Surfactants Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Type, Substrate, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Surfactants Market is accounted for $63.02 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $105.93 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. Surfactants, commonly referred to as surface-active agents, are substances that are essential to many businesses and common goods. They have certain qualities that make it possible for them to lessen the surface tension between various materials, such as liquids, or between a liquid and solid surface. Surfactants make it possible for processes like cleaning, foaming, wetting, and emulsification (the mixing of incompatible liquids). The molecular structure of surfactants has both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repellent) regions. Surfactants' dual nature enables them to interact with both water and oil or grease, aiding the dispersion and removal of both substances.

According to the Household and Commercial Products Association (HCPA), the market value is around USD 180 billion per annum for home care products such as cleaner, and disinfectants for homes and commercial environments.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Raising demand for sustainable products

The use of alternatives in petroleum-based synthetic goods is a result of the rising demand for environmentally friendly technology. Applications for bio-surfactants in different goods include emulsifying agents, biocides for sulfate-reducing bacteria, anticorrosive, and many more cutting-edge uses. They are employed in sectors like home care, industrial cleaning, food and beverage, and others because of their adaptability and effectiveness. Growing worries about resource conservation and the environment are further boosting market demand.

Restraint:

Competition from rivalling solutions

Surfactants are outperformed by compounds produced from polymers, natural surfactants, and enzymes. These goods are also reasonably priced and environmentally beneficial. These substitutes are soft and gentle, capable of making nice foam and ideal for those who choose to pursue the natural and organic path. Additionally, they produce actions including detergency, wetting, emulsifying, solubilising, dispersing, and foaming. Thus, the numerous advantages of alternative products pose a problem for surfactants.

Opportunity:

Growing attention to hygiene

Surfactants act as effective detergents. Water spreads out more evenly as surfactants lower the surface tension of the liquid. Additionally, it aids in soil penetration, soil aeration, and soil trapping. By interfering with and destroying the lipids and proteins that make up the cell membrane, it can kill bacteria. Without surfactants, soaps wouldn't combine with water; instead, they would just roll off the surface, making cleaning considerably more challenging. The market is expanding as a result of an increase in personal cleanliness.

Threat:

High cost of raw materials

Due to environmental concerns and the price of crude oil, the price of raw materials is erratic. Surfactant's negative environmental consequences, such as toxicity and biodegradability, have an impact on the cost of raw resources. Several regional governments have imposed rules for resource usage and environmental preservation. Market expansion would be hampered by the high cost of raw materials and technological limitations in the commercial production of petroleum products.

COVID-19 Impact:

The market was positively impacted by COVID-19. The public's attention on cleanliness and hygiene intensified throughout the epidemic. Numerous product improvements contributed to the increase in sales in the household sector that was observed in Pandemic. Surfactants are often utilised as disinfectants in residential and commercial settings. The need for surfactants rises along with the use of sanitizers. Sales fell during the epidemic mostly as a result of supply chain logistical issues. But since the epidemic, the demand has substantially increased.

The anionic surfactants segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period:

The anionic surfactants segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth. Anionic surfactants are organic substances. For removing dirt, mud, and some greasy stains, anionic surfactants are the most effective. After ionisation, these surfactants begin to function. The anionic surfactants ionise and become negatively charged when they are introduced to water. Surfactants that are negatively charged adhere to positively charged substances like clay. Anionic is a widely used ingredient for detergent and cleaning solutions because it produces a significant volume of foam when combined with the base. The growing demand for linear alkyl benzene used in cleaning products and detergents is boosting the segment's demand.

The personal care segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period:

The personal care segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR growth during the forecast period. Surfactants are utilised for many unique effects, including cleaning, foaming, thickening, emulsifying, solubilizing, enhancing penetration, and antimicrobial activities. The most common surfactants used in personal care products are sodium stearate, stearic acid, and sodium lauriminodipropionate. Additionally, surfactants allow for the fine dispersion of colour pigments in lipstick and cosmetics. They can be discovered in dental pastes, hair lotions, shaving creams, hair dyes, and fragrances. The increasing use of personal care products is driving up demand in the market.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the rise in population. The financial growth of developing nations like China, Japan, and India is a challenge. Raw materials are very accessible in this region, and labour is inexpensive. Additionally, modernization and higher living standards are being seen throughout Asia. China is the world's largest user and net importer of non-ionic goods, which offers opportunities for expansion. The personal care, home care, textile, and industrial & institutional cleaning applications are expanding in the Asia Pacific region as a result.

Region with highest CAGR:

Europe is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the increased demand from home care, and personal care industries. The growing cosmetic and textile sectors will support market expansion since Europe is a significant region for the fashion industry. Detergents, cleansers, and other goods using surfactants as a basic ingredient are widely produced in Germany. Due to a growing economy and increased product accessibility, nearly 50% of the market shares in Europe are now accounted for by components found in products made from renewable natural resources.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Surfactants Market include BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, P&G Chemicals, Clariant International Ltd., Stepan Company, Solvay, Lonza Group Ltd., Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Lion Corporation, Croda International, Nouryon, Galaxy Surfactants Limited, Dow Inc., Kao Corporation, Huntsman Corporation and Greenko.

Key Developments:

In February 2023, Croda International Plc agreed to acquire Solus Biotech, a global leader in premium, biotechnology-derived beauty actives, from Solus Advanced Materials for a total consideration of KRW 350 Mn (approximately £232 Mn) on a debt-free, cash-free basis.

In December 2022, Evonik Industries AG launched a new biosurfactant, namely, REWOFERM RL 100. It is fully biodegradable and sourced from renewable feedstocks.

In October 2022, BASF and Hannong Chemicals, Inc. planned to create a joint venture for the commercial production of non-ionic surfactants in Asia Pacific.

In October 2022, Greenko signed an agreement to supply 250 kilo tons of surfactants to Germany-based Uniper. The exports are likely to start in 2025. The partnership is intended to explore surfactants and renewable energy opportunities to meet the growth in demand for low-carbon energy across the globe.

In May 2022, Stepan Company has started the construction at its existing Pasadena, Texas facility to build and operate a new alkoxylation plant.

Types Covered:

• Anionic Surfactants
• Cationic Surfactants
• Non-ionic Surfactants
• Amphoteric Surfactants
• Silicone Surfactants
• Other Types

Substrates Covered:

• Chemically Synthesized
• Synthetic Surfactants
• Bio-based Surfactants

Applications Covered:

• Food Processing
• Home Care
• Personal Care
• Textile & Leather
• Industrial & Institutional Cleaning
• Plastics
• Oilfield Chemicals
• Emulsion Polymerization
• Lubricants & Fuel Additives
• Agricultural Chemicals
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances