Market Overview

Global Amphoteric Etherifying Agents Market reached US$ 144.2 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 189.9 million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The growing substitution of plastic with paper-based alternatives will be a major factor in driving the demand for amphoteric etherifying agents during the forecast period. The application of new paper packaging products is also growing, which will boost the long-term growth prospects for the global market.

Ongoing changes in the global textile market will probably create difficult conditions for the future growth of the global market. Many garment exporters like Bangladesh are struggling and it has provided an opening for China to consolidate its position in the export market. The growing concentration of demand in China would be detrimental for the growth prospects of the global market.

Market Dynamics

Shortening of Fashion Trend Cycles

The fast fashion has witnessed a sharp increase in popularity following the advent of social media. Generally, fashion trends followed a 20 year cycle, from introduction to obsolescence, however, social media has shortened the cycle to 12-30 weeks. Fashion brands, are increasingly launching multiple new designs during the summer and fall seasons. Affordable and luxury brands are both increasingly adopting a ‘see now, buy now’ approach, which means that clothes that are debuted at fashion shows are almost immediately available for purchase.

The current trend of shortening fashion cycles means that clothing manufacturers have to constantly produce large volume of clothes throughout the year, which increases demand for amphoteric etherifying agents. As fashion cycles continue to become more shorter, it will only increase the demand for amphoteric etherifying agents in the future.

New Technological Innovations in Papermaking

Paper manufacturers are using new materials and processes to make paper more durable, water and dirt-resistant as well as chemical-free manufacturing processes. For instance, Nekoosa Coated Products had launched a new antimicrobial paper by adding bio master silver ion technology, a non-toxic, naturally occurring antimicrobial technology for bacterial prevention.

The formulation of the ink used in the paper is also changed to dry quickly and prevent smudging. Koehler Paper Group recently introduced the Middle Sheet Reacto carbonless paper. A thin color receiving layer is sandwiched within the paper which reacts with color-forming substances released by the upper sheet. The middle sheet also has a microcapsule coating, thus allowing a single sheet to generate three copies using innovative ink technology.

Eurocalco Digital is Lecta S.A.’s range of carbonless paper for digital printing applications. It has low weight, between 50-75 gsm and offers completely smudge-free printing due to special ink and paper surface treatment. The paper is compatible with every major brand of inkjet and laserjet printer.

Growing Concern About Pollution from Papermaking

Although paper is being positioned as an eco-friendly alternative to plastics, paper production generates its own set of problems, chief among which is environmental contamination. Paper mills are notorious for emitting toxic compounds like sodium sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and chlorine dioxide. However, they also contribute signficantly towards water pollution. Multiple studies have conclusively proved that papermill wastewater contains carcinogenic and mutagenic pollutants.

Alarmed by the growing incidence of water pollution, many governments have instituted strict measures for papermills. Many mills in violation of anti-pollution laws were shut down, whereas most mills couldn’t afford the extensive capital investment needed to install new pollution control technologies. The strict new anti-pollution regulations will reduce demand for amphoteric etherifying agents in the short term.

Segment Analysis

The global amphoteric etherifying agents market is segmented based on type, application and region.

Papermaking is the Largest Application for Amphoteric Etherifying Agents

Among all applications, paper stands out due to the high amount of demand placed upon paper products globally. Developed and emerging countries alike are switching towards paper-based substitutes for plastic packaging. Even during the age of digitization, the demand for printing paper continues to increase steadily.

Textiles are also witnessing a surge in demand, though the overall figures are still lesser than the papermaking industry. The rise of fast-fashion trends has been one of the main reasons behind the spurt in demand for amphoteric etherifying agents from textile manufacturers. The rise of ethnic fashion trends is also another factor in raising demand.

Geographical Penetration

Asia-Pacific Poised for Significant Growth During the Forecast Period

The papermaking industry will be the chief source of growth for amphoteric etherifying agents during the forecast period. India and China will be among the largest domestic markets for these agents, considering their well-established paper, textile and chemical industries. However, outside of big markets, the demand for amphoteric etherifying agents in Asia-Pacific has run into a crisis.

Bangladesh, one of the largest textile exporters in the region, has been faced with declining textile exporters due to an increase in natural gas prices and an overall increase in inflation. Many smaller garment manufacturers have gone bankrupt due to these difficult market conditions. The market demand for amphoteric etherifying agents will likely remain subdued over the short and medium term.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The pandemic created a major period of uncertainty for the global amphoteric etherifying agent market. Demand from the textile industry witnessed a major decline, as it was affected by pandemic lockdowns due to labor shortages and production disruptions. Paper manufacturers did witness a notable increase in demand, especially due to growing consumer interest in disposable paper-based hygiene products and cutlery.

Overall global demand witnessed a gradual and steady recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic. However, with the advent of the war in Ukraine, energy prices continued to remain high, thus leading to challenging market conditions for many end-users. How well these challenging conditions are addressed will determine the future course of the global market.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine war created significant volatility in global energy prices which affected textile and paper production in developing countries. Much of the global production of these commodities is carried out in emerging nations that are dependent on energy imports. A steep increase in global energy prices raised input costs for local manufacturers, thus depressing demand for amphoteric modifying agents.

Chinese chemical and textile manufacturers have a huge amount of large spare capacity that can easily nullify the rise in input costs. If global energy markets witness a sustained period of high prices, it is likely that more and more of the textile and paper manufacturing capacity will shift from other emerging countries like India and Bangladesh to China.

Key Developments

  • In April 2023, a team of Malaysian researchers from the Selangor Technological University, published a research paper detailing the usage of amphoteric etherifying agents for the development of a novel drug delivery system.
  • In December 2023, a team of scientists from the Zhejiang Normal University in China published a research paper detailing the development of a new polymer-based water treatment agent developed using amphoteric etherifying agents.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Dongying Zeao Chemical Co., Ltd., Delin New Materials, Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., SKW Quab Chemicals, Shandong Guofeng Junda Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., Haihang Industry Co., Ltd, Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., Dongying Nuoer Chemical Co., Ltd, Weifang Yukai Chemical Co., Ltd. and Wuxi Cima Science Co., Ltd.

Market Segmentation

  • By Type
    • 69% Active
    • 65% Active
    • Others
  • By Application
    • Textile
    • Paper
    • Chemicals
    • Others

Why Purchase the Report?

  • To visualize the global amphoteric etherifying agents market segmentation based on type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
  • Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
  • Excel data sheet with numerous data points of amphoteric etherifying agents market-level with all segments.
  • PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
  • Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global amphoteric etherifying agents market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 43 figures and 182 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

  • Textile Manufacturing Companies
  • Chemical Companies
  • Papermaking Companies
  • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
  • Research Professionals