As per MRFR Analysis, the Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market was valued at USD 45.87 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 69.47 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.72% from 2024 to 2032. Key drivers include rising demands from the petrochemical, ethanol, sugar, fertilizer, geothermal power generation, and refining industries. The market is significantly influenced by the power generation sector's expansion and the oil and gas industry's growth, which increases the need for water treatment chemicals for purification and treatment processes.
The water treatment chemicals market is experiencing notable trends driven by industrial demands and innovations.
Key players include Ecolab, Kemira Oyj, BASF SE, DuPont, Akzo Nobel NV, and Solenis LLC.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Water Treatment Chemicals are used extensively in the energy business to produce energy using many methods, including hydro, thermal, nuclear, and others. Due to the focus on increasing the production of renewable energy sources and the soaring funding and development for energy and power generation, the power-generating industry is expanding quickly. renewable electricity capacity is expected to increase by more than 60% from 2020 levels to over 4800 GW by 2026, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The energy generation target for thermal, hydro, nuclear, and Bhutan imports has been set at 1356 billion units, a rise of 9.83% from the actual generation for the previous year, according to the Indian Ministry of Power. The use of water treatment chemicals in power plants, including hydro, thermal, and other types, is growing due to the significant potential for the power production sector.
This is thus driving the market for global water treatment chemicals. The oil and gas industry uses a variety of water treatment chemicals, such as chlorine dioxide coagulants, corrosion inhibitors, disinfectants, and others, for the filtration of water in steam generators, oil refineries, and other facilities. Due to a thriving oil and gas sector, rising exploration and production operations, and urbanization, the oil and gas business is expanding quickly. The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) predicts that by 2045, India's oil consumption will have increased to 11 million barrels per day. The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that in October 2021, crude oil output increased from 11473 barrels per day in September 2021 to 10809 barrels per day. As a result, the use of water treatment chemicals for water purification and treatment in petroleum refineries and onshore and offshore operations is growing exponentially along with the oil and gas sector's rapid expansion. This fuels the market for water treatment chemicals. Therefore, such factors have recently enhanced the water treatment chemicals market CAGR ly.
However, an increase in water use by the electricity sector's end users implants is another factor driving the growth of the water treatment chemicals market revenue.
April 2024 The introduction of CURE Chemicals, which was announced by Gradiant, a global provider of solutions for advanced water and wastewater treatment, marked the beginning of the company's operations today. CURE Chemicals will set new standards for the environmental sustainability and operational efficiency of the main industries throughout the world, continuing the track record of innovation and commercialization that Gradiant has built. These standards will be implemented by CURE Chemicals. There are roughly three hundred distinct formulas that have been granted patents and are included in the product range that CURE Chemicals offers. Inhibitors of corrosion and scale, process chemicals, biocides, antiscalants and cleansers, coagulants and flocculants, and other substances are included in these formulations. The implementation of these solutions is intended to considerably enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of water treatment processes, while simultaneously lowering the negative impact that these processes have on the environment in their immediate vicinity.
Based on Type, the water treatment chemicals market segmentation includes corrosion inhibitors, coagulants & flocculants, scale inhibitors, and biocides & disinfectants. The Coagulants & Flocculants segment held the majority share in 2021, contributing to around ~40% of the water treatment chemicals market revenue. Coagulants and flocculants are frequently utilized in water filtration, softening of lime, removal of solids, dewatering of solids, and thickening of sludge. They are also necessary for removing pollutants, including oil, phosphate, and heavy metals. Since there is a growing need to treat water because it is a scarce resource, more coagulants and flocculants are being used, and this trend is anticipated to continue in the years to come. As a result, the market for water treatment chemicals is anticipated to experience the fastest growth in the coagulants and flocculants category.
Biocides & disinfectants were the fastest-growing segment. They inhibit harmful microbiological development, minimize biofouling, and preserve operational efficiency to ensure the safety of manufacturing systems. A crucial component of manufacturing and industrial operations is the safe regulation of microbial activity. Biocides and disinfectants are utilized for feed, trash, and reusable treated water to ensure the proper water conditions are obtained. They are used in the ethanol and sugar industries to check that the proper conditions are met for effluent. Additionally, biocides are often employed to control bacteria during ethanol fermentation.
Figure 2: Water treatment chemicals Market, by Type, 2021 & 2030 (USD Million)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Based on Application, the water treatment chemicals industry has been segmented into the municipal water treatment plant, chemical processing, power generation, and others. Municipal water treatment plants held the largest segment share in 2021; Municipal garbage production is rising ly due to the expanding world population. As a result, the pattern of water treatment chemical consumption for municipal water treatment purposes has increased. Additionally, it is anticipated that the usage of such chemicals for municipal water treatment will rise further due to the fast-expanding population.
The fastest-growing segment in the water treatment chemicals industry is chemical processing due to significant wastewater output from oil refineries' excessive use. The desalination process, fluid catalytic cracking units, cooling towers, and steam generators are just a few of the processes that utilize steam and water in chemical and petroleum refineries. Due to the lack of clean water, chemical and petroleum refineries now require effective treatment procedures to operate reliably and sustainably.
