Biosurfactants Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Glycolipids {Rhamnolipids, Trehalolipids, and Sophorolipids}, Lipopeptides, Phospholipids, Polymeric, and Others), By Application (Household Cleaners, Industrial and Institutional Cleaners, Food Processing, Oil & Petroleum, Personal Care, Agrochemicals, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global biosurfactants market size was valued at USD 4.41 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 4.65 billion in 2024 to USD 6.71 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.

Biosurfactants are natural surfactants produced by microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast. They have many advantages over synthetic surfactants, including low toxicity, biodegradability, and high compatibility with the environment. The biosurfactants market is steadily growing due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products across various industries, such as food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The global market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand from end-use industries and growing awareness of the benefits of using natural surfactants. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with biosurfactants experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Biosurfactants Market Trends

Crude Oil Recovery Activities to Influence Market Growth

Petroleum is one of the utmost important energy sources and a significant feedstock material for chemical manufacturing, which has driven the modern world's growth and rapid economic development over the last few decades. Fuel biotechnology has progressed recently due to a growing global necessity for ecological technologies that boost the proficiency of petrochemical procedures in the oil industry.

Several petrochemical-derived petroleum industries use synthetic surfactants as activating agents to improve the accessibility or recovery of petroleum products and a range of other removals, cleaning, treatment, and conveyance applications. In classical oil production systems, the primary diminution is tailed by secondary and, in certain cases, tertiary retrieval stages.

Chemical approaches involve injecting surfactants, hydrocarbon solvents, gas, or even a combination into the oil-water surface tension to mobilize leftover oil. However, eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to thermal and biochemical EOR have been sought due to the high cost and unsafe effects on the environment.

Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery, abbreviated as MEOR, is a form of the tertiary oil recovery process. Microbes or their metabolic yields are employed to augment the quantity of residual oil recovered. It is often less expensive to use microorganisms to generate goods from low-priced substrate materials than to use chemically boosted oil recovery.

These microorganism-derived surfactants are gaining popularity for various industrial solicitations due to their biodegradable nature, ability to be synthesized on renewable surfaces, and capacity to function in harsh environments such as those associated with the process of tertiary crude oil retrieval.

Traditional physical and chemical oil recovery procedures are expensive; thus, Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery is a good option. MEOR enhances reservoir conditions with microorganisms or their metabolic harvests, allowing deposited oil to be out. Microorganisms are important for the withdrawal of trapped leftover oil. Owing to the versatility and proven efficiency in providing a true image of operations and directions of utilization in the oil business, biosurfactants are usually hailed as key adaptable tools that can modify and modernize petroleum biotechnology. These biosurfactants enhance hydrocarbon deployment, permitting better crude oil recovery from tanks.

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Biosurfactants Market Growth Factors

Rising Environmental Concerns to Support Market Growth During the Forecast Period

Surface-active agents are frequently used, and consumption grows in unison with the human population and actions. Detergent (including toothpaste and shampoos) products are the most prevalent uses for these chemicals (degreasing, agricultural, oil extraction, and so on). Surfactant is a large class of chemicals found in cleansers and other detergent products. The remaining surfactants are let into sewer systems or straight into surface watercourses, with the bulk of them ending up in the soil, sediment, and water. Ecological issues are a serious social issue since surfactants exist in our rivers, wastewater treatment facilities, and seas, and they are utilized over 15 million tons per year.

The most critical issue is the discharge of crude effluent or wastewater undergoing only basic treatment. The discharge of wastewater containing huge concentrations of surfactants can have grave ecological implications. Extensive water treatment is required to accumulate wastewater, treat it, and resend it for reuse. Environmental concerns about surfactants (low biodegradability, toxicity, eutrophication, and allergies) have motivated more research and the growth of novel bio-based surfactants. These surfactants play an important role in reducing carbon emissions and major greenhouse gases. They beat traditional surfactants in efficacy and efficiency due to their greater surface activity.

