May 8, 2024
Specialty and Fine Chemicals

Global Alcohol Ethoxylates Market to Witness High Growth Owing to Surging Demand from Detergents Industry

The Global Alcohol Ethoxylates Market is a multibillion-dollar industry that produces non-ionic surfactants which are obtained by the ethoxylation of fatty alcohols. Alcohol ethoxylates are chiefly used as emulsifiers, wetting agents, detergents, and dispersants. They have superior cleaning capabilities, are soluble in both oil and water which makes them suitable for various industrial and household cleaning applications. The demand for alcohol ethoxylates is steadily rising in the detergents industry where they effectively remove stains during laundry and dish washing.

The Global Alcohol Ethoxylates Market Demand is estimated to be valued at US$ 5.75 BN in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period of 2024 to 2031.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the Global Alcohol Ethoxylates Market are AkzoNobel N.V., BASF SE, Clariant AG, Dow Chemical Company, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Evonik Industries AG, Huntsman International LLC, India Glycols Limited, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Sasol Limited, and Stepan Company. These players dominate the market with their extensive product portfolios and global distribution networks.

The key opportunities in the market include expansion in emerging economies and growth of personal care products industry where alcohol ethoxylates are widely used as emulsifying, foaming, dispersing, and wetting agents in cosmetics, shampoos, hand washes, and other hygiene products. Technological advancements aimed at developing bio-based and environment-friendly alcohol ethoxylates using renewable resources will further support the market growth.

Market drivers

The surging demand for alcohol ethoxylates from the detergents industry is expected to be the major market driver. Alcohol ethoxylates are highly suitable for use in detergents due to their outstanding stain removal capability as well as oil and water solubility. Further, the burgeoning personal care industry worldwide is expanding the applications of alcohol ethoxylates in products like cosmetics, shampoos, and hand washes which will fuel their market growth over the forecast period.

Challenges in Global Alcohol Ethoxylates Market

The global alcohol ethoxylates market is facing challenges such as volatile crude oil prices and environmental regulations. Raw materials for manufacturing alcohol ethoxylates such as alcohol and ethylene oxide are crude oil derivatives and their prices fluctuate frequently according to crude oil price movements in the international market. Similarly, stringent regulations regarding use and disposal of these surfactants due to their potential impact on aquatic life have restricted their application scope. Manufacturers need to invest in R&D to develop bio-based and easily degradable variants fulfilling regulatory norms.

SWOT Analysis

Strength: Wide applications in industries like cleaning products, paints & coatings, oilfield chemicals due to excellent wetting and emulsifying properties.

Weakness: Possible negative health impact when used in excessive quantities.

Opportunity: Growing demand for bio-based and eco-friendly variants from personal care sectors.

Threats: Intense competition among established global players leave less scope for small entities.

Geographical Regions

The Asia Pacific market accounted for a major share in terms of value in 2019, primarily attributed to the large sized detergent and personal care industries in countries like China and India. However, stringent environment laws can potentially limit regional growth.

The North America region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period due to a shift towards green solvents in various industries and rising consumer preference for sustainable products.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it