Detergent Alcohol Market

Detergent Alcohol Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global detergent alcohol market is estimated to be valued at US$ 6.87 billion in 2024 and has been forecast to increase at a 5.1% CAGR to reach US$ 11.3 billion by 2034.

The business deals with the production and sales of a wide variety of alcohols used to make cleaning products and detergents. These alcohols, such as linear alkylbenzene (LAB), alcohol ethoxylates (AE), and fatty alcohols, play a vital role in the production of laundry detergents, dish soaps, surface cleaners, and industrial detergents.

The market is growing at a steady pace due to rising demand for cleaning products for household as well as industrial purposes. In addition, advancements in detergent formulation and the increasing use of bio-based and eco-friendly detergent alcohols are driving market expansion.

Key Market Growth Drivers

• Growing awareness of maintaining a hygienic environment in residential and commercial settings is driving detergent alcohol market growth with high demand for cleaning products.
• Detergent alcohols are key components in cleaning product formulations, including laundry detergents, dish soaps, and surface cleansers, fueling market expansion.
• The industrial and institutional cleaning industry, which includes commercial cleaning services, healthcare facilities, and the hospitality sector, is exhibiting significant expansion, and detergent alcohols are extensively utilized in industrial cleaners and cleaning solutions due to their outstanding cleaning abilities, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.
• Detergent manufacturers are creating products that provide better cleaning power, are eco-friendly, and work well in various water conditions.
• Growing environmental concerns are prompting companies, consumers, and governments to shift toward eco-friendly detergents. This includes detergent alcohols that come from natural fats and oils instead of non-renewable sources.
• Demand for ready-to-use cleaning products is gaining considerable traction among consumers.
• One of the key reasons behind the expansion of the detergent alcohol market size is ongoing advancements in detergent alcohol formulations.

Report Attributes	Details
Detergent Alcohol Market Size (2024E)	US$ 6.87 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 11.3 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.1% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2024E)	23.8%
North America Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7% CAGR
Sales of Natural Detergent Alcohol (2034F)	US$ 4.02 Billion
Sales of Synthetic Detergent Alcohol (2034F)	US$ 7.28 Billion
Key Companies Profiled	Procter & Gamble Sasol Limited BASF SE Ashland Bioamber Inc. Univar Inc. Ecogreen Oleochemicals Kao Corporation Univar Solutions Inc. Kepong Berhad (KLK) Oleo Wilmar International Ltd. Royal Dutch Shell Plc SABIC Godrej Industries

Which Key Detergent Alcohol Market Trends are Significant for Manufacturers?

“Growing Demand for Industrial and Commercial Cleaning Services and Rising Hygiene Standards”

The industrial and commercial cleaning sector is exhibiting significant growth attributed to rising hygiene standards, evolving regulations, and increased demand for cleaning services across various industries such as janitorial services, healthcare, and hospitality. Within this industry, cleanliness and efficient sanitation are paramount, with detergent alcohols serving as essential ingredients in several industrial cleaning formulations.

Remarkable cleaning efficacy and versatility of detergent alcohols make them indispensable, and they thus find applications ranging from disinfecting hospital surfaces to maintaining cleanliness in commercial kitchens and public areas. Detergent alcohols are capable of effectively removing dirt, grease, and stains, making them highly valued components in cleaning solutions.

How Do Raw Material Price Fluctuations Affect Market Growth?

“Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices Driving Up Cost of Final Product”

Fluctuations in raw material prices pose significant challenges for manufacturers as these costs are influenced by factors such as crop yields, weather, and geopolitical events, which can change unpredictably. These factors influence the cost of inputs used to make detergent alcohol. Raw material price fluctuations translate into increased production costs, resulting in lower profit margins and higher costs for consumers.

Sudden increases in raw materials prices not only disturb supply chains but also manufacturing schedules, which impact the availability of detergent alcohol products in the market. Changes in regulations related to environmental policies and trade agreements are influencing the availability and cost of raw materials, thus impacting the growth of the detergent alcohol market.

Country-wise Insights

East Asia is estimated to account for 23.8% of the global detergent alcohol market share in 2024. The market in North America is projected to expand at a significant CAGR of 7% from 2024 to 2034.

Which Factors are Contributing to Bullish Market Trends in China?

