QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS MARKET ANALYSIS

The global quaternary ammonium compounds market size is likely to register potential growth in the next few years, and witness significant CAGR over the forecast period (2019 - 2027).

Market Overview

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are antimicrobial compounds and have a wide application as disinfectants. The QACs, also known as quats, are colourless (often yellowish), water (and alcohol) soluble compounds with de-odorant, and non-irritant properties. Byproducts of QACs have primary application in hospitals for disinfecting medical equipment, sanitizing walls, floors, and furniture, and as bactericidal foot powders. These molecules can be used independently as disinfectants, or in combination with other cleaning products. Properties such as compatibility with cleaner formulations, stable and good toxicology, and lack of odor make QACs ideal for application as a disinfectant combined with cleaner products.

Market Dynamics

Rising demand for fabric softeners, surfactants, disinfectants, and personal care products such as shampoos and conditioners is expected drive growth of the quaternary ammonium compounds market. Furthermore, increasing demand for biocides (disinfectants) in the health care and food processing sectors is favouring the market growth. QACs, specifically the ones with long alkyl chains (such as benzethonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, and benzalkonium chloride), have application as disinfectants and anti-microbials. Quaternary ammonium compounds also have application in the textile and paper industry, in which they are used for controlling and preventing microbial growth. Recently, quaternary ammonium compounds have been used for wastewater treatment.

However, earlier research has established an association between quaternary ammonium compounds and a range of health issues such as reproductive effects including fertility problems and birth defects, gastrointestinal risks such as vomiting, nausea, and respiratory problems. Higher concentration of QACs can also result in hypotension, convulsions, coma, and death. Furthermore, fluctuating costs of raw materials are expected to restrain growth of the market over the forecast period. Also, strict regulations placed by environmental agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Act, and other such organisations are expected to hamper demand for quaternary ammonium compounds in the future.

Market Outlook

Rising disposable income and rapid expansion of end use industries such as food processing, wastewater treatment, and agricultural chemicals in emerging economies such as India and China, is expected to favour growth of the quaternary ammonium compounds market in Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing market over the forecast period. North America will closely follow Asia Pacific as the second largest market for quaternary ammonium compounds, owing to rising demand from industries such as wastewater treatment, food processing, and agricultural chemicals in the region. Europe is also expected to contribute to the market share in the next few years, in addition to other regions such as Middle East, South America, and Africa.

Key Players

The global quaternary ammonium compounds market is expected to witness significant developments owing to the presence of some prominent players in the market, that include  Spartan Chemical Company, Dishman Group, Sachem Inc., and Thor Group Limited among others.