Low Foam Surfactants Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• 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