11.11.05
Demand for specialty surfactants is expected to rise 4.3% a year to $3.6 billion, or 2.1 billion pounds in 2006, according to the Freedonia Group’s Specialty Surfactants report. The demand is strongest from the personal care markets, followed by industrial markets. A number of factors will drive this trend, including naturally-derived surfactants, biodegradability, milder surfactants and surfactants for treated wipes. Annual growth is expected in each category: cationic (+4%), anionic (+4.1%), nonionic (+4.4%), amphoteric (+5.9%) and other specialty surfactants (+4.9%). More info: Corinne Gangloff, (440) 684-9600; Fax: (440) 646-0484; Website: www.freedoniagroup.com.