Metal Cleaner Market

Metal Cleaner Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

Worldwide sales of metal cleaners are estimated at US$ 14.18 billion in 2024. The global market has been forecasted to expand at 4.8% CAGR and reach a value of US$ 22.66 billion by the end of 2034.

Metal cleaners are solvent-free, water-soluble detergents used for the safe removal of moderate industrial dirt. Metal cleaners contain rust and corrosion inhibitors to prevent rust and corrosion on aluminum, steel, cast iron, stainless steel, brass, copper, etc. Metal cleaners are used with pressure washers, steam cleaners, and dip tanks. They assist in the removal of grease, cosmoline grease, greasy carbon, carbon exhaust, coolant residues, motor oils, inks, road film, and other general dirt and debris.

Key industries that are generating demand for metal cleaners are automotive and construction. The automotive industry extensively uses cleaners for the metal body parts of cars. Metal cleaning solutions are also commonly used in the building & construction industry to remove metallic scale and corrosion products. They also play an important role in architectural forms, such as when creating showpieces that require high finishing.

Key Market Growth Drivers

• Growing need for industrial cleaning and maintenance in the manufacturing sector is driving the market forward.
• Metals are utilized in heavy machinery and equipment in a variety of end-use industries such as automotive, aircraft, trains, electrical & electronics, metallurgy, chemicals, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverages, which is contributing to the expansion of the metal cleaner market size.
• The steel industry is the primary user of metal cleaners as it requires clean metallic surfaces to maintain its operations. Industrial metal cleaners are an effective solution to this problem since they clean equipment without requiring disassembly and reassembly, and they help prevent corrosion after cleaning.
• Ongoing advancements in sophisticated metal cleaning methods such as aqueous-based cleaning technology are creating new opportunities for market expansion.
• Wide range of solutions used in the construction industry to remove metallic scale and corrosion products is driving market growth.

Report Attribute	Detail
Metal Cleaner Market Size (2024E)	US$ 14.18 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 22.66 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.8% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2024E)	21.7%
North America Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.78 Billion
Automotive Segment Value (2034F)	US$ 6.51 Billion
Key Companies Profiled	3M Company; BASF SE; Stepan Company; Henkel; The Chemours Company; Lubrizol and The Dow Chemical Company; Air Products and Chemicals; ICL Performance Materials; E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; DOW Chemical Company; Quaker Chemical Company; Houghton International; Rochester Midland Corporation.

Which Factors are Leading to Increased Demand for Metal Cleaners?

“Growing Emphasis on Development of Bio-based Metal Cleaners”

The growing demand for bio-based and green metal cleaners as alternatives to traditional ones is projected to open up new potential opportunities in the global market for metal cleaners. The main ingredients of bio-based cleaning solutions are animal or plant resources. They are made from renewable resources and, with a few exceptions, contain no toxins, synthetics, or ecologically hazardous substances.

Bio-based alternatives help prevent dangerous situations since they do not react with other chemicals. The use of bio-based alternatives eliminates the need for any particular personal protective equipment (PPE), which reduces costs while boosting worker safety. It is also safe to use, dispose of, and store indefinitely.

“Superior Lubricant Properties of Aqueous Metal Cleaners”

Aqueous-based metal cleaners are widely used for metal cleaning. These cleaners are now a vital maintenance product for all metals. Aqueous-based metal cleaners are extensively utilized in the painting, cleaning, and maintenance spaces, with a considerable increase in recent years and projections for future expansion. These cleansers are based on water and have strong lubricating properties, depending on the chemical compounds employed, they are made in several ways depending on the technology involved.

Which Aspects are Hindering Metal Cleaner Market Growth to Some Extent?

“Health and Safety Concerns over Environmental Impact of VOC Emissions from Metal Cleaners”

The amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mainly in solvent-based chemicals and the use of water in aqueous cleansers, as well as metal cleaning solutions, are subject to various regulatory laws. Mineral spirits are found in solvent cleaners. Solvents are commonly used to clean metal parts because of their ability to quickly dissolve oil, metal cleaning chemicals, dirt, grime, burnt-on carbon, and heavy lubricants.

VOCs consist of carbon atoms that have high vapor pressures and hence evaporate fast in the air. These are the substances that contribute to ground-level ozone and particulate matter, the main components of smog. Smog is considered to have a harmful influence on both human health and the environment, including lower agriculture and commercial forest yields, reduced tree seedling development and survival, and increased plant sensitivity to diseases, pests, and harsh weather conditions.

Country-wise Insights

The East Asia region is projected to lead in 2024 with 21.7% of the global metal cleaner market share, driven by extensive utilization in China and Japan. Sales of metal cleaners in the North American region are forecasted to rise at 6.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

Which Industries are Leading Users of Metal Cleaners in China?

“Widespread Use of Metal Cleaners in Automotive, Construction, and Oil & Gas Industries”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.78 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.3% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 3.26 Billion

China is one of the leading exporters of metal cleaner products, and because of this, the nation occupies a leading market share in East Asia. The primary reason behind this is the country’s strong production base, which attracts many manufacturers to produce metal cleaners in the country. Also, the presence of industries that need heavy metal machinery and equipment such as automotive, construction, oil & gas, and mining are further boosting sales of metal cleaners as they are required for maintenance.

Which Metal Cleaner Market Trends are Pushing Revenue Generation in the United States?

“High Requirement in Aerospace & Automobile Industries for Production & Maintenance”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.43 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 2.59 Billion

In 2024, the United States is poised to account for 80.1% market share in the North American region. The market in the country is being driven by the presence of aerospace and automobile industries, which require large quantities of metal for production. Metals cleaners help enhance the quality, safety, and performance of parts made from metal.

• In March 2024, the Biden administration awarded a US$ 6 billion grant program to corporations aiming to clean up hard-to-decarbonize industries like metal, paper, and glass, facilitating the construction of the first aluminum smelter in the United States in 45 years.

Category-wise Insights

Based on type, the market is segmented into alkaline cleaners and acid cleaners. The acid segment is projected to account for a significant market share by 2034. Phosphates and phosphoric acids are used to make acidic and alkaline cleaners. Alkaline cleansers are made up of surfactants, water, and builders. Acid cleansers are useful for cleaning lime, scale, smut, and milkstone, among other things. Acid cleansers contain acids, salts, detergents, and wetting agents. Alkaline cleansers are good for removing solid soils, fatty soils, oils, and grease, among others.

Which End Use Accounts for a Substantial Market Share?

“High Performance and Safety Standards in Automotive Industry Boosting Metal Cleaner Use”

Attribute	Automotive
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 4.2 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 6.51 Billion

Based on end use, the market is segmented into industrial, automotive, aerospace, residential, medical, and others. The automotive segment is projected to account for a significant market share. Automotive components need to meet high-performance demands and safety standards. The use of cleaners is essential for maintaining the condition of components. Metal cleaners play a critical role in increasing component quality. In the automotive sector, maintaining the cleanliness of metal surfaces helps elevate product quality, safety, and performance.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the metal cleaner market are focusing on creating eco-friendly products to meet sustainability goals as governments from various countries are imposing strict regulations governing the use of hazardous chemicals along with the disposal of chemical waste.

• In December 2022, ULT of Lobau developed an innovative approach for process gas cleaning in metal additive manufacturing. The AMF 200 is described as a modular system designed for the extraction and filtering of process gases in metal Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) systems of various sizes.
• In September 2022, Stepan Company, a leading producer of metal cleaning chemicals, purchased PerformanX Specialty Chemicals, LLC's surfactant business. This acquisition aimed to broaden Stepan's surfactant product line, which is utilized in several metal cleaning applications, including degreasing, pickling, and rinsing.
• In February 2022, Clariant introduced Vita, a line of 100% bio-based polyethylene glycols and surfactants designed to help mitigate climate change. Clariant's innovative surfactants and PEGs are made entirely from bioethanol produced from sugar cane or maize. This substance is utilized in a variety of end-use applications, including metal cleaning chemicals.
• In December 2019, Madison Chemical introduced MADISON GREEN, a gently alkaline, ecologically friendly, biodegradable general-purpose cleaner that is very efficient on oily and waxy soils including floors, work benches, and other equipment.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of metal cleaners positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in this new market report.

Segmentation of Metal Cleaner Market Research

• By Form :

  • Aqueous
  • Solvent

• By Type :

  • Alkaline Cleaners
  • Acid Cleaners

• By End Use :

  • Industrial
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Residential
  • Medical
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Latin America
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa