F O C U S O N S U R FA C TA N T S
patent number US 6,444,631 B1 for a
dishwashing detergent with a low
molecular weight organic diamine and
detersive surfactant. It also contains
an ultraviolet light blocker produced
from orthohydroxybenzophenones,
titanium dioxide and benzotriazoles.
HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Nov
2002, 39 (11), 28
Unilever patents soap bar making
process
Researchers for Unilever HPC have
earned patent number US 6,444,630
B1 for a molten mix process of
producing soap bars. The method
involves the use of an anionic
surfactant, fatty acid soap or soap
fraction, free fatty acid and a divalent
cation.
HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Nov
2002, 39 (11), 28
Unilever earns shampoo patent
Unilever Home and Personal Care
(HPC) US of Chicago, IL, has earned
patent number 6,444,628 B2 for an
aqueous shampoo containing an
anionic cleansing surfactant, a
cationic polymer and a mono-long
chain alkyl quaternary ammonium
compound.
HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Nov
2002, 39 (11), 28
STATISTICS/
REVIEWS
Surfactant demand
The Freedonia Group reported that
speciality surfactant demand in the
USA is predicted to rise by 4.3%/y to
2.1 bn lbs worth $3.6 bn in 2006. The
rise is mainly attributed to the rising
demand for naturally derived,
multifunctional and environmentally
friendly surfactants, the rising
demand for surfactant-treated wipes,
and higher requirements for mildness.
Soap and Cosmetics, Oct 2002, 78 (7), 10
Awash with detergents
The world detergents market is being
shaped by changes in consumer
demand and the continuing
6 JANUARY 2003
consolidation of the raw materials
supply base, most notably in
surfactants. The market is also having
to deal with overcapacity, the
development of new surfactants,
increasing environmental regulations
and the change in the product value
chain. Global surfactants
consumption is expected to rise at
3%/y to reach 14.3 M tonnes/y in
2010. One new product under
development is methyl ester sulfonate
(MES), which Huish is to use to
replace LAB sulfonate and other
primary surfactants in its private label
detergent products. Huish has
recently commissioned an 80,000
tonnes/y MES plant in Texas. In W
Europe, little change is expected in
surfactant overcapacity in the near
future, as producers are loathe to
shut down plants. In Asia, however,
where a large number of sulfation/
sulfonation sites are integrated with
detergent producers, good market
growth has supported operations.
With regard to surfactant materials,
global higher alcohols demand is
expected to rise 3.1%/y to 2.1 M tons
in 2010. Normal paraffins demand is
expected to rise 3%/y to 3.2 M tonnes
in 2010. The n-paraffins market is
being effected by the possibility of
large, new capacity associated with
gas-to-liquids technology, and a
modified version of LAB under
development by Procter & Gamble.
Chemical Market Reporter, 11 Nov 2002 (Website:
http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
French chemicals industry’s
federation lowers predictions for 2002
results
In 2002 French production of soaps,
detergents, perfumes and toiletries
fell by 3% in 2002, but should grow by
2.3% in 2003.
Chimie Hebdo, 18 Nov 2002, (192), 1 (in French)
Surfactants to reach 14.3 M tons in
2010
Global consumption of surfactants is
predicted to grow by 3%/y to 14.3 M
tons in 2010, according to the
Surfactant development-forecast to
2010 study conducted by consulting
firm Colin A. Houston & Associates.
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate is also
increasingly being replaced by methyl
ester sulfonate. The market is also
expected to face challenges including
the restructuring of supply, capacity
issues, new surfactants under
development, changes in the product
value chain, and the growing
significance of environmental
regulation.
HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Nov
2002, 39 (11), 14
I&I update
The industrial and institutional
cleaning market is showing some
signs of recovery after experiencing a
difficult year in 2001. The I&I market
in the USA has registered zero
growth and has been valued at $7.6
bn in 2001. In 2002, sales are
predicted to increase to almost $8 bn.
The Sep 11 events had significantly
affected the business, with orders
declining quickly after 9-11. The food
processing and industrial cleaning
sector is expected to post $3 bn in
sales in 2002. Sales in the janitorial
and housekeeping sectors are
predicted to surpass $2.85 bn while
the food service category may grow
to $1.5 bn in 2002. The laundry
market is also being valued at $600
M. Worldwide I&I sales are expected
to reach around $18.5 bn at the end-
user level. The market is being led by
Ecolab, with a 20% share, followed by
JohnsonDiversey with 17%.
HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Nov
2002, 39 (11), 95-96,98,99
MARKETS
Unilever raises profit
Unilever (Netherlands/UK), chemicals
and food-products concern, generated
a profit of €1.2 bn in 3Q 2002, up
17% from 3Q 2001. The company
says the sales of its strongest brands,
including Dove soaps, Magnum ice-
creams and Knorr soups, grew by
5.4% year-on-year in 3Q 2002.
Hospodarske Noviny, 31 Oct 2002, 46 (212), 16 (in
Czech)
Henkel raises profit
Henkel (Germany), washing powders
and cleaning chemicals producer,
saw a growth in profit in 3Q 2002.
The growth was supported by high