PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1720081
PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1720081
Industrial Rhamnolipid Market size was valued at US$ 450.33 Million in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 7.50% from 2025 to 2032.
Rhamnolipids are vital bioactive agents in industrial applications, recognized for their remarkable emulsifying abilities, antimicrobial effects, and capacity to inhibit biofilm formation. They efficiently emulsify oils and can lower the surface tension of water from 72 mN/m to around 25-30 mN/m. A significant benefit of rhamnolipids compared to traditional surfactants is their complete biodegradability and excellent compatibility with aquatic microorganisms. Furthermore, rhamnolipids deliver outstanding cleaning efficacy while remaining gentle on the skin and non-abrasive to surfaces such as plastic, positioning them as an environmentally friendly and effective option for a variety of uses.
Industrial Rhamnolipid Market- Market Dynamics
The increasing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable surfactants is anticipated to propel market growth. As environmental concerns rise, regulations become more stringent, and there is a shift towards sustainable products, rhamnolipids are gaining traction as a preferred substitute for synthetic surfactants. At that time, the primary requirement for surfactants used in detergents was to demonstrate a 'primary biodegradability' exceeding 80%, which pertains to the complete removal of the intact surface-active material from the solution, as determined by specific analytical methods. Additionally, advancements in biotechnological production may present opportunities for market expansion. However, limited commercial availability and supply chain challenges could hinder market progress.
Industrial Rhamnolipid Market- Key Insights
As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 7.50% over the forecast period (2025-2032)
Based on Type segmentation, Mono-Rhamnolipids were predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2024
Based on region, Asia Pacific was the leading revenue generator in 2024
The Global Industrial Rhamnolipid Market is segmented based on Type, Form, End-User, and Region.
The market is divided into two categories: Mono-Rhamnolipids and Di-Rhamnolipids, with Mono-Rhamnolipids driving the growth of the market. These biosurfactants are generated through microbial fermentation, predominantly by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and consist of a single rhamnose sugar molecule attached to a fatty acid chain. This structure sets them apart from di-rhamnolipids, which are composed of two rhamnose units. Mono-rhamnolipids are particularly effective in emulsifying hydrocarbons, oils, and hydrophobic materials, rendering them useful in a variety of industries. Furthermore, their antimicrobial and anti-biofilm characteristics enhance their significance in medical, industrial, and environmental sectors.
The market is divided into two main categories based on form: Powder and Liquid. Industrial rhamnolipids are offered in these two predominant forms, each designed to meet distinct industry requirements and applications. Powdered rhamnolipids present benefits such as extended shelf life, convenient transportation, and controlled release, rendering them appropriate for dry formulations. Conversely, liquid rhamnolipids exhibit excellent solubility, rapid effectiveness, and seamless incorporation into aqueous solutions, making them well-suited for applications requiring immediate use.
The market is categorized by end-user into Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Environmental Services, and Industrial & Household Cleaning. Industrial rhamnolipids are increasingly being adopted in these sectors due to their biodegradability, excellent emulsification capabilities, and environmentally friendly characteristics. Their diverse applications include oil spill cleanup, enhanced oil recovery, personal care products, and pharmaceutical formulations. The growing emphasis on sustainability, regulatory encouragement for biodegradable surfactants, and a rising consumer inclination towards eco-friendly options are contributing to the increasing demand for rhamnolipids across multiple industries.
Industrial Rhamnolipid Market- Geographical Insights
The Asia-Pacific region is leading market growth, primarily driven by the increasing application of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques within the oil and gas sector. As this area encounters difficulties in extracting crude oil from aging reservoirs, biosurfactants such as rhamnolipids are emerging as a sustainable and effective means to optimize oil recovery. The International Energy Agency reports that the oil and gas industry allocated approximately USD 20 billion to clean energy initiatives in 2022, representing about 2.5% of its overall capital expenditures. In 2018, China achieved record levels of oil and gas imports, becoming the world's largest crude oil importer after surpassing the United States in 2017, and it ranks second in natural gas imports, following Japan, according to the International Energy Administration. Meanwhile, North America is experiencing a swift increase in the use of rhamnolipids, driven by stringent environmental regulations and a rise in the demand for green chemicals.
The market for industrial rhamnolipids is characterized by intense competition, fueled by an increasing need for sustainable biosurfactants in sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and industrial cleaning. Key industry players are prioritizing innovation, scalability in production, and strategic alliances to bolster their competitive edge. There is a focus on advancements in microbial fermentation to improve production efficiency, alongside partnerships with brands in the pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial cleaning sectors to broaden market access. Furthermore, initiatives are being implemented to create cost-effective methods for large-scale production to satisfy the rising global demand.
On February 26, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, AGAE Technologies ("AGAE"), a prominent US company specializing in rhamnolipid production and technology, in collaboration with its partners, has inaugurated the largest retrofitted manufacturing facility complex in Asia.
On June 13, 2020, Stepan Company announced its acquisition of the NatSurFact business from Logos Technologies LLC. This line of biosurfactants, which is based on rhamnolipids and sourced from renewable materials, represents a significant advancement in technology for various markets. As customer demands for sustainability rise, Stepan's rhamnolipid biosurfactants offer a valuable solution.