Biosurfactants Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Biosurfactants Market is segmented By Applications (Detergents, Food Processing, Personal Care, Agricultural Chemicals, Others), By Type (Glycolipid, Lipopeptides Enzymes, Phospholipids, Polymeric, Others), By Application (Detergents, Personal Care, Food Processing, Agriculture Chemicals, Others) and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Report Overview

Global Biosurfactants Market reached US$ 1.24 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 2.66 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Low toxicity, biodegradability, and high compatibility with the environment are only a few of the many advantages that natural surfactants have over synthetic surfactants. The market for biosurfactants is expanding at a steady rate as a result of the increased demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable products across a variety of industries, including agriculture, personal care, pharmaceuticals and food. 

In addition, biosurfactants have uses in a wide variety of industries, such as the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the agricultural industry, the cosmetics industry and the oil recovery industry. There are several factors that help to the expansion of the global market for biosurfactants. The factors include the adaptability of biosurfactants and their capacity to substitute conventional surfactants in distinct applications.

It is anticipated that the revenue created through the production of soap and detergents, as well as cleaning and polishing preparations, will reach around US$ 6,131.81 million by the year 2023, as stated by the Office for National Statistics in UK. The offshore oil industry in UK demonstrated its tenacity in the face of one of the most severe oil price downturns in recent years, even though UK is a mature petroleum province.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics

Rising Environmental Concerns 

Utilization of surface-active substances is widespread and their consumption increases in parallel with the human population and activities. The principal applications of these compounds are in detergent goods, such as toothpaste and shampoos, as well as in degreasing, agriculture, oil extraction and other related fields. Surfactant is a broad category of compounds predominantly present in cleansers and other detergent solutions. 

The residual surfactants are discharged into sewer systems or directly into surface waterways, with the majority ultimately being deposited in the soil, sediment and other bodies of water. Ecological concerns are a significant societal concern due to the presence of surfactants in our rivers, wastewater treatment plants and seas, at a consumption rate exceeding 15 million tons annually. A significant concern is the release of untreated effluent or wastewater that is just receiving minimal treatment. 

Environmental consequences can be severe when wastewater containing high levels of surfactants is discharged. A comprehensive water treatment process is necessary to collect, treat and retransmit wastewater for reuse. The environmental issues surrounding surfactants, such as their restricted biodegradability, toxicity, eutrophication and allergens, have spurred more study and the development of innovative bio-based surfactants. The surfactants have a crucial function in mitigating carbon emissions and significant atmospheric greenhouse gasses. 

Lack Of Production Technology

The lack of suitable manufacturing technology for biosurfactants has been a significant challenge in the realm of biotechnology and industrial applications. One of the primary barriers to commercialization is the cost of manufacture. At now, the production cost of several biosurfactants exceeds that of their synthetic counterparts. 

The cost gap is caused by the increase in demand for specialist strains, fermentation processes and downstream purification techniques. The development of cost-effective production procedures is crucial for the success of a corporation. Adequate accessibility and reasonable pricing of the growing medium and raw materials required for the production of biosurfactants are essential. 

The recovery and purification of biosurfactants from the fermentation broth may present challenges and incur high costs. Efficient downstream procedures are necessary to provide a product of optimal purity. Furthermore, the progress in optimizing production processes and developing new applications for biosurfactants has been hindered by insufficient funding for research and development in this area.

Market Segment Analysis

The global biosurfactants market is segmented based on type, application and region.

Based On The Application, Detergents Dominated The Market

The formulation of laundry and home cleaning solutions relies heavily on surfactants, which play an important role in the process. Modern detergents are made up of a variety of components, including chemical surfactants, softeners, oxidizing agents and various enzymes. Moreover, all surfactants are manufactured synthetically and they constitute a danger to aquatic life that is still in its juvenile stages. 

In addition to being stable over a broad pH range (7.0-12.0), biosurfactants, such as Cyclic Lipopeptide (CLP), do not lose their surface-dynamic properties when they are heated to high temperatures. As a result of their remarkable likeness and strength to commercial clothes cleaners, as well as their exceptional emulsion production capacity with vegetable oils, it is recommended that they be taken into consideration when developing a strategy for clothing cleaners.

