The shift to oleochemical-based products are likely to minimise the problem of overcapacitystabilise prices and reduce regulatory pressures for participants in the European anionic surfactant market.
The growing emphasis on environment-friendly products will encourage end product manufacturers to increase consumption of biodegradable oleochemical-based anionic surfactants in key applicationsthus providing significant business opportunities.
Frost & Sullivan finds the European Anionic Surfactants Market earned E1234.8 million in 2005 and estimates this to reach E1677.1 million in 2012.
“Oleochemical-based sources will dictate the future of sulphonated anionic surfactants in Europe” states Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Mahesh Kumar.
The rising price of crude oil and their derivatives is minimising profit margins for sulphonated anionic surfactants. Furthermoreheightened concerns over their biodegradability and negative environmental impact are deterring their use in key applications. The anticipated increase in the supply of oleochemicals sources and subsequent expansion in production of biodegradable sulphonated anionic surfactants will offer a potentially strong solution to the current crisis.
Manufacturers are currently struggling with issues of oversupplydeclining profit margins and problems related to deformulation.
In additiondirectives such as Detergent Directive and Dangerous Substances Directivetogether with increasing consumer awareness are obliging manufacturers to produce biodegradable products.
“At the same timelow cost competition is compelling manufacturers to extend the scope of value-added services to ensure long-term business relationships and achieve visible differentiation” adds Mr Kumar.
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