Aqueous-based Metal Cleaners Market

Updated on : August 06, 2024

Aqueous-based Metal Cleaners Market

The global aqueous-based metal cleaners market was valued at USD 11.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 14.6 billion by 2027, growing at 5.4% cagr from 2022 to 2027. The use of trichloroethylene and other solvents results in health and environmental risks and is, therefore, not the preferred choice. Companies operating in the market have also realized the advantages of using safe and sustainable operating practices. There has been an increase in demand for green alternatives. The growing preference for aqueous-based metal cleaning, the rapidly growing automotive and manufacturing industry, and the transition to safer alternatives for solvent-degreasing applications are the major factors driving the market. The major restraints of this market are the impact of these chemicals on the environment and the high energy needed compared to solvent cleaners

Attractive Opportunities in the Aqueous-Based Metal Cleaners Market

e-estimated, p-projected

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Aqueous-based Metal Cleaners Market Dynamics

Driver:  Rapidly growing automotive and manufacturing industries

Automotive and manufacturing are the key end-use industries of aqueous-based metal cleaners. The use of aqueous-based metal cleaners in the manufacturing of body parts is essential. Aqueous-based metal cleaners clean metal body parts of vehicles. There is increased production of vehicles globally. This leads to an increase in the usage of aqueous-based metal cleaners in the industry. Aqueous-based metal cleaners are also widely used in the manufacturing industry as they are used for the removal of metallic scale and corrosion products.

Restraint: Factors pertaining to environmental responsibility

Certain aqueous-based metal cleaners are classified as more dangerous than specific solvent metal cleaners based on toxicity. Thus lies the importance of proper wastewater treatment. Even when the aqueous-based cleaners are classified as biodegradable, the soil generated should not be. Thus, the treatment and disposal of wastewater are of great importance. In aqueous-based metal cleaning, as soils and contaminants are emulsified and removed from the water, the quality of cleaning will depend on the number and quality of the rinsing baths with demineralized water. The higher the quality of cleaning, the investment and space requirements for aqueous-based cleaning will increase accordingly.

Opportunity: Green and biobased alternatives to traditional metal cleaners

Biobased cleaners have plant and/or animal materials as their main ingredients. They are made from renewable resources, and with some exceptions, they generally do not contain synthetics, toxins, or environmentally damaging substances. These chemicals are witnessing increasing demand in European and North American regions as a result of government regulations and initiatives promoting the use of biobased materials. Companies are now innovating and offering biobased alternatives in the market. The use of biobased alternatives helps to avoid any hazardous conditions as they do not react with other chemicals and prevents the use of any special personal protective equipment (PPE), which saves costs and aids worker safety. It can also be stored indefinitely and is safe to use and dispose of. These factors can drive the aqueous cleaning chemical market.

Aqueous-based Metal Cleaners Market Ecosystem

“Ultrasonic was the largest technology of aqueous-based metal cleaners market industry, in terms of value, in 2021”

In ultrasonic cleaning, a sound wave is created in the water, similar to an audio speaker, when it creates sound in the air by vibrating a diaphragm. When the sound wave passes across the water, alternating areas of high and low pressures are generated. This technology is more suitable for small and intricate components, mostly in the healthcare, precision optics, jewelry, and electronics industry where a high level of cleanliness is required. Ultrasonic cleaning eliminates foreign contaminates from equipment surfaces which reduces maintenance-related problems. This can reduce maintenance which can lead to continued production.

“Acidic was the second-fastest growing chemistry type of aqueous-based metal cleaners market industry, in terms of value, in 2021”

After alkaline cleaners, acidic cleaners are the second-most widely used globally. Acidic metal cleaners are aqueous-based mixtures with a pH level of less than 7. They are used in the removal of scale, rust, and oxides from metals. Surface treatments, including phosphating and brightening, use acidic chemistry types of aqueous solutions. Use of eye protection equipment and gloves is required to protect from fumes while using acidic cleaners.

