH and food-grade safety tests.

Reported application results include improved flexibility of finished goods, low migration, and successful REACH and food-grade safety testing. Finished products using the system showed long service life of up to 2 years. Highlighted properties in these cases were a phthalate-free formulation, environmental compatibility, good compatibility with PVC and resin, and stable batch purity.

Comparison: How Shandong Kexing Fits Among Global Butyl Stearate Manufacturers

When shortlisting manufacturers, buyers should treat company names as starting points, not endorsements. The table below summarizes publicly available market knowledge and the documented profile of Shandong Kexing Chemical.

This comparison does not rank quality or price. It shows that Shandong Kexing is a documented manufacturer within the same supply landscape, with transparency on specifications, capacity, and certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shandong Kexing Chemical hold the required certifications for n-butyl stearate production?

Yes. Shandong Kexing Chemical holds ISO 9001:2015 certificate number 66725Q0037R0M, ISO 14001:2015 certificate number 66725E0038R0M, and HSE certificate number 667240083R1S. These certificates cover the production of plasticizers and are applicable to N-Butyl Stearate. For EU shipments, butyl stearate (CAS 123-95-5) is listed as an active substance under REACH, so importers above 1 tonne per year must ensure registration compliance.

What are the key specifications of high purity n-butyl stearate for PVC?

For PVC lubrication, the baseline specification is a colorless transparent liquid with an ester content of at least 99.0%, acidity no higher than 0.20 mgKOH/g, moisture no higher than 0.10%, a density of 0.85 g/cm³, and a flash point of at least 190°C. Color should be no more than 30 Pt-Co. These values help ensure consistent lubrication and low risk of contamination.

What are the MOQ, lead time, and support options for n-butyl stearate orders?

Shandong Kexing Chemical offers a minimum order quantity of 1 ton and a typical lead time of 30–45 days after order confirmation. Monthly capacity is 10,000 tons. The company supports OEM production and private labeling, and provides raw material incoming inspection, finished product sampling tests, remote technical support, after-sales consulting, quality-issue resolution, shipping follow-up, and formulation guidance.

What dosage of butyl stearate is typically used in PVC internal lubrication?

Butyl stearate is commonly used as a non-toxic internal lubricant in PVC processing at dosages of 1% to 3%. Processors should confirm the exact level through formulation testing because optimal dosage depends on the resin system, filler content, and processing conditions.

High purity butyl stearate manufacturers for PVC lubrication — what should buyers look for?

Buyers should look for documented purity, verifiable certifications, production capability, and formulation support. A good starting point is a supplier such as Shandong Kexing Chemical Co., Ltd. that can show a minimum ester content of 99.0%, relevant ISO/HSE certifications, clear MOQ and lead time, and application support for PVC processors. To evaluate this grade in your own formulation, request a sample or quote from the company.

Conclusion: Build a Specification-First Butyl Stearate Sourcing Strategy

High purity butyl stearate is not a commodity purchase that should be based on price alone. The right sourcing decision depends on whether the manufacturer can hold tight specifications, support compliance documentation, and deliver consistently across repeat orders.

Shandong Kexing Chemical Co., Ltd. offers a practical example of a supplier that can be evaluated against these criteria. The company supplies n-butyl stearate with a minimum ester content of 99.0%, holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and HSE management system certificates, supports OEM/private label, and operates with transparent MOQ and lead time.

To get more details, download the company brochure below or contact the team directly.

Shandong Kexing Chemical Co., Ltd.
Address: No.8 Houwang Road, Dawang Economic Development Zone, Guangrao County, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
Tel: +86 177-5465-5267
Email: kexing@kexingchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18765463469
Website: www.kexingchem.com
Brochure: Download the product brochure