2-Mercaptoethanol Market Size (2023 – 2030)

The Global 2-Mercaptoethanol Market was estimated to be worth USD 90 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 137.08 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The stability and integrity of proteins and enzymes are maintained by 2-mercaptoethanol in the field of biotechnology and molecular biology. It is frequently used to break down disulfide linkages, allowing for the separation and examination of proteins. Additionally, cell culture mediums include 2-mercaptoethanol to shield cells from oxidative damage. 2-mercaptoethanol is also used by the pharmaceutical sector in several procedures, including the creation and formulation of medications. Its reducing qualities are essential for preserving the stability of specific medicinal molecules.

Key Market Insights:

The top four producers of 2-Mercaptoethanol on the international market are Chevron Phillips Chemical, BASF, Sunion Chemical & Plastics, and EFIRM. With a market share of roughly 40%, Sunion Chemical & Plastics is the market leader among them.
The largest market is in Asia-Pacific, with a market share of over 40%, followed by Europe and North America, with respective market shares of roughly 23% and 25%. Atmospheric Pressure Method has a more than 55% market share in terms of product type. Polymers and Rubber Applications account for around 30% of the market as a whole in terms of product application. The competitive environment in the sector is changing, adopting new types of competitive encounters while moving away from conventional competition amongst peers. Companies are increasingly shifting their focus from creating items to creating businesses. With industry leaders increasingly concentrating on establishing and growing new businesses, firms are investing in the creation of new growth possibilities.

Global 2-Mercaptoethanol Market Drivers:

The demand for 2-Mercaptoethanol is being driven by rising consumer disposable income in emerging nations:

Over the past few decades, disposable income per person in developing nations has consistently increased, particularly in growing economies like China, India, Brazil, Russia, etc. China, for instance, had its per capita disposable income rise from $1,000 in 2000 to $10,000 in 2020, whereas India saw its per capita disposable income climb from $500 in 2000 to $2,000 in 2020. These increases are a reflection of the nations' quickening urbanization, industrialization, and social progress. Consumers in developing nations may buy more PVC items, such as pipes, cables, floors, etc. since they have greater discretionary cash. PVC is a multipurpose material that has benefits including longevity, flexibility, and resistance to fire, corrosion, and chemicals, among others. One of the main uses of 2-Mercaptoethanol is in PVC because it works as a stabilizer and stops PVC from degrading during processing and storage. Consequently, as the demand for PVC goods rises in emerging nations, so does the need for 2-mercaptoethanol.

The need for 2-Mercaptoethanol is being driven by the rising demand for PVC products across a variety of industries:

Flexible and rigid packaging materials, such as films, sheets, bottles, and containers, are made from PVC. Products can be shielded by PVC packaging against moisture, air, light, and microorganisms. PVC packaging is economical and recyclable. PVC is used to create a wide range of commercial and consumer products, including pipes, fittings, hoses, tubing, and profiles. For water supply, drainage, irrigation, sewage, gas distribution, etc., PVC pipes and fittings are often utilized. PVC hoses and tubing are used in a variety of applications to transport fluids and gases. Furniture, doorframes, window frames, and other structures are all made with PVC profiles. Different building and construction products, including flooring, roofing, siding, insulation, wall panels, etc., are made from PVC. PVC flooring is long-lasting, simple to install and maintain, and scratch- and stain-resistant. PVC roofing is lightweight, impervious to the elements, flammable, and environmentally friendly. PVC siding is long-lasting, attractive, and minimal maintenance. Thermal and acoustic insulation made of PVC can lower energy use and noise pollution.

Global 2-Mercaptoethanol Market Challenges:

Environmental issues raised by the usage and disposal of the persistent and nonbiodegradable chemical compound 2-Mercaptoethanol:

Spills, leaks, or incorrect disposal of the substance or its containers can cause 2-mercaptoethanol to seep into the soil. It can have an impact on plant development, microbial activity, soil pH, and soil fertility. Additionally, it may travel into the groundwater and contaminate sources of freshwater. Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, or stormwater runoff are all potential sources of 2-Mercaptoethanol entering aquatic bodies. Eutrophication, oxygen depletion, and acidity of the water are all possible effects. By interfering with their metabolic processes, reproductive systems, and immune systems, it can also affect aquatic creatures. When 2-Mercaptoethanol is produced, stored, or used, it may evaporate into the atmosphere. It can combine with other air pollutants to generate smog, acid rain, or greenhouse gases, including ozone, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Additionally, it can irritate the respiratory system, lead to nausea, headaches, or dizziness, and raise a person's chance of developing cancer.

COVID-19 Impact on Global 2-Mercaptoethanol Market:

In December 2019, COVID-19 first appeared in Wuhan (China), and it has since spread quickly over the world. The US, India, Brazil, Russia, France, the UK, Turkey, Italy, and Spain are some of the worst impacted nations in terms of confirmed cases and reported deaths. Because of the pandemic, the chemicals and materials sector is one of the major industries experiencing significant disruptions, including supply chain breaks, cancellation of technology events, and office closures. The closure of numerous plants and factories in important regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & and Africa has hurt the global supply chain and negatively impacted the production, delivery schedules, and sales of vape products. Additionally, several businesses have already hinted at potential delays in product deliveries and a decline in future sales of their goods.