By Region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. Asia-Pacific Water treatment chemicals market accounted for USD 17.34 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period. Due to the substantial industrial base and high living standards of the population, which need high-quality and clean water, this trend is anticipated to continue in the upcoming years. One of the top nations that accounts for high chemical use for water treatment is China, followed by Japan. China, a center for industry, is one of the world's worst pollutants. The quality of water bodies in the nation's largest cities has declined recently as a result of unrestricted industrial wastewater discharge. Moreover, China water treatment chemicals market held the largest market share, and the India water treatment chemicals market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region. The water treatment chemicals market in India is driven by increasing industrialization, stringent environmental regulations, and rising demand for clean water, with a projected CAGR of 2.21% through 2032
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are: The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 3: WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
North America water treatment chemicals market accounts for the second-largest market share. Government laws that are designed to regulate wastewater output and disposal are to blame for this growth. The United States is a leader in the production, use, and supply of energy, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA). The U.S. power sector's growing need for treatment chemicals to handle its wastewater is anticipated to fuel market expansion. Further, the US water treatment chemicals market held the largest market share, and the Canada water treatment chemicals market was the fastest growing market in the North America region
The Europe Water treatment chemicals Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. This is due to increased rates of osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, the rapidly growing medical tourism industry, and rising healthcare costs. Moreover,Germany water treatment chemicals market held the largest market share, and the UK water treatment chemicals market was the fastest growing market in the Europe region
Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the water treatment chemicals market grow even more. Market participants are also taking key development initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the water treatment chemicals industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.
One of the primary business strategies manufacturers adopt in the water treatment chemicals industry to benefit clients and expand the market sector is manufacturing locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, the water treatment chemicals industry has provided some of the most significant benefits. Major water treatment chemicals market players, such as Ecolab, Kemira Oyj, and others, are working on expanding the market demand by investing in research and development activities.
American company Ecolab Inc. has its main office in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In a wide range of applications, it creates and provides services, technologies, and systems focused on water treatment, purification, cleansing, and hygiene. In October 2021, Ecolab purchased Purolite to offer high-quality purification and separation products. The agreement is structured as a cash transaction for approximately USD 3.7 billion.
Also, A leading provider of chemicals, Kemira Oyj works with clients in water-intensive sectors. Pulp & Paper and Industry & Water comprise Kemira's primary business divisions. In January 2019, In an agreement for customer applications for water and sludge treatment, Kemira and Valmet intended to combine their knowledge in process optimization with Valmet's analyzer and measuring technologies for the treatment of industrial water.
BASF SE (Germany)
Kemira OYJ (Finland)
Lanxess (Germany)
DuPont (US)
Akzo Nobel NV (Netherlands)
Solenis LLC (US)
Ecolab Inc (US)
Baker Hughes (US)
Suez SA (France)
Lonza Group (Switzerland), among others
Toray Industries, Inc. opened the Toray India Water Research Center in Chennai, India, in September of 2022. In response to the rapidly expanding treatment needs for water in India, the research center will also strengthen its R&D in the application of its water treatment membranes.
Kemira unveiled an enlarged ferric sulfate water treatment chemical manufacturing plant at Goole UK in November 2023. ` The added 70,000 tonnes of new capacity investment are part of the new and more stringent AMP7 and AMP8 phosphorus and other nutrient release rules from wastewater treatment spelled out by the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) for UK coagulants demand surge. This expansion will lead to market growth and enhance the chemical product range for treating water.
Nouryon has signed an exclusive agreement with Brenntag Specialties that will provide it with sole distribution rights for LumaTreat labeled polymers exclusively throughout the US and Canada. With this arrangement in place, Nalco can now supply such specialty polymers directly to cooling tower service providers or HVAC companies needing items like solenoid valves or check valve parts, among other things. They include scale control/dispersancy technologies known as Aquatreat, Versaflex, and Versa-TL polmers that also act as deposit-control agents preventing adherence of scales & debris onto heat transfer surfaces besides their patented LumaTreat labeled polymers. This transaction will stimulate growth in the water treatment chemicals market.
Nouryon introduced a range of smart-tagged polymer-based patent-filed water management systems called LumaTreat in March 2021. The monomers that fluoresce are bonded to deposit control agents. A combination of fluorescent monomer and deposit control polymer enables Smart Tag, which can evaluate ‘free’ or unused polymer quantity within the water treatment system being created by a firm. As a result, this launch is expected to increase demand for water treatment chemicals, leading to overall market growth.
Solenis, one of the largest specialty chemical manufacturers for industries with heavy dependence on water, acquired CedarChem LLC in October 2023. Primarily in the Southeastern United States, CedarChem offers numerous products designed for wastewater and industrial water treatments. Solenis’ acquisition was made through its direct go-to-market approach, which aims to improve customers’ access to superior chemical and wastewater treatment solutions.
Corrosion Inhibitors
Coagulants & Flocculants
Scale Inhibitors
Biocides & Disinfectants
Municipal Water Treatment Plant
Chemical Processing
Power Generation
Others
North America
US
Canada
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Rest of the World
Middle East
Africa
Latin America
| Attribute/Metric | Details |
| Market Size 2023 | USD 45.87 Billion |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 48.03 Billion |
| Market Size 2032 | USD Â 69.47 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 4.72% (2024-2032) |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Market Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Historical Data | 2018 & 2020 |
| Market Forecast Units | Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered | Type, Application, and Region |
| Geographies Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered | The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled | BASF SE (Germany), Kemira OYJ (Finland), Lanxess (Germany), DuPont (US), Akzo Nobel NV (Netherlands), Solenis LLC (US), Ecolab Inc (US), Baker Hughes (US), Suez SA (France), Lonza Group (Switzerland), |
| Key Market Opportunities | Stringent regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment |
| Key Market Dynamics | Rising ground and surface water pollution |
Water Treatment Chemicals Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The water treatment chemicals market size was valued at USD 45.87 Billion in 2023.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.72% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.
Asia-Pacific had the largest share in the market
The key players in the market are BASF SE (Germany), Kemira OYJ (Finland), Lanxess (Germany), DuPont (US), and Akzo Nobel NV (Netherlands).
The Coagulants & Flocculants category dominated the market in 2023.
The municipal water treatment plant had the largest share in the market.
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