Biocides Market Summary
As per Market Research Future Analysis, the Global Biocides Market was valued at USD 9.07 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 13.25 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 4.30% from 2024 to 2032. The market growth is driven by increasing demand for wastewater treatment and the need for effective microbial activity management across various industries. The trend towards eco-friendly and multi-functional biocides is gaining momentum, particularly in the paints and coatings sector, where biocides enhance product durability and shelf-life against microbial contamination.
Key Market Trends & Highlights
The biocides market is witnessing significant trends driven by sustainability and application expansion.
- Market Size in 2023: USD 9.07 billion; projected to reach USD 13.25 billion by 2032.
- Asia-Pacific accounted for USD 5,799.78 million in 2022; expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.14%.
- Halogen compounds held ~41% market share in 2022; widely used for disinfecting and sanitization.
- Increasing application in paints & coatings expected to boost market growth significantly.
Market Size & Forecast
2023 Market Size: USD 9.07 billion
2032 Market Size: USD 13.25 billion
CAGR (2024-2032): 4.30%
Largest Regional Market Share in 2022: Asia-Pacific.
Major Players
Key players include Albemarle Corporation, Lubrizol Corporation, BASF SE, Clariant AG, and Lanxess AG.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Biocides Market Trends
-
Growing focus on eco-friendly and multi-functional biocides and increasing application in paints & coatings industry
With increasing consumer awareness and the move of the industrial towards sustainability and environment friendly practices there is an evident increasing demand for eco-friendly and natural sources biocides in the market. There is rising preference for biocides that have low toxicity, and relatively lower environmental impact as well as products that are biodegradable. With increasingly stringent regulations and environmental protection laws being implemented the preference of the market is increasingly moving towards eco-friendly and also multi-functional biocides. Manufactures in the market are focusing on developing products that can potentially be used for a variety of applications such as anti-corrosion and anti-scaling properties along with antimicrobial prevention and control.
Furthermore, the increasing application of biocides in various applications, especially in the paints & coatings industry is expected to boost market growth. Biocides are increasingly being employed to protect the painted surface against microbial contamination brought on by air pollution and exposure to the outside environment, such as fungal or bacterial development. Biocides are used as a form of protection against germs and bacteria as well as aquatic creatures and algae because the bulk of paints are water-based and packed in cans for distribution and handling. This increases paint products' shelf-life and paint film durability over time. Fungi, algae, and bacteria provide the most biological hazards to paints and surface coatings, hence fungicides, algicides, and bactericides are typically used as biocide additions in paints. With the introduction of powder coatings, the paints and coatings business, which is currently in upheaval because of the presence of lead in paints, has extended its scope. With an expanding fresh front, this has expanded the application of biocide in the paints and coatings sector. It is a significant growth driver for the need for biocides as the powder coatings industry develops. Due to labor and cost effectiveness, automobile OEMs are turning to powder form of coatings. This category is a big trend and has a favorable impact on the market. As a result, Biocides Market revenue expansion is anticipated to be fueled by increasing focus on eco-friendly and multi-functional biocides and increasing application in paints & coatings industry.
Clariant launched a series of personal care product-related biocides that were specially designed for personal care applications in February 2024. These aim to provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities while still being gentle on the skin, therefore suiting consumer requirements for safer but more effective personal care products.
Dow entered into a strategic alliance with an Asian producer of biocides to develop water treatment innovations, as they revealed in February 2024. Thus, this would broaden Dow’s product offerings and increase its market share, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
Evonik introduced a new research and development center specifically focused on biocide innovation, which debuted in January 2024. Located in Germany, it will concentrate on developing next-generation biocides with higher efficacy rates and environmental profiles. Such a facility is part of Evonik’s long-term commitment to sustainable chemistry.
Biocides Market Segment Insights
Biocide Type Insights
The Biocides Market segmentation, based on type, includes halogen compounds, organosulfur compounds, phenolic biocides, metallic compounds and others. The halogen compounds segment attributed to holding the largest market share in 2022 with a market share of ~41% revenue with respect to the Biocides Market revenue. They are widely used biocides due to its significant antimycobacterial properties that are widely used for disinfecting, sanitization and as antisepticises.
