Global Sulfonic Acid Market by Application (Acid Catalysts, Detergent & Surfactant (Heavy-duty Laundry Liquid, Laundry Powder, Light-duty Dish-washing Liquid, Industrial Cleaners, and Household Cleaners), Paper Making, and Pharmaceutical), End-use Industry (Construction, Cosmetic & Personal Care, Paints & Coatings, Chemical Manufacturing, and Others), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031

Global Sulfonic Acid Market Analysis

The Global Sulfonic Acid Market Size was $700.1 million in 2021 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 9.2%, generating a revenue of $ 1664.7 million by 2031.

Global Sulfonic Acid Market Synopsis

Demand for detergents and personal care items containing sulfonic acid has significantly increased as a result of changing lifestyles and altering consumer preferences toward environmentally friendly products. The rising demand for detergents and cleansers to meet hygiene standards has resulted in a rise in demand for sulfonic acid. Also, industrial hygiene standards in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemicals, healthcare, and many other industries have led to an increase in demand for detergents for industrial cleaning applications, which has resulted in an increase in demand for the sulfonic acid market share growth.

Sulfonic acid is a great choice for many applications, but there are some disadvantages to using sulfonic acid. First, sulfonic acid is less soluble in water than other types of acid. This means that it will take longer to disperse the sulfuric acid throughout a solution. In addition, sulfonic acid can also result in an adverse reaction with other ingredients in a solution.

Sulfonic acids are relatively a new class of materials that have a number of potential future applications. Some of these applications include the manufacture of solar cells and other energy-related products, the development of new pharmaceuticals and biologics, and the production of new coatings and adhesives. The wide range of potential uses makes sulfonic acids an exciting prospect for investors and manufacturers.

According to regional analysis, the Asia-Pacific sulfonic acid market size accounted for $700.1 million in 2021 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 9.2% in the projected timeframe.

Sulfonic Acid Overview

Sulfonic acid, usually spelled sulphonic, is a class of sulfur-containing organic acids with the general formula RSO3H, where R is an organic combining group. Sulfonic acids rank among the most significant of the organosulfur compounds; the free acids are frequently used as catalysts in organic synthesis, while the salts and other derivatives serve as the building blocks in the production of detergents, water-soluble dyes and catalysts, sulfonamide pharmaceuticals, and ion-exchange resins.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Sulfonic Acid Market

The coronavirus pandemic hampered the expansion of the sulfonic acid market. Manufacturing operations and logistics activities were restricted by strict lockdowns, quarantine, and social isolation, which interrupted supply networks. This has ultimately lowered the demand for sulfonic acid due to disruptions in the supply chain, closure of manufacturing plants, as well as economic slowdown across several countries. In addition, import-export restrictions were laid down on major sulfonic acid-producing countries such as China and many others. For instance, in the construction industry, several construction projects were postponed or canceled due to a shortage of raw materials, and labor, fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus among workers, as well as travel restrictions. Sulfonic acid is used in chemical synthesis as a major synthesis material and for making various chemicals. However, disruptions in the import exports as well as the closure of chemical and manufacturing units have hampered the sulfonic acid market share during the pandemic.

Increase in the Use of Sulfonic Acid as an Efficient Catalyst in Various Applications to Drive the Market Growth

Acid catalysis is frequently employed in the chemical industry due to the wide range of chemical syntheses that involve acids. Apparently, the bulk of plants still rely on homogeneous catalysis, and while liquid mineral acids (such as H2SO4) have good catalytic activity. However, these compounds are extremely corrosive to equipment and dangerous to the environment; they must be employed in large quantities, and they are difficult to separate and recover. Many efforts are being made to replace the more prevalent homogeneous catalysts with heterogeneous ones in order to make industrial processes greener and more sustainable. Solid acid catalyst design and manufacture have seen a substantial rise in interest in recent years. Sulfonic solid acid materials are a viable substitute for homogenous mineral acid in a number of acid-catalyzed processes in this context. They are long-lasting, effective, and adaptable catalysts for the production of several important compounds. All these factors are anticipated to boost the sulfonic acid market size.

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Sulfonic Acid’s Negative Effects on the Environment and Human Health to Restrain the Market Growth

Sulfonic acid is a common synthetic surfactant. The sulfonic acid-based detergent produces stains on the cloths, also the detergent with high content of sulfonic acid may leave a sticky layer and even a blue stain on clothing. Although sulfonic acid is biodegradable, its widespread presence in the environment affects water bodies. Also, it has the potential to induce nausea, skin irritation, and diarrhea. As a result, the environmental and health consequences of sulphonic acid will impede market expansion.

Increase in the Demand for Sulfonic Acid in Various End-use Industries to Drive Excellent Opportunities

In the textile and clothing industries, sulfonic acid is frequently used for scouring, sizing materials, soaping all textiles, and removing oil from clothes. The use of sulfonic acid is increasing as a result of increased investments and the construction of new facilities in the textile and apparel sector. In addition, hospitals frequently utilize sulfonic acid-based detergents for cleaning and washing patient and healthcare staff clothing to preserve hygiene. In addition, a number of industries have adopted industry standards for hygiene including the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, healthcare, chemicals, and many other sectors have increased demand for detergents used in industrial cleaning applications, which in turn has increased demand for the sulfonic acid market. Also, other factors expected to fuel sulfonic acid market growth include growing industrialization, expanding acceptance of biodegradable surfactants due to rising environmental concerns, rising demand for personal hygiene and cleanliness, and extensive product use as a de-coloring agent in the paper industry.

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Global Sulfonic Acid Market, by Application

Based on application the market has been divided into acid catalysts, detergent & surfactant, paper making, and pharmaceuticals. Among these, the detergent & surfactant sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2021 and is estimated to show the fastest growth during the forecast period. The detergent and surfactant sub-segment is further subdivided into heavy-duty laundry liquid, laundry powder, light-duty dish-washing liquid, industrial cleaners, and household cleaners.

Global Sulfonic Acid Market Size, by Application, 2021

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The detergent and surfactant sub-type accounted for a dominant market share in 2021. Sulfonic acid is used in detergents and comparable items like soap to break down the surface tension between dirt, water and oil, and other grime for a more efficient clean. It is a powerful cleanser capable of removing stains from garments and other fabrics while also being one of the least expensive surfactants in the washing business. Because of sulfonic acid properties is most frequently utilized for detergents and surfactants.

Global Sulfonic Acid Market, by End-use Industry

Based on the end-use industry, the market has been divided into construction, cosmetic & personal care, paints & coatings, chemical manufacturing, and others. Among these, the chemical manufacturing sub-segment accounted for the highest revenue share in 2021.

Global Sulfonic Acid Market Share, by End-use Industry, 2021

The chemical manufacturing sub-segment accounted for a dominant market share in 2021. Sulfonic acid as a catalyst is frequently employed in the chemical industry due to the wide range of chemical syntheses that involve acids. In certain acid-catalyzed reactions, sulfonic solid acid materials are a viable alternative to homogeneous mineral acid. They are effective, long-lasting, and adaptable catalysts in the production of various important compounds. Sulfonic acid can enhance numerous acid-catalyzed processes such as esterification, acetylation, hydrolysis, hydration, and dehydration process.

Global Sulfonic Acid Market, Regional Insights

The sulfonic acid market was investigated across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Global Sulfonic Acid Market Size & Forecast, by Region, 2021-2031 (USD Million)

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The Market for Sulfonic Acid in Europe was the Most Dominant

The Europe sulfonic acid market accounted for the highest market share in 2021. The Europe region is predicted to experience enhanced demand for sulfonic acid over the forecast period, with increasing per capita expenditure, and increasing need for personal care goods. Rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and changing consumer preferences for environmentally friendly surfactants and detergents are driving the Europe sulfonic acid market. For instance, in May 2022, BASF announced to increase in production capabilities at the Verbund location in Ludwigshafen in response to rising customer demand for sulfonic acid. Sulfonic acid has shown a consistent rise in demand over the past few years. Growing demand for environmentally friendly products and formulations is what is driving the sulfonic acid market trend in the Europe region.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Sulfonic Acid Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. For instance, in January 2021, The Rama Phosphate Ltd. announced to set up a new manufacturing plant at its existing Udaipur, India, factory for manufacturing of linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid.

Source: Research Dive Analysis

Some of the leading sulfonic acid market players are Vinati Organics Ltd, Cepsa, Stepan Company, Arkema SA, Kuantum Corp. Co., Ltd., Nandadeep Chemicals Private Limited, BASF SE, National Company for Sulfur Products, Vizagchemicals, and New India Detergents.