Surface Active Agents Global Market Report 2024

The surface active agents market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $31.1 billion in 2023 to $33.15 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth observed during the historic period can be attributed to several factors, including the expansion of the detergent industry, the growth of the personal care and cosmetics sector, increased demand for industrial and institutional cleaning products, and the use of surface-active agents in pharmaceuticals and healthcare applications. These factors collectively contributed to the growth of the surface-active agents market.

The surface active agents market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $43.16 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to various factors, including the demand for green and sustainable products, increased awareness of health and hygiene, the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, and the adoption of digital transformation in manufacturing processes. Major trends expected in the forecast period include the development of biodegradable and renewable surfactants, the use of microemulsions and nanotechnology, the production of clean label products, and the formulation of products suitable for sensitive skin, reflecting changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.

The surface-active agents market is experiencing growth due to an increasing demand from various end-user industries. In the food industry, surfactants serve as emulsifiers, playing a vital role in forming and stabilizing the structure of food products. As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a rising need for bio-surfactants characterized by high biodegradability and lower toxicity. For example, in 2023, Scotland witnessed a significant surge in the number of food and beverage manufacturers, with exports in this sector increasing by 31% to reach $10.18 billion (£8.1 billion). This elevated demand from diverse end-users is a key driver of the surface-active agents market.

The primary product types in the surface active agents market include non-ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and cationic surfactants. Cationic surfactants have a positive charge on their hydrophilic end. The substrates for these surfactants can be synthetic or bio-based. Surface-active agents find applications in various industries, such as household detergents, personal care products, industrial and institutional cleaners, food processing, oilfield chemicals, agricultural chemicals, textiles, plastics, paint and coatings, adhesives, and other applications.

The surface active agents market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides surface active agents market statistics, including surface-active agents industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a surface active agents market share, detailed surface active agents market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the surface-active agents industry. This surface-active agents market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future state of the industry.

The personal care industry is a significant contributor to the demand for surface-active agents. Personal care encompasses products related to personal hygiene, grooming, and beautification. These agents are essential in a wide range of personal care products, enhancing their performance and functionality. The industry experiences robust growth, with an estimated contribution of approximately USD 31.23 billion (€29 billion) annually to the European economy. The growing emphasis on personal care and well-being is a compelling factor driving the surface-active agents market.

Ther stringent regulations imposed by government agencies are posing challenges to the market's growth. Regulatory bodies, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), closely monitor surfactant manufacturing units to ensure permissible toxicity levels. For example, the US Food & Drug Administration stipulates specific limits on surfactant usage, restricting their concentration in food production. These rigorous policies, particularly in the food industry, are hindering the market's expansion.

An emerging trend in the market is the popularity of extra concentrated laundry detergents, driven by their potential to reduce water consumption. Companies are developing these concentrated detergents, which not only conserve water but also require less plastic for packaging and make transportation more energy-efficient. For instance, Sokalan HP 20 is a product that enhances the dissolution of surfactants into liquid, resulting in a 30%-50% reduction in cold-water dissolution time. Major companies manufacturing extra concentrated laundry detergents include Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Henkel AG & Company, and Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

Key players in the surface-active agents market are actively working on the development of bio-based surfactants to drive revenue growth. Bio-based surfactants are derived from renewable biological sources, offering more sustainable alternatives. For instance, Clariant, a Switzerland-based specialty chemical company, introduced Vita 100% bio-based surfactants and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) in February 2022. These products aim to reduce the use of fossil carbon in the value chain and provide low carbon footprint solutions to customers.

In May 2023, Yellow Wood Partners LLC, an investment service based in the United States, acquired Unilever for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition will enable Yellow Wood Partners to invest in and operate consumer brands like Suave and accelerate their growth. Unilever, a UK-based company known for manufacturing surface-active agents, is part of this acquisition.

Major companies operating in the surface active agents market include BASF SE, Clariant AG, Akzo Nobel NV, Air Products and Chemicals Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Kao Corporation, Stepan Company, Ashland, Evonik Industries AG, Reliance Industries Limited, Solvay SA, Nouryon BV, Arkema Inc., 3M Company, Procter & Gamble Company, Lion Specialty Chemicals Co Ltd., Dow Chemical Company, Bayer AG, Compañía Española de Petróleos SAU, DETEN Quimica SA, Emery Oleochemicals M Sdn Bhd, Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., Geo Speciality Chemicals Inc., Godrej Industries Limited, Huntsman International LLC, Innospec Inc., KLK Oleo, Lankem Ltd., Lonza Group Ltd., Oxiteno USA LLC, P&G Chemicals, Sasol Limited, Sulfatrade SA, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Croda International PLC, Lubrizol Corporation

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the surface-active agents market in 2023. Western Europe was the second-largest region in the surface-active agents market report. The regions covered in the surface active agents market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa.

The countries covered in the surface active agents market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The surface active agents market consists of the sales of emulsifiers, dispersing and wetting agents, and various antiseptics. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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