Overview of the liquid detergent chemicals market
Extensive research carried out by the analysts at Technavio has shown that the global liquid detergent chemicals market is expected to witness steady growth and will post a moderate CAGR of close to 5% over the forecast period. The liquid detergent surfactants market is driven by the increasing use of naturally-sourced surfactants like alkyl polyglucoside (APG) and methyl ester sulphonate (MES). APG is a non-ionic surfactant that is sourced from plant-based raw materials like starch and vegetable oil. It is known for low irritancy and higher stability compared to other non-ionic surfactants. Moreover, MES is another important eco-friendly surfactant that has the potential to substitute linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, a conventional surfactant.
One of the emerging trends spurring the growth prospects for this market is the increasing focus on biodegradable liquid detergent ingredients. Many countries in Central and South America and the APAC region have a severe scarcity of water and the increasing need for efficient use of water is driving the adoption of sustainable practices by liquid detergent manufacturers. This has led manufacturers such as Unilever to assess and identify new biodegradable detergent chemicals that can potentially function as soil nutrients for household crops, following their discharge along with wash water. Several vendors offer biodegradable chemicals that are gaining prominence in the market for their low environmental impact. These products are developed from raw materials derived from renewable sources and are eco-friendly. For example, Novozymes offers a range of biodegradable enzymes that can replace traditional surfactants and builders in detergents.
Competitive landscape and key vendors
Due to the presence of numerous global and regional vendors, the global liquid detergent chemicals market is likely to witness tough competition during the predicted period. Many chemical companies such as BASF and Clariant dominate the market while biotechnology companies such as Novozymes are capturing greater market shares by offering high-performance enzymes for liquid detergents. Most vendors in the market are focusing on the R&D of polymer technology that can add greater value to detergent formulators. The competitive environment in this market will intensify further with an increase in the number of companies that cater to the growing demand for natural and eco-friendly products.
Key vendors in this market are -
Other prominent vendors analyzed in this report are Air Products and Chemicals, Akzo Nobel, Ashland, Dow, Dupont, Evonik, Huntsman, Kao, Solvay, and Stepan.
Product segmentation and analysis of the liquid detergent chemicals market
- Surfactants
- Enzymes
- Builders
- Fabric softeners
- Fragrances
- Processing aids
- Soil release polymers and anti-redeposition agents
- Microbial control chemicals
- Optical brighteners
- Dye transfer inhibitors
During 2015, the surfactants segment dominated the market and accounted for close to 24% of the total market shares. Surfactants, also known as surface active agents, are a group of organic compounds that can reduce the surface tension of a liquid and are derived from petrochemicals, renewable sources such as vegetable oil and animal fat, or from a combination of both. Surfactants are indispensable to the formulation of liquid detergents. Anionic and non-ionic surfactants are key constituents of liquid detergents and are often deployed together in formulations. The augmented adoption of amphoteric surfactants in liquid detergents is one of the most important factors driving this segment’s growth in the future.
Geographical segmentation and analysis of the liquid detergent chemicals market
- APAC
- Central and South America
- North America
- ROW
- Western Europe
In terms of geography, North America led the global liquid detergent chemicals market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of more than 3% over the forecast period. The growth of this market in the region is attributed to the increasing demand for concentrated liquid detergents and liquid tablet detergents. Moreover, the liquid tablets offered by detergent formulators are available in a single chamber or multi-chamber formats and offer increased convenience to consumers, driving this market’s growth in the region.
Key questions answered in the report include
- What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2020?
- What are the key factors driving the global liquid detergent chemicals market?
- What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global liquid detergent chemicals market?
- What are the challenges to market growth?
- Who are the key vendors in the global liquid detergent chemicals market?
- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global liquid detergent chemicals market?
- Trending factors influencing the market shares of APAC, Central and South America, North Americas, ROW, and Western Europe.
- What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global liquid detergent chemicals market?
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