Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market by Cleaner Type (Aqueous, Solvent), Metal Type (Steel, Aluminum, Cooper), Ingredient (Surfactants, Chelating Agent, Solvent), End-use Industry (Manufacturing, Automotive & Aerospace, Healthcare), & Region - Global Forecast to 2027
Updated on : April 03, 2024
Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market
Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market size was valued at USD 14.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 18.2 billion by 2027, growing at 5.1% cagr from 2022 to 2027. Rapidly growing automotive and construction industries, and rising demand for aqueous based metal cleaners are the major factors driving the market growth. The use of metal cleaning chemicals in manufacturing of body parts is essential. Metal body parts of vehicles are cleaned by metal cleaning chemicals. There is increasing production of vehicles globally. This leads to an increase in the usage of metal cleaning chemicals in the industry. Metal cleaning chemicals are also widely used in the construction industry as they are used for removal of metallic scale and corrosion products. Metal cleaning chemicals are essential in architectural forming such as for manufacturing showpieces where superior finishing is required.
Attractive Opportunities in the Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market
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Driver: Increasing demand for aqueous based metal cleaners
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 introduction of aqueous (water) based technology has offered a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly means for cleaning and degreasing metal parts and components. Green alternatives help to protect the environment, improve workplace safety, and reduce industrial waste and operating costs.
Restraint: Stringent regulations on metal cleaning chemicals
Governments of many countries have implemented Air Pollution Control Regulation (the VOC Regulation) to prohibit the import and manufacturing of regulated products with VOC content exceeding the prescribed limits set out in the VOC Regulation in Hong Kong. The Canadian Government, in May 2013, implemented the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for improving air quality. It also implemented the VOC Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings Regulations in September 2009. Governments aim at reducing or controlling VOC emissions by imposing certain emissions standards for solvent-based cleaning. These regulations are expected to decrease the demand for solvent-based metal cleaning.
Opportunity: Green and biobased alternatives to traditional metal cleaning chemical products
Biobased cleaning chemicals have plant and/or animal materials as their main ingredients. They are made from a renewable resource, 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. For instance, Gemtek Products offers SC Aircraft and Metal Cleaners, which is a biobased aircraft and metal cleaning product. It is a versatile product suitable for removing oils, fluids, carbon, fuels, and other common contaminants from aluminum, sensitive magnesium, aircraft exterior and parts, aerospace manufacturing, ground support equipment. The use of biobased alternatives helps to avoid any hazardous conditions as they do not react with other chemicals. The use of biobased alternatives also 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.
Challenge: Waste management
The major challenge of aqueous cleaning includes difficulties in rinsing to remove the cleaning agent debris and residues. These cleaning solutions can require wastewater treatment before disposal into water bodies, depending upon the type of chemicals. These cleaning chemicals are often corrosive and incompatible with oxygen and can be a potential hazard. Under the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program addresses the problem of water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge harmful pollutants into the water bodies of the US. This permit is given to the state governments by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Metal cleaning chemicals ecosystem
“Aqueous cleaner was the largest cleaner type in metal cleaning chemicals market, in terms of value, in 2021”
The aqueous cleaner segment dominated the metal cleaning chemicals market in terms of both value and volume. Aqueous metal cleaning chemicals are water-based with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Instead of dissolving grease like solvent metal cleaning chemicals, aqueous metal cleaning chemicals rely on heat, agitation, and additives to break down the contaminants and wash them from the surface of components. Increased awareness about environmental regulations has prompted many companies to move away from solvents- to aqueous-based metal cleaning without direct pressure from regulators.
“Chealting agent was the second largest type of ingredient in metal cleaning chemicals market, in terms of value, in 2021”
Chelating agents are negatively charged or oxygen-containing molecules that react with positively charged metal ions to form a stable complex. They have multiple locations in the molecule to react with multiple positive charges that may be present on multivalent metal ions that have more than one positive charge on them. Chelating agents in cleaning products are mainly used to soften hard water and enable easy washing. The high performance of chelating agent in hard water is the major factor driving the growth of chelating agents in the metal cleaning chemicals market.
“Steel was the largest metal type in metal cleaning chemicals market, in terms of value, in 2021”
The steel segment accounted for the largest share, of the overall metal cleaning chemicals market, in terms of value, in 2021. Global steel production continues to increase with economic growth. Steel is used in electricity powerline towers, natural gas pipelines, machine tools and equipment, military weapons, and many other applications. The growth of the metal cleaning chemicals market can be attributed to the increasing demand from Asia Pacific. Metal cleaning chemicals are required during pre-treatment and maintenance of metal. China and India are expected to drive the metal demand in this region.
“Manufacturing was the largest end-use industry in metal cleaning chemicals market, in terms of value, in 2021
The manufacturing segment dominated of the overall metal cleaning chemicals market, in terms of both value and volume, in 2021. The market in this segment is driven by the rising demand from emerging nations. Metal cleaning chemicals are used in the manufacturing industry to clean various equipment during manufacturing operations. The growing manufacturing industry in China and India are major consumers in this segment.
Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the global metal cleaning chemicals market in 2021
Asia Pacific is projected to be the largest, as well as the fastest-growing metal cleaning chemicals market, 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 metal cleaning chemicals market in the region is supported by rising incomes, standard of living, population, and exports. The region's emerging economies such as China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand are expected to witness robust expansion in terms of urbanization and infrastructure as well as investments in the manufacturing sector. This will propel the demand for metal in the region's emerging economies.
Source: Secondary Research, Expert Interviews, and MarketsandMarkets Analysis
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Key Market Players
The metal cleaning chemicals market is dominated by a few globally established players such as BASF SE (Germany), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Eastman Chemical Company (US), The Dow Chemical Company (US), Stepan Company (US), The Chemours Company (US), and Quaker Chemical Corporation (US), among others.
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Scope of the Report
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Report Metric |
Details |
Years considered for the study |
2017 – 2027 |
Base Year Considered |
2021 |
Forecast period |
2022–2027 |
Units considered |
Value (USD Thousand/Million/Billion), Volume (Kiloton) |
Segments covered |
Cleaner type, metal type, ingredient type, end-use industry and region |
Regions covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America |
Companies profiled |
BASF SE (Germany), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Quaker Chemical Corporation (US), Stepan Company (US), The Chemours Company (US), and The Dow Chemical Company (US), among others are the major players in this market |
This report categorizes the global metal cleaning chemicals market based on cleaner type, metal type, ingredient type and region.
On the basis of cleaner type, the metal cleaning chemicals market has been segmented as follows:
- Aqueous
- Solvent
On the basis of ingredient type, the metal cleaning chemicals market has been segmented as follows:
- Chelating Agent
- Surfactants
- Solvents
- Solubilizer
- ph Regulator
- Others
On the basis of metal type, the metal cleaning chemicals market has been segmented as follows:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Cooper
- Others
On the basis of end-use industry, the metal cleaning chemicals market has been segmented as follows:
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Automotive & Aerospace
- Others
On the basis of region, the metal cleaning chemicals market has been segmented as follows:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- South America
Recent Developments:
- In April 2019, Chemetall came into a conclusive agreement with Polymer Ventures to acquire its automotive paint detackification business and shares of Galaxy Chemical Corporation.
- 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 February 2021, Stepan Company announced the complete acquisition of Fermentation Plant located in Lake Providence, Louisiana, US. The company will commercialize next-generation biosurfactants in that plant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What are the high growth cleaner type of metal cleaning chemicals?
Aqueous cleaner is the largest cleaner type in terms of both value and volume, in the global metal cleaning chemicals market in 2021.
Which is the largest end-use industry of metal cleaning chemicals?
Manufacturing holds the largest market share in metal cleaning chemicals market, in terms of both value and volume, in 2021.
Which is the largest metal type of metal cleaning chemicals?
Steels are the most widely-used metallic materials. The growth of the metal cleaning chemicals market can be attributed to the increasing demand for steel from Asia Pacific.
What are the major factors impacting market growth during the forecast period?
Stringent regulations on metal cleaning chemicals is restricting the market growth. .
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The study involved four major activities in estimating the market size for the metal cleaning chemicals market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the market, the peer market, and the parent market. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to estimate the complete market size. Post that, the market breakdown and data triangulation procedures were used to estimate the market size of the segments and subsegments.
Secondary Research
Secondary sources used in this study included annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of companies; white papers; certified publications; articles from recognized authors; and gold standard & silver standard websites such as Factiva, ICIS, Bloomberg, and others. Findings of this study were verified through primary research by conducting extensive interviews with key officials such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and other executives.
Primary Research
The metal cleaning chemicals market comprises several stakeholders, such as raw material suppliers, end-product manufacturers, and regulatory organizations in the supply chain. The demand side of this market is characterized by the development of manufacturing, automotive & aerospace, healthcare and other industries. The supply side is characterized by advancements in technology and diverse application industries. Various primary sources from both the supply and demand sides of the market were interviewed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information.
Breakdown of Primary Participants
Notes: Other designations include sales managers, marketing managers, and product managers.
Tier 1: > USD 5 billion; Tier 2: USD 1 billion–USD 5 billion; and Tier 3: < USD 1 billion.
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Market Size Estimation
Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the total size of the metal cleaning chemicals market. These methods were also used extensively to estimate the size of various subsegments in the market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following:
The key players in the industry were identified through extensive secondary research.
- The industry’s supply chain and market size, in terms of value, were determined through primary and secondary research processes.
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the overall market size—using the market size estimation processes as explained above—the market was split into several segments and subsegments. To complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics of each market segment and subsegment, the data triangulation, and market breakdown procedures were employed, wherever applicable. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides in the manufacturing, automotive & aerospace, healthcare, among other industries.
Report Objectives
- To analyze and forecast the size of the metal cleaning chemicals market in terms of value and volume
- To provide detailed information regarding key factors, such as drivers, restraints, challenges and opportunities influencing the growth of the market
- To define, describe, and segment the metal cleaning chemicals market based on cleaner type, ingredient type, metal type and end-use industry.
- To forecast the size of the market segments for regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America.
- To strategically analyze the segmented markets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contribution to the overall market
- To identify and analyze opportunities for stakeholders in the market
- To strategically profile key players and comprehensively analyze their core competencies
Available Customizations
Along with the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:
Regional Analysis
- Further breakdown of a region with respect to a particular country or additional application
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players (up to five)
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market