In recent years, heavy metal contamination has been highlighted as a major environmental threat, and numerous technologies for removing them from the environment have been developed. These surfactants were an environment-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional, time-consuming cleanup methods. These biosurfactants must meet the market's requirement for sustainable bio-based raw ingredients that are less hazardous and biodegradable while offering enough performance and a competitive price point. Due to their diversity, these surfactants are considered a feasible option for pollution cleaning in the environment. As a result, biosurfactants and their potential applications have grown a lot of interest. The surface tension they produce at lower concentrations is less, indicating that they are more efficient. There is a larger push for the industry due to increased environmental awareness.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Interference in Production of Biosurfactant is Likely to Obstruct Growth

The crucial problem for producers is that the properties given by bio-based surfactants are limited, thereby restraining their application. Surfactants are commonly used in product formulations when a change in one component impacts the performance of the final product. Customers may not understand what a bio-based surfactant is or it is used. As one-to-one replacements of conventional surfactants are rare, new product formulation development is typically required. Brand manufacturers must regard bio-based surfactants as providing additional demonstrable value.

Many industries are confident that their products will not be reformulated. As a result, technical advancements heavily influence this industry. Before making major product development decisions, brand owners closely monitor what technology developers bring to the market. Customers cannot afford to take the risks of dealing with a single manufacturer. As a result, a shortage of biosurfactant makers could standstill future expansion. The EU regulation required to register a new product after development is time-consuming and costly but necessary.

Sophorolipids, rhamnolipids, and MELs can be employed in washing powders, solutions, and linearly alkyl benzene sulfonates as partial substitutes for the most common surfactant (LASs). One of the most challenging elements of using these alternative products is that each organism produces a mix of congener molecules with different structures and properties, making downstream processing extremely complicated and expensive. In addition, in the U.K., P. Aeruginosa, the principal producer of rhamnolipids, is classified as a class II pathogen. Due to inadequate lecithin recovery and other economic constraints, most lecithin that may be recovered from soy oil production is now not being collected. These factors are projected to limit the biosurfactants market growth.

Biosurfactants Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Glycolipids Segment to Hold Prime Share Attributed to High Demand from End-Use Sectors

Based on type, the market is segmented into lipopeptides, glycolipids, polymeric, phospholipids, and others in terms of type.

The trehalolipids, rhamnolipids, and sophorolipids sub-segments of the glycolipids segment accounted for a dominant market share in 2023. Glycolipids are a type of biosurfactant composed of a carbohydrate and a lipid. They are produced by microorganisms and have the ability to reduce surface tension, making them useful in a variety of applications, such as in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. High demand for rhamnolipids from the end-use industry can be linked to the cosmetic and personal care industries.

The lipopeptides segment is predicted to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. Lipopeptides are a type of biosurfactant that contain both lipid and peptide components. They are produced by various microorganisms and have unique properties that make them useful in a variety of applications, such as in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Several studies have also shown their potential in environmental remediation by helping to break down pollutants. Lipopeptides are considered a promising alternative to conventional surfactants due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and ability to exhibit antimicrobial activity.

By Application Analysis

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Household Cleaners Segment Earned Most Revenue Due to Growing Concern of Hygiene

The market is segmented into industrial and institutional cleaners, household cleaners, oil & petroleum, food processing, personal care, agrochemicals, and others in terms of application.

In the application segment, the household cleaners segment earned the maximum revenue in 2023. Biosurfactants are surface-active compounds produced by microorganisms. They have gained attention in recent years due to their potential use in household cleaners. They have shown great potential in applications, such as dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and all-purpose cleaners. Biosurfactants are effective in removing dirt, grease, and stains from various surfaces, making them a valuable component in household cleaning products. Additionally, their low toxicity and biodegradability make them a safer option for households with children and pets. Overall, biosurfactants have the potential to revolutionize the household cleaning industry by offering a more sustainable and safer option for consumers.

