Aqueous-Based Metal Cleaners Global Market Report 2024

The global aqueous-based metal cleaners market has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $11.44 billion in 2023 to $12.28 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to safety and health concerns, supply chain considerations, rising waste disposal costs, rising population.

The global aqueous-based metal cleaners market is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $15.75 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of automation and industry 4.0, increasing customized solutions, increasing demand for cleaning industry, increasing awareness. Major trends in the forecast period include continuous innovation, technology advancements, performance improvements, product developments.

The aqueous-based metal cleaner market is poised for substantial growth, driven by the expanding automotive and manufacturing sectors. These industries play pivotal roles in the design, production, and distribution of motor vehicles, as well as the conversion of raw materials into finished products. Aqueous-based metal cleaners offer a safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for eliminating contaminants from metal surfaces, ensuring the optimal performance and durability of manufactured goods in these sectors. For instance, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) in July 2022 revealed a 4.6% increase in the automotive industry's annual net profit for the European Union, reaching $82.6 billion (€79.5 billion) in 2021 compared to $78.86 billion (€75.9 billion) in 2020. Furthermore, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) reported a 3.6% rise in global manufacturing production in the third quarter of 2022, following a 3.0% increase in the previous quarter. Industrial economies also expanded by 2.5% in the second quarter of 2022 according to the same report. Hence, the thriving automotive and manufacturing sectors are set to drive significant growth in the aqueous-based metal cleaner market.

The aqueous-based metal cleaner market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing preference for eco-friendly products. Eco-friendly products are those designed and manufactured with minimal environmental impact, often utilizing sustainable materials and processes to reduce harm to the planet. Aqueous-based metal cleaners align with this trend by providing a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to traditional solvent-based cleaners, effectively reducing harmful chemical emissions and overall environmental impact. For instance, Faire Wholesale Inc., a US-based online retailing company, reported a 55% increase in searches for eco-friendly products between December 2022 and March 2023. Searches for reusable items also rose by 75% during the same period. Additionally, between 2021 and 2022, the number of orders placed by brands utilizing the eco-friendly value tag increased by 45%. Therefore, the escalating preference for eco-friendly products is set to drive the aqueous-based metal cleaner market.

Stringent environmental regulations present a challenge and may hinder the growth of the aqueous-based metal cleansers market during the forecast period. These regulations impose strict requirements on companies to limit the release of pollutants and hazardous chemicals into the environment. Achieving compliance often necessitates substantial investments in expensive equipment and processes to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants. For instance, in March 2023, the US government enforced The Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge of pollutants into the nation's surface waters, including lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. The law establishes water quality standards and mandates that companies obtain permits before discharging pollutants into the water. Therefore, stringent environmental regulations present a hurdle to the growth of the aqueous-based metal cleansers market.

Major companies operating in the aqueous-based metal cleaner market are dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions to fortify their position in the market. These advanced products are engineered to offer enhanced cleaning performance, enabling more effective removal of grease, oil, dirt, and other contaminants. For instance, in November 2022, Solvay SA, a Belgium-based manufacturer of chemical and plastic products, introduced Reactsurf 2490, a novel APE-free1 polymerizable water-soluble surfactant. It was specifically formulated to address persistent issues related to dirt absorption and water whitening, ensuring more efficient coatings and pressure-sensitive adhesives. Moreover, Reactsurf 2490 adheres to the increasingly stringent regulatory standards for APE-free products.

In July 2023, J.F. Lehman & Company LLC, a US-based private equity investment firm, completed a $1.2 billion acquisition of Heritage-Crystal Clean Inc. This strategic move is anticipated to not only expand J.F. Lehman & Company's portfolio and influence in the sustainability sector but also reinforce their joint dedication to eco-friendly practices and solidify their standing in the market. Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. is a US-based manufacturer specializing in aqueous-based parts cleaners.

Major players in the aqueous-based metal cleaners market are BASF SE, Aervoe Industries Inc., Dow Inc., Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Evonik Industries AG, Emerson Electric Co., Indorma Ventures Public Limited, Eastman Chemical Company, The Chemours Company, Clariant AG, Nouryon B.V., Stepan Company, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Quaker Chemical Corp, Zep Inc., CRC Industries Inc., Crest Industrial Chemicals Inc., Ashburn Chemical Technologies Co, Claire Manufacturing Company, Dober Chemical Corp., KYZEN Corporation, PCC Chemax Inc., Nugeneration Technologies LLC, Hubbard-Hall Inc., Cavalier Chemicals Inc.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the aqueous-based metal cleaners’ market in 2023. The regions covered in aqueous-based metal cleanser report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the aqueous-based metal cleanser market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The key technologies for aqueous-based metal cleaners encompass ultrasonic, rinse, dip, and spray methods. Ultrasonic metal cleaning involves the use of high-frequency, high-intensity sound waves in a liquid to eliminate foreign impurities from surfaces. These cleansers are available in various chemical formulations, including alkaline, acidic, and neutral, and contain a range of cleaning agents like builders, sequestrants, inhibitors, surfactants, and more. They find applications across diverse industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and others.

This report provides aqueous-based metal cleaner market statistics, including aqueous-based metal cleaner industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an aqueous-based metal cleaner market share, detailed aqueous-based metal cleaner market segments, market trends and opportunities and any further data you may need to thrive in the aqueous-based metal cleaner industry. This aqueous-based metal cleaner market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The aqueous-based metal cleanser market consists of sales of cleaning systems, detergents, surfactants and emulsifiers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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