The global active oxygens industry is estimated to be worth USD 4.34 billion in 2025. It is expected to reach USD 7.41 billion, reflecting a steady CAGR of 5.5%. The active oxygens industry grew steadily in 2024, propelled by growing demand in various industries such as water treatment, pulp & paper, and textiles.
Growing regulatory focus on eco-friendly and non-toxic bleaching chemicals boosted demand in the paper sector, especially in North America and Europe. The Asian region, dominated by China and India, witnessed increased investments in wastewater treatment plants, boosting demand for hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid.
Further, advancements in technology for producing hydrogen peroxide and development in bio-based oxidizing agents are expected to drive industry competitiveness. As industries move towards greener solutions, companies will concentrate on improving efficiency and low-cost production. The Asia-Pacific region will be responsible for driving most of the demand, with Europe and North America imposing stringent environmental regulations that will drive industry growth.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 4.34 billion |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 7.41 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.5% |
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Future Market Insights conducted a recent survey with major stakeholders in the active oxygens industry and identified several key trends that will determine the future of the industry. Most of the respondents mentioned that sustainability and environmental regulations were the main drivers of industry growth.
More than 65% of the industry leaders emphasized the growing trend towards green oxidizing agents, especially in food processing and wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the respondents in the pulp & paper industry stressed the move from chlorine-based bleaching chemicals, with almost 70% affirming investments in peroxide-based solutions. The second significant insight provided by the survey was the growing power of technological improvements in producing active oxygen.
Over 50% of the chemical makers noted that research and development are working towards greater efficiency of production at a lower cost. Trends such as enzymatic oxidation procedures and bio-based hydrogen peroxide were mentioned as soon-to-break patterns likely to upend the industry in five years.
Stakeholders also referred to regional differences in demand growth. North America and Europe are witnessing growth as a result of aggressive environmental policies, whereas Asia-Pacific is witnessing explosive growth fuelled by industrialization and infrastructure development.
Over 60% of the distributors and suppliers polled anticipate China and India to be the largest growth centres by 2030. Moreover, greater awareness and strict safety controls in the food and pharmaceutical industries are anticipated to open up new revenue opportunities for players in the marketplace.
Despite overall optimism, supply chain constraints were a running theme among the respondents. Approximately 40% of manufacturers experienced logistical hurdles in procuring raw materials, specifically hydrogen peroxide precursors, owing to geopolitical tensions and shipping restrictions.
| Country/Region | Regulatory Impact & Mandatory Certifications |
|---|---|
| United States | The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for disinfectant use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates compliance with 21 CFR Part 178 for food-contact substances. Companies must also obtain OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) compliance for workplace safety. |
| European Union | The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation governs the manufacturing and use of active oxygens, ensuring safety assessments before industry entry. The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012) applies to peracetic acid used in disinfectants. The EU also enforces ISO 14001 for environmental management and EC No. 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation) for chemical classification. |
| China | The Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) enforces strict pollution control laws that impact hydrogen peroxide production. The China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark is required for certain chemical products. Additionally, GB 2760-2015 regulates the permissible use of peroxides in food processing. |
| India | The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets quality norms for hydrogen peroxide production. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) enforces strict wastewater discharge norms, impacting the use of peracetic acid in industrial applications. Companies must adhere to ISO 9001 for quality management and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations for food-grade applications. |
| Japan | The Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) regulates the manufacturing and import of active oxygens. The Food Sanitation Act governs the use of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid in food processing. Companies must also comply with JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) for chemical safety and performance. |
| Brazil | The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) oversees the approval of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide for food and pharmaceutical use. The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) enforces strict environmental impact assessments for active oxygen production. |
| Australia | The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulates hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid in biocidal applications. The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) requires safety assessments before chemicals enter the industry. WorkSafe Australia mandates adherence to the Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice for workplace safety. |
From 2025 to 2035, the Oxygens active USA industry will grow below the average CAGR of the world rate, at 5.2%. The growth is due to enhanced adoption in wastewater treatment, pulp & paper, and food processing sectors. Demand for hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, more sustainable non-chlorinated disinfectants, has also been increasing as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still implementing stringent environmental policies.
Big business is a key player, and the FDA has endorsed peracetic acid for antimicrobial use in the processing of meat and poultry. The healthcare sector namely is also driving demand -- especially for sterilization applications in hospitals. However, fluctuations in raw material prices and logistical issues could affect profit margins.
FMI opines that the United States Active Oxygen sales will grow at nearly 5.2% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
The UK active oxygens industry is expected to grow at a 5.0% CAGR between 2025 and 2035, due to excellent government incentives for the upkeep of biosystems & environmental sustainability as well as industrial safety. In line with a UK-EU climate ideal, hydrogen peroxides are in stronger demand among water facilities, and pulp & paper mills.
The UK's food industry is a key contributor, with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) enforcing hard-line safety standards around food processing. Hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid can be used for sterilizing beverages and packaging. Yet, with changes to regulations after Brexit, supply chains have become less certain, and there is more unpredictability in sourcing and pricing.
FMI opines that the United Kingdom Active Oxygen sales will grow at nearly 5.0% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
France's active oxygens industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2025 to 2035, due to active industrial and environmental fundamentals. The French government's commitment to reducing emissions from industrial applications led to replacing chlorine-based agents with hydrogen peroxide in applications for chemical and wastewater treatment.
The country is home to a booming pulp & paper industry, where hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent of choice, compliant with the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). On the other hand, the agriculture industry utilizes a