Liquid detergent chemicals: Key market research findings
- North America dominates the market globally
- Growing preference for concentrated liquid detergent
- Key vendors – BASF, Clariant, and Novozymes
Technavio’s market research analysts predict the global market for liquid detergent chemicals to grow at a CAGR of around 5% between 2016 and 2020. The growth of this market can be attributed to the emergence of green surfactants. Green surfactants or naturally-sourced surfactants have two key ingredients – alkyl poly glucoside (APG) and methyl ester sulphonate (MES). APG is a non-ionic surfactant that is sourced from plant-based raw materials such as starch and vegetable oil. It is known for low irritancy and higher stability with enzymes in liquid detergents compared to other non-ionic surfactants. BASF is a key leading producer of APG that markets it under the brand name Glucopon. During 2015, the global liquid detergent chemicals market was dominated by North America with a market share of around 40%. The steady increase in the demand for concentrated liquid detergents and liquid tablet detergents in this region will fuel the demand for liquid detergent chemicals during the forecast period.
The new market research report from Technavio presents a breakdown and analysis of the liquid detergent chemicals market based on the product type.
“There is an ongoing shift towards concentrated liquid detergent formulations in the market. Vendors of liquid detergents such as P&G, Unilever, and Henkel are focusing on introducing concentrated liquid detergents. Compared to standard liquid detergents that have an average water content of 65%-70%, concentrated formats contain only 5%-50% water. Concentrated liquid detergents constitute chemical ingredients that are less water-dependent,” says Abhay Sinha, Lead Analyst, New Coverage, Technavio Research.
In terms of revenue, the surfactants segment accounted for around 24% of the global liquid detergent chemicals market to become the key revenue generating vertical. Surfactants, also known as surface active agents, are a group of organic compounds that can reduce the surface tension of a liquid, the interfacial tension between two liquids, and the interfacial tension between a fluid and a solid. They may be derived from petrochemicals, renewable sources such as vegetable oil and animal fat, or a combination of both.
The key vendors in the global liquid detergent chemicals market include BASF, Clariant, and Novozymes. Most vendors in the market are focusing on the R&D of polymer technology that can add greater value to detergent formulators. Key vendors in the market also offer products that are bio-based and derived from renewable sources. Vendors compete on the basis of quality rather than price. This is primarily due to innovations as most formulators are striving to develop novel, high-performance products as opposed to low-cost products.
A more detailed analysis is available in the Technavio report, Global Liquid Detergent Chemicals Market 2016-2020.
We can customize reports by other regions and specific segments upon request.
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