Methyl Ester Ethoxylate Market

Market Overview

The global methyl ester ethoxylate market size was valued at USD 131.50 million in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 173.08 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period (2023-2031). 

Methyl ester ethoxylate is a concentrated liquid detergent used in many household and commercial cleaning products. Low viscosity, high solubility, low freezing point, high water solubility, and low dynamic surface tension are characteristics of methyl ester ethoxylate. The market for methyl ester ethoxylates is anticipated to expand due to the cheap cost of methyl ester ethoxylate. In line with this, it is also projected that increased demand for personal care products and increased awareness of single-wash detergents will be significant drivers for the methyl ester ethoxylates market during the forecast year.

Rapid urbanization, a rise in hygienic awareness, and bio-based surfactants are other factors anticipated to favorably affect the demand for methyl ester ethoxylates. The increase in industrial cleaning chemicals and detergents is the main reason for the methyl ester ethoxylate market growth. However, the insolubility in water and hazy appearance when mixed with water at higher temperatures are predicted to be significant inhibitors to the market's growth rate for methyl ester ethoxylates over the anticipated timeframe.

Market Dynamics

Global Methyl Ester Ethoxylate Market Drivers

Growing Awareness Regarding Low Foam, Low Rinse, and Single Wash Detergents

Surfactants, also known as foaming agents, cause lathering, a chemical reaction when combined with water or air. Foam is a crucial component of the cleaning process because of its ability to stick to surfaces. They produce foam, which aids the detergent in reacting with surfaces for a sufficient time to penetrate the grease, dirt, and other stains. Longer exposure results in cleaner clothes and more effective detergent washing. Large-scale foam production can be problematic and result in subpar washing outcomes. Even though greater foam indicates more active micelles, micelle production is not the only feature of the foam. The foam tends to be slippery, and too many suds are created to stop rubbing, which is a crucial component of doing laundry correctly.

Additionally, excessive foaming wastes water and electricity because it takes longer to rinse because of the thick layer of suds. Too many suds can obstruct the mechanism and prohibit the machine from pumping water out, which can stop the washing operation. So, using detergents with suds control agents to prevent over-foaming can result in effective cleaning techniques. The demand for minimal rinse and single wash detergent is rising due to increasing water scarcity challenges worldwide. Water is used extensively during the washing and laundry process. Low-rinse and single-wash detergents must be used more frequently to fight the severe issue of water scarcity.

Global Methyl Ester Ethoxylate Market Restraint

Presence of More Efficient Surfactants

Oleo-based fatty alcohol sulfates (FAS) are anionic surfactants with high foaming and cleaning qualities widely used in various personal care and laundry washing formulations. Oleo-based alpha methyl ester sulfonates are anionic surfactants with a straightforward manufacturing process and lower manufacturing costs than other anionic surfactants. Non-ionic glycolipid surfactants known as sophorolipids are widely employed in several industries, including food, cleaning, and petroleum. MEE's use is restricted in some powdered and liquid detergent formulations due to its poor hydrolytic stability in an alkaline environment and the absence of a gel phase. Their hydrogen bonding weakens in the absence of a gel phase, which lowers their solubility in water and propensity to produce aqueous gels. As a result, the availability of surfactants with superior qualities is projected to limit the demand for methyl ester ethoxylate market under study in the years to come.

Global Methyl Ester Ethoxylate Market Opportunities

Surging Demand from Personal Care and Cosmetics

A surfactant is one of the key ingredients in many personal care products. Cleansing, foaming, thickening, emulsifying, solubilizing, penetrating more deeply, and possessing antimicrobial properties are just a few of the many uses for surfactants in the cosmetics industry. Popular brands have long relied on methyl ester ethoxylates as a surfactant option. Because of their remarkable properties, several non-ionic surfactants are predominantly utilized in cosmetic and personal care goods. Combined with anionics, they work well as foam enhancers and help people feel better. They can condition systems and thicken them. Non-ionic surfactants make emulsions because they work well for solubilizing fragrances and other natural oils in formulation. As a result, the demand for methyl ester ethoxylates will likely rise as non-ionic surfactant consumption increases due to the continuously growing personal care and cosmetics sector.

