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The surfactants market size is projected to increase by USD 13.2 billion, at a CAGR of 5.23% between 2023 and 2028. The market's growth is influenced by several factors, including the rising demand for personal care products, an increase in research and development activities, and volatility in raw material prices. The expanding personal care industry is driven by consumers seeking innovative and effective products. Increased R&D activities are fostering the development of advanced formulations and new product offerings, further boosting market growth. However, fluctuations in raw material prices can pose challenges, affecting production costs and pricing strategies. These dynamics collectively shape the market, highlighting the importance of innovation and cost management in sustaining growth. Our report examines historic data from 2018 to 2022, besides analyzing the current market scenario.
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The market encompasses various applications across different industries, including personal care, home care, textile, agrochemicals, oilfield chemicals, elastomers & plastics, and personal vehicles. In cleaning applications, they play a crucial role by reducing the surface tension between two liquids or a liquid and a solid, enabling effective cleaning. Bio-derived surfactants, polymers, natural surfactants, enzymes, and eco-friendly products are gaining popularity due to increasing environmental concerns and regulations. Anionic surfactants like Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LAS), Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEO), and Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEO), as well as cationic and amphoteric surfactants, are commonly used. Cost-effective alternatives to traditional surfactants are a significant challenge for the market due to the need for high performance and eco-friendliness. Regulations and toxicity concerns related to the harmfulness of surfactants, particularly anionic types, pose a challenge to market growth. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a widely used anionic surfactant in personal care products, while non-ionic surfactants are preferred in applications like lubricants and fuel due to their ability to function effectively in a wide range of temperatures.
Growing demand for personal care products is driving the market growth. The market is experiencing significant growth in the personal care industry, driven by the increasing consumption of cosmetics and personal care products. These include hair care, skin care, and baby care items. They play a crucial role in these applications, providing cleaning capabilities and producing foam in shampoos, shower gels, and hair conditioners. In addition, they function as emulsifiers in lotions and creams, ensuring quick absorption and leaving no greasy film or clothing stains. Beyond personal care, they are employed in various industries for diverse end-use applications. In home care, they are used in household cleaning products to ensure effective cleaning and maintain clean surroundings. In textiles, they aid in fabric processing and improve product quality.
Moreover, in the agrochemicals sector, they enhance the efficacy of pesticides and herbicides. In oilfield chemicals, they facilitate the extraction of oil and gas. In elastomers and plastics, they are used as processing aids and stabilizers. In the automotive industry, they serve as lubricants, fuel additives, and personal vehicle care products. The demand for bio-derived surfactants is increasing due to the growing trend towards eco-friendly and cost-effective products. Polymers, natural surfactants, enzymes, and other alternatives are being explored to address the challenge of reducing the harmfulness and toxicity of traditional surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, and alkylphenol ethoxylates. Sodium lauryl sulfate, a common anionic surfactant, is under scrutiny due to its potential health and environmental concerns. Regulations play a significant role in shaping the market. Regulations and environmental concerns continue to shape market trends, making it an exciting and challenging field for researchers and manufacturers alike. Hence, the growing demand for personal care products is expected to boost the demand and thereby foster the growth of the global market during the forecast period.
The increase in R and D activities is an emerging trend in the market. major companies have escalated their research and development (R&D) expenditure to produce surfactants with enhanced properties and reduced manufacturing costs. Bio-derived surfactants, such as polymers, natural surfactants, and enzymes, are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly nature. These alternatives to traditional surfactants, like linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, and alkylphenol ethoxylates, present a challenge for the market due to increasing regulations and concerns regarding their toxicity and harmfulness. Anionic surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, have long dominated the market, but cationic and amphoteric surfactants are gaining traction due to their unique properties. Non-ionic surfactants, which are widely used in home care, textile, agrochemicals, oilfield chemicals, elastomers & plastics, personal vehicles, lubricant, fuel, and fuel additives, are expected to drive the growth of the market.
Furthermore, personal hygiene and clean surroundings are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, leading to the increasing demand for household cleaning products. The oleochemical market, which is a significant contributor to the production of surfactants, is also experiencing growth due to environmental awareness and the shift towards sustainable and biodegradable products. In conclusion, the market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective products in various industries, particularly in the personal care sector and cleaning applications. The challenge for surfactant manufacturers lies in producing alternatives to traditional, harmful surfactants while adhering to regulations and maintaining cost-effectiveness. Hence, factors like these are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
The volatility in raw material prices is a major challenge impeding market growth. The end-use industries for surfactants span beyond personal care, extending to home care, textiles, agrochemicals, oilfield chemicals, elastomers & plastics, personal vehicles, lubricants, fuel, and fuel additives. The primary raw materials for surfactant production, such as linear alkylbenzene (LAB), detergent alcohols, and ethylene oxide (EO), are derived from petroleum products, leading to volatile price fluctuations. For instance, the cost of EO in China ranges from USD45 to USD1,314 per tonne, excluding warehouse fees.
