Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market

The Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market is valued at USD 16.2 Bn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 22.9 Bn, growing at a CAGR of 5% by 2033.

High Demand from Manufacturing and Aerospace Industries to Drive Market Growth

Even fresh from the factory, it is essential to ensure that the products are free from impurities. Whether shipping off a brand-new product fresh from a manufacturing plant or refurbishing an old but reliable piece of machinery, it is important to make sure that every bit of rust, chemical, and unwanted lubricant is removed before it is sent off to its destination. If not, it may not work properly when put into service. This is expected to predominantly drive revenue to global metal cleaning chemicals market. Improperly operating equipment will lead to production delays, extra hours worked, and missed opportunities, all of which affect the clients’ bottom line. More importantly, improperly operating equipment can create safety issues depending on the nature of the deficiency. Those chemicals, oils, and greases will leave residue on the final product, which can cause problems down the road. For example, those leftovers can inhibit industrial painting (done at a Paint-Line facility) and bring undesirable agents into highly controlled environments.

Growth in Asia Pacific industrialisation following COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in the number of industries in emerging economies are projected to drive the worldwide metal cleaning chemicals market over the forecast period. Surging metal demand, rising industrial cleaning and maintenance needs, increased use of large machinery, and expanding automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries are some factors that would propel the metal cleaning chemicals market in the projected period. The rising demand for bio-based, eco-friendly, and sustainable materials will unlock ample new prospects for the growth of the metal cleaning chemicals market during the projection period.

The expansion of global manufacturing industries is a significant factor influencing the growth of the metal cleaning chemicals market globally. Heavy equipment and machinery in the transportation business usually require maintenance to ensure peak performance. Thus, metal cleaning chemicals are used in all industries that require extensive use of large machinery. Metal consumption is expanding due to the expansion of the automotive and manufacturing industries, particularly in emerging economies. The total global crude steel production in 2020 was 1877.5 MT. As a result of the increased demand for metals, the use of metal cleaning chemicals is increasing to remove undesired things such as oil, grease, and corrosion from metal surfaces to extend their lifespan.

Another factor propelling the market growth is the growing number of aerospace manufacturers. The rapidly expanding aircraft industry, in which these chemicals are used to prevent components from corrosion, is driving up demand for such chemicals. Despite the coronavirus outbreak, the global aviation fleet will have 25,578 planes in service by 2022. This number is estimated to reach 38,189 by 2032. As a result, the metal cleaning chemicals market is likely to be driven by these emerging industries.

Thriving Green Label Trend Boosts Demand for Aqueous Cleaners

In the forecast period, aqueous cleaners will have the largest sector of the global metal cleaning chemicals market by cleaner type. With little direct pressure from regulators, increased awareness of environmental restrictions has pushed many industries to switch from solvent-based metal cleaning to aqueous-based metal cleaning. The companies seeking sustainable solutions are turning to aqueous-based cleaners. The development of aqueous (water)-based technology has provided a cost-effective and ecologically benign method of cleaning and degreasing metal parts and components. This helps to reduce industrial waste while also improving workplace safety. As a result, these factors are expected to boost market growth during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific with Robust Industrial Production Activity Houses the Maximum Opportunity

During the projected period, Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market in terms of volume and value. The market in the area is also expected to grow at the fastest rate. Asia Pacific is an attractive market for metal cleaning chemicals due to rapid economic growth in developing countries and rising disposable incomes. The region's extensive usage of metal cleaning chemicals is primarily due to massive development in industrial production, increasing trade, and increased car demand. Asia Pacific's largest markets for metal cleaning chemicals are China, Japan, and India. Rapid expansion in industrial production, increased demand for automobiles, and improved trade are some of the main reasons for the increased use of metal cleaning chemicals in the region. It was anticipated that around 34 million passenger automobiles would be sold in the Asia Pacific area, in 2021, with over 21 million sold in China. The site offers lucrative potential for producers in the metal cleaning chemicals market in the following years, which is projected to support market growth.

The metal cleaning chemicals market in North America will have a significant need. The increased use of eco-friendly metal cleaning chemicals due to rising consumer awareness about environmental preservation and strict government regulations drive market expansion in the North American region. The rising demand for cleaning and maintenance has resulted in North America capturing a significant market share. The increasing demand from the aerospace sector is likely to contribute significantly to market growth in the United States. The commercial aircraft fleet in the United States was estimated to be 5,882 aircraft in 2020. Thus, the recent uptick in the aerospace sectors in the United States has greatly aided the expansion of the market for metal cleaning equipment.

Global Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market: Competitive Landscape

Market participants introduce new products and form alliances, collaborations, and partnership agreements. In November 2020, Evonik finalised its planned acquisition of the Porocel Group, Houston (USA), for USD 210 million. The firm, which employs around 300 people and operates several manufacturing sites, will be absorbed into Evonik's Smart Materials division. Porocel's global activities in desulphurisation catalyst rejuvenation, sulphur recovery catalysts, and alumina-based purification adsorbents have increased Evonik's catalyst range. In March 2020, Firbimatic Spa debuted the SFK Evolution 50, a customised alcohol degreasing system explicitly created for UTC / Collins Aerospace in Rockford. Using a hermetic washing type and cycle, this machine is designed to precisely clean complicated components.

Few of the players in global metal cleaning chemicals market include:

• Ecolab Inc.
• FMC Corporation (Diversey)
• Solvay S.A.
• BASF SE
• Dow Chemical Company
• Clariant AG
• Houghton International (ALTANA)
• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
• 3M Company
• Evonik Industries AG
• Lubricants & Chemicals Divisions of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
• Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
• Lanxess AG
• AkzoNobel N.V.
• Zschimmer & Schwarz

Global Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market is Segmented as Below:

By Ingredients Type

• Chelating Agent
• Surfactant
• Solvents
• Solubilizers
• pH Regulators
• Others

By Cleaner Type

• Aqueous
• Solvent

By End-Use Industry

• Automotive & Aerospace
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Others

By Metal Type

• Steel
• Copper
• Aluminium
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• LAMEA