Rhamnolipids Market Size
Rhamnolipids Market Overview
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Volume (2025) | 7.69 Million tons |
| Market Volume (2030) | 38.52 Million tons |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 38.03% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
| Largest Market | Europe |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Rhamnolipids Market Analysis
The Rhamnolipids Market size is estimated at 7.69 million tons in 2025, and is expected to reach 38.52 million tons by 2030, at a CAGR of 38.03% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The rhamnolipids industry is experiencing significant transformation through technological advancements in production methods and increased manufacturing capabilities. Major industry players are investing heavily in research and development to optimize fermentation processes and improve yields. For instance, AGAE Technologies has implemented new production methods that have increased rhamnolipid yields by approximately 200% compared to traditional methods, leading to a patent filing in 2023. This technological evolution is complemented by Biotensidon GmbH's development of cost-effective mass production capabilities, with their new rhamnolipid-supra molecular complex achieving a production capacity of 5,000 tons per year.
The industry is witnessing a substantial shift towards industrial-scale production facilities, marking a crucial transition from laboratory-scale operations. In 2023, Evonik Industries made a landmark investment in the triple-digit million euros range to establish the world's first commercial rhamnolipid production facility in Slovakia. This development is further supported by Deguan's significant manufacturing capabilities, operating with an impressive output of 10,000 tons annually through their fermentation and extraction production lines, demonstrating the industry's move towards large-scale commercialization.
Strategic collaborations and partnerships are reshaping the competitive landscape of the rhamnolipids market. A notable example is the January 2023 partnership between Holiferm Limited and Sasol Chemicals, focusing on developing fermentation-derived rhamnolipids for personal care products. These collaborations are driving innovation in production technologies and expanding application possibilities across various industries. Companies are increasingly focusing on developing specialized grades and formulations to meet specific industry requirements, particularly in cosmetics, agriculture, and industrial cleaning applications.
The market is experiencing a significant transformation in its supply chain dynamics and raw material sourcing strategies. Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable production practices, utilizing renewable feedstocks and implementing environmentally friendly extraction processes. Daqing VICTEX Chemical Industries exemplifies this trend with their expansion plans, increasing their production capacity to 2,000 T/y for their Product-18 line, while simultaneously developing higher purity products. This shift towards sustainable production methods is accompanied by improvements in purification technologies, enabling manufacturers to achieve higher product grades and expand their application potential in premium market segments.
Rhamnolipids Market Trends
Emergence of Eco-friendly Surfactant
The rising demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic surfactants has positioned rhamnolipids as a promising eco-friendly solution. These glycolipid biosurfactants demonstrate exceptional biodegradability, low toxicity, and unique antibacterial characteristics that make them increasingly relevant across various industries. A laboratory-scale study revealed that rhamnolipids supplements significantly improved soil aggregate stability, increasing by up to 10.84% and 15.92% in alkaline and saline soil respectively, while reducing pH levels from 8.87 to 7.80-7.84 in alkaline soil. The addition of rhamnolipids also promoted the growth of beneficial bacterial species like Pseudomonas oleovorans and Alcanivorax dieselolei, enhancing soil properties and nutrient circulation.
Major industry players are making substantial investments in rhamnolipid production facilities to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly surfactants. In 2023, Evonik Industries invested in constructing a new production plant for bio-based and fully biodegradable rhamnolipids worth several million euros in Slovakia. Similarly, UK-based Holiferm opened a commercial plant in Liverpool producing 1,100+ tonnes/year of sophorolipids, with plans to expand production to 3,000 tonnes/year and introduce new rhamnolipids to the market in 2024. These developments demonstrate the industry's commitment to transitioning from petroleum and palm oil-derived synthetic surfactants to greener, more sustainable alternatives that can be produced economically at scale.
Increasing Demand for Personal Care Products
The personal care industry's growing emphasis on sustainable and mild ingredients has accelerated the adoption of rhamnolipids in various applications. These biosurfactants serve multiple functions in personal care products, including emulsification, stabilization, foaming enhancement, and antimicrobial protection. According to StatCan, the Canadian Statistics Agency, monthly manufacturer sales of soap and cleaning compounds in Canada during the first three months of 2023 reached CAD 395.58 million (approximately USD 304 million), representing a 20% increase compared to the previous year's sales for the same period, indicating strong market demand for cleansing products.
Major industry developments in 2023 have further strengthened the position of rhamnolipids in the personal care sector. In January 2023, Holiferm Limited and Sasol Chemicals announced a collaboration to produce and market rhamnolipids using Holiferm's proprietary technology for personal care applications. Companies like Biotensidon GmbH have achieved cost-effective mass production capabilities for rhamnolipids, which will be instrumental in improving the health and eco characteristics of many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Additionally, AGAE Technologies has expanded its product portfolio to offer multiple grades of rhamnolipids specifically designed for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products, demonstrating the industry's response to increasing demand for natural, sustainable ingredients in personal care formulations.