In 2021, the Industry Association for Personal Care and Detergents e. V (IKW) reported that the income generated from laundry detergents and cleaning goods in Germany amounted to EUR 5,092 million, which is equivalent to around US$ 6,024.60 million. It is a significant increase over the previous year's figure of EUR 5,246 million, which is equivalent to approximately US$ 5,990 million.

Market Geographical Share

Rising Consumer Awareness for Green Surfactants in Europe 

It is anticipated that growth will be boosted by the growing awareness among manufacturers regarding the utilization of green surfactant alternatives to the reduction of carbon footprints. An increase in the amount of legislation that prohibits the consumption of chemicals that have the potential to generate hazardous byproducts or release toxins into the environment as a result of biological degradation is also anticipated to boost growth. 

As stated by the European Commission, the European Union community first enacted a policy in 1970 that restricted the use of surfactants in detergents. It was done in order to address the issue of lathering in water systems, which is detrimental to the marine ecosystem. Throughout the years, Germany's population has grown and the country's citizens have a high level of awareness of personal cleanliness and care. 

As a result, there is a significant amount of soap and detergent consumption. Over the course of the forecast period, it is anticipated that this will result in an increase in the utilization of surfactants. The items that are manufactured by the chemical industry in Germany are indispensable for a wide range of products, such as soaps, detergents, cosmetics and so on. More than sixty different companies that produce cleaning, care and washing products are located inside the borders of this nation.

The VKE, which stands for the Association of Marketing Companies for Cosmetic Products e. V, reported that the cosmetics industry in Germany experienced a year-on-year revenue growth of 0.4% in 2021, which was significantly higher than the -9 percent reduction that was seen in 2020. As a result of the intense competition among manufacturers to maintain the interest of customers, the market for the soap and detergent production business in UK is a dynamic one. 

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Evonik Industries AG, Deugan Biosurfactant Supplier, Biotensidon GmbH, Saraya Co., Ltd, Allied Carbon Solutions Co., Ltd., Daqing VICTEX Industries Co., Ltd., Jeneil Biotech, Inc., BASF SE, Holiferm Limited, Solvay S.A.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has had a substantial effect on the biosurfactants sector, mainly due to interruptions in the availability of raw materials and energy. Organic chemical firms in Europe, especially in Germany, depend significantly on natural gas for both energy consumption and manufacturing operations. In light of the ongoing conflict resulting in escalating energy expenses and the possibility of gas rationing, corporations are encountering unparalleled difficulties. 

The imposition of production stoppages has resulted in heightened prudence among corporate executives, shown in the significant decline in business expectations in Germany. The unpredictability of energy sources from Russia has resulted in decreased output of crucial chemical commodities like as ammonia, which is vital for several industrial uses, including the synthesis of biosurfactants. 

Notably, BASF and Yara have already declared reductions in ammonia production, which directly impacts the accessibility of this essential component for the manufacturing of biosurfactants. Amidst rising energy prices and unpredictable supply chains, the biosurfactants sector is confronted with a hazardous future, characterized by possible disruptions in production and escalating costs.

By Type

• Glycolipids
  • Sophorolipids
  • Trehalolipids
  • Rhamnolipids
• Lipopeptides
  • Surfactin
  • Lechenysin
• Phospholipids
• Polymeric
• Others

By Application

• Detergents
• Personal Care
• Food Processing
• Agriculture Chemicals
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In June 2022, Evonik Industries AG commenced the construction of a commercial rhamnolipid manufacturing plant in Slovenská Ėupča, Slovakia. Through the establishment of this new biosurfactant facility, the company aims to establish itself as a trailblazer in producing high-quality, environmentally-friendly biosurfactants.
• In March 2022, BASF SE revealed that its subsidiary Care Creations has successfully created Plantapon Soy, an anionic surfactant synthesized from soy protein. The bio-based surfactant provides several environmental advantages to the personal care and cosmetics sector. 
• In January 2024, UK-based biosurfactants manufacturing company, Holiferm, has successfully obtained an investment of approximately US$ 23.3 million for the production of sustainable biosurfactants. The investment will enable Holiferm to expand its commercial processing facility. At present, Holiferm's Wallasey facility has a capacity of 1.1 kilo tonnes per annum (KTA).

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global biosurfactants market segmentation based on type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the biosurfactants market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players. 

The global biosurfactants market report would provide approximately 54 tables, 46 figures and 208 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies