Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 형광 증백제 시장은 2025년 17억 달러를 차지하고 예측 기간 동안 CAGR 7.9%로 성장해 2032년에는 29억 달러에 이를 전망입니다.
형광 증백제는 자외선(UV)을 흡수하여 가시 청색광 또는 자색광으로서 재방출하는 화합물이며, 재료의 백색과 밝기의 외관을 향상시킵니다. 이 화합물은 자외선 하에서 특히 효과를 발휘하고 처리된 제품을 인간의 눈에 보다 깨끗하고, 보다 새롭고, 보다 선명하게 보여줍니다.
위키피디아에 따르면, 국제적인 색상 색인에는 약 400 유형의 광택제가 있지만, 상업적으로 생산되는 것은 90 유형 이하입니다.
섬유 산업 수요 증가
확대하는 섬유 공업은 시각에 호소하는 제품을 위한 소비자의 요구에 의하여 연료를 공급되는 형광 증백제 시장을 위한 1차 촉진요인입니다. 이 화합물은 직물의 백색과 생생함을 증가하고 더 청결하고 매력적으로 보이는 데 필수적입니다. 세계 섬유 생산이 증가함에 따라 특히 상당한 노동력을 가진 아시아태평양과 같은 지역에서는 형광 증백제 소비가 의류 및 기타 섬유 제품의 미적 기준을 충족시키기 위해 상승합니다.
원료 가격 변동
형광증백제는 석유화학 유래의 원료에 의존하고 있으며, 공급체인의 혼란이나 지정학적 요인에 의해 가격이 변동할 가능성이 있습니다.
생분해성, 지속가능한 광택제의 성장
친환경 제품을 요구하는 소비자와 규제 당국의 압력이 높아지고, 시장은 환경 친화적인 혁신으로 방향을 잡고 있습니다. 세계의 지속가능성 목표를 달성하고 환경 의식이 높은 소비자에게 어필할 수 있습니다. 또한 나노기술의 기술 혁신은 보다 효율적인 광택제의 창출을 가능하게 하고 향후 시장 성장을 위한 중요한 길을 제시하고 있습니다.
환경과 건강에 대한 우려
형광 증백제에 사용되는 특정 화학 화합물은 생분해성이 낮고 수생 생물에 미치는 잠재적 영향 등 환경에 미치는 영향에 대해 면밀히 조사했습니다.
COVID-19의 대유행은 형광 증백제 시장에 다양한 영향을 주었습니다. 그러나 팬데믹은 개인의 위생 및 청결의식 고조에도 박차를 가했습니다.
예측 기간 동안 트리아진 스틸벤 부문이 최대가 될 전망
트리아진 스틸벤 부문은 뛰어난 성능과 범용성으로 인해 예측 기간 동안 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 강력하고 오래 지속되는 형광성과 다양한 제조 공정에의 적합성에 의해 주요 산업에서 선호하고 사용되고 있습니다.또한, 섬유, 제지, 플라스틱, 화장품에 널리 사용되고 있어 시장에서의 우위성에 기여하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 보안 및 특수 제품 분야의 CAGR이 가장 높아질 전망
예측 기간 동안 기술의 진보와 용도의 확대에 의해 보안 및 스페셜리티 제품 분야가 가장 높은 성장률을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한, 기술 혁신에 의해 UV 보호나 항균 효과와 같은 다기능 특성을 가지는 스마트 형광 증백제의 개발이 진행되어, 새로운 고가치의 특수 용도가 개척되어 시장의 급속한 확대에 박차가 가해지고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양은 형광 증백제의 주요 소비자인 산업 세계의 주요 제조 기지로서의 지위로 인해 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 유지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 이 지역은 또한 형광증백제의 최대수 생산자의 본거지이기도 합니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양은 신흥 국가에서 급속한 산업화와 강력한 경제 개발로 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한 인도나 중국과 같은 국가에서는 외국 직접 투자 증가나 제조 부문에 대한 정부의 지원이 형광증백제 시장의 확대를 계속 추진할 것으로 예측됩니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Optical Brighteners Market is accounted for $1.7 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $2.9 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. Optical brighteners are chemical compounds that absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emit it as visible blue or violet light, enhancing the appearance of whiteness and brightness in materials. Commonly used in textiles, detergents, paper, and plastics, they counteract yellowing and dullness. These compounds are especially effective under UV light, making treated products appear cleaner, newer, and more vibrant to the human eye.
According to Wikipedia, there are approximately 400 brightener types in the international Colour Index, but fewer than 90 are produced commercially.
Rising demand from textile industry
The expanding textile industry is a primary driver for the optical brighteners market, fueled by consumer demand for visually appealing products. These compounds are essential for enhancing the whiteness and vibrancy of fabrics, making them appear cleaner and more attractive. As global textile production increases, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific with its substantial workforce, the consumption of optical brighteners rises to meet the aesthetic standards of apparel and other textiles.
Raw material price volatility
Optical brighteners rely on petrochemical-derived raw materials, which are subject to fluctuating prices due to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical factors. Furthermore, rising energy costs and environmental regulations contribute to unpredictable pricing. Additionally, manufacturers face challenges in maintaining stable profit margins while ensuring competitive pricing.
Growth in biodegradable and sustainable brighteners
Increasing consumer and regulatory pressure for eco-friendly products is steering the market towards green innovations. Manufacturers are investing in formulations that minimize environmental impact without compromising performance. This shift allows companies to meet global sustainability targets and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Additionally, innovations in nanotechnology are enabling the creation of more efficient brighteners, presenting a significant avenue for future market growth.
Environmental and health concerns
Certain chemical compounds that are used in optical brighteners are under scrutiny for their environmental impact, including poor biodegradability and potential effects on aquatic life. Consequently, regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA have set limits on their use, particularly in food packaging. These regulations, coupled with the high costs of producing more environmentally friendly alternatives, can hamper market growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the optical brighteners market. Initially, the industry faced significant disruptions in global supply chains and a decline in demand from sectors like textiles and cosmetics due to lockdowns and reduced consumer spending. However, the pandemic also spurred a heightened awareness of personal hygiene and cleanliness. This shift in consumer behavior positively impacted the market by stimulating demand for detergents and household cleaning products, which are major applications for optical brighteners.
The triazine-stilbenes segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The triazine-stilbenes segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to its superior performance and versatility. These compounds are highly effective at absorbing ultraviolet light and re-emitting it as blue light, significantly enhancing the perceived whiteness and brightness of materials. Their strong, long-lasting fluorescence and compatibility with diverse manufacturing processes make them the preferred choice across key industries. Additionally, they are widely used in textiles, paper, plastics, and cosmetics, contributing to their dominant market position.
The security & specialty products segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the security & specialty products segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, driven by technological advancements and expanding applications. The use of optical brighteners as ultraviolet tracers in security features for anti-counterfeiting banknotes, documents, and packaging is a key growth area. Furthermore, innovations are leading to the development of "smart" optical brighteners with multi-functional properties like UV protection and antimicrobial effects, opening up new high-value, specialized applications and fueling rapid market expansion.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, attributed to its position as the world's primary manufacturing hub for industries that are major consumers of optical brighteners. Countries like China and India lead production in textiles, paper, plastics, and packaging, creating sustained, high-volume demand. The region is also home to several of the largest producers of optical brighteners. This robust industrial infrastructure, combined with a massive consumer base, ensures its position as the largest market by value and volume.
Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, propelled by rapid industrialization and strong economic development in emerging countries. Factors such as rising disposable incomes, population growth, and increasing urbanization are boosting demand for consumer goods like detergents, aesthetically pleasing textiles, and high-quality paper products. Furthermore, increasing foreign direct investment and government support for manufacturing sectors in countries like India and China are expected to continue fueling the expansion of the optical brighteners market.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Optical Brighteners Market include BASF SE, Huntsman Corporation, Archroma, DyStar Group, Clariant AG, Solvay S.A., Lanxess AG, Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd., Lamberti S.p.A., Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd., Jacob Holm & Sons A/S, King Industries, Inc., Ajinomoto Fine-Techno Co., Inc., Alpa International, Cabot Corporation, Lumino Chem Industries, and DayGlo Color Corp.
In June 2022, BASF completed a multi-million euro investment to expand the production capacity of its Tinopal(R) CBS optical brighteners at its facility in Monthey, Switzerland. The expansion aims to meet the growing global demand for high-performance detergents, such as highly concentrated liquid detergents and single-dose packs. Tinopal(R) CBS meets the criteria for EU Ecolabel-certified formulations.
In December 2019, Archroma completed its acquisition of the stilbene-based Optical Brightening Agents (OBA) business from BASF India Limited. This transaction included the product portfolio for paper and powder detergents as well as the manufacturing site in Ankleshwar, India.