Contents:

- Executive Summary -- Summary of Alkoxylates Market --- Introduction to the Alkoxylates Market --- Market Forecasts --- Insight from Strategic Analysis --- Research Proposition - Introduction to the Alkoxylates Market -- Introduction and Definitions --- Introduction to Alkoxylates --- Manufacturing Alkoxylates --- Industry Abbreviations - Industry Challenges -- Key Challenges Faced by the Alkoxylates Industry --- Challenges for European Alkoxylate Manufacturers - Market Outlook -- Market Dynamics and Forecasts --- Marker Drivers and Restraints --- Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecasts --- Pricing Analysis - Competitive Environment -- Competitive Structure --- Value Chain Analysis --- Mergers and Acquisitions --- Key Active Participants and Capacities - Strategic Analysis -- Strategic Review of Industry --- Competitive Analysis --- SWOT Analysis --- Product Life Cycle Analysis --- Critical Success Factors - Conclusions -- Conclusions and Recommendations --- Research Summary

Summary:

Alkoxylates Used as Surfactant Additives across Application Markets Scrutiny of alkylphenol ether sulfonate (APEs) in Europe has forced participants to explore new alternatives to existing solutions within the alkoxylate market. Although alcohol ethoxylates exist as possible substitutes, the industry often seeks better and safer alternatives. Major participants have increasingly evinced interest in other alkoxylate-based solutions. However, most products are still in the development stage. Alkoxylates are emulsifying, wetting and dispersing agents used as surfactant additives across application markets such as healthcare, agrochemical formulations, textiles and emulsion polymerisation. "This sector is experiencing continued growth due to better standard of living, smaller households and double income," says the analyst of this research service. "During the past 15 years, there has been a shift from synthetic to natural alcohol derivatives that have substituted previously utilised products with alkoxylates." Investment in R&D Efforts for New Product Development Helps Increase Profit Margin Profit margins have been compressed by over capacity in the European industrial surfactant market, in turn creating price pressure. Market maturity and competition from regions such as Asia further curbs market growth. The profit margin is also reduced by an increase in the cost of raw materials tallow and other feedstock as well as energy. Moreover, the breadth of potential end-user sectors poses a challenge for companies to maximise their customer base, since the technical demands and structures of each market are different. In addition, not all sectors are expected to be large enough to support dedicated marketing teams for individual surfactant companies. Developing specialised novel products is one method of increasing profits, but it requires considerable R&D investments by surfactant manufacturers. A variety of solutions from raw materials such as fatty alcohols, castor oil and carboxylate, need to be examined by market participants to ensure their expertise and capability to produce and supply such products in the future. Furthermore, key European alkoxylate manufacturers should shift their manufacturing base to Asia for sustained growth. "Surfactant companies in developed countries are increasingly investing in building surfactant production facilities in Asia to remain cost competitive," notes the analyst. "Other factors that promote such shifts are relocation of key industries such as textiles to developing countries such as India and China, subsequently moving the point of sale of textile surfactants to these regions." Expertise on legislation is also likely to help companies prepare for the future, garner market position, gain brand recognition and develop expertise in the area of safe products.