Market Overview
Surfactants synthesized from natural raw materials are referred to as natural surfactants. These are the surfactants taken directly from natural source such as plants, animals, or by using separation procedures including extraction, precipitation, and distillation. Some of the examples of these surfactants are fatty acid ester of sugars, fatty acid ester, and amines of amino acids.
On the basis of type, the global natural surfactants market is categorized into anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. The anionic surfactants are further classified into linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), secondary alkane sulfonate (SAS), alpha olefin sulfonates (AOS), and methyl ester sulfonates (MES). The non-anionic surfactants are further classified into alcohol ethoxylates (AE) and amine oxides.
The nonionic product type segment is expected to hold the largest share in the natural surfactants market in the coming years. This can be attributed to its superior qualities, over other types, including stability, not get easily affected by strong electrolytes and acid base. Along with that, it shares a good compatibility with cationic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants.
Based on substrate, the natural surfactants market is categorized into synthetic surfactants and bio-based surfactants. The bio-based surfactants are further classified into chemically synthesized bio-based surfactants (sucrose esters, alkyl polyglycosides, fatty acid glucamides, and sorbitan esters) and bio surfactants (low molecular weight biosurfactants and high molecular weight biosurfactants). In the coming years, the bio-based surfactants market is expected to register the higher CAGR, due to the increasing demand from personal care industry.
On the basis of application, the natural surfactants market is categorized into detergents, personal care, textile, industrial and institutional cleaning, elastomers and plastics, oilfield chemicals, crop protection, food and beverage, and others. The personal care application category is expected to register the highest growth in the market during the forecast period. The changing consumer lifestyle and awareness regarding the use of natural products on their skin instead of harmful chemicals is expected to drive the market growth. Along with that, the introduction of stringent rules and regulations regarding the use of toxic chemicals in personal care and other applications is also contributing towards the market growth.
Market Dynamics
Trend
Companies operating in the natural surfactants market are adopting strategies such as new expansions, product launches, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance their market positions and distribution networks, globally. These companies are extensively engaged in R&D activities to innovate and develop natural surfactants that can open avenues for new end-use industries. Such developmental activities by key players is forming a major trend in the market.
Drivers
The major growth driver identified in the natural surfactants market is the increasing demand of personal care products such as fabric softeners, shampoos, and body wash. The demand for these non-toxic and highly biodegradable products is increasing due to the rising concerns regarding environmental protection. Also, increasing consumer awareness regarding the use of bio-based ingredients is further propelling the market growth.
Restraints
Stringent rules and regarding by government in various regions and countries is identified as main restraints in the natural surfactants market. This is so because several manufacturers develop newer products to be competitive in the market, however compliance with the regulatory mandates for every product is time-consuming and costly. This restricts the entrance of new player, thus hindering the market growth.
Opportunities
Production of sustainable green sustainable green surfactants products in the market in order to meet the increasing demand is creating ample opportunities in the natural surfactants market for the industry players.
Insights by geography
The APAC is expected to register the fastest growth in the natural surfactants market. This can be attributed to the increasing population in the region, which is driving the demand of the product for various applications in the region. Countries such as India and China are expected to be the major contributor in the market growth, due to the increasing demand of grooming products from young population.
Competitive Landscape
Some of the major players operating in the global natural surfactants market are DowDuPont Inc., BASF SE, Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Stepan Company, Croda International Plc, Kao Corporation, Sasol, Akzo Nobel N.V., Huntsman International LLC, and Solvay SA.
