size is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2021-2026. Globally, owing to the widespread adoption of cationic surfactants and use of the anionic surfactants in LABS (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfate) is estimated to drive market growth. Increasing production of bio-based surfactants and synthetic surfactants has also raised the growth of the market. Moreover, because of the foaming and viscosity, specialty surfactants are gaining popularity in a variety of applications, including personal care, food and beverages, and agriculture, which is driving the market growth. Increased emphasis on R&D to produce value-added differentiated specialty surfactant products is estimated to create opportunities for the growth of the market.
The specialty surfactant industry, which had seen healthy revenue growth in recent years due to increased domestic demand and exports, was negatively impacted in the first quarter of 2020 due to coronavirus-induced lockdown and disruptions. However, after the first quarter because of the increasing awareness among consumers in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, demand for personal hygiene and homecare products increased even more in the past year (2020).Manufacturing companies believe that the pandemic has made consumers more aware of the importance of maintaining hygiene, both personally and at home, to reduce the chances of infection, and that this will become a trend in the long run. Thus, it is estimated that in the upcoming years the demand for personal hygiene and homecare products will increase which would further raise the growth of the specialty surfactant market.
Key Takeaways
- Asia-Pacific region dominates the specialty surfactants market owing to the rising production and usage of personal care products in emerging economies such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea.
- Growing popularity of bio-based surface active agents is driving the market growth. Lower synthetic wetting agent prices, rising disposable income, and ease of access are expected to propel the trade forward.
- Moreover, the rising environmental concern against the use of specialty surfactant is anticipated to create hurdles in the growth of the market over the forecast period.
Specialty Surfactants Market Segment Analysis- By Type
Anionic surfactants held the largest share of around 25% in the specialty surfactants market in 2020. Sulfonated or phosphorylated straight-chain hydrocarbons are the most common anionic surfactants used. Owing to the low cost and ease of availability of anionic surfactants is increasingly used in the laundry detergents, and electronic dishwashing detergents. Other advantages of anionic surfactants make them suitable for certain carpet applications. When irritated, they produce a lot of foam. They're often flaky or powdery when dry, rather than sticky like other surfactants. Anionic surfactants, including conventional shampoos and encapsulation products, are the most popular form of surfactant used in low moisture carpet cleaners. These detergents, on the other hand, aren't as effective at emulsifying oily soils as other detergent varieties. Thus, with an increase in the demand for anionic surfactants in several applications the market is anticipated to rise in the forecast period.
Specialty Surfactants Market Segment Analysis- By Application
Personal care sector held the largest share in the specialty surfactants market in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period 2021-2026.While inexpensive commodity products will continue to account for the majority of demand in terms of volume, consumer demand for specialty surfactants in personal care products would increase. As well as manufacturers' efforts to increase the use of multifunctional, environmentally friendly products, will drive the demand for specialty surfactants over the forecast period. With the rising growth in the personal care sector the market for specialty surfactants is also anticipated to upsurge in recent years. For instance, According to Assocham, India's beauty, cosmetics, and grooming market will expand from US$ 6.5 billion to US$ 20 billion by 2025, owing to the middle-class disposable income and the aspirations of people to live a good life and look nice. Thus, with an increase in the demand for personal care products and growth of the personal care industry is anticipated to raise the market for specialty surfactants in the forecast period.
Specialty Surfactants Market Segment Analysis- Geography
Asia-Pacific region held the largest share of more than 35% in the specialty surfactants market in 2020.The rising usage and demand of personal care products and cleaning detergents in the Asia-Pacific countries is driving up the demand for specialty surfactants. These end use industries account for the majority of the demand for specialty surfactants products. Furthermore, increasing demand for specialty surfactants in the Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and others, in applications such as soap and detergents, and personal care, has raised the market growth. According to the International Trade Administration, from 2019 to 2022, Thailand's beauty and personal care market is expected to expand at a steady rate by 7.3% per year. With the rising personal care sector, the market for specialty surfactants is estimated to increase. Thus, the demand for specialty surfactants is therefore anticipated to increase in the Asia-Pacific region over the forecast period.
Specialty Surfactants Market Drivers
Increasing Demand for Bio-Based Surfactants
Bio-Based surfactants are microbial surfactants that outperform chemically synthesized agents in terms of functionality. Because of their high degree of protection and biodegradability, these surfactants are considered eco-friendly raw materials. The demand for Bio-Based surfactants and the production of greener solutions for various applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industrial cleaning, and biochemical’s is increasing as customers become more aware of the use of sustainable and natural ingredients in their everyday products. However, as environmental and human health issues develop, governments and surfactant manufacturers are increasingly focusing on shifting to green and sustainable goods in almost every application. Thus, with the increasing demand for bio-based surfactants the market demand for specialty surfactants market is anticipated to rise over the forecast period.
Rising usage of specialty surfactant in agrochemicals
Increasing use of specialty surfactants to maximize the performance of agrochemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and others, have raised the growth of the market. Specialty surfactants improve pesticide efficiency through a variety of mechanisms, and in particular increase the foliar uptake of herbicides, growth regulators, and defoliants. Also, specialty surfactants improve the application performance of agrochemicals by breaking the surface tension of spray droplets and is increasingly used in the agrochemicals industry. Currently, the rising growth of the agrochemical industry is estimated to raise the growth of the market. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, the agrochemicals market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8% between FY22 and FY25, reaching US$ 3.7 billion in FY22 and US$ 4.7 billion in FY25. With the rising agrochemical sector the demand for specialty surfactant is also anticipated to rise in the forecast period.
Specialty Surfactants Market Challenges
Environmental Effects of Specialty Surfactants
Specialty surfactants are regularly deposited on land and in water systems in a variety of ways, either as part of a planned process or as industrial and household waste. As a consequence of sewage sludge application, wastewater irrigation, and remediation practices, anionic surfactants can be present in soils. Specialty surfactants in high concentrations combined with multimetals can pose a threat to the environment. Specialty surfactants are found in the atmosphere at levels that are not harmful, and in Croatia, they are below the national limit. The majority of surfactants are biodegradable, and secondary treatment in wastewater treatment plants significantly reduces their volume. The release of untreated wastewater or wastewater that has only undergone primary treatment is the most serious concern. The release of wastewater contaminated with large amounts of surfactants may also have significant consequences for the environment. Thus, rising environmental concerns pertaining to the use of specialty surfactants, can act as a constraint for the growth of the specialty surfactants market during the forecast period.
Specialty Surfactants Market Landscape
Technology launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the specialty surfactants market. Major players in the specialty surfactants market are3M, BASF SE, Stepan Company, Akzo-Nobel, Evonik Industries AG, Solvay, The Dow Chemical Company, Arkema, Clariant, and Kao Corporation among others.
Acquisitions/Technology Launches
- In May 2019, Arkema company, acquired ArrMaz, a specialty surfactant company based in Florida, for $570 million from Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm. Arkema reported that the acquisition would help it to achieve its target of deriving 80% of revenue from specialty chemicals by 2023.
