From 2010 to 2027: How IESD Became a Key Professional Surfactant Exhibition in China

16 years of accumulation and growth, witnessing China's surfactant industry evolve from a follower to a major global player.

When the first International Exhibition on Surfactant and Detergent (IESD) launched in Shanghai in 2010, China's surfactant industry was producing just 1.276 million tons annually—and there was no dedicated professional exhibition platform connecting the entire value chain.

Fast forward 16 years, and IESD has grown into a well-established professional exhibition exclusively focused on the surfactant and detergent sector in China. Meanwhile, China has become one of the world's largest surfactant producers and consumers, with annual output reaching 4.7 million tons by 2023.

This is the story of how one exhibition grew alongside an entire industry—from follower to frontrunner.

The Beginning: Filling a Critical Gap (2010)

In 2010, China's surfactant sector was experiencing rapid growth with an annual compound growth rate of 11.5%. Yet the market lacked a dedicated platform where raw material suppliers, manufacturers, technology providers, and end-users could connect under one roof.

IESD was born to fill that void. Founded by Shanghai Yihan Exhibition Service Co., Ltd., it became the industry's first professional B2B trade show of its kind.

Growth: Becoming an Industry Compass (2015–2020)

Within its first five years, IESD established itself as a recognised professional exhibition for surfactants and detergents in China—a reputation it still holds today.

The exhibition evolved beyond a traditional trade show. It launched the International Surfactant Forum, a high-level academic conference that bridged the gap between research and industrial application. This integration of exhibition and academia cemented IESD's role as a thought leader in the sector.

By 2019, exhibition space had expanded by 15% and professional visitors grew by 21.2%. IESD was no longer just an exhibition—it had become a one‑stop platform for trend intelligence, technology showcase, and business matchmaking.

A Mature Professional Platform (2024–2027)

After 16 years of deep cultivation, IESD has solidified its position as a key professional event in the industry.

The numbers speak for themselves. IESD 2026 attracted 8,041 professional visitors from 53 countries and regions, with international attendees accounting for nearly 10%. The exhibition spanned 10,000 sqm with 300 exhibitors. Notably, 90% of attendees held decision‑making or co‑decision‑making authority.

IESD 2027 is set for April 27–29, 2027 at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing. The event is projected to feature over 20,000 sqm of exhibition space, hosting more than 500 exhibitors and attracting over 20,000 professional visitors. The concurrent 3rd Shanghai International Surfactant Forum will bring together 200+ industry media partners, 300+ exhibitors, and thousands of professionals to explore green surfactants, cross‑sector applications, and industry transformation.



A “Who's Who” of the Global Industry

IESD's exhibitor and visitor roster reads like a hall of fame for the surfactant and detergent sector.

Global industry players have been regular participants: Henkel, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Dow, AkzoNobel, BASF, Evonik, SABIC, and Solvay.

China's established enterprises are equally well‑represented: Sinopec, China Light Industrial Corporation, Zhejiang Zanwu Chemical, Lonkey Group, Jinling Petrochemical, Liaoning Oxiranchem, Blue Moon, Liby Group, Nice Group, and Shanghai Jahwa.

The visitor base spans 19 application industries, including daily chemicals, textiles, coatings, oilfields, water treatment, industrial cleaning, cosmetics, and environmental protection. From upstream raw materials to downstream finished products, IESD has built a comprehensive industrial ecosystem.

A Mirror of China's Surfactant Rise

IESD's 16‑year journey mirrors the remarkable transformation of China's surfactant industry.

In 2010, China's surfactant output was just 1.276 million tons. By 2017, it reached 2.124 million tons. By 2023, it had surged to 4.7 million tons—making China one of the world's major surfactant producers and consumers.

The exhibition's themes have evolved in lockstep with the industry—from early focuses on "industrial upgrading" to today's emphasis on "green chemistry, technological innovation, and sustainable development." IESD has become a key platform for showcasing new green surfactants including amino acid surfactants, fatty acid methyl ester ethoxylates (FMEE), methyl ester sulfonates (MES), and alkyl polyglycosides (APG).

IESD is not just a stage for Chinese companies to demonstrate their innovative capabilities—it is also a strategic gateway for global enterprises seeking to enter the Chinese market.

Looking Ahead: The Next 16 Years

From 2010 to 2027, IESD has written a remarkable story of growth—from a market newcomer to a well‑recognised professional surfactant and detergent exhibition in China.

As the global cleaning industry accelerates its transformation toward greener, more functional, and higher‑end solutions, IESD will continue to track the latest market trends, explore emerging consumer demands, and expand the industry's development potential.

Sixteen years of accumulation and precipitation. Sixteen years of witnessing China's surfactant industry evolve from follower to one of the world's key players.

The next 16 years? Even more exciting developments lie ahead.