Furthermore, the price increase is due to the limited supply of ethylene C2 type and the shutdown of two Sanjiang Fine Chemicals plants in Zhejiang province, each with a production capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year, due to insufficient feedstock. Bio-derived surfactants, polymers, natural surfactants, enzymes, and eco-friendly products are gaining popularity as alternatives to traditional surfactants due to environmental awareness and regulations addressing the toxicity and harmfulness of certain surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, and alkylphenol ethoxylates. Sodium lauryl sulfate, an anionic surfactant, and cationic and amphoteric surfactants are also widely used. The growth of the market is driven by the increasing demand for household cleaning products, personal hygiene, and clean surroundings. Biosurfactants derived from the oleochemical market are gaining traction due to their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. The market faces challenges in terms of raw material availability, price volatility, and regulatory compliance. Therefore, such factors can impede the growth of the global market during the forecast period.
The market share growth by the anionic segment will be significant during the forecast period. The market is significantly influenced by inventions and advancements in surfactant technology. Anionic surfactants, in particular, hold a substantial market share due to their superior cleaning properties and wide applications. These surfactants possess a negatively charged head, making them effective in removing dirt, clay, and oily stains. Anionic surfactants are extensively used in various industries, including cosmetics and personal care, due to their foaming, cleansing, thickening, solubilizing, emulsifying, and antimicrobial effects
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The anionic segment was valued at USD 15.40 billion in 2018. Bio-based surfactants, derived from renewable resources, are gaining popularity in the market as environment-friendly alternatives to traditional surfactants. Ionization plays a crucial role in the functionality of surfactants, as the interaction between the negatively charged head and positively charged particles in particulate soils results in the reduction of surface tension, enabling better wetting and dispersion. Anionic surfactants include sulfonic acid salts, such as alcohol sulfates and phosphoric acid esters, as well as alkylbenzene sulfonates and carboxylic acid salts. These surfactants are essential components in various cosmetic and skincare products, hair care products, and industrial applications, such as paints, emulsions, adhesives, and inks. Anionic surfactants exhibit various special effects, including penetration enhancement, surface tension reduction, and suspension of oil and clay soils. They are also used as wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants in various industries. The market demand for anionic surfactants is driven by their versatility and effectiveness in addressing a wide range of cleaning and industrial applications. 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 43% 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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Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into the market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the forecast period. The Market in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is projected to expand at a significant rate due to the increasing demand from various sectors, including detergents, personal care, food processing, and others. Biocides and sanitizers are essential applications of surfactants in the region, driven by the rising health consciousness and hygiene awareness. Moreover, the growing popularity of shampoos and toothpaste in countries like China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and South Korea is expected to fuel the demand for surfactants. Additionally, the emergence of China and India as manufacturing hubs for firefighting foams and insecticides is anticipated to boost the industrial and institutional cleaning applications and food processing industries.
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 market analysis and report also include 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 company focuses on natural sulfates, specialty esters, natural vitamin E and phytosterols products and solutions. 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 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.
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The market encompasses a significant industry segment, driven by the increasing demand for various applications. These compounds, characterized by their ability to reduce surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid, play a crucial role in numerous industries. Industries such as personal care, cleaning, agriculture, and oil & gas rely heavily on surfactants for their functional benefits. In the personal care sector, surfactants are used in the production of shampoos, soaps, and body washes. In the cleaning industry, they are employed in the manufacture of detergents and cleaning agents.
Moreover, surfactants are extensively used in agriculture to enhance the efficiency of pesticides and fertilizers. In the oil & gas sector, they are utilized in enhanced oil recovery processes. The global demand for surfactants is expected to grow due to the expanding applications in various end-use industries. End-use sectors like textiles, food & beverages, and pharmaceuticals also contribute to the market growth. The increasing awareness regarding the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable surfactants is also expected to drive the market forward. The future of the market looks promising, with numerous opportunities for growth and innovation.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
203 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018-2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.23% |
Market Growth 2024-2028 |
USD 13.2 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
4.84 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 43% |
Key countries |
US, China, Germany, Japan, and Canada |
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 the market forecast period. |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements.
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 Opportunity/Restraints
12 Competitive Landscape
13 Competitive Analysis
14 Appendix
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