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The global surfactants market size is estimated to grow by USD 13.6 billion between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase at a CAGR of 5.6%. Market growth hinges on various factors, including the heightened demand for personal care products, rising needs in developing nations, and the escalating use in detergents. Nonetheless, expansion encounters obstacles stemming from fluctuating raw material prices, elevated manufacturing expenses for bio-based surfactants, and stringent regulatory frameworks. Despite the promising trajectory driven by consumer preferences and market trends, challenges such as price volatility and regulatory compliance requirements impede seamless growth. Overcoming these hurdles necessitates strategic approaches and innovation within the industry. Efforts to mitigate cost pressures and navigate regulatory landscapes are imperative for sustaining momentum and capitalizing on emerging opportunities in the market for personal care and surfactant products.Our report examines historic data from 2017 to 2021, besides analyzing the current market scenario.
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This report extensively covers market segmentation by product (anionic, non-ionic, cationic, and amphoteric), application (detergents, industrial and institutional cleaning, food processing, personal care, and others), type (synthetic and bio-based), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa).
The market share growth by the anionic segment will be significant during the forecast period. The growing demand for anionic surfactants such as linear alkyl benzene in cleaners and detergents is expected to drive market growth. This is attributed to the advantageous characteristics of the product. Anionic-type are one of the most widely used in dishwashing liquids, laundering, and shampoos because of their better cleaning properties.
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The anionic segment was valued at USD 14.75 billion in 2017 and continued to grow until 2021. Anionic are particularly good at removing residues of fabric softener from fabrics. They are also effective for oily soil cleaning and oil/clay soil suspension. It is commonly used in carpet cleaning. They possess a negative charge on their hydrophilic end. This charge helps the anionic surfactant molecules in better interaction with the soil particles and carpet fibers. The hard ions, such as magnesium and calcium, in the water, can lead to the deactivation of anionics. For prevention, other ingredients, such as calcium or magnesium sequestrants, are added to avoid the reaction with hard water ions. Therefore, these factors are expected to augment the growth of the anionic product in the global market and drive its growth during the forecast period.
APAC is estimated to contribute 42% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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APAC is expected to be one of the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the growing demand from various applications such as detergents, personal care, food processing, and others. The growing population and increase in disposable income in APAC are expected to increase the demand. The emergence of China and India as manufacturing hubs in APAC is also expected to drive industrial and institutional cleaning and food processing applications. Furthermore, China is one of the major consumers of detergents. It is also expected to become the largest cosmetic market in the world during the forecast period. Thus, owing to such factors the regional market is expected to grow during the forecast period.
Surfactants are materials or substances that lower the interfacial tension or surface tension between a liquid and a solid or between two liquids. Surfactants work based on the principle of adsorption at the interface or surface of the two-phase systems.
Surfactants are indispensable across different industries and end-use sectors, such as textiles, lubricants, personal care, and cleaning applications. Concerns about the harmfulness and toxicity of traditional variants like cationic and anionic variants drive the demand for eco-friendly alternatives, including bio-derived and natural surfactants, as well as enzymes. However, regulatory challenges persist, particularly regarding the use of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and nonylphenol ethoxylates. Amidst growing environmental consciousness, there's a shift towards cost-effective and bio-based options. Anionics dominate various applications, from home care to agrochemicals and oilfield chemicals, while non-ionic ones find use in elastomers & plastics, and personal vehicles. Additionally, surfactants play crucial roles as fuel additives, enhancing performance and efficiency in combustion engines. Surfactants serve vital functions in end-use industries like textiles and polymers, but concerns persist regarding their harmfulness. To address this, the market shifts towards eco-friendly alternatives, including cationic and amphoteric surfactants, crucial for textile manufacturing and lubricant formulation.
Growing demand for personal care products is driving the market growth. The demand in personal care applications is growing due to the increasing use of cosmetics and personal care products such as hair care, skin care, and baby care products. They clean and produce foam in shampoos, shower gels, and hair conditioners. The mild shampoos with these are gentle on the skin. Compatible skin surfactants function as emulsifiers, and they stabilize the oil droplets or water in lotions and creams. These emulsions in sunscreen and skincare cosmetics are absorbed quickly by the skin and do not cause a greasy and shiny film on the skin's surface. They also do not leave grease spots on the clothing. In lipstick and make-up, they are mainly used in the dispersion of color pigments. They also help in dispersing perfumes in aftershaves, toilet water, hair lotions, and shaving creams. Hence, the growing demand for personal care products is expected to boost the demand.
The global market is experiencing significant growth due to the adoption of effective business strategies by market players. Intense competition drives vendors to differentiate their surfactant products through product launches, business expansions, collaborations, and partnerships. For example, Dow Chemical and Solvay partnered in 2021 to develop and market new surfactant technologies. Similarly, Evonik Industries AG and Huntsman Corporation joined forces in 2020 to offer a broad selection of surfactant solutions. Clariant expanded production capacity for its mild surfactant, Hostapon SCI, in 2020, catering to the increasing demand for gentle surfactants. These strategic moves create growth opportunities for the market.
The high manufacturing cost of bio-based surfactants hinders market growth. They are more expensive than traditional synthetic counterparts due to raw material prices and economies of scale. Their cost is approximately USD 1.8 per litre, increasing the end-products overall cost. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, like Reckitt Benckiser, P&G, L'Oreal, and Colgate, mainly use these. However, these companies often prefer synthetic ones to gain a competitive edge due to FMCG products' price sensitivity.
Producing these on a commercial scale requires significant investment. The production involves a mixture of congener molecules with different structures used for various applications. Extracting specific molecules for applications is challenging and expensive, constituting 75%-80% of the production cost. These factors can impede the growth of the global market to some extent during the market forecast period.
The market research report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.
Global Market Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
Kensing LLC - The key offerings of the company include anionic surfactants.
The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:
Abitec, Arkema Group, BASF SE, Bo International, Clariant International Ltd., Croda International Plc, Evonik Industries AG, Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., Innospec Inc., Jiangsu WanQi Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Kao Corp., Kensing LLC, KLK Oleo, Lonza Group Ltd., NutraSkin USA, Pacmoore Products Inc., PCC Rokita SA, Sirius International BV, Solvay SA, and Stepan Co.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2023 for the following segments.
The market spans various industries, including personal care, home care, textiles, agrochemicals, and oilfield chemicals. With an increasing demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective products, bio-derived surfactants, natural surfactants, and enzymes gain prominence as alternatives. However, regulatory compliance poses challenges due to concerns about toxicity and harmfulness associated with surfactants like linear alkylbenze sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Anionics dominate, followed by cationic, amphoteric, and non-ionic variants. Surfactants play critical roles in cleaning applications, polymer production, and elastomers/plastics manufacturing, with applications ranging from personal vehicles to lubricants and fuel. Navigating regulations while meeting end-use industry demands remains pivotal for sustained growth in the surfactants market.
The personal care industry relies heavily on surfactants, essential components in various cosmetic and hair care products for their foaming, cleansing, thickening, and solubilizing properties. Surfactants also play crucial roles in other industries, including textiles, elastomers & plastics, lubricants, and fuel additives. However, a significant challenge for surfactants lies in their potential harmfulness, particularly alkylphenol ethoxylates and cationic variants, prompting a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives. Amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants offer market-friendly options with reduced environmental impact.
Inventions in surfactant technology address diverse needs, from removing dirt and oily stains to enhancing penetration and providing special effects. With growing environmental awareness, bio-based anionic surfactants gain traction as environment-friendly alternatives. Surfactants serve multifaceted functions across industries, from household cleaning to paints, adhesives, and even firefighting foams, highlighting their indispensable role in modern living.
Surfactants Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
189 |
Base year |
2022 |
Historic period |
2017-2021 |
Forecast period |
2023-2027 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.6% |
Market growth 2023-2027 |
USD 13.6 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2022-2023(%) |
4.81 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 42% |
Key countries |
US, Canada, China, Japan, and Germany |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Abitec, Arkema Group, BASF SE, Bo International, Clariant International Ltd., Croda International Plc, Evonik Industries AG, Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., Innospec Inc., Jiangsu WanQi Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Kao Corp., Kensing LLC, KLK Oleo, Lonza Group Ltd., NutraSkin USA, Pacmoore Products Inc., PCC Rokita SA, Sirius International BV, Solvay SA, and Stepan Co. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market forecasting, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our market report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Product
7 Market Segmentation by Application
8 Market Segmentation by Type
9 Customer Landscape
10 Geographic Landscape
11 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
12 Vendor Landscape
13 Vendor Analysis
14 Appendix
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