Low Foam Surfactants Market Size & Share

Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2024 - 2036

Low Foam Surfactants Market size is predicted to surpass USD 26 billion by the end of 2036, expanding around 6% CAGR during the forecast period, i.e., 2024 – 2036. In the year 2023, the industry size of low foam surfactants was close to USD 15 billion. This growth is set to be encouraged by the growing production of paper & pulp. Roughly 95 million metric tons of graphic paper were manufactured around the world in 2021. Manufacturing of packaging paper and board was about 263 million metric tons in the meantime. In total, nearly 416 million metric tons of paper and paperboard were generated worldwide in 2021. Hence, with this increase in production the market for low foam surfactants is also expected to expand.

The paper which is under production has to go through different stages. Defoamers must be used throughout the whole paper-producing process. All varieties of paper goods are produced with the aid of defoaming agents. They lessen paper breakage, thereby increasing the efficiency of the paper machine and increasing output at the paper mill. Moreover, defoamers substantially decrease the amount of steam used by the dryers, resulting in energy-efficient operation that lowers expenses. As a result, the utilization of low-foam surfactants is growing.

Low Foam Surfactants Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges

Growing Awareness Among People Regarding Cleanliness: ore and more people are becoming aware of cleanliness not only in developed countries but also in developing nations. Low-foaming surfactants have less foam volume, which is particularly advantageous in cleaning operations requiring a lot of mechanical energy. Hence, the utilization of low-foam surfactants is growing in detergents and household rinse aids. Therefore, with the growing people's preference for cleanliness, they would demand these detergents further boosting the market growth.
Rising Demand for Bio-Based Surfactants: Biosurfactants are amphiphilic substances that are either released extracellularly or synthesized on the surfaces of living things. They have the capacity to lower the tension on the surface between a fluid and a solidifying agent as well as between two liquid surfaces since they contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic components. The governments of numerous nations throughout the world are working to encourage the consumption of eco-friendly or green surfactants due to the negative consequences and non-biodegradable nature of chemically synthesized surfactants. As a result of their high biodegradability and low toxicity, bio-based low-foam surfactants are becoming more popular among end users. For instance, in 2022, by assisting in the removal of fossil carbon from the value chain, Clariant introduced its new Vita 100% bio-based surfactants and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) to directly combat climate change.
Surge in Demand for Cosmetics: In many cosmetics formulas, surfactants play an essential role. Various cosmetics application such as body cleansing, and wetting is possible with the utilization of surfactants. However, in the past, the use of foam in order to create bubbles was also high and was greatly liked by people. But in spite of that, the use of low-foam surfactants was encouraged. Low foam detergents utilize fewer resources such as energy and water compared to high foam detergents, making them more environmentally friendly. Moreover, low-foam detergents are more economical since people may use less of them per load since they are more concentrated. As a result, their use in cosmetics is growing.

Challenges

Substitutes Availability - Low-foam surfactants have the potential to be replaced by anionic surfactants with comparable properties. Anionic surfactants are commonly employed as emulsifiers, wetting agents, spreading agents, and foaming agents. They are utilized in agrochemicals, oilfield chemicals, personal care products, laundry detergent, cosmetics, industrial and institutional cleaning, and personal care goods. Hence, this factor is projected to restrain the market expansion.
Toxic Nature of Surfactants
Surge in Price of Raw Materials Required for Low Foam Surfactants

Low Foam Surfactants Segmentation

End-User Industry (Agrochemicals, Food & Dairy Process Cleaners, Detergents & Cleaning Agents, Pulp & Paper, Metal Cleaning & Metal Working Fluids, Oilfield Chemicals)

The detergents & cleaning agents segment in the low foam surfactants market is set to garner a share of about 40% during the projected period. The need for low-foam surfactants has grown significantly as a consequence of the increase in laundry detergents and cleaners for domestic and commercial use. Additionally, consumers are purchasing detergents with various smells since fresh perfumes are currently fashionable, thereby rendering them popular in urban areas and fueling the market's expansion. Moreover, increasing fast-paced lifestyles have already pushed major market participants to develop innovative customer-drawing techniques. Hence, this element is also driving demand for detergents & cleaning agents further influencing market growth.

Type (Amphoteric, Cationic, Non-Ionic)

The non-ionic segment in the low foam surfactants market is expected to grow at the highest share of approximately 50% over the coming years. The non-ionic surfactants provide enhanced emulsification, reduced foam, and reduced water solubility. The nonionic alkoxylates containing ethylene and propylene oxide function work exceptionally well when cleaning. Non-ionic low-foam surfactants are in great demand as a result of their widespread use in household and personal care cleansers and detergents.

Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments:

Type

Amphoteric
Cationic
Non-ionic

End-User Industry

Agrochemicals
Food & Dairy Process Cleaners
Detergents & Cleaning Agents
Pulp & Paper
Metal Cleaning & Metal Working Fluids
Oilfield Chemicals

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Low Form Surfactants Industry- Regional Synopsis

APAC Market Forecast

The Asia Pacific low foam surfactants market is projected to grow at the largest share of about 35% over the projected period. This could be owing to growing agricultural activity in this region. For instance, China is estimated to experience a surge in food supplies and various different agricultural products by about 650 million tons. Hence, the need for low-form surfactants will also rise since it is used in agrochemicals for rapid and healthy production of crops.

North American

The low foam surfactants market in North America is also poised to experience substantial growth by the end of 2036. The major factor for its growth in this region is the rising demand for food & dairy products. For many companies involved in food processing, foaming is a crucial unit action. Hence, the use of low-foam surfactants is growing in this region.

Key Questions Answered in the Report

1) What are the major factors driving the growth of the low foam surfactants market?

Ans: The major factors driving the growth of the market are growing awareness among people regarding cleanliness, rising demand for bio-based surfactants, and surge in demand for cosmetics.

2) What would be the CAGR of the low foam surfactants market over the forecast period?

Ans: The market size of low foam surfactants is anticipated to attain a CAGR of 6% over the forecast period, i.e., 2024 â€“ 2036.

3) Who are the major players dominating the low foam surfactants market?

Ans: The major players in the market are BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Huntsman International LLC, Croda International Plc, and others.

4) Which segment captures the largest market size in the type segment in the low foam surfactants market?

Ans: The non-ionic segment is anticipated to garner the largest market size by the end of 2036 and display significant growth opportunities.

5) Which region will provide more business opportunities for the growth of the low foam surfactants market in the future?

Ans: The market in the Asia Pacific region is projected to hold the largest market share by the end of 2036 and provide more business opportunities in the future.

Base Year	2023
Forecast Year	2024-2036
CAGR	~6%
Base Year Market Size (2023)	~ USD 15 Billion
Forecast Year Market Size (2036)	~ USD 26 Billion
Regional Scope	North America (U.S., and Canada) Latin America (Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, NORDIC, Rest of Europe) Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC North Africa, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East and Africa)