Biocides Application Insights
The Biocides Market data has been bifurcated by product largely into water treatment, personal care, wood preservation, food & beverages, paints & coatings and others. The water treatment segment dominated the market in 2022. Biocides are increasingly being used in water and wastewater treatment due to their effectiveness and ability to increase efficiency of water treatment systems.
Figure 2: Biocides Market, by Application, 2022 & 2030 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Biocides Region Insights
By Region, the Biocides Market industry study segments the market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia-Pacific Biocides Market accounted for USD 5,799.78 million in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a 5.14% CAGR during the study period. This is attributed to the presence of growing population and emerging market in the region.
Figure 3: BIOCIDES MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022-2030 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Throughout the forecast period, the North America Biocides Market is expected to witness significant growth in the Biocides Market. The rising demand for water and wastewater treatment along with increasing government regulations are expected to drive demand for biocides in the market. Furthermore, in the US Biocides market with the presence of well-established industries and significant growth in industries has led to increased demand for water treatment before disposal which has led to increasing demand for biocide in the market. Moreover, the focus on water and wastewater treatment has also contributed to the demand for biocides in the United States. The country recognizes the importance of water conservation and the need to treat industrial wastewater before discharge.
Europe's Biocides Market has grown significantly in recent years. This expansion can be ascribed to supportive government policies and an increase focus on greener and circular economy. Stringent regulations related to air and water pollution control also bolster the market growth. The need to meet stringent water quality standards is significantly driving the biocides market in Europe. Furthermore, increasing focus on increasing healthcare and hygiene practices has led to increasing use of biocides in various disinfection, sanitization and anti-micro bacterial product in the Europe market.
Asia-Pacific Biocides Market is expected to dominate the growth owing to presence of emerging nations such as India and China. Population expansion, urbanization, a shift in household composition, plus growing awareness of health and hygiene practices are expected to significantly drive market demand during the forecast period. Â The rapid industrialization and infrastructural growth are expected to significantly boost market demand especially in India, China and Japan. Also, the presence of a significant food & beverage industry and rising demand for processed and packaged food in the market is further expected to drive market growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Biocides Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Major market players’ growth depends on market conditions, government support, and industry development. Thus, the vendors should focus on expanding geographically and improving services. Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the Biocides Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.
The Lubrizol Corporation (Lubrizol) is a Berkshire Hathway Company. It provides specialty chemicals for the transportation, industrial, and consumer markets. These products include additives for engine oils and other transportation-related fluids, additives for industrial lubricants, and additives for gasoline & diesel fuel. The company comprises two primary business segments: Lubrizol Additives and Lubrizol Advanced Materials. Its additives segment works with customers to solve diverse automotive needs, such as improving internal combustion engine and electric/hybrid vehicle engine durability and reliability.
BASF SE (BASF) operates through six segments: materials, industrial solutions, chemicals, surface technologies, agricultural solutions, and nutrition & care. BASF operates in 90 countries and has six Verbund sites and 232 additional production sites worldwide. Its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the largest in the world, where production facilities, energy flow, logistics, and infrastructure are networked together intelligently. BASF holds one of the top three market positions in around 80% of the business areas in which it is active. The divisions of dispersions, resins, and performance chemicals make up BASF SE's Industrial solutions business. For industrial purposes, this section develops and sells ingredients and additives.
Key Companies in the Biocides Market include
- Albemarle Corporation (US)
- Lubrizol Corporation (US)
- Baker Hughes Incorporated (US)
- Clariant AG (Switzerland)
- Champion Technologies (US)
Biocides Market Developments
-
Q2 2024: LANXESS expands biocides production capacity in Germany LANXESS announced the expansion of its biocides production facility in Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany, to meet growing demand from the paints and coatings industry. The investment aims to strengthen the company's position in the European biocides market.
-
Q1 2024: BASF launches new biocide for water treatment applications BASF introduced a new biocide product designed for industrial water treatment, targeting improved efficacy and environmental compatibility. The launch is part of BASF’s strategy to expand its specialty chemicals portfolio.