Regional Analysis

The global methyl ester ethoxylate market share is bifurcated into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. 

Europe Dominates the Global Market

Europe is the most significant revenue contributor and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.39% during the forecast period. Due to continuous supply chain snags, Germany's industrial production is trending downward. The entire supply chain disruption in the nation results from domestic and international trade and industry disturbances. Many industrial processes need to be improved. Nevertheless, the need for detergent and cleaning supplies has been slightly impacted by the return of industrial spaces. Germany is seeing an increase in demand for natural goods as people look for safer, healthier options with elements that might improve overall health. According to reports from Cosmetics Europe, Germany was the biggest market in Europe for cosmetics and personal care goods.

In France, the personal care market is rising thanks to the end-user segment's increasing demand for cosmetic skincare and haircare products. France is one of the top exporters of cosmetics and personal care items to countries worldwide, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. The sector is incredibly competitive because it includes some of the biggest beauty brands in the world. A large share of the clientele consists of both males and women. The French Beauty Federation (FEBEA) predicts that with rising consumer demand and investments from domestic cosmetic producers, the French cosmetic industry will expand throughout the projected period. Additionally, the adoption of internet shopping trends has opened up a huge window for domestic market expansion.

North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.63% during the forecast period. The demand for methyl ester ethoxylate in the personal care, cosmetic, and industrial cleansing agent sectors is predicted to increase in the US. A beneficial effect on the market is probably due to the expanding manufacturing sectors across the nation and an increase in private company investment. The demand for liquid soaps and detergents dominates the market in the United States. Product innovation was sparked by improvements in production technology and rising consumer preferences for high-end goods. Due to an increase in local and export demand, significant cosmetics companies like L'Oréal, New Avon, Coty, Estee Lauder, Revlon, and others in the United States are anticipated to aid the expansion of the cosmetic business in that nation. The desire for organic cosmetics, marketed as high-end and premium goods, was impacted by Canadian consumer purchasing trends.

Additionally, the end-user segment's considerable purchasing power is projected to drive up demand for cosmetics made from plants. As the government finances several soap enterprises nationwide, the need for detergent and cleaning agents is growing. As more sun protection, hair color, face cleanser, and other goods for men are introduced, new product launches, particularly for men, are pushing the market in Canada. L'Oréal SA, Coty Inc., Groupe Marcelle Inc., Revlon Inc., Shiseido Co. Ltd, Clarins Group, Mary Kay Inc., Avon Products Inc., The Estée Lauder Companies, and other significant players in the cosmetics industry are present and are expected to promote methyl ester ethoxylate market growth.

Asia-Pacific is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. Due to rising consumer demand for products in sectors like personal care and cosmetics, detergent, and industrial cleaning agents, the methyl ester ethoxylate market is predicted to expand in China. Detergents and industrial cleaning agents are becoming more and more popular across the country due to changing consumer behavior and a greater focus on residential hygiene. Due to the pandemic epidemic, the Chinese market saw a significant increase in demand for industrial cleaning products and detergents. The usage of toilet/bathing soap per person in China is four kilograms, making it one of the highest in the world. Furthermore, tiles and wood flooring are widely used in China, necessitating the employment of superior floor cleaners. In China, growing health concerns and an arid climate have increased worries about hair loss and other skin-related ailments. These worries will probably increase the demand for cosmetics in the nation. The market for such items is being boosted by China's growing awareness and comprehension of various brands, characteristics, applications, and other crucial personal care product-related variables. The e-commerce sector, which is expanding, is also helping the industry flourish.

India is a leading detergent manufacturer and exporter. A significant contributor to the need for laundry detergent in India is the country's rapidly expanding use of washing machines. As a result, there has been an uptick in inquiries about market research in India. Among the Asia-Pacific nations, the Indian personal care and cosmetics industry is anticipated to grow at the highest rate. Compared to industrialized or other developing economies, India currently has a relatively low penetration of personal care and cosmetics items. However, the adoption of personal care and cosmetic products in India is anticipated to be influenced by changes in the economic climate and the rising purchasing power of the populace. As a result, demand for methyl ester ethoxylate from the cosmetics sector is anticipated to increase over the next few years.

The Brazilian Association of Industry of Personal Hygiene, Perfumery, and Cosmetics (ABIHPEC) claims that the growth of the Brazilian beauty industry has traditionally been two to three times greater than that of the whole economy. Brazil's population is remarkably diverse, necessitating a wide range of cosmetic products and raising the need for surfactants in the personal care sector. In addition, Brazil is the world's largest user of deodorant, perfumes, and sunscreen. The nation comes second for oral hygiene and makeup product usage and third for baby care, men's hygiene, hair, bath, and depilatory product use. Therefore, it is anticipated that the above factors will favor the methyl ester ethoxylate market throughout the projected period.

Furthermore, an Argentinean couple developed BOTI-K, which creates organically derived organic cosmetics such as balsamic ointments, lip balms, vegetable oleum, and vital oleum. As the market expanded, numerous ingredient producers launched product lines for the creation of practical active components for cosmetics. Sales of personal care items are anticipated to increase faster than cosmetics as consumers grow more health and hygiene concerns.

Segmental Analysis

The global methyl ester ethoxylate market is segmented by application.

Based on application, the global ester ethoxylate market is bifurcated into detergents, industrial cleaning agents, personal care and cosmetics, and other applications. 

The detergents and industrial cleaning agent segment is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.98% during the forecast period. Methyl ester ethoxylates are used in various products, including detergents, cleaning supplies, hard surface cleaners, emulsifiers, and laundry pre-spotters. Making a laundry detergent involves mixing water and a non-ionic surfactant, such as a methyl ester ethoxylate stable in an alkaline environment, to create an aqueous non-ionic premix. Transesterification of purified, bleached, and deodorized oil yields fatty methyl esters, which are then converted into methyl ester ethoxylates. The methyl ester ethoxylates are created explicitly by a catalyzed reaction between the fatty methyl esters and ethylene oxide. The step of hydrogenation necessary for synthesizing alcohol ethoxylates is omitted by using this production process to create methyl ester ethoxylates as the non-ionic surfactant, hence lowering the cost of detergent production. Due to growing consumer awareness of the importance of maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness, the global market for industrial cleaning agents and detergents is predicted to grow in the upcoming years.

Solvents that are utilized in personal care products contain methyl ester ethoxylate. The process of ethylene oxide reacting with other compounds to lessen their abrasiveness is known as ethoxylation. Liquid soaps, shampoo, hair relaxers, bubble baths, and other personal care and cosmetic goods use methyl ester ethoxylate. In cosmetics, fatty acid methyl ester ethoxylate (FMEE) can be used as a solvent and a shampoo hair brightener. Esters might make personal care products smell better, feel better, and work better. This includes body treatments, lotions, baby cleaning supplies, and hair care items. Due to the strong demand from different sorts of consumers, the personal care and cosmetics sector has been expanding quickly worldwide.

Customers are using cosmetics and personal care items more frequently due to growing consumer awareness of their advantages, including protecting skin from damaging UV radiation. The population's rising disposable incomes and spending power are also increasing the demand for cosmetics and personal care items, boosting the market's expansion. There are more than 3,000 beauty care businesses in Japan, including well-known names like Shiseido, Kao, Kosé, and Pola Orbis. Brazilian customers are increasingly searching for affordable, natural skin care products that offer a variety of combined benefits of expensive premium goods, like anti-aging, whitening, moisturizing, etc., at a price that is less than premium.

Recent Developments

• In August 2022- SYMPARE Methyl Ester Sulfonates (MES) Curated for Personal Care: The perfect balance between product performance and naturality.