Introduction
In today’s highly competitive materials and chemical additives market, understanding the optical brightener wholesale price is crucial for manufacturers, distributors, and procurement managers across industries such as plastics, detergents, textiles, coatings, inks, and paper-making. Optical brighteners, also known as fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs), enhance product whiteness and brightness by absorbing ultraviolet light and emitting visible blue light. Their performance, dosage efficiency, and price directly impact production costs and final product quality.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of optical brightener wholesale pricing, supported by industry research data, cost structure analysis, application-based price comparisons, and regional market trends. It also explains how to evaluate suppliers beyond price alone and concludes with a recommendation of a reliable optical brightener manufacturer with global export experience.
Overview of the Optical Brightener Market
1. What Are Optical Brighteners?
Optical brighteners are organic compounds widely used to improve the appearance of materials by increasing perceived whiteness and brightness. Common product categories include:
OB-1
OB
KCB
KSN
CBS-X
FP-127
Each type has different solubility, thermal resistance, and compatibility, which directly affects its wholesale price.
Read this article to learn how to choose optical brighteners: How to Choose Optical Brighteners: List of Types, Benefits and Limitations
2. Global Market Demand
According to industry estimates, the global optical brightener market has maintained an average annual growth rate of 4–6%, driven by:
Growth of plastic and packaging industries
Rising demand for high-whiteness textiles
Expansion of detergent consumption in emerging markets
Upgrading of paper-making standards
Asia-Pacific remains the largest production and consumption base, with China playing a key role in both manufacturing and export.
Optical Brightener Wholesale Price: Current Market Range
The optical brightener wholesale price varies depending on product type, purity, application, order quantity, and supplier capabilities.
Typical Optical Brightener Wholesale Price Range
| Optical Brightener Type | Main Application | Wholesale Price Range (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| OB-1 | Plastics, fibers | 6.5 – 9.0 |
| OB | PVC, coatings | 4.8 – 6.8 |
| KCB | Engineering plastics | 7.5 – 10.5 |
| KSN | High-temperature plastics | 18 – 28 |
| CBS-X | Detergents | 3.2 – 4.5 |
| FP-127 | Plastic films | 5.5 – 8.0 |
Note: Prices are FOB Asia estimates for bulk orders.
Key Factors Affecting Optical Brightener Wholesale Price
Understanding price fluctuations requires analyzing the underlying cost drivers.
1. Raw Material Costs
Optical brighteners are synthesized from aromatic compounds, whose prices are influenced by:
Crude oil price trends
Supply stability of upstream intermediates
Environmental compliance costs
Raw materials account for 55–70% of total production cost.
2. Production Technology and Equipment
Manufacturers with advanced equipment such as:
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Automatic melting point analyzers
Precision whiteness meters
can achieve higher product consistency and lower defect rates, reducing long-term costs for buyers even if the initial wholesale price is slightly higher.
3. Dosage Efficiency
High-quality optical brighteners often require 10–30% lower dosage, effectively reducing cost per ton of finished product.
Cost Comparison Based on Dosage Efficiency
| Quality Level | Average Dosage (kg/ton) | Effective Cost per Ton (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Low-grade | 0.30 | 2.10 |
| Mid-grade | 0.22 | 1.65 |
| High-grade | 0.15 | 1.20 |
Application-Based Wholesale Price Differences
Different industries require different performance characteristics, which influence pricing.
1. Plastics Industry
Plastic applications demand high thermal stability and migration resistance. Products like OB-1 and KSN command higher wholesale prices due to:
High melting point
Excellent processing stability
Long-lasting whitening effect
View related products:
Optical brightener ob-1 for plastic
Optical Brightener KSN 368 CAS NO.:5242-49-9 for plastics
2. Detergent Industry
Detergent optical brighteners such as CBS-X emphasize water solubility and cost efficiency, resulting in lower wholesale prices but high shipment volumes.
View related products:
Optical Brightener CBS-L for detergent and textile
Optical Brightener Price by Application Sector
| Industry | Preferred Brightener | Price Sensitivity | Quality Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastics | OB-1, KSN | Medium | Very High |
| Detergents | CBS-X | High | Medium |
| Textiles | FP-127, OB | Medium | High |
| Paper-making | OB | High | Medium |
| Coatings & Ink | OB, KCB | Low | Very High |
Regional Wholesale Price Comparison
Logistics, energy costs, and environmental regulations cause regional price differences.
Optical Brightener Wholesale Price by Region (USD/kg)
| Region | Average Price Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| China | 3.2 – 10.5 | Complete supply chain, high competitiveness |
| Europe | 8.0 – 22.0 | Strict regulations, premium pricing |
| North America | 7.5 – 20.0 | High compliance cost |
| South Asia | 3.5 – 9.5 | Price-driven market |
| Southeast Asia | 4.0 – 11.0 | Strong import demand |
China remains the most cost-effective source for optical brightener wholesale procurement.
How to Evaluate Optical Brightener Suppliers Beyond Price
While optical brightener wholesale price is important, choosing the right supplier requires a comprehensive evaluation.
1. Quality Consistency
Stable whiteness, melting point, and purity reduce production risks and customer complaints.
2. Production Capacity and Delivery Time
Large-scale manufacturers with multiple production bases ensure:
Stable supply
Short lead times
Strong response to urgent orders
3. Technical Support and After-Sales Service
Professional technical teams can assist with:
Product selection
Dosage optimization
Application troubleshooting
These services can significantly reduce overall operating costs.
Future Trend of Optical Brightener Wholesale Price
Looking ahead, the market is expected to show:
Moderate price increases due to environmental compliance costs
Higher demand for low-dosage, high-whiteness products
Strong growth in export-oriented manufacturers with integrated raw material production
Suppliers who control both raw materials and finished product manufacturing will maintain stronger pricing stability.
Why Choose Shandong Raytop Chemical Co., Ltd.
When balancing optical brightener wholesale price, quality, and long-term reliability, Shandong Raytop Chemical Co., Ltd. stands out as a trusted partner.
Founded in 2006 and located in Jinan City, Shandong Province, Raytop Chemical now operates three production bases covering 120,000 square meters, with 6 modern workshops and more than 260 employees.
Key Advantages of Raytop Chemical
Specialization in optical brightener series products, including raw materials
Products widely used in plastics, coatings, inks, detergents, textiles, and paper-making
Renowned for high quality, high stability, low dosage, and high whiteness
Competitive optical brightener wholesale prices with timely delivery
Advanced testing equipment such as HPLC, whiteness meters, and automatic melting point apparatus
Complete quality control, technical support, and after-sales service system
Strong R&D team capable of meeting evolving market demands
Raytop Chemical’s products are exported to Europe, America, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, South Africa, and North Africa, reflecting strong global recognition and trust. Please feel free to contact us if you wish to place an order.
Conclusion
The optical brightener wholesale price is influenced by raw materials, production technology, dosage efficiency, application requirements, and supplier capability. Buyers who focus solely on low unit prices often face higher hidden costs due to inconsistent quality and excessive dosage.
By choosing a manufacturer with integrated production, advanced testing, stable supply, and strong technical support, companies can achieve better long-term value and product performance.
Shandong Raytop Chemical Co., Ltd. combines competitive wholesale pricing with high-quality optical brighteners, professional service, and global export experience, making it an ideal partner for businesses seeking reliable and cost-effective optical brightener solutions.
If you are looking for a supplier that balances price, performance, and trust, Raytop Chemical is a recommendation worth serious consideration.
