Methyl Ester Sulfonate Global Market Report 2024

Methyl ester sulfonate (MES) is an advanced anionic surfactant produced through the sulfonation of saturated fatty acid methyl esters. It is highly regarded for its superior detergency, stability in the presence of calcium ions, water solubility, biodegradability, tolerance to hard water, and lower toxicity compared to conventional fossil-based surfactants such as linear alkyl benzene sulphonates (LAS).

The primary types of methyl ester sulfonate include sodium methyl ester sulfonate, calcium methyl ester sulfonate, and other variations. Sodium methyl ester sulfonate, a prominent type of anionic surfactant, finds extensive use in various cleaning products such as detergents, shampoos, and personal care items. Available in liquid, powder, and flake forms, it is employed across applications including detergents, personal care products, dishwashing agents, industrial and institutional cleaners, laundry products, and within the textile industry.

The methyl ester sulfonate market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides methyl ester sulfonate market statistics, including methyl ester sulfonate industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an methyl ester sulfonate market share, detailed methyl ester sulfonate market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the methyl ester sulfonate industry. This methyl ester sulfonate 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 methyl ester sulfonate market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.18 billion in 2023 to $1.34 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6%. The growth observed in the historic period can be attributed to several factors, increasing demand for biodegradable cleaning products, expanding utilization in personal care items, heightened adoption within the detergent industry, growing demand for surfactants, increased usage in hair care products, and rising application in soap formulations.

The methyl ester sulfonate market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.25 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to several factors, increasing awareness of environmental issues, government subsidies and incentives, rising concerns about health, growing demand for natural ingredients, and increased demand from the pharmaceutical sector. Major trends expected in the forecast period include advancements in production technology, innovations in chemical synthesis, developments in formulation technology, enhancements in packaging technology, and the use of bio-based raw materials.

The methyl ester sulfonate market is poised for growth driven by increasing demand for personal care products. These products encompass a wide range used for hygiene and grooming, promoting physical appearance and cleanliness. As consumers prioritize health and wellness, spending on personal care items continues to rise, enhancing overall well-being. Methyl ester sulfonate is a key ingredient in products such as shampoos, soaps, and skincare items, valued for its mildness and ability to generate stable foams, contributing to a positive user experience. For example, in July 2023, sales of beauty and personal care products in China surged to $88 billion, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, underscoring the market's growth driven by rising demand for personal care products.

Leading companies in the methyl ester sulfonate market are innovating with products such as sulfate-free anionic surfactants to meet the demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to traditional surfactants. These surfactants, which feature a negatively charged head and hydrophobic tail, effectively cleanse dirt and oil while being gentler on the skin and hair compared to sulfate-based options. For instance, KLK OLEO introduced SYMPARE Methyl Ester Sulfonates (MES) in August 2022, tailored for the personal care sector. This surfactant boasts a high natural origin index and meets ISO 16128 standards as a derived natural ingredient. It offers an environmentally sustainable choice compared to petroleum-derived surfactants commonly used in cleansing products. Additionally, SYMPARE is listed in the CleanGredients database, aligning with EPA's Safer Choice Standard and providing an alternative for formulating ultra-low-impurity products.

In January 2024, Kerfoot Group Ltd., a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of natural and organic oils, merged with Oleon N.V. The undisclosed merger enhances Kerfoot's position in the industry, enabling collaboration with Oleon as a leader in oleochemical products, including methyl esters.

Major companies operating in the methyl ester sulfonate market are BASF SE, Wilmar International Ltd., The Dow Chemical Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Evonik Industries AG, Solvay S.A., Kao Corporation, Musim Mas Holdings Pte Ltd, Wacker Chemie AG, Nouryon, Clariant AG, KLK OLEO Group, Lion Corporation, Stephan Company, Croda International Plc, Godrej Industries Limited, Vantage Specialty Chemicals Inc., Emery Oleochemicals, Fenchem Inc., Oleon NV, P&G Chemicals, Chemithon Corporation, Berg+Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG, Pilot Chemical Company.

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

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

The methyl ester sulfonate market consists of sales of laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, household cleaners, shampoos and conditioners, body washes and liquid soaps, pesticide formulations, drilling fluids, emulsifiers, agricultural adjuvants, and cosmetic products. 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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