Segment Analysis: Type
Mono-Rhamnolipids Segment in Rhamnolipids Market
Mono-rhamnolipids dominate the global rhamnolipids market, commanding approximately 59% of the market share in 2024. This segment's prominence can be attributed to its superior emulsifying activity and unique molecular structure containing one rhamnose sugar group. Mono-rhamnolipids exhibit exceptional properties, including low surface tension, low interfacial tension, critical micelle concentration, and optimal wettability, making them particularly effective as surfactants in detergents and cleaning products. These characteristics make them less hydrophilic than di-rhamnolipids, resulting in enhanced emulsifying capabilities. The crude extract and diluted fermentation broth of mono-rhamnolipids have proven to be cost-effective agricultural antimicrobial agents, demonstrating superior antimicrobial activity against potential agricultural pathogens such as Alternaria alternata, Pantoea agglomerans, and Cladosporium sp.
Di-Rhamnolipids Segment in Rhamnolipids Market
The di-rhamnolipids segment is experiencing rapid growth in the rhamnolipids market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 34% during the forecast period 2024-2029. This remarkable growth is driven by increasing research and development activities focusing on therapeutic applications, particularly in wound healing and ulcer treatment. Di-rhamnolipids possess unique properties, containing two Rha molecules linked to hydroxy acid molecules, making them particularly effective in pharmaceutical and medical applications. Their ability to recognize the cytoskeleton of phagocytic/non-phagocytic cells and modify their morphology has sparked extensive research into their potential applications in treating various cell types derived from different tumor origins. The segment's growth is further supported by ongoing studies exploring their use in the medical industry and their increasing adoption in pharmaceutical formulations.
Segment Analysis: Application
Surfactants Segment in Rhamnolipids Market
The surfactants segment dominates the global rhamnolipids market, commanding approximately 49% of the market share in 2024, while also emerging as the fastest-growing segment with a projected growth rate of around 48% during 2024-2029. This segment's prominence is primarily driven by the increasing demand for eco-friendly surfactants in various cleaning and detergent applications. Rhamnolipid-based surfactants are gaining significant traction due to their excellent cleaning performance, biodegradability, and low environmental impact. Major companies like Evonik Industries AG have launched sustainable rhamnolipid biosurfactants such as REWOFERM RL 100, which demonstrates superior performance in cleaning solutions while maintaining environmental compatibility. The segment's growth is further bolstered by the rising adoption of bio-based surfactants in household cleaners, industrial cleaning products, and personal care applications, where they serve as effective alternatives to conventional petroleum-based surfactants.
Remaining Segments in Application
The rhamnolipids market encompasses several other significant application segments, including cosmetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. The cosmetics segment has emerged as the second-largest application area, driven by the increasing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in personal care products. The agricultural sector utilizes rhamnolipids for soil remediation, plant pathogen elimination, and as biopesticides, while the pharmaceutical segment leverages their antimicrobial and therapeutic properties. The food industry applications focus on their role as antimicrobial agents and emulsifiers in various food processing applications. Each of these segments contributes uniquely to the market's diversity, with applications ranging from skincare products and crop protection to drug delivery systems and food preservation, reflecting the versatile nature of rhamnolipids across different industries.
Rhamnolipids Market Geography Segment Analysis
Rhamnolipids Market in Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific rhamnolipids market holds approximately 59% of the global market share in 2024, establishing itself as a dominant region in the global landscape. China leads the regional rhamnolipids market with significant manufacturing capabilities, particularly through companies like Daqing VICTEX Chemical Industries and Deguan, which operate advanced production facilities. The region's growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for eco-friendly surfactants across various industries, including personal care, agriculture, and industrial cleaning. Major manufacturers in the region are implementing advanced production technologies and developing various types of biosurfactants, including rhamnolipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. The market is witnessing substantial investments in research and development, particularly in countries like China and Japan, focusing on innovative applications and production methodologies. While some countries like India and South Korea currently show limited market penetration, they demonstrate strong potential for future growth due to an increasing focus on sustainable and bio-based products. The region's robust manufacturing infrastructure, coupled with growing environmental awareness and stringent regulations promoting eco-friendly alternatives, continues to drive market expansion.
Rhamnolipids Market in North America
The North American rhamnolipids market has demonstrated remarkable growth, recording an impressive growth rate of approximately 34% during the period 2019-2024. The region's market is characterized by a strong presence of key players like AGAE Technologies LLC, Jeneil Biotech, and Stepan Company, who are continuously innovating and expanding their product portfolios. The United States leads the regional market with significant developments in personal care applications, where rhamnolipids are increasingly being incorporated into various products such as creams, serums, and shampoos. The market benefits from advanced research and development infrastructure, with companies implementing optimized fermentation conditions to achieve higher yields at lower production costs. The region's strong focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly products has created a favorable environment for rhamnolipids adoption. Additionally, the presence of well-established end-user industries, particularly in personal care and agricultural sectors, coupled with increasing consumer awareness about eco-friendly products, continues to drive market growth. The regulatory support for bio-based products and growing emphasis on reducing chemical surfactant usage further strengthens the market position.
Rhamnolipids Market in Europe
The European rhamnolipids market is projected to experience substantial growth with an expected CAGR of approximately 44% during the period 2024-2029. The region stands at the forefront of rhamnolipids innovation and production, with Germany and Slovakia emerging as key manufacturing hubs. Major players like Evonik Industries AG and Biotensidon GmbH are making significant investments in production facilities and research capabilities. The market benefits from strong environmental regulations promoting the use of bio-based surfactants and increasing consumer preference for sustainable products. The region's robust research and development infrastructure, particularly in countries like Germany and the United Kingdom, continues to drive innovation in application areas and production technologies. The presence of advanced biotechnology capabilities, coupled with increasing investments in sustainable chemistry, positions Europe as a leader in the global rhamnolipids market. The region's strong focus on circular economy principles and environmental sustainability creates a favorable environment for market expansion, while the established presence of end-user industries in cosmetics, personal care, and agricultural sectors further supports market growth.
Rhamnolipids Market in South America
The South American rhamnolipids market is experiencing steady development, with Brazil leading the regional growth trajectory. The market is characterized by increasing adoption of bio-based surfactants and growing awareness about sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical surfactants. Key market players are actively introducing new bio-based surfactant products, particularly focusing on applications in personal care and cleaning products. The region shows particular strength in agricultural applications, where rhamnolipids are gaining traction as eco-friendly alternatives for crop protection and soil enhancement. Countries like Argentina are witnessing growing demand in the cosmetics sector, driven by increasing consumer consciousness about natural and sustainable products. The market benefits from the region's rich biodiversity and growing biotechnology capabilities, which support the development of bio-based products. While the market is still in its developmental phase in many countries, ongoing research and development activities, particularly in Chile and Brazil, indicate strong potential for future growth.
Rhamnolipids Market in Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa rhamnolipids market is in its nascent stage but shows promising potential for future growth. The region's market is primarily driven by increasing awareness about sustainable alternatives in industrial applications, particularly in the food and agriculture sectors. Saudi Arabia's developing food industry presents significant opportunities for rhamnolipids application, particularly in food processing and preservation. South Africa is emerging as a key market, with growing demand for rhamnolipid surfactants in cosmetics and cleaning products. The region's market is characterized by increasing research and development activities, particularly in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt. The growing focus on sustainable development and environmental conservation in these regions is expected to drive the adoption of bio-based surfactants. While the market currently shows limited penetration, the increasing industrialization and growing awareness about eco-friendly alternatives suggest strong growth potential in the coming years.
Rhamnolipids Industry Overview
Top Companies in Rhamnolipids Market
The rhamnolipids market is characterized by continuous innovation and strategic expansion initiatives from leading players. Companies are heavily investing in research and development to improve production processes and develop novel applications, particularly focusing on eco-friendly alternatives to conventional surfactants. Operational agility is demonstrated through the establishment of new production facilities and the optimization of fermentation processes to meet growing demand. Strategic partnerships, especially between manufacturers and major consumer goods companies, have become increasingly common to secure market position and enhance distribution capabilities. Market leaders are expanding their geographical presence through investments in key regions while simultaneously working on scaling up their production capacities to achieve economies of scale.
Consolidated Market Led By Global Players
The rhamnolipids market exhibits a partially consolidated structure dominated by established global chemical conglomerates alongside specialized biotechnology firms. Major players like Evonik Industries and Stepan Company leverage their extensive research capabilities, global distribution networks, and diverse product portfolios to maintain market leadership. These industry leaders benefit from their integrated value chains, established customer relationships across multiple industries, and significant financial resources to fund expansion and innovation initiatives. The market also includes several specialized players like Biotensidon GmbH and Jeneil Biotech, who focus exclusively on biosurfactant development and production.
The industry has witnessed strategic mergers and acquisitions aimed at strengthening market positions and expanding technological capabilities. Companies are actively pursuing vertical integration strategies to secure raw material supplies and enhance production efficiency. The acquisition of smaller biotechnology firms by larger chemical companies has become a notable trend, as established players seek to quickly acquire specialized expertise and innovative technologies in the biosurfactants space. Regional players are increasingly forming partnerships with global leaders to expand their market reach and access advanced technologies.
Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Success
Success in the rhamnolipids market increasingly depends on companies' ability to overcome production scale limitations while maintaining cost competitiveness. Incumbent players must focus on developing more efficient fermentation processes, securing sustainable raw material sources, and expanding their application portfolio through continuous research and development. Building strong relationships with end-users in high-growth segments like personal care and agriculture, while simultaneously investing in green chemistry capabilities, has become crucial for maintaining market leadership. Companies need to establish robust intellectual property portfolios and develop proprietary technologies to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive landscape.
For emerging players and contenders, success lies in identifying and serving niche applications where specialized expertise can provide competitive advantages. These companies must focus on developing innovative production methods that can overcome current scalability challenges while maintaining product quality and consistency. Strategic partnerships with end-users and research institutions can provide valuable pathways for market entry and growth. The increasing regulatory focus on environmental sustainability and growing consumer preference for bio-based products creates opportunities for companies that can effectively position themselves as sustainable solution providers while managing the risk of substitute products and maintaining cost competitiveness.
Rhamnolipids Market Leaders
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Evonik Industries AG
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AGAE Technologies, LLC
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Biotensidon GmbH
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Stepan Company
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Jeneil Biotech
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Rhamnolipids Market News
- September 2022: AGAE Technologies, LLC announced the discovery of employing certain strains and mediums under optimized fermentation conditions to obtain record-high rhamnolipid yields at the lowest possible cost. When compared to traditionally optimized fermentation settings, the fermentation methods enhanced yields by approximately 200% while lowering production costs to about one-third of the conventionally optimized conditions.
- June 2022: Evonik Industries AG invested a three-digit million-euro sum for the construction of a new production plant in Slovakia for bio-based and fully biodegradable rhamnolipids, which is going to come online in two years. This investment will allow Evonik to expand its market position in the growth market for biosurfactants further.
Rhamnolipids Industry Segmentation
Rhamnolipids (RL) are members of the glycolipid biosurfactant family. The amphiphilic properties of rhamnolipids allow them to reduce the interfacial tension between two substances that normally would not mix.
The Rhamnolipids market is segmented by product type, application, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into Mono-Rhamnolipids and Di-Rhamnolipids. By application, the market is segmented into surfactants, cosmetics, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and other applications. The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the rhamnolipids market across major regions (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle-East and Africa). For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on volume.
| Type | Mono-Rhamnolipids |
| Di-Rhamnolipids | |
| Application | Surfactants |
| Cosmetics | |
| Agriculture | |
| Food | |
| Pharmaceutical | |
| Other Applications | |
| Geography | Asia-Pacific |
| North America | |
| Europe | |
| South America | |
| Middle-East and Africa |
Rhamnolipids Market Research FAQs
How big is the Rhamnolipids Market?
The Rhamnolipids Market size is expected to reach 7.69 million tons in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 38.03% to reach 38.52 million tons by 2030.
What is the current Rhamnolipids Market size?
In 2025, the Rhamnolipids Market size is expected to reach 7.69 million tons.
Who are the key players in Rhamnolipids Market?
Evonik Industries AG, AGAE Technologies, LLC, Biotensidon GmbH, Stepan Company and Jeneil Biotech are the major companies operating in the Rhamnolipids Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Rhamnolipids Market?
Europe is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Rhamnolipids Market?
In 2025, the Europe accounts for the largest market share in Rhamnolipids Market.
What years does this Rhamnolipids Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Rhamnolipids Market size was estimated at 4.77 million tons. The report covers the Rhamnolipids Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Rhamnolipids Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Rhamnolipids Market Research
Mordor Intelligence offers its extensive expertise in the comprehensive analysis of the rhamnolipids industry. We provide detailed insights into the rapidly evolving industrial rhamnolipid market. Our research thoroughly examines the development and applications of rhamnolipid biosurfactants, including specialized products such as Rewoferm RL 100. This information is available in an easily accessible report PDF format, which can be downloaded instantly. The analysis covers production technologies, application sectors, and regional market dynamics.
The report delivers valuable insights for industry participants by providing a detailed rhamnolipid price analysis and market forecasts within the expanding rhamnolipids market. Stakeholders benefit from our comprehensive evaluation of market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities. The research includes in-depth assessments of key market drivers, challenges, and future growth prospects. This enables businesses to make informed strategic decisions based on reliable market intelligence and expert analysis.