Global 2-Mercaptoethanol Market Recent developments:

The need for beta-mercaptoethanol is rising across a variety of industries, particularly in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors where it is used to reduce proteins and nucleic acids. For instance, beta-mercaptoethanol can be used to break apart the light and heavy chains of antibodies, which are proteins that bind to certain antigens, by reducing the disulfide bonds in those proteins. It may also be used to change antibodies for use in immunotherapy and diagnostics, as well as to research the structure and function of antibodies.

The growing understanding of beta mercaptoethanol's advantages for the environment and human health, including its capacity to eliminate heavy metals from water and soil and its potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in living things. A biological antioxidant, such as beta-mercaptoethanol, can shield live cells from oxidative stress and harm from reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl radicals. ROS are unpaired electron molecules that are very reactive with other molecules including DNA, lipids, and proteins.

2-MERCAPTOETHANOL MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global 2-Mercaptoethanol Market Segmentation: By Type

• Above 99%

• Below 99%

Markets for 2-Mercaptoethanol are divided into types with purity ratings of above 99% and below 99%. Due to its broad application area and less harmful inhalation, the over 99% sector commands the biggest market share. Due to its cheaper price and greater availability, the sub 99% sector is anticipated to develop faster than the overall market throughout the projected period. About 70% of the global market's revenue came from the above 99% sector, while only 30% came from the below 99% category.

Applications requiring high purity and stability, such as agrochemicals, water treatment, the food industry, ink and dye additives, etc., are the principal uses for the over 99% sector. Applications requiring low cost and great volume, including the manufacturing of polymers and rubbers, PVC, etc., typically employ the sub 99% sector. Due to the rising demand for low-cost, high-performance goods in emerging economies, the below 99% sector is anticipated to overtake the over 99% segment in terms of market share.

Global 2-Mercaptoethanol Market Segmentation: By Application

• Consumer & Industrial Applications

• Agrochemicals

• Polymers and Rubber Applications

• Water Treatment Applications

• Other

The 2-Mercaptoethanol market is divided into consumer & and industrial, agrochemicals, polymers & and rubber, water treatment, and other applications based on the use. Due to the strong demand for 2-Mercaptoethanol as a reactant and a stabilizer in different polymerization and vulcanization processes, the polymers and rubber applications category commands the greatest market share. Due to the growing awareness of water quality and safety, the water treatment applications category is anticipated to develop at the quickest rate during the projection period the water treatment applications sector generated around 18% of the total market revenue, compared to the polymers and rubber applications segment's 39% share. Synthetic rubber, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, and other materials are mostly produced using the polymers and rubber applications segment's technology. In these procedures, 2-Mercaptoethanol serves as a chain transfer agent, a cross-linking agent, and a stabilizer. It can enhance the elasticity, strength, durability, and other qualities of polymers and rubbers, as well as their overall performance.

Mercaptoethanol is utilized as a reducing agent and a cleaning agent in water and wastewater treatment operations, according to the second part on water treatment applications. It can lessen the amount of heavy metals in water and wastewater treatment processes, including mercury, lead, cadmium, and others. Additionally, it helps clean surfaces and prevent corrosion in pipes.

Global 2-Mercaptoethanol Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• South America

• Middle East & Africa

For providers to the North American 2 mercaptoethanol industry, the last several quarters have been favorable. After several quarters of margin decreases, a sizable number of 2 mercaptoethanol enterprises are declaring profitability. There is a noticeable focus on improving operational effectiveness, seizing specialized market possibilities, by 45 %, and other things. The report on the North American 2 mercaptoethanol market examines the major market trends, factors, and development prospects in 3 nations. To thrive in long-term market circumstances, top European 2 mercaptoethanol producers concentrate on client orientation, sustainable supply chains, and economic value generation.  The chemicals and materials industry in the area is going through a paradigm transition as Asian firms join the European markets. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has a substantial effect on the European 2 mercaptoethanol sector as well. The insights study examines the Western European nations using 2 mercaptoethanol, including Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, and other nations in Europe, such as Russia and Turkey.

The future of the Asia Pacific 2 mercaptoethanol market is likely to be shaped by economic expansion by 37% and changing customer tastes. Leading businesses are concentrating on quick commercial growth through the introduction of new products in China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and other places. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and other South American nations continue to show strong potential for wealth development until 2030. Traditional firms and fresh start-ups are both investing more in bringing their products to specialized consumer markets. The market outlook is projected to be driven by rising urbanization, expanding infrastructure, and rising disposable incomes throughout the projection period. Population growth, urbanization, and rising standards of living in the Middle East and Africa all contribute to an increase in 2 mercaptoethanol demand. Furthermore, environmental and sustainability issues are becoming more important in the GCC area. Vehicle sales in Africa kept increasing, and the continent's rapid infrastructural development allowed two mercaptoethanol firms to experience considerable company growth in the medium- to long-term future.

Key Players:

1. BASF SE

2. Chevron Philips Chemical

3. Shanghai Polymet Commodities Ltd.

4. Hefei T NJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd

5. VWR

6. Guangdong Sunion Chemical & Plastic CO., LTD

• In July 2023: A new product line of antioxidants for the food sector based on 2-Mercaptoethanol has been introduced by BASF, a leading provider of chemicals and materials worldwide. The new product line, known as BASF Antiox ME, has several advantages for food items, including increasing nutritional content, prolonging shelf life, reducing rancidity, boosting flavor and color, and preventing rancidity.
• In June 2023: 2-Mercaptoethanol was produced and exported by Sunion Chemical & Plastics in China, and it has gained ISO 14001 accreditation for its environmental management system. The accreditation honors the business's efforts to lessen the negative effects of its manufacturing and operating processes on the environment.