Global specialty chemical markets for amino acid surfactants and cleaning compounds projected to grow

The global markets for amino acid-based surfactants and plastic processing cleaning compounds are both poised for steady growth through the early 2030s, driven by demands for sustainability and manufacturing efficiency.

The amino acid surfactant market, used extensively in personal care and cosmetics due to its low irritation and biodegradability, is projected to reach USD 553 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2026. Ajinomoto currently leads the market, followed by companies such as Croda and Clariant. Growth is fueled by the rise of clean beauty, vegan formulations, and stricter environmental regulations.

Simultaneously, the cleaning compound market—specialized materials used to clean plastic processing machinery—is expected to reach USD 814 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 5.2%. These compounds are essential for reducing downtime and preventing contamination during color or material changes in industries like automotive and electronics. The top ten companies in this sector hold approximately 64% of the market share, including players like Asahi Kasei, Chem-Trend, and Dow. Dow recently announced a project in North America to optimize its production capacity for cleaning-related grades to ensure stable supply.