The global metal cleaning chemicals market revenue is expected to reach USD 20,111.7 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.2% during 2023–2030.
The market growth is due to the surging demand for eco-friendly solutions and the massive scale of industrialization in advanced economies. These chemicals are used for removing both organic and inorganic impurities from metallic surfaces. The main purposes of using them are preventing damage, enhancing product lifespan, and maintaining the performance levels of products. Industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace use these agents in order to protect metals from corrosive substances, including hard water, grease, and oils, that cover metallic surfaces with time.
Moreover, metal cleaning chemicals are selected depending on the condition of the surface and the specific impurities that need to be removed. Alkaline chemicals are used against organic impurities, such as oils and greases, while the acidic ones are used when dealing with inorganic impurities, such as scale, lime, and smut.
Developing economies are displaying a great demand for these agents because of the advancements in their manufacturing, automotive, and construction sectors. Innovative production techniques are being adopted by these economies, which, combined with the implementation of strict regulations by governments to ensure the quality and reliability of products, is driving the demand for enhanced cleaning chemicals.
Based on ingredient type, the surfactants category dominates the market. This has a lot to with the fact that they are the primary component of various cleaning formulae. The surging demand for clean and hygienic environments in corporate and healthcare spaces is steering the usage of surfactants.
Chelating agents held the second-largest share in the market. They are negatively charged oxygen-containing compounds, which, upon coming into contact with positively charged ions, form stable solutions.
The European market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 5% during the prediction period. This has a lot to do with the highly productive automobile and aerospace sectors of the region.
Germany alone has 41 assembly and engine production plants, making it the largest automobile manufacturer across Europe. Moreover, the nation possesses the biggest healthcare sector, which also helps in its domination on the regional market.
Moreover, the European market growth is due to the continent’s advanced industrial sector and the significant investments in high-quality products. Additionally, the government policies mandating a high quality in production will be responsible for the market expansion in the years to come. Germany, France, and the U.K. are playing an important role in the overall European market advance due to their prominent manufacturing industries, where quality is preferred over quantity.
Furthermore, the demand for these cleaning chemicals will rise significantly in the MEA region during the forecast period owing to the implementation of strict policies against the use of harmful chemicals. This will propel the consumption of bio-based metal cleaning agents and offer new opportunities to the players.
Some of the key market players are BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, Eastman Chemical Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Stepan Company, The Chemours Company, Quaker Chemical Corporation, KYZEN Corporation, Lincoln Chemical Corporation, and Houghton International Inc.