The sophorolipid and rhamnolipid market size is expected to grow from US$ 334.88 million in 2022 to US$ 541.63 million by 2030; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2030.
Sophorolipids and rhamnolipids are known as surface-active glycolipid compounds that can be synthesized by a selected number of non-pathogenic yeast species. They are potential bio-surfactants owing to their biodegradability and low eco-toxicity. Also with low toxicity & high production potential, sophorolipids have a high surface and interfacial activity. Sophorolipids are commercially produced from vegetable oil and glucose by the addition of a non-pathogenic yeast called Candida bombicola. Rhamnolipid is commercially produced from Glycerol by the addition of a non-pathogenic yeast called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sophorolipid and rhamnolipids are widely used in agriculture products, like pesticides and other chemicals, in detergents for residential, medical, and healthcare usage; in personal care & cosmetic products, such as shampoo, hash wash liquids, soap, and many other products.
Based on application, the global sophorolipid and rhamnolipid market is segmented into household detergents, personal care, industrial & institutional cleaners, food processing, oilfield chemicals, leather processing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and others. The sophorolipid and rhamnolipid market share for the household detergents segment was recorded to be the largest in 2022. Sophorolipids and rhamnolipids have shown effective results in hard surface cleaning and automated dishwashing aid formulations. This is partially due to their low foaming profile and surface activity properties, which are potentially interesting in additional applications. They combine an outstanding environmental profile with excellent efficiency and are therefore suitable for use in household commercial goods. Sophorolipid and rhamnolipids-based detergents are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Asia Pacific is estimated to register the fastest CAGR in the global sophorolipid and rhamnolipid market over the forecast period. In Asia Pacific, the biocompatible and environmentally friendly biosurfactants have gained significant traction due to their versatile application in industries such as personal care, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and oil recovery. The rising awareness regarding sustainable and green technologies is expected to propel the demand for sophorolipids and rhamnolipids due to their effectiveness in reducing environmental impact. Further, the increasing focus on reducing reliance on traditional petrochemical-based surfactants has prompted companies in Asia Pacific to invest in the research, development, and production of these biobased alternatives. Key players such as Evonik and Stepan operating in the Asia Pacific sophorolipids and rhamnolipids market are adopting various strategies, such as investment in research and development activities and new product launches. In January 2022, Evonik constructed a new production plant for bio-based and fully biodegradable rhamnolipids.
Dow Inc., Allied Carbon Solutions Co. Ltd., Saraya Co. Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, Givaudan SA, Godrej Industries Ltd., Holiferm Ltd., Stepan Co, Deguan Biosurfactant Supplier, and Jeneil Bioproducts GmbH are a few players operating in the global sophorolipid and rhamnolipid market. Players operating in the global sophorolipid and rhamnolipid market focus on providing high-quality products to fulfil customer demand. They also focus on adopting strategies such as new product launches, capacity expansion, partnerships, and collaborations to stay competitive in the market.
The overall global sophorolipid and rhamnolipid market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants to validate the data and gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants of this process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers—along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders—specializing in the sophorolipid and rhamnolipid market.