The shift to oleochemical-based products are likely to minimise the problem of overcapacity, stabilise 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 applications, thus 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. Furthermore, heightened 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 oversupply, declining profit margins and problems related to deformulation.

In addition, directives such as Detergent Directive and Dangerous Substances Directive, together with increasing consumer awareness are obliging manufacturers to produce biodegradable products.

“At the same time, low 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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