Moreover, they are becoming more widely used in personal care and hygiene products, which will boost the segment growth. However, due to consumers' significant spending on hygiene products, the household cleaners segment is predicted to increase the fastest.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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In 2023, the European market was valued at USD 2.14 billion. Due to the widespread use of industrial biotechnology, Europe will hold more than 48% of the market share in 2023. Growing awareness among manufacturers about using green surfactant alternatives to decrease carbon footprints is expected to boost growth. Increased legislation on consuming chemicals that could produce dangerous byproducts or discharge toxins into the environment on biological degradation is also projected to enhance growth. According to the European Commission, the EU community implemented a policy limiting surfactant use in detergents from 1970 to address lathering in water systems, which disrupts the marine ecosystem.

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North America is a rapidly rising region with a major bio-based surfactant market. Consumer preferences are predicted to shift due to growing concern about the negative impact of toxins emitted by chemical surfactants after decomposition. The market is likely to grow as spending on well-being and hygiene rises. Furthermore, rising demand for biosurfactants in the petroleum & oil industry for oil recovery is expected to boost growth.

Asia Pacific is a significant market for biosurfactants due to the growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable products. The increasing awareness about the harmful effects of conventional surfactants on the environment and human health is driving the demand for biosurfactants in the region. The major countries contributing to the growth of the biosurfactants market in Asia Pacific are China, Japan, India, and South Korea. The rising demand for personal care and home care products, coupled with the growing adoption of green technologies, is expected to boost the market’s growth in the region in the coming years.

Due to the enormous economic strength of Mexico and Brazil, Latin America is predicted to grow significantly. The abundance of feedstock from the agro-industrial sector, which could be used as a substrate for the production of biosurfactants is predicted to drive expansion throughout South America.

Owing to the substantial number of personal care products and household detergents producing companies, the Middle East & Africa is expected to grow significantly.

List of Key Companies in Biosurfactants Market

Adoption of Various Strategies by Companies to Expand their Global Presence

The global market is concentrated in nature. Stepan Company, Evonik Industries, AGAE Technologies, and Jeneil are some of the key market players.

Industry players operate based on the application characteristics and product's price. To achieve a competitive advantage and boost their market share, many major and key industry players are engaged in numerous partnerships to promote brand and sales.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Jeneil (U.S.)


• Evonik Industries (Germany)


• AGAE Technologies (U.S.)


• Glycosurf (U.S.)


• Tensiogreen (U.S.)


• Stepan Company (U.S.)


• Holiferm (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2022- Solvay introduced Mirasoft SL A60 and Mirasoft SL L60. These are high-performance biosurfactants that enable the development of sustainable beauty care products.


• January 2022 – Evonik is constructing a new production plant for bio-based and fully biodegradable rhamnolipids. The new plant is expected to start production in two years. This new product introduction will strengthen Evonik's partnership with Unilever.


• March 2022 – Sasol Chemicals in collaboration with Holiferm Limited will develop new biosurfactants and enable sophorolipids commercialization. The manufacturing facility in the U.K. is scheduled to begin its operations in early 2023.


• June 2020- The NatSurFact business of Logos Technologies LLC, a rhamnolipid generated from renewable sources, was recently acquired by Stepan Company. As customer demands for sustainability continue to rise, Stepan's rhamnolipid represents an important new technology across industries.


• December 2019– Evonik and Unilever partnered to launch a new green cleaning ingredient called rhamnolipids.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global research report scrutinizes the industry in-depth, focusing on critical factors such as prime players, products, and raw materials. In addition, the study provides insights into biosurfactants market trends and key industry advancements. In addition to the variables listed above, the study covers a variety of other factors that have contributed to the market's recent expansion.

This study examines the industry's up-to-date market dynamics and opportunities and historical data and revenue growth estimates at the global, regional, and country levels.

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Report Scope & Segmentation