Reactive Emulsifier Market

Increasing Expansion of Food Industry to Fuel Growth of Reactive Emulsifier Market

The Reactive Emulsifier Market is valued at USD 1.4 Bn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 2.3 Bn,  growing at a CAGR of 7% by 2033.The reactive emulsifier provides micelles for free radical reactions and is also a monomer that can be polymerized with monomers such as Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), Butyl Acrylate (BA), and 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate (2-EHA). There are no free emulsifiers in the emulsion after polymerization, thereby reducing the disadvantages associated with traditional emulsifiers. Functional emulsions using reactive emulsifiers are widely used and account for about 30% of the Japanese emulsion market. The first reactive emulsifiers were introduced in the 1970s but they didn't catch on because some had low reactivity, and some had low emulsifier capacity. In the 1990s, Japan introduced a practical reactive emulsifier that can improve the above shortcomings. Gradually, the kinetics of polymerisation and the mechanism of oligomer formation are becoming clear, and the number of products prepared using reactive emulsifiers is increasing. This is expected to predominantly drive reactive emulsifier market.

The demand for reactive emulsifiers is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period owing to increasing demand for weed control chemicals from agricultural and marine industries. Rising labour costs and shortage of arable land are the major factors driving reactive emulsifier market. Rapid urbanisation has created labour shortages, so farmers are adopting unconventional farming practices to increase crop yields with less arable land. The purpose of using reactive emulsifiers is to increase agricultural productivity by killing unwanted herbs and weeds in plantations. Hence, increasing demand for high agricultural productivity to meet global food demand is primarily proliferating the global reactive emulsifier market.

Surge in population and rise in disposable income of people in developed and developing regions, increases the demand for herbicides. This, in turn, is boosting the target market. ADEKA Corporation announces that the ADEKA REASOAP series, which became the world’s first reactive emulsifiers to be approved by FDA in May 2019. These were approved by FDA in Sep. 2020 for the increase of their content in adhesive resins to a maximum of 3% by weight (dry). The ADEKA REASOAP series of reactive emulsifiers are materials that increase the adhesion and water resistance of coatings, and adhesives used in food package films. Reactive emulsifiers are acutely toxic to humans, such as irritation of the skin, eyes, and nose, which may hinder the growth of global reactive emulsifier market.

Food Emulsifiers are Accounted to Grow Faster into the Future

Food consumption patterns are clearly shifting from unprocessed to processed and ultra-processed foods. Busy lifestyles in developed countries have led to a decline in cooking and an increase in snacking patterns. Consumers are more likely to buy processed foods, such as bread and grains, frozen and packaged foods, and processed meat and fish. This has resulted in a growing market for various convenience foods, which in turn will drive the consumption of processed raw materials such as food emulsifiers in the food and beverage industry. Food processing raw materials such as emulsifiers are mainly used in products such as bakery and confectionery, convenience foods, dairy and frozen desserts, and meat products. Food emulsifiers help increase the volume and shelf life of a product, while also improving its appearance. Emulsifiers are also considered to be one of the food additives that are gradually replacing many other additives in foods in order to reduce their total fat content. Food manufacturers are increasingly using emulsifiers to help lower bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) in foods, increasing their use in processed foods. To this end, various food and beverage companies are now also launching new products with different emulsifier blends to meet consumer demand.

According to Credit Suisse, a Switzerland-based investment banking company, retail sales of packaged food firms in the USA increased from 15% to 30% on an average from March to May 2020.

Demand for Fast Food in North America to Constitute Significant Share of Global Reactive Emulsifier Market

In terms of region, the reactive emulsifier market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. During the forecast period, North America is expected to hold the major share of the Global Reactive Emulsifiers Market, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. As the disposable income of middle-class households in the region has grown, so has the demand for fast food in North America. The application of the reactive emulsifier is not limited to the food industry; it is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals in the region. Taking this into consideration, the market share of North America is expected to increase over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market in the global reactive emulsifier market. This is due to increased demand for processed foods such as dairy and meat products, baked goods, convenience foods and confectionery, especially in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific. Rapidly growing demand, economical manufacturing costs, and high economic growth are fascinating market players in the Asia Pacific region. The company is pursuing expansion and research and development (R&D) strategies in the region. Market players are constantly focusing on the region to gain market share and increase profitability.

Companies in the market are launching new products and initiating collaborations, alliances and partnership agreements. For example, in March 2020, US ingredient supplier Ingredion launched a broth emulsifier called Evanesse, made from chickpeas. On the other hand, in August 2021, UK-based specialty chemicals company Infineum signed a contract to acquire ISCA’s UK emulsifier business unit for an undisclosed amount. The agreement secures ISCA UK's formulation expertise and ISCAMUL brand of emulsifiers. The acquisition represents Infineum's return to the emulsion explosives industry, leveraging its existing capabilities to better serve current and potential new customers. ISCA UK is a UK-based specialty chemicals manufacturer. In October 2021, Clariant unveils two innovative Reactive Emulsifiers for polymeric binders – Emulsogen® CPA 100 XS and Emulsogen CPN 100 XS - to help paint makers achieve architectural coatings offering greater water-resistance and resistance to dirt pick-up and snail trails.

Few of the players in the reactive emulsifier market include 

• Evonik Industries AG
• BASF SE
• Croda International Plc
• Clariant AG
• AkzoNobel N.V.
• Solvay S.A.
• Stepan Company
• Südchemie AG (part of Clariant)
• DOW Inc.
• Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
• Croda Europe Ltd.
• Kao Corporation
• Kraton Corporation
• Elementis PLC
• Innospec Inc.

By Type

• Anionic reactive emulsifiers
• Cationic reactive emulsifiers
• Non-ionic reactive emulsifiers
• Amphoteric reactive emulsifiers

By Chemical Composition

• Phosphate ester–based
• Sulfonate-based
• Carboxylate-based
• Others

By Application

• Emulsion polymerization
• Paints & coatings
• Adhesives & sealants
• Textile finishing
• Paper & packaging
• Others

By End-Use Industry

• Paints & coatings
• Textiles
• Construction
• Packaging
• Automotive
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa