Water Treatment Chemicals Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market is segmented By Type (Corrosion inhibitors, Scale inhibitors, Biocides & disinfectants, Coagulants & flocculants, Chelating agents, Anti-foaming agents, pH adjusters and stabilizers, Others), By Application (Boiler Water Treatment, Cooling Water Treatment, Raw Water Treatment, Water Desalination, Others), By End-User (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), By Source (Synthetic, Bio-based) and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Report Overview

Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market reached US$ 36.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 50.4 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Chemicals are integrated into the water treatment process to enhance the suitability of water for various end-uses, including drinking, cooking, irrigation and other industrial activities. Three substances included in the list are sodium metabisulfite, ferric chloride and Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP). The chemical industry employs a range of water treatment techniques, including both physical and chemical processes, to eliminate agents such as sand, minerals, germs, viruses and other contaminants. 

Water, being a vital resource for families and having many applications in end-use industries, has generated a significant need for water treatment to facilitate reuse and recycling. Forecasted to propel the market worldwide is the rising need for water consumption resulting from population growth and industrial activities. 

More than 95% of the wastewater collected in North America undergoes treatment and subsequent recycling, so presenting a promising prospective market for manufacturers of water treatment chemicals. The growing need for treated water from the power generation, pharmaceuticals and food and beverage sectors is greatly driving market expansion.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics

Urbanization And Population Growth Drive The Demand In Municipalities

Urbanization and population expansion lead to higher demands for municipal water utilities. Public authorities must treat water to guarantee its safety for drinking and water treatment chemicals are essential to this procedure. Furthermore, the expansion of metropolitan areas leads to increased quantities of industrial and residential wastewater, thereby requiring the implementation of sophisticated water treatment methods. 

Metropolitan development is frequently accompanied by a rapid increase in population and a corresponding escalation in water usage for diverse purposes including household consumption, commercial operations and governmental services. As cities undergo expansion, there arises an increased imperative to guarantee sustainability and safety for the burgeoning urban populace.

Furthermore, municipalities have the responsibility of ensuring the provision of uncontaminated and secure drinking water to their inhabitants. The increase in population concentration in metropolitan regions intensifies the difficulties related to the acquisition, processing and distribution of water. Hydrochemicals are essential constituents of municipal water treatment procedures, playing a crucial role in the removal of pollutants and pathogens from the water source.

Impact of Alternative Treatment Technologies And Sustainability 

The increasing proliferation of water treatment techniques and the existence of complementary treatment technologies will impede the expansion of the industry. Concurrently, the requirement for environmentally-friendly formulations and vulnerability to patent infringement will hinder its expansion. Alternative water treatment technologies refer to novel and environmentally friendly methods for purifying water, including sophisticated filtration systems, membrane technologies and rapidly developing non-chemical treatment techniques.

Industrial and municipal entities seeking ecological and cost-effective solutions are typically drawn to these options, which diverge from conventional chemical-based water treatment methods. Membrane filtration, for example, provides a chemical-free method that considerably minimises the environmental footprint. Furthermore, ultraviolet (UV) and electrochemical techniques are increasingly being recognized for their effectiveness in disinfection without the need of chemical additions.

Market Segment Analysis

The global water treatment chemicals market is segmented based on type, application, End-User, source and region.

Coagulants And Flocculants Dominated The Market

The demand for inoculants is rising dramatically as farmers become more aware of the several advantages provided by inoculants in enhancing production profitability. In the field of agriculture, the development of inoculants has been driven by their capacity to enhance soil quality and promote crop growth. Silage inoculants refer to additions that contain lactic acid, a type of anaerobic bacterium. 

Silage inoculants are extensively employed to enhance and control the fermentation process. The primary application of this inoculant is in the production of forage silage since it effectively restricts the depletion of dry matter and nutritional content. Silage inoculants are the primary category of water treatment chemicals extensively utilised in Australia. Inoculants are vital for generating a pleasant aroma.

