The Global Optical Brightening Agent AES-X Market was valued at USD 1.84 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.69 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during the forecast period (2023–2030). This growth is being driven by increasing consumer demand for whiter and brighter textiles, rising disposable incomes in emerging economies, and the accelerating adoption of eco-friendly and high-performance detergent solutions across residential and commercial cleaning sectors.

As the laundry and personal care industries transform toward enhanced performance and sustainable formulations, the spotlight is on the key chemical manufacturers who are driving innovation, efficiency, and advanced whitening technologies. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Optical Brightening Agent AES-X Industry—a mix of chemical majors, specialty manufacturers, and R&D pioneers shaping the future of textile enhancement.

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🔟 1. UNICHEMIST

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: AES-X formulations for detergents and soaps

UNICHEMIST is a globally recognized manufacturer of specialty chemicals, including high-purity AES-X optical brighteners. Their products are extensively used in laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and personal care soaps, providing superior whitening effects and color stability across diverse applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Developing eco-friendly AES-X variants with low aquatic toxicity

• Strategic partnerships with FMCG giants for customized formulations

• Investments in green chemistry for sustainable production processes

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Optical Brightening Agent AES-X Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Ningbo Inno Pharmchem

Headquarters: Ningbo, China
Key Offering: Purity >98% and >99% AES-X grades

Ningbo Inno Pharmchem operates one of Asia’s largest optical brightener production facilities, supplying AES-X to detergent manufacturers across multiple continents. The company focuses on cost-effective production while maintaining high quality standards.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Expanding production capacity for high-purity AES-X variants

• Exporting to over 40 countries with customized technical support

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8️⃣ 3. Zhejiang Hongda Chemicals

Headquarters: Hangzhou, China
Key Offering: AES-X powder and liquid formulations

Zhejiang Hongda Chemicals is a leading producer of AES-X, specializing in formulations that enhance detergent performance while being compatible with modern washing machines and environmental regulations.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Vertical integration in raw material sourcing

• Continuous R&D investment for improved whitening efficacy

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7️⃣ 4. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Premium AES-X grades for industrial applications

BASF’s performance chemicals division produces high-quality optical brighteners including AES-X variants. Their formulations are known for excellent light stability and compatibility with various detergent ingredients.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of phosphate-free AES-X formulations

• Global distribution network serving major detergent manufacturers

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6️⃣ 5. Clariant International

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: AES-X for both powder and liquid detergents

Clariant is a global specialty chemicals company with significant expertise in optical brighteners. Their AES-X products are formulated to meet the stringent requirements of modern laundry products.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on sustainable AES-X production technologies

• Customized solutions for specific regional market needs

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5️⃣ 6. RPM International

Headquarters: Medina, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: AES-X for premium laundry care products

RPM International’s specialty chemicals business includes optical brightener production, with AES-X being a key product in their portfolio for the detergent industry.

Innovation Initiatives:

• AES-X formulations with enhanced UV stability

• Strategic acquisitions to strengthen AES-X market position

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Optical Brightening Agent AES-X Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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4️⃣ 7. Brilliant Group

Headquarters: Ahmedabad, India
Key Offering: Customized AES-X solutions for local markets

Brilliant Group specializes in optical brighteners for various applications, with AES-X formulations designed specifically for Asian market preferences and washing conditions.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on cost-effective AES-X production

• Expanding production facilities to meet growing demand

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3️⃣ 8. Archroma

Headquarters: Pratteln, Switzerland
Key Offering: AES-X grades optimized for hard water conditions

Archroma’s advanced textile chemicals division produces AES-X optical brighteners known for their excellent solubility and whitening performance.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of AES-X variants with improved biodegradability

• Strategic partnerships with regional detergent manufacturers

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2️⃣ 9. Huntsman Corporation

Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Key Offering: High-performance AES-X for luxury fabric care

Huntsman is a global manufacturer of specialty chemicals, including optical brighteners. Their AES-X formulations are engineered for maximum brightening effect with minimal environmental impact.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in R&D for next-generation AES-X technologies

• Global customer support network for technical assistance

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1️⃣ 10. Milliken & Company

Headquarters: Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Key Offering: AES-X formulations compliant with international environmental standards

Milliken is a global manufacturer with a strong presence in the optical brightener market. Their AES-X products are known for consistent quality and reliable performance in diverse detergent formulations.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Pioneering work in fluorescent whitening agent technology

• Strategic focus on sustainable AES-X production methods

Get Full Report Here: Global Optical Brightening Agent AES-X Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Optical Brightening Agents Is Performance-Driven and Sustainable

The optical brightening agent market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional formulations still dominate volume, the industry is increasingly investing in eco-friendly alternatives, advanced formulation technologies, and specialized AES-X variants for emerging applications.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Growing demand for concentrated liquid detergents requiring advanced AES-X formulations

• Regulatory pressure for phosphate-free and biodegradable optical brighteners

• Digitalization of supply chains and quality control systems

• Manufacturer-FMCG company collaborations for product innovation

Get Full Report Here: Global Optical Brightening Agent AES-X Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only enhancing global laundry products—they’re driving the performance revolution in textile care.