“Significant Production of Industrial and Home Cleaners and Pharmaceutical Sector Expansion”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 932.1 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.74 Billion

Demand for detergent alcohol in China is driven by the significant production of industrial and home cleaners. The expansion of the pharmaceutical sector and consumer preference for sustainability are also contributing to market growth. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly boosted demand for industrial cleaners, plastics, and polymers. China is a major soap and detergent consumer, with growing demand for personal care products.

Why is Need for Detergent Alcohols Increasing in the United States?

“High Emphasis on Use of Eco-friendly Ingredients in Cleaning Products”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 747.5 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.46 Billion

In the North American region, the United States is estimated to hold a leading market share of 79.4% in 2024. Stringent environmental regulations are prompting the adoption of eco-friendly ingredients in the manufacturing of cleaning products. Research and development efforts focusing on low-foaming variants and improved solubility are driving market expansion. Detergent alcohols are used in industrial cleaning, textiles, and personal care.

Category-wise Insights

By application, the market is segmented into household detergents, industrial cleaners, lubricant additives, welding & fabrication work, personal care products, plasticizer & processing aids, and pharmaceuticals. Industrial cleaners hold a significant market share, as several industries, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, food and beverages, chemical, sugar, textile, and other manufacturing sectors, employ them extensively.

Why are Synthetic Detergent Alcohols Preferred over Natural Variants?

“Cost-effectiveness of Synthetic Detergent Alcohols Driving Their Preference”

Attribute	Synthetic Detergent Alcohol
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 4.72 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 7.28 Billion

Synthetic detergent alcohols represent a budget-friendly and adaptable option for formulating a broad range of cleaning items, such as laundry detergents, dish soaps, and surface cleaners. Their reliable quality, stability, and proficiency at eliminating dirt, grease, and stains make them a favored choice for producers looking for dependable cleaning solutions. Synthetic detergent alcohols can be customized to fulfill precise performance needs and have compatibility with various formulations, providing flexibility to product developers.

Materials for making synthetic detergent alcohols are widely available and are also more cost-effective, unlike natural detergent alcohols. Due to this, synthetic detergent alcohols hold a significant market share in 2024.

How Do Natural Detergent Alcohols Align with Sustainability Practices?

“Production of Natural Detergent Alcohols from Renewable Resources”

Attribute	Natural Detergent Alcohol
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 2.16 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 4.02 Billion

Growing emphasis on environmental sustainability is driving more end users to opt for natural detergent alcohols, even though the synthetic variant is more cost-effective. Natural detergent alcohols are manufactured from renewable resources such as plant oils and fats and therefore provide an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based alcohols. With increasing environmental concerns, people are becoming more conscious of their choice of products. Natural detergent alcohols are considered safer as they are biodegradable, making them a favored option among eco-conscious consumers who want greener choices.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the detergent alcohol industry include Procter & Gamble, Sasol Limited, BASF SE, Ashland, Bioamber Inc., Univar Inc., Ecogreen Oleochemicals, Kao Corporation, Univar Solutions Inc., Kepong Berhad (KLK) Oleo, Wilmar International Ltd., Royal Dutch Shell plc., SABIC, and Godrej Industries.

• In August 2023, to assist the cleaning sector transition away from single-use plastics, vegan detergent manufacturer MACK, and sustainable packaging startup Notpla joined forces to offer a biodegradable alternative for detergent packaging. Notpla's novel seaweed and plant-derived biodegradable film will be used in the sachets that MACK will use to introduce its laundry detergent refills. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVO/PVO) plastics can be replaced by these innovative packaging materials.
• In May 2022, Kao Corporation announced the opening of a new tertiary amine facility in Texas. The new factory is expected to begin operations by 2025 and have a 20,000-ton annual output capacity. Fatty alcohols will employ tertiary amines in the production of dishwashing detergents, hair conditioners, and other products.
• In February 2021, Sasol Chemicals and Univar Solutions signed a distribution deal for Sasol Chemicals' chemical division, which produces alcohols and surfactants for the market for personal care products.

Segmentation of Detergent Alcohol Market Research

• By Raw Material :

  • Natural Detergent Alcohol
    • Oil
    • Fats
    • Wax
  • Synthetic Detergent Alcohol
    • Isopropanol
    • Ethanol

• By Application :

  • Household Detergents
  • Industrial Cleaners
  • Lubricant Additives
  • Welding & Fabrication Work
  • Personal Care Products
  • Plasticizer & Processing Aids
  • Pharmaceuticals

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa