Biosurfactant Market Expected to Reach $3.2 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Biosurfactant Market," The biosurfactant market was valued at $1.9 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $3.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2032.

Biosurfactants are a type of surface-active agents produced by microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi. These natural molecules exhibit surfactant properties, meaning they can reduce the surface tension of liquids and enable them to spread more easily. Unlike chemical surfactants derived from petroleum or other synthetic sources, biosurfactants are produced using living organisms.  

One of the primary drivers of the biosurfactants market is the increasing global awareness of environmental issues and sustainability concerns. Traditional surfactants, often derived from petroleum-based sources, pose environmental challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature and potential toxicity. Biosurfactants, being produced from renewable resources by microorganisms, offer a sustainable alternative. Consumers and industries are increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting eco-friendly products, driving demand for biosurfactants across various applications.

According to an article published by National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2022, biosurfactants combined with commercial detergent becomes 33%-45% more effective in removing oil stain and 57%-64% more effective in removing tea stain. This factor may drive the utilization of biosurfactants among household cleaning sector; thus, fueling the market growth.

Furthermore, regulatory frameworks around the world are evolving to support the development and use of green and bio-based products. Governments and international organizations are implementing policies that encourage the reduction of environmental impact, promoting the use of sustainable alternatives. Incentives, tax breaks, and supportive regulations contribute to the growth of the biosurfactants market by creating a favorable environment for producers and consumers to adopt these environmentally friendly solutions.

Additionally, the demand for biosurfactants is on the rise across diverse end-user industries. Applications span sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, food and beverage, oil and gas, and cosmetics. In agriculture, biosurfactants are used in crop protection and soil remediation. In healthcare, they find applications in drug delivery systems. The food and beverage industry utilizes biosurfactants as emulsifiers and stabilizers.

The versatility of biosurfactants contributes to their widespread adoption, driving market growth. Moreover, it is used as a raw binder polymer that provides excellent fluid dispersion to paints & coatings. This factor has made key manufacturers of paints & coatings sector to use organic chemicals; thus, boosting the market growth. These factors altogether may boost the demand for biosurfactants during the forecast period.

However, the current scale of biosurfactant production is limited compared to the demand in various industries. Scaling up production to meet commercial demands poses challenges, including the need for larger fermentation facilities, optimized downstream processes, and cost-effective raw materials. Achieving economies of scale is crucial for making biosurfactants more accessible to a broader range of industries, but scaling up without compromising quality and sustainability remains a complex task.

On the contrary, the global movement towards sustainability and the increasing demand for bio-based products represent a significant opportunity for the biosurfactants market. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing preference for products that have minimal impact on ecosystems and human health. Biosurfactants, being derived from renewable resources and exhibiting biodegradability, align well with these preferences, providing an opportunity for market growth across various applications. 

The global biosurfactants market is segmented on the basis of type, application, and region. By type, the market is segregated into glycolipids, fatty acids, phospholipids and neutral fats, lipopeptides, polymeric biosurfactants, and others. The glycolipids segment dominated the global market in terms of revenue, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. Glycolipids are used in the cosmetic industry for their moisturizing and emulsifying properties. The demand for natural and bio-based ingredients in cosmetics has been rising, and glycolipids, which can be derived from renewable sources, may be sought after for use in skincare products.

By application, the market is divided into detergent, cosmetics, medicine, food, bioremediation, agriculture, and others. The detergent application segment dominated the global market, in terms of revenue in 2022 with 53.8% share in the global market. Biosurfactants often exhibit lower ecotoxicity compared to their synthetic counterparts. This means that they have a reduced impact on aquatic ecosystems and other environmental components, contributing to the overall goal of developing more eco-friendly detergent products.

Region wise, the biosurfactants market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The Asia-Pacific biosurfactants market size is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, and accounted for a major market share in 2022. Government initiatives promoting sustainable practices and regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of industrial processes may contribute to the adoption of biosurfactants in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Furthermore, incentives, subsidies, or regulations favoring the use of bio-based and sustainable ingredients can influence the market landscape. Additionally, the demand for biosurfactants in detergents, soaps, and personal care products is likely to be influenced by the region's growing population, urbanization, and increasing awareness of health and hygiene.

Key players operating in the global biosurfactants market include Evonik, Biotensidon GmbH, Saraya.Co.Ltd, Allied Carbon Solution, BASF SE, Lankem Ltd., Holiferm, Solvay, Unilever PLC, and Jeneil Biotech.

COVID-19 analysis

The novel coronavirus was an incomparable global pandemic that had spread to over 180 countries and caused huge losses of lives and the countries across the globe. The demand for various products, including biosurfactants, have been influenced by changes in consumer behavior during the pandemic. For instance, increased awareness of hygiene and sustainability have led to a surge in demand for bio-based and eco-friendly products, potentially benefiting the biosurfactants market.

In addition, the biosurfactants market might have seen growth or contraction depending on its applications. For instance, if biosurfactants are used in industries like healthcare, personal care, or cleaning products, there was an increase in demand. However, industries like travel and hospitality, which may use these products for applications such as cleaning have experienced a downturn during the COVID-19 period.

However, governments and regulatory bodies have introduced policies and initiatives to promote the use of sustainable and green alternatives. Supportive regulations can create a favorable environment for the biosurfactants market to recover and thrive. Moreover, the pandemic has heightened awareness about health and hygiene. Biosurfactants, being used in various applications such as personal care and cleaning products, may have seen increased adoption as consumers and industries prioritize products that are effective and environmentally friendly.

Key Findings Of The Study:

• By type, the glycolipids segment is estimated to display the highest growth rate, in terms of revenue, registering a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2032.
• By application, the detergent segment is estimated to display the highest growth rate, in terms of revenue, from 2023 to 2032.
• By region, Asia-Pacific garnered the highest share in 2022, in terms of revenue, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%.