Market Overview
The
Global Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC) market is expected to attain a value of
USD 1,188.6 million in 2023, and it is projected to grow at a
CAGR of 4.5% for the forecasted period (2023-2032). The growth is majorly driven by the increasing demand for sanitizers & disinfectants across diverse sectors such as food & beverage, household cleaning, & healthcare. The rising awareness about sanitation among users has significantly increased demand for these products.
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are used as, sanitizers, disinfectants, & preservatives across various applications such as hand sanitizers, household cleaners, fabric softeners, personal care products, industrial disinfectants, & pesticides, etc. The increased usage of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in various sectors is driving the market's growth in upcoming years. They are valued for their several properties, such as their ability to combat & prevent the growth of microbes, provide emulsification, lower surface tension, & antistatic properties. However, some Quaternary ammonium compounds have raised some serious environmental and health concerns. Increased concentrations of these QACs in aquatic areas can be harmful to the life of aquatics, while longer exposure to specific QACs has been seen to cause allergic reactions & skin irritation in humans.
Market Dynamic
In the short term, the growth of the market is expected to be driven by increased demand for disinfectant products in clinics, hospitals, & households. However, the market may face challenges due to changing prices of raw materials globally. On the positive side, the enhancement of technologies for disinfecting purposes presents opportunities for the market's growth in the upcoming future.
Geographically, Asia-Pacific emerged as the dominant market after the European market, globally, with countries like India, China, and others accounting for the largest consumption of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs).
In the synthesis of QACs, primary amines like aniline or alkyl amines function as the primary & basic amines. An important step in their production is the quaternization reaction, in which primary amines start the reaction in the presence of an alkylating agent, for example, an alkyl halide like, benzyl chloride, ethyl chloride, or methyl chloride. These reactions are performed in a controlled environment within a suitable vessel, with regulated temperature & pressure. Following this, further steps involve purification, formulation & blending, and finally testing to ensure quality and effectiveness.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Product Type
In 2023, the DDAC (Didecyldimethylammonium chloride) segment dominates the market, holding a significant share in the market. This dominance can be accredited to its
antimicrobial properties, effective on a broad range of microbes, like, bacteria, fungi, viruses, & algae. Didecyldimethylammonium chloride shows effectiveness against both gram-negative & gram-positive bacteria, ensuring it is capable of sanitization.
Yet another segment, the BAC (Benzalkonium chloride) segment commanded a notable share in the market, and it is anticipated to experience the highest compound annual
growth rate of 4.9% by 2032. The significant growth can be credited to its affinity with various surfaces, such as metal, plastics, glass & fabrics. Due to this adaptability, BAC finds widespread application in diverse settings, like food processing plants,
healthcare facilities & household cleaning. Its versatile character makes it useful in various scenarios which further increases its demand & makes it a preferred choice for disinfection.
The ATAC (Alkyl trimethylammonium chloride) compounds have surfactant properties, enabling them to effectively lower the surface tension of various liquids & increase spreading over surfaces. This valuable characteristic makes ATAC compounds very useful in various formulations, such as cleaners, detergents, & fabric softeners.
By Application
In 2023, the surfactants sub-segment dominates the market under the Application segment, holding a significant revenue share of more than 35%. Its dominance can be credited to its extensive application in both industrial & household cleansing products. Surfactants having quaternary ammonium compounds play a crucial role in removing grease, dirt, & other contaminants from surfaces by effectively decreasing the tension between the cleaning solution & the soil. Furthermore, these surfactants enhance foam stability and increase foaming capacity, making them well-suited for a wide range of applications, including body washes, shampoos, & detergents. Their versatility in various cleaning & personal care formulations has resulted in their prominence in the market.
Yet another segment, the disinfectants segment commanded a notable share in the market. significant growth is driven by the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of the product. QAC-based disinfectants are widely utilized for surface disinfection across diverse settings, including healthcare facilities, laboratories, schools, offices, and public spaces. Their effectiveness in reducing the microbial load on surfaces makes them valuable in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. As a result, their demand continues to rise, contributing to their prominent position in the market.
By Distribution Channel
The Offline segment dominates the market with a significant share. This dominance is due to the proper establishment of supply chains & acquisition processes. These offline channels, such as industrial suppliers, & chemical distributors offer expert representatives for sales who can give proper technical support & guidance to consumers, especially in sectors with specific applications and technical requirements for QACs.
This expertise is vital for proper selection, and regulatory compliance.
Over the forecast period, the Online segment is expected to experience the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This growth can be accredited to the convenience of accessing a large range of Quaternary Ammonium compound products from several manufacturers. The online platform offers more diversity of products & enables customers to get products that may not be readily available in local stores. This convenience & accessibility contribute to the segment's rapid growth.
The Global Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following:
By Product Type
- ATAC (Alkyl trimethylammonium chloride)
- BAC (Benzalkonium chloride)
- DDAC (Didecyldimethylammonium chloride)
- Others
By Application
- Fabric Softeners
- Disinfectants
- Wood Preservatives
- Surfactants
- Anti-static Agents
By Distribution Channel
Regional Analysis
In 2023, the European region dominates the market with a share of 32.4%. This dominance can be credited to the region's stringent regulating policies & standards for cleanliness & hygiene in several sectors. In Europe, customer preferences are increasingly focused on items that encourage safety & cleanliness. This shift in preference is reflected in the growing usage of disinfectant products for personal care, surface sanitization & household cleaning. These factors have a combined effect on the European region's prominent position in the market.
The Asia Pacific region ranked second after Europe and it is projected to achieve the highest compound annual growth rate of 4.9% by 2032. This growth can be accredited to the growing craze for fabric softeners as important laundry products, driven by users in the region looking ahead to upgrade the softness & comfort of their garments. The region's rising urbanization & the growing middle class, particularly in countries like India, China & Southeast Asian countries, have resulted in a larger customer base with high disposable income. As a result, there is more consumption of fabric softeners as consumers prefer laundry care & the aesthetics of their fabrics. These factors have resulted in the Asia Pacific region's significant growth in the market.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
Ongoing research and development endeavors in the realm of antimicrobial agents and surfactants have yielded novel and improved quaternary ammonium compounds. Manufacturers are actively investing in innovative formulations that provide superior efficacy, lower toxicity, and improved environmental attributes.
In pursuit of a competitive advantage, companies are also implementing strategies like forming partnerships and making acquisitions. For instance, in June 2023, Global Amines Company Pte. Ltd. acquired Clariant's quaternary ammonium compounds business in Indonesia, Brazil, and Germany.
Some of the prominent players in the Global Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Market are:
- Arkema
- BASF SE
- DuPont
- Evonik
- Ashland
- Novo Nordisk Pharmatech
- Other Key Players
COVID-19 Pandemic & Recession: Impact on the Global Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Market
The quaternary ammonium compounds market experienced a positive impact from the COVID-19 pandemic as the demand for disinfectants and antiseptic agents surged among the public. This led to increased usage of these compounds in households, workplaces, and industries, and the elevated usage is expected to continue throughout the forecast period due to ongoing concerns about the virus. Despite the pandemic, the market demonstrated positive growth and is projected to continue growing in the foreseeable future.
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2023) |
USD 1,188.6 Mn |
| Forecast Value (2032) |
USD 1,793.2 Mn |
| CAGR (2023-2032) |
4.7% |
| Historical Data |
2017 - 2022 |
| Forecast Data |
2023 - 2032 |
| Base Year |
2022 |
| Estimate Year |
2023 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Product Type (ATAC, BAC, DDAC, and Others), By Application (fabric Softeners, Disinfectants, Wood Preservatives, Surfactants, and Anti-static Agents), and By Distribution Channel (Offline, and Online). |
| Regional Coverage |
North America – The US and Canada; Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe; Asia- Pacific– China, Japan, South Korea, India, ANZ, ASEAN, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, & Rest of MEA
|
| Prominent Players |
Arkema, BASF SE, DuPont, Ashland, Novo Nordisk Pharmatech, and Other Key Players. |
| Purchase Options |
We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License (Limited to 1 user), Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), and Corporate Use License (Unlimited User) along with free report customization equivalent to 0 analyst working days, 3 analysts working days and 5 analysts working days respectively. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Global Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC) market is expected to attain a value of USD 1188.6 million in 2023.
The Global Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Market is expected to grow at 4.7% CAGR (2023-2032).
The didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) segment dominates the Global Quaternary Ammonium Compounds market with a maximum revenue share.
Some prominent players in the Global Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Market include Arkema, BASF SE, DuPont, Ashland, etc.