-
Q2 2024: Solvay completes acquisition of microbial control business from Bayer Solvay finalized the acquisition of Bayer’s microbial control business, including a portfolio of biocidal products used in industrial and consumer applications. The deal is expected to enhance Solvay’s market share in the biocides sector.
-
Q3 2024: Evonik opens new biocides R&D center in Singapore Evonik inaugurated a research and development center focused on biocidal technologies in Singapore, aiming to accelerate innovation for the Asia-Pacific market and support local customers with tailored solutions.
-
Q2 2024: Dow partners with Veolia to develop sustainable biocides for water treatment Dow announced a strategic partnership with Veolia to co-develop next-generation, environmentally friendly biocides for municipal and industrial water treatment, leveraging both companies’ expertise in chemistry and water management.
-
Q1 2024: Clariant receives EU approval for new biocide active ingredient Clariant secured regulatory approval from the European Union for a new active ingredient in its biocides portfolio, enabling the company to market the product across EU member states for use in paints and coatings.
-
Q2 2025: AkzoNobel launches next-generation marine biocide for antifouling coatings AkzoNobel introduced a new marine biocide designed for antifouling coatings, offering improved performance and reduced environmental impact. The product targets the shipping industry’s need for sustainable solutions.
-
Q1 2025: Lonza divests specialty biocides business to private equity firm Lonza announced the sale of its specialty biocides division to a private equity group, as part of its strategy to focus on core life sciences operations. The transaction includes manufacturing assets and intellectual property.
-
Q3 2024: DuPont signs supply agreement with major US water utility for biocidal products DuPont secured a multi-year contract to supply biocidal products to a leading US water utility, supporting municipal water treatment and public health initiatives.
-
Q2 2024: Stepan Company acquires biocides manufacturer in Brazil Stepan Company completed the acquisition of a Brazilian biocides manufacturer, expanding its presence in Latin America and strengthening its portfolio for the region’s industrial and institutional markets.
-
Q4 2024: Ecolab opens new biocides blending facility in Texas Ecolab inaugurated a new blending facility in Texas dedicated to the production of biocidal formulations for the oil and gas and water treatment sectors, aiming to improve supply chain efficiency and meet regional demand.
-
Q1 2025: Arxada appoints new CEO to drive growth in biocides business Arxada announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, with a mandate to accelerate growth and innovation in its global biocides business following recent portfolio expansions.
Biocides Market Segmentation
Biocides Market Type Outlook
Biocides Market Application Outlook
Biocides Market Regional Outlook
-
Middle East & Africa
- Rest of the Middle East & Africa
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2023 |
USD 9.07 Billion |
Market Size 2024 |
USD 9.46 Billion |
Market Size 2032 |
USD 13.25 Billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
4.30% (2024-2032) |
Base Year |
2023 |
Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
Historical Data |
2019 – 2021 |
Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Segments Covered |
Type and Application |
Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America |
Countries Covered |
The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brazil, Argentina, and others |
Key Companies Profiled |
Albemarle Corporation (US), Lubrizol (US), Baker Hughes Incorporated (US), Lanxess AG (Germany), BASF SE (Germany), Clariant AG (Switzerland), Kemira (Finland), Arkema (France), Troy Corporation (US), Solvay SA (Belgium), Valtris Specialty Chemicals (US), Italmatch Chemicals (US), Champion Technologies (US), Vink Chemicals (Germany) |
Key Market Opportunities |
Increasing use on the paints & coatings market |
Key Market Dynamics |
Growing demand from biocides in wastewater treatment Increasing government regulations and environment protection policies |
Biocides Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
As of 2023, Biocides market is worth USD 9.07 billion.
The Biocides Market is growing at a CAGR of 4.30%.
The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest market share in the Biocides Market.
Albemarle Corporation (US), Lubrizol (US), Baker Hughes Incorporated (US), Lanxess AG (Germany), BASF SE (Germany), Clariant AG (Switzerland), Kemira (Finland), Arkema (France) are some of the prominent players in the market.
The halogen compounds segment in the Biocides Market is leading commercial market growth.
The water treatment segment has the largest market share.