Surfactants Market Trends

Global Surfactants Market Overview

Surfactants Market Size was valued at USD 41.6 Billion in 2023. The Surfactants industry is projected to grow from USD 45.24 Billion in 2024 to USD 81.4 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.62% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Growing demand from end-use industries, rising awareness about personal hygiene and cleanliness, technological advancements, environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives, growing industrial activities, increasing consumer awareness about product performance, and growing demand for specialty surfactants, are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.                             

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Surfactants Market Trends

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  Environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives are driving the market growth

  
  

Environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives are powerful drivers in shaping the surfactant market. As global awareness of the environmental impact of chemical substances increases, governments and organizations worldwide are implementing stringent regulations and promoting sustainable practices. These efforts are influencing the demand for surfactants and driving the market in several ways.

Environmental regulations impose restrictions on the use of harmful or toxic surfactants, thereby promoting the adoption of more environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, many countries have implemented regulations to limit the use of non-biodegradable surfactants, such as alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEOs), due to their persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. These regulations have led to the development and adoption of bio-based or renewable surfactants that have a minimal environmental impact and biodegrade more readily. Moreover, sustainability initiatives, driven by consumer demand and corporate social responsibility, are pushing the surfactant market towards greener alternatives. Companies across various industries are committing to sustainable practices and incorporating environmental considerations into their product development strategies. This shift in consumer and corporate preferences is driving the demand for surfactants that are derived from renewable resources, produced using environmentally friendly processes, and have lower carbon footprints.

The focus on sustainability also extends to packaging and formulation practices. Surfactants manufacturers are exploring ways to reduce packaging waste and promote recycling. Additionally, they are developing concentrated formulations that require less water and energy for production and transportation, reducing the overall environmental impact. Sustainability initiatives encourage the adoption of such practices, which, in turn, drives innovation and market growth. Furthermore, environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives are encouraging the development of surfactants with improved environmental profiles. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to create surfactants that exhibit enhanced biodegradability, reduced toxicity, and lower emissions. These surfactants offer comparable performance to conventional options while minimizing their impact on ecosystems and human health.

The growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility is also driving collaboration among stakeholders in the surfactants industry. Manufacturers are partnering with raw material suppliers, academia, and research institutions to develop sustainable surfactant solutions. Such collaborations foster knowledge sharing, accelerate innovation, and propel the market forward. These environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives are not limited to a single country or region. They are being implemented globally, creating a level playing field and driving harmonization in the surfactants market. As a result, manufacturers are compelled to comply with these regulations and cater to the demands of environmentally conscious customers worldwide.

The impact of these drivers is not only limited to the regulatory compliance of surfactants but also extends to consumer behavior and market dynamics. Increasingly, consumers are seeking products that align with their values of sustainability, environmental responsibility, and health consciousness. The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products, including those with environmentally friendly surfactants, is on the rise. This consumer-driven shift in preferences is prompting companies to invest in research and development, marketing, and product differentiation to meet these demands, thereby driving market growth. Thus, driving the Surfactants Market revenue.

The launch of Carinex and Livinex, two brands that will increase Sasol's selection of sustainable products, has been announced by Sasol Chemicals for 2023. Carinex SL and Livinex SL are the initial items that the new brands are selling. In order to produce sophorolipids, a fermentation-derived biosurfactant that has a lower carbon footprint than petroleum- or bio-based surfactants, the business previously announced a partnership with Holiferm Limited.

Evonik Industries AG was awarded the European Responsible Care Award in January 2024 for its sustainable glycolipid biosurfactants. Evonik won the “Safe and Sustainable Chemicals” award for its revolutionary glycolipid technology. It is an established producer of glycolipid biosurfactants with products that first served the rapidly expanding market for large-scale rhamnolipids that could be sustained.

Surfactants Market Segment Insights

Surfactants Product Type Insights

The global Surfactants Market segmentation, based on product type includes cationic, nonionic, anionic, amphoteric, others. The anionic category dominated the market in 2022. Anionic surfactants are frequently employed in soaps and detergents due to their superior performance to other types. These are excellent in eliminating stains made of oil. Additionally, their low production cost is a benefit.

Figure 1: Global Surfactants Market, by Product Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)                       

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Surfactants Application Insights

The global Surfactants Market segmentation, based on application, includes detergents, personal care, food processing, oil field chemicals, agricultural chemicals, and others. The detergents category dominated the market in 2022. Numerous businesses, including those that deal with personal care, residential cleaning, and industrial cleaning, use detergents extensively. They are a component of many cleaning products, including shampoos, soaps, dishwashing detergents, and laundry detergents. The prevalence of the application of the detergent in the surfactants market is mostly due to the growing demand for these goods across various industries.

Surfactants Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. The Asia-Pacific Surfactants Market dominated this market in 2022 (45.80%). The large population in this area creates a significant demand for surfactants on a global scale. Furthermore, as the quality of life for residents in this area improves, so does the market value. An increase in sanitation and hygiene awareness will stimulate growth even further. Moreover, China’s Surfactants Market held the largest market share, and the Indian Surfactants Market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

December 2023: Innospec has announced the acquisition of Química Geral QGP (QGP), a leading Brazilian specialty chemicals company. The purchase of new surfactants strengthens the company’s Performance Chemicals segment.

October 2023: Croda International PLC announced acquisition of Enza Biotech AB to develop renewable surfactants using carbohydrate-based chemistry. The purchase enhances the firm’s surfactant product portfolio.

Figure 2: GLOBAL SURFACTANTS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)                               

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

The North America Surfactants Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. The two main growth-promoting variables in this region are the opulent lifestyle and extensive awareness of hygiene. The need for surfactants is also driven by the prominence of other end-user industries such as oilfields, chemicals, lubricants, and other end users. Further, the U.S. Surfactants Market held the largest market share, and the Canada Surfactants Market was the fastest-growing market in the North American region.

Europe Surfactants Market accounts for the significant market share. It has a competitive advantage due to the infrastructure and knowledge already present in the European market, which also helps it to dominate the Surfactants sector. Further, the German Surfactants Market held the largest market share, and the UK Surfactants Market was the fastest-growing market in the European region

Surfactants Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Surfactants Market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, Surfactants industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the global Surfactants industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Surfactants industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the Surfactants Market, including Galaxy Surfactants Ltd, Stepan Company, Solvay, KAO Corporation (Japan)rwe3e, Huntsman Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, El Dupont De Nemours & Co., Clariant AG and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Specialty chemical firm Evonik Industries AG (Evonik), a division of RAG-Stiftung. Surfactants, polymers, resins, and additives, among other things, are included in its product line. Agriculture, alternative energy, paints and coatings, paper and printing, metal and oil products, electrical and electronics, food and animal feed, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and rubber, automotive, and construction are just a few of the industries where the company's products are used. Additionally, it provides engineering, logistics, utilities, and process technology services. Major production facilities for Evonik are located in China, Singapore, Belgium, the US, and Germany. In addition to other places, the corporation also operates in North America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, South America, and Europe. Essen, in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, serves as the headquarters for Evonik.

Chemical solutions are offered by Stepan Co (Stepan). It produces and markets intermediate and specialized chemicals. Surfactants, germicidal and fabric-softening quaternary, specialty goods, polyurethane polyols, and phthalic anhydride are among the company's product offerings. Additionally, it offers polymers for building, refrigeration, vehicle, watercraft, and other consumer product sectors. The business also provides chemicals for food, flavoring, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceutical purposes. Stepan runs distribution networks, sales, and logistics operations, and research & development facilities all around the world. The corporation also runs production facilities in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. In the US, Stepan has its headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois.

In 2023, surfactants with better ecological characteristics were introduced by Dow and Sasol during the 25–27 October SEPAWA Congress in Berlin. The products in both situations are the result of partnerships with smaller, tech-based companies. In collaboration with the carbon recycling business LanzaTech Global, which extracts waste carbon and converts it to ethanol and surfactant chemicals, Dow created EcoSense 2470 Surfactant.

Key Companies in the Surfactants Market include

• Galaxy Surfactants Ltd


• Stepan Company


• Solvay


• KAO Corporation (Japan)rwe3e


• Huntsman Corporation


• Evonik Industries AG


• El Dupont De Nemours & Co


• Clariant AG

Surfactants Industry Developments

September 2022: PerformanX Specialty Chemicals, LLC, a maker of surfactants, was purchased by Stepan Company. Stepan's position in the surfactant market will improve as a result of this action.

March 2022: Biosurfactant, produced by BASF, is manufactured from coconut oil and renewable resources. An anionic surfactant with the brand name Plantopon Soy is a protein derived from non-GMO soybean.

March 2022: Rewooferm RL 100, a rhamnolipid biosurfactant, was introduced by Evonik. This will be produced at a Slovakian factory and is biodegradable.

In May 2022, PuraSurfTM; the first biosurfactant product line of Dispersa for cleaning and personal care markets, was launched and is being scaled up. Major Canadian cleaning product companies are taking part in active client partnerships.

May 2022 saw surfactant manufacturer Stepan launching its Partners for Sustainable Supply (PaSS) program for sustainable procurement.

Surfactants Market Segmentation

Surfactants Product Type Outlook

• Cationic


• Nonionic


• Anionic


• Amphoteric


• Others

Surfactants Application Outlook

• Detergents


• Personal Care


• Food Processing


• Oil Field Chemicals


• Agricultural Chemicals


• Others

Surfactants Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • U.S
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America