Biosurfactants Global Market Report 2024

The term biosurfactant encompasses a diverse group of molecules with a polar (hydrophilic) head and a non-polar (hydrophobic) tail. Produced by various microorganisms like Acinetobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Candida antartica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, biosurfactants can serve as substitutes for synthetic surfactants in numerous industrial processes. These processes include lubrication, wetting, dye fixation, emulsion formation, dispersion stabilization, foaming, anti-foaming, and applications in the food, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and organic bioremediation industries.

The main types of biosurfactants include glycolipids, phospholipids, surfactin, lichenysin, polymeric biosurfactants, and others. The glycolipid surfactants segment involves the sales of glycolipid biosurfactants, characterized by their structural composition of hydrophilic moieties containing glucose, mannose, galactose, trehalose, rhamnose, sophorose, and hydrophobic moieties with long fatty acid chains. Synthesized from hydrocarbons, industrial wastes, frying oils, and olive oil wastes, these biosurfactants find applications in detergents, food processing, personal care, agricultural chemicals, and various other industries.

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

The biosurfactants market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.44 billion in 2023 to $4.85 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to several factors, including the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry, increased demand for cosmetics, rising environmental concerns, growing interest in eco-friendly solutions, and the emergence of new markets.

The biosurfactants market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.87 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the surge in research and development activities, a shift towards clean energy, rising demand from the agriculture industry, and an increase in disposable income. Additionally, major trends expected in the forecast period include the development of tailored biosurfactants, expanded applications in bioremediation, increased collaborations and partnerships, the emergence of antimicrobial biosurfactants, and a focus on reducing carbon footprints.

The escalating demand in the global personal care industry is poised to significantly contribute to the growth of the biosurfactant market, particularly within the cosmetic and personal care sectors. Biosurfactants, renowned for their high biodegradability, low toxicity, and multifunctionality, find extensive use in the production of personal care products. Their environmental compatibility and versatility make biosurfactants ideal for various roles such as wetting agents, solubilizers, dispersants, foaming agents, cleaners, detergents, and emulsion-forming agents. A study by Nielsen Holdings projects a substantial increase in the sales of health, personal care, and beauty products, rising from $53.12 billion in 2019 to an anticipated $99.12 billion in 2023. This rapid growth in the personal care sector is expected to drive heightened demand for biosurfactants throughout the forecast period.

The surging demand for oil and gas is set to propel the biosurfactants market forward. Biosurfactants, capable of reducing surface tension and interfacial tension, play a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, contributing to improved oil recovery, drilling fluids, and oil spill remediation. Drilling fluids utilize biosurfactants to lower surface tension and enhance mud lubricity. Additionally, biosurfactants aid in cleaning up oil spills by fracturing oil into smaller droplets, facilitating dispersion and biodegradation. As indicated by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in October 2023, global liquid fuels production, including crude oil and other liquids, is projected to increase by 1.3 million b/d in 2023 and by 0.9 million b/d in 2024. The EIA further estimates a 2.2 million b/d increase in non-OPEC production in 2023. Consequently, the escalating demand for oil and gas activities stands out as a significant driver for the biosurfactants market.

A notable trend in the biosurfactant market is the emphasis on technological advancements by companies within the sector. In response to diverse technical requirements across global end-use industries, biosurfactant manufacturers are investing in the development of new and innovative biosurfactants. For example, in March 2022, Evonik Industries, a Germany-based specialty chemicals manufacturer, introduced Rewoferm RL 100 Biosurfactant. This new product aims to meet the increasing demand for low-emission and low-impact cleaning solutions. Manufactured from locally sourced feedstocks, Rewoferm RL 100 Biosurfactant not only aligns with environmental concerns but also offers effective cleaning performance, showcasing the industry's commitment to technological progress and sustainable solutions.

Prominent companies in the biosurfactants market are actively innovating by introducing new products, particularly focusing on biobased and biodegradable surfactants. Biobased surfactants are sourced from renewable feedstocks like plant, animal, and marine materials, whereas biosurfactants are crafted through fermentation processes mimicking nature. A case in point is Solvay, a Belgium-based cosmetic ingredients provider, which, in June 2022, unveiled Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60, biobased and biodegradable surfactants designed for diverse applications. These synthetic ingredients offered by Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60 come without environmentally harmful effects, aligning with green chemistry principles. Solvay's commitment to sustainability and the creation of a circular, regenerative economy is evident in the development of these new surfactants, reflecting the company's dedication to meeting customer needs while minimizing environmental impact.

BASF, a leading German chemical company, has strategically positioned itself in the biosurfactants market by completing the acquisition of Allied Carbon Solutions (ACS) in March 2021, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition serves to reinforce BASF's presence in the realm of bio-surfactants, specifically targeting personal care, home care, and industrial formulators. ACS, based in Japan, is a manufacturer specializing in biomass-derived surfactants. The acquisition enhances BASF's capabilities and partnerships, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing bio-surfactant technologies and expanding its portfolio in alignment with evolving industry demands.

Major companies operating in the biosurfactants market include AGAE Technologies, Biotensidon GmbH, Croda International PLC, Dispersa Inc., Evonik Industries AG, GlycoSurf Inc., Holiferm Ltd., Jeneil Biotech Inc., Kemin Industries Inc., Lion Corporation, Rhamnolipid, Saraya Mystair Hygiene Pvt. Ltd., Stepan Company, TensioGreen Corp., Victex PLC, AlgaEnergy, Al Zaabi Group, Inse India AquaFUELs Pvt Ltd., Biotrem Labs, Diversey Holdings Ltd., Ecover Group, GEA Group, Global Green Chemicals Public Company Limited, Glyconova, Innospec Inc., Lipofoods, Locus Fermentation Solutions, Metgen Oy, MG Intobio Co. Ltd., Oqema Group, Procter & Gamble, R-Biopharm AG

Western Europe was the largest region in the biosurfactants market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the biosurfactants market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The countries covered in the biosurfactants market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, the UK, and the USA.

The biosurfactant market consists of sales of lipopeptides and fatty acids for use as biosurfactants. 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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