The sophorolipid market in Europe was valued at US$ 187.57 thousand in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 274.61 thousand by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2020 to 2027.
The rising demand for sophorolipid from the end-use sectors is the key driver for the Europe Sophorolipid Market's growth. The effectiveness of sophorolipid mainly to break down oil into droplets is anticipated to increase market penetration as oil dispersants. Also, the growing importance of cleaning agents, particularly for oil spills in the energy sector due to reducing exposure to marine life located offshore, is further expected to have a positive impact on this market. Increasing deployment of this bio-based surfactant for bioremediation applications in the agriculture industry on account of the effective reduction of oil and pesticides from the soil is anticipated to have a positive impact on the market. Moreover, the growing applications of sophorolipids in manufacturing biopesticides to remove pathogens is anticipated to have a positive impact on this market. Additionally, increasing deployment in the pharmaceutical industry due to its antiviral and immune regulatory properties is also expected to boost the market during the forecast period. Excellent biosurfactant properties of sophorolipid have resulted in the rising popularity in manufacturing personal care products, including shampoos and deodorants. Sophorolipid also possess antifungal properties, which are again expected to increase its application to manufacturing anti-dandruff shampoos and bacteriostatic agents. Due to the excellent natural or bio-based properties of sophorolipid, it is widely preferred by the energy sector, agriculture sector, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic & personal care industry, and many others, which is further propelling the market growth.
Based on type, the Europe sophorolipid market is segmented into lactonic sophorolipid and acidic sophorolipid and the lactonic sophorolipid segment is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. In the lactonic form, sophorolipids can occur with the internal etherification between the carboxylic group of fatty acid residue and 4″–OH group of sophorose residue. Lactonic sophorolipid, the main component of crude sophorolipid, was isolated and purified by adsorption chromatography. Lactonic forms show stronger biocides, cytotoxic, and pro-inflammatory behavior and are good anti-cancer agents. Lactonization of many sophorolipid molecules at acidic pH values can result in the formation of giant helical chains of 5–11 μm in width and up to several hundred micrometers in length.
COVID-19 has affected economies and industries in various countries due to travel bans, lockdowns, and business shutdowns. In Europe, France and Italy are the hardest-hit countries by the COVID-19 outbreak. It is anticipated to suffer an economic hit due to a lack of revenue from various industries, as Italy recorded the highest number of coronavirus cases. The other member states have implemented drastic measures and travel restrictions, including partially closing their borders which is anticipated to impact market growth in Europe.
The overall Europe Sophorolipid Market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. The process also serves the purpose of obtaining overview and forecast for the Europe Sophorolipid Market with respects to all the segments pertaining to the region. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate the data, as well as to gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants who typically take part in such a process include industry expert such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the Europe Sophorolipid Market are Givaudan, Evonik Industries AG, Holiferm, and Saraya Co., Ltd. are among a few players operating in the Europe Sophorolipid Market.