Increasing demand for organic inputs to enhance agricultural yield is driving the expansion of the inoculants market. There has been a rise in the usage of inoculants in agriculture to cultivate crops that possess resistance to anabiotic stress. Furthermore, governments of several emerging nations, including India, are providing assistance to farmers in transitioning to organic and sustainable agriculture methods.

Market Geographical Share

Growing Oil And Gas Industry In North America 

Recent developments in hydraulic fracturing technology have resulted in a rise in the extraction of unconventional energy resources, including shale gas and tight oil, mainly in the North Dakota and West Texas geographical areas of North America. Hence, there has been an increasing need for water treatment facilities in the upstream oil and gas industry.

As to the International Trade Administration (ITA), US holds a prominent position in the generation, utilization and distribution of energy, mostly due to the existence of thermoelectric power plants. Anticipated market growth is likely to be influenced positively by the increasing demand for treatment chemicals from US power industry to treat domestic wastewater.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include BASF SE, Ecolab, Kemira, Kurita Water Industries Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., American Water Chemicals, Inc., Lenntech B.V., Thermax Limited, Hydrite Chemical and Dow.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russian-Ukrainian war has significantly impacted the water treatment chemicals market, particularly in Ukraine. The conflict has led to extensive damage to water-related infrastructure, including treatment plants and sewage connections, resulting in increased pollutant release into water systems. With 35-40% of urban treatment plants damaged, there has been a substantial rise in untreated urban waste entering rivers, particularly the Dnipro Basin, which holds 80% of Ukraine's national water resources. 

The increased pollution has driven demand for water treatment chemicals as efforts to mitigate environmental degradation intensify. Moreover, the shift in pollution sources towards direct inputs of untreated urban waste has further heightened the need for effective water treatment solutions. The conflict has caused an increase of 2–34% in various pollutants, such as nutrients, painkillers, antibacterial agents and microplastics, into the Dnipro River due to damaged infrastructure. 

The rising pollutant levels underscore the critical role of water treatment chemicals in addressing the growing environmental challenges exacerbated by the war. As a result, the market for these chemicals is likely experiencing increased demand, particularly in regions most affected by the conflict. 

By Type

• Corrosion inhibitors
• Scale inhibitors
• Biocides & disinfectants
• Coagulants & flocculants
• Chelating agents
• Anti-foaming agents
• pH adjusters and stabilizers
• Others

By Application

• Boiler water treatment
• Cooling water treatment
• Raw water treatment
• Water Desalination
• Others

By End-User

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial

By Source

• Synthetic
• Bio-based

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• By October 2023, Solenis obtained ownership of CedarChem's headquarters located in Cedartown, Georgia. CedarChem offers an extensive selection of water and wastewater treatment solutions specifically designed for industrial and municipal sectors, with a main emphasis on catering to the southern Region of US. Through this transaction, the corporation has enhanced its market position in US.
• The full acquisition of SimAnalytics was finalized by Kemira, a chemical solutions provider catering to water-intensive sectors, in January 2023. Implementing this strategic decision strengthens Kemira's capacity to offer data-driven predictive services and machine learning solutions to efficiently assist its clients' enterprises. 
• In September 2022, SUEZ introduced its strategic strategy for the year 2027, which set forth its goal to establish itself as a reliable collaborator in circular solutions for water and waste management. The company's strategy highlights its dedication to generating value by offering established solutions, fostering innovation and strengthening investment capabilities. 
• To achieve this goal, the company has established a well-defined and ambitious growth plan, aiming for a yearly increase in sales of 4 to 5 percent by 2027. This aim will be bolstered by substantial financial resources and a remarkable 50 percent surge in research and development commitments.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global water treatment chemicals market segmentation based on type, application, end-user, source and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the water treatment chemicals market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players. 

The global water treatment chemicals market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 68 figures and 215 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies

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