Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market 2024-2031

Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market 2024-2031

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Corrosion inhibitor, Scale inhibitors, Biocides & disinfectants, Coagulants & flocculants, Chelating agents, Anti-foaming agents, and pH adjusters & stabilizers), by Application (Boiler water treatment, Cooling water treatment, Raw water treatment, and Water Desalination), by End-User (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial), and by Source (Synthetic and Bio-Based), Forecast Period (2024-2031)

Water treatment chemicals market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2024-2031). A major factor supporting the market growth is the increasing global population coupled with rapid industrialization and urbanization. As populations grow and urban areas expand, there is a corresponding rise in the demand for clean water for various purposes such as drinking, industrial processes, and agriculture. These chemicals are added to water to remove impurities, disinfect pathogens, and improve overall water quality.

Market Dynamics

Stringent Environmental Regulations

Stringent environmental regulations refer to laws and standards implemented by governments to protect the environment and public health. These regulations set strict limits on pollutants, emissions, and waste disposal, aiming to minimize environmental degradation and safeguard natural resources. In the context of the water treatment chemicals market, stringent environmental regulations mandate the use of specific chemicals and treatment processes to ensure compliance with water quality standards and pollution control measures. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and legal liabilities for industries and municipalities, emphasizing the importance of adherence to environmental laws and regulations. For instance, NSF/ANSI/CAN 60, and ABNT NBR 15784 are two rules that are applied on the sale of drinking water treatment chemicals in US and Europe respectively.

Growing Industrialization is Increasing Opportunities

Growing industrialization refers to the increasing expansion and development of industrial activities within a region or globally. This phenomenon involves the establishment of new industries, the expansion of existing ones, and the adoption of industrial processes across various sectors of the economy. As industrialization progresses, there is a rise in manufacturing, production, and consumption of goods and services, driving economic growth and development. For instance, in August 2022, Suez SA, a French utility company, announced its acquisition of Veolia Environment SA's waste-treatment subsidiary based in the UK for approximately €2.3 billion ($2.4 billion). This strategic move allows Suez to reclaim ownership of the UK assets, which were previously subject to sale following concerns raised by the country's competition authority.

Market Segmentation

Based on type, the market is segmented into corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, biocides & disinfectants, coagulants & flocculants, chelating agents, anti-foaming agents, and pH adjusters & stabilizers.

Based on application, the market is segmented into boiler water treatment, cooling water treatment, raw water treatment, and water desalination.

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into residential, commercial, and industrial.

Based on the source, the market is segmented into synthetic and bio-based.

Boiler Water Treatment is Projected to Emerge as the Largest Segment

The boiler water treatment segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The primary factor supporting the segment's growth includes the demand for clean water and efficient water management practices across various industries. As industrial processes continue to expand globally, there's a heightened focus on maintaining the efficiency and longevity of boiler systems, which are essential for heating and generating steam used in various industrial operations.

Residential Segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The residential segment holds a significant share in the global water treatment chemicals market due to rising population and urbanization, which increases the demand for clean drinking water. Concerns about waterborne diseases and aging infrastructure further drive the adoption of residential water treatment solutions, including chemicals. Additionally, increasing disposable income levels enable more households to afford these treatments, while government regulations and standards mandate compliance with stricter water quality requirements. Technological advancements have also made residential water treatment solutions more accessible, contributing to the segment's substantial market presence.

Regional Outlook

The global water treatment chemicals market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

Asia-Pacific's Rapid Growth is Attributed to Rising Urbanization

The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market in the global water treatment chemicals industry. This growth is fueled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population expansion, leading to increased water pollution and wastewater generation. Stricter regulatory standards and investments in infrastructure further drive demand for water treatment chemicals to ensure compliance and meet water quality standards. For instance, in December 2022, Larsen and Toubro Construction revealed that its water and effluent treatment division had clinched a substantial contract from Tumakuru Industrial Township Limited (TITL) as part of the Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) project.

North America Holds Major Market Share

Among all the regions, North America holds a significant share due to the strict regulatory standards, extensive industrialization, and urbanization. The region's robust infrastructure, technological advancements, and heightened awareness of water quality issues further contribute to its market dominance. Investments in upgrading water treatment facilities, coupled with the presence of key industry players and a focus on environmental sustainability, solidify North America's position as a major hub for water treatment chemicals. For instance, in October 2023, Solenis, a leading provider of specialty chemicals catering to water-intensive industries, completed the acquisition of CedarChem LLC. CedarChem specializes in offering a comprehensive range of water and wastewater treatment solutions tailored for both industrial and municipal sectors, with a primary focus on serving the southeastern US. This strategic acquisition is in line with Solenis' direct go-to-market approach, aimed at enhancing its portfolio of chemical and wastewater treatment products and services to better meet customer needs.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the global water treatment chemicals market include Ecolab, BASF SE, DOW, Kemira, and Solvay, among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in September 2023, Arclin announced the purchase of Belle Chemical Company, a producer of methylamines and derivatives. The addition of the Belle Chemical business will provide further diversification into water treatment, health care, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, oil and gas, and electronics.