“Sequestrants and inhibitors is the second fastest-growing cleaning chemicals of aqueous-based metal cleaners market, in terms of value, in 2021”

Sequestrants are water conditioners that prevent the precipitation and deposit of metal ions in alkaline media. They help in the removal of oxide layers without attacking the base metal and to control water hardness. Their function is to form soluble complexes with calcium and magnesium or metals from dissolved oxides. Such sequestrants include tripolyphosphates, organic phosphates, and polycarbonic acid salts such as sodium gluconates. Inhibitors are used in aqueous-based metal cleaning solutions again corrosion. The corrosion of metal parts during cleaning is of lesser importance with alkaline cleaners and ferrous metals. In alkaline solutions, iron and steel are relatively stable. The case is different for acid systems or for non-ferrous metals. Various substances can be used depending on the builder system, the pH value, and the workpiece metal.

“Healthcare was the fastest growing end-use industry of aqueous-based metal cleaners market, in terms of value, in 2021”

Using aqueous-based metal cleaners in the healthcare industry is paving the way to several benefits in terms of effectiveness, fewer surface residues, and easier cleaning. Aqueous-based cleaning is done in two steps depending on the types of residues involved. First, an alkaline cleaner removes all oily residues, followed by a rinse to prevent drag out. Second, this is followed by an acid cleaner and thorough rinse to remove alkaline-insoluble inorganic materials.

“Asia Pacific to account for the largest share of the global aqueous-based metal cleaners market, in terms of value, in 2021”

Asia Pacific is projected to be the largest, as well as the fastest-growing aqueous-based metal cleaners industry, in terms of both value and volume, during the forecast period. The region is a global manufacturing hub and has one of the largest numbers of on-road vehicles in the world. The growth of the aqueous-based metal cleaners market in the region is supported by rising incomes, the standard of living, population, and exports. The high economic growth in developing countries and increasing disposable incomes have made Asia Pacific an attractive market for aqueous-based metal cleaners. The tremendous growth of industrial production increased trade, and the rise in the demand for vehicles is primarily responsible for the high consumption of aqueous-based metal cleaners in the region. China, Japan, India, and South Korea are the major markets for aqueous-based metal cleaners in Asia Pacific .

Source: Secondary Research, Expert Interviews, and MarketsandMarkets Analysis

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Aqueous-based Metal Cleaners Market Players

The key market players profiled in the report include BASF SE (Germany), Dow Inc. (US), Stepan Company (US), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Nouryon (Netherlands), Clariant AG (Switzerland), The Chemours Company (US), Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (Thailand), Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (US) and others.

Aqueous-based Metal Cleaners Market Report Scope

This report categorizes the global aqueous-based metal cleaners market based on technology, chemistry type, cleaning chemicals, end-use industry, and region.

On the basis of technology, the aqueous-based metal cleaners market has been segmented as follows:

• Ultrasonic
• Rinse
• Dip
• Spray

On the basis of chemistry type, the aqueous-based metal cleaners market has been segmented as follows:

• Alkaline
• Acidic
• Neutral

On the basis of cleaning chemicals, the aqueous-based metal cleaners market has been segmented as follows:

• Builders
• Sequestrants and inhibitors
• Surfactants
  • Ionic
    • -Anionic
    • -Cationic
  • Non-ionic
• Others

On the basis of end-use industries, the aqueous-based metal cleaners market has been segmented as follows:

• Manufacturing
• Automotive & Aerospace
• Healthcare
• Others

On the basis of region, the aqueous-based metal cleaners market has been segmented as follows:

• Asia Pacific
• North America
• Europe
• Middle East & Africa
• South America  

Recent Developments:

• In October 2022, The surface treatment global business unit of BASF’s coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, opened its first regional innovation and technology center for applied surface treatment technology in Shanghai, China..
• In September 2022, Stepan Company announced the completion of its acquisition of the surfactant business and associated assets of PerformanX Specialty Chemicals, LLC. The acquisition includes intellectual property, commercial relationships, and inventory.
• In April 2019, Chemetall (BASF SE) came into a conclusive agreement with Polymer Ventures to acquire its automotive paint detackification business and shares of Galaxy Chemical Corporation.

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