Diethanolamine Market on Track to Reach a Value of USD 34.2 Billion by 2033
The Diethanolamine (DEA) market, a significant player in various industries, is forecasted to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2024 to 2033, reaching an estimated value of around USD 34.2 Billion by 2033. This growth is driven by its diverse applications, from gas treatment processes to personal care products.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the Diethanolamine market holds a substantial 39.6% share, valued at USD 6.6 Bn. The oil and gas segment dominates this market, accounting for 55.70% in 2022. On the other hand, the agriculture sector holds a significant 29.1% share, boosting demand for DEA in the production of agrochemicals.
DEA is employed in gas treatment processes to remove acid gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas, essential for purifying gas before it is distributed for use. It is also used in the formulation of cement additives and concrete admixtures, enhancing the properties of cement and improving the durability and strength of concrete structures.
In the personal care and cosmetics industry, there are significant regulatory and environmental concerns regarding DEA's classification as a potential human carcinogen. As a result, stricter controls on its use have been implemented. For instance, the CalEPA chronic reference exposure level is 0.02 mg/m3, and NIOSH's recommended exposure limit is 3 ppm (13 mg/m3).
DEA is seeing increased use in personal care products, such as shampoos and lotions, due to its emulsifying properties and ability to adjust pH levels. However, concerns about its potential health risks have led to a shift towards sustainable and bio-based chemical products, with DEA producers exploring greener production methods in response to environmental regulations and growing consumer preference for eco-friendly products.
The textile industry is also using DEA as a fabric finishing agent and softening agent, driven by the growing online apparel market and rising consumer preference for aspirational clothing.
In terms of environmental impact, DEA concentration in German rivers ranges from 0.30-4.6 μg/L, while on-site releases to water in Canada total 118,000 kg/year from 74 facilities. Air emissions in the USA were 149,200 kg from 358 industrial facilities, and on-site releases to land in Canada were 26,000 kg/year.
Technological advancements in chemical synthesis are enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of DEA production, reducing production costs and environmental impact. Liquid DEA represents 76.4% of the market due to its versatile applications.
The market is dominated by key players such as BASF, with key sales markets including the United States, China, and Germany. However, advances in technology could lead to the development of substitutes for traditional DEA that offer similar benefits with fewer health and environmental risks, potentially impacting the market.
In the cosmetics industry, N-nitroso diethanolamine (NDEA) was detected in 110 of 252 cosmetics, with the highest level recorded at 130 ppm. This finding underscores the need for continued regulatory oversight and industry self-regulation to ensure the safety of cosmetic products.
In conclusion, while the Diethanolamine market continues to grow, it faces challenges related to health and environmental concerns, particularly in the personal care and cosmetics industry. However, technological advancements and a shift towards sustainable production methods offer promising solutions for addressing these challenges.
