Global demand for detergents continues to grow

Industry insiders expect global detergent consumption growth will maintain at GDP growth level in 2012, especially in emerging markets such as China, Eastern Europe and India, and demand in Western Europe and North America will continue to grow slowly.

According to Eric Stouder, general manager of Sasol's organics business in South Africa, the growth rate of detergent consumption in developed regions is expected to be between 0% and 2.5%, while the demand growth in developing regions will exceed 5%. The differentiation of specialty products and products will continue to be the top priority for soap and detergent manufacturers in 2012, which is to provide customers with products at reasonable prices and with better performance. According to IHS Chemical Consulting, the global market for surfactants reached 11 million to 12 million tons in 2011, with a market value of approximately US$25 billion, of which Western Europe and North America accounted for the largest market share, approaching 48%, followed by China, and at 8%. about.