Lactose octaacetate is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient in drug formulations, serving as a coating material for tablets and capsules to provide a protective barrier, enhance stability, and control the release of active ingredients. It also plays a notable role in chemical synthesis as an intermediate for producing lactose derivatives and other specialty chemicals. Additionally, it is employed as a plasticizer in lacquers, printing inks, and cellulose-based materials to improve flexibility and film properties.