Market Trends of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Industry
Disinfectants Segment to Dominate the Market
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a type of chemical that is used to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. There are many different types of QACs that are often found in disinfectants and cleaning products used in places such as hospitals, daycare centers, restaurants, and homes.
- According to the Office for National Statistics (UK), the sales value of disinfectants based on quaternary ammonium salts in the United Kingdom experienced an increase in value. The value reached USD 109.16 million in 2021.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usage of disinfectants increased worldwide to be used in public facilities, transportation, hospitals, nursing homes, wastewater treatment facilities, and even common households to mitigate the virus burden.
- The rising occurrence of hospital-acquired infections increased spending on disinfectant solutions globally, and this factor contributed to the growth of the market. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are roughly 45.44 million episodes of healthcare-associated infections every year in Europe, affecting close to 41.31 million patients. The increase in patient safety in hospitals has boosted spending on disinfecting solutions, which has resulted in the growth of the quaternary ammonium disinfectant market.
- According to the American Hospital Association, as of 2022, the total number of hospitals in the United States was 6,093. As per the reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 of every 31 hospitalized patients in the United States had an HAI, meaning that approximately 633,300 patients contracted one of these infections annually.
- All the factors, in turn, are projected to have a significant impact on market growth during the forecast period.
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Asia-Pacific Region to Dominate the Market
- The Asia-Pacific region stands to be the fastest-growing market for quaternary ammonium compounds. Consumption of these compounds in disinfectants, and other surface cleaning products drives the growth of the market.
- Asia-Pacific countries, such as China, India, and other developing countries, have been registering a strong increase in the number of cases suffering from bacterial, fungal, and other infections, which leads to the increased consumption of quaternary ammonium surfactants, disinfectants, and other cleaning products in the region.
- The market for surface disinfectants is growing in the region as a result of the rapid development of the healthcare sector in developing countries like China and India. For instance, the hospital industry in India accounts for 80% of the total healthcare market and is witnessing huge investor demand from both global and domestic investors. The hospital industry in India is expected to reach USD 132 billion by the end of 2023.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds find their application in the textile industry as well. The salts from these compounds are made from lipids that essentially coat clothes in a fatty layer, making them smoother and softer to the touch.
- China is the largest textile-producing and exporting country in the world. In February 2022, Chinese textile exports reached an all-time high of USD 24,741 million.
- In 2022, approximately three billion meters of clothing fabric were produced in China. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the textile production volume reached an all-time high of USD 46 billion in November 2022.
- Quaternary ammonium-based composite particles are used to provide antibacterial finishing to cotton-based fabrics. The functionalization is done by diluting a quaternary ammonium cation (QAC) hybrid alkoxide in a sol-gel-made crystalline suspension of TiO2 in liquid.
- According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India is the world's largest producer of cotton. Production of cotton fiber in India reached 2.40 MT in 2021, while for yarn, the production stood at 4,762 million kg during the same period.
- In restaurants, QAC sanitizers and disinfectants are used on items from the restaurant tables to the food prep surfaces to prevent foodborne illness. These products are extensively used in restaurants, food production facilities, and households due to their surface cleaning behavior. As of 2023, there are a total of 27,254 food and takeaway food services businesses in Australia, an increase of 1.2% from 2022.
- According to the American Chemistry Council, the total value of all domestic sales of chemicals in the Asia-Pacific region reached USD 2.6 trillion in 2021, which reflects the region's leading position in terms of chemical sales.
- Furthermore, the strategic initiatives taken by the market players are also expected to drive the growth of the market. For instance, in April 2021, Unilever partnered with LanzaTech and India Glycols to produce a surfactant made from industrial carbon emissions instead of fossil fuels. Additionally, in March 2021, BASF signed a partnership agreement with Allied Carbon Solutions Co., Ltd. (ACS) Japan to strengthen its global position in bio-based QAC surfactants and actives.
- All the aforementioned factors are expected to significantly impact the demand for the market studied in the region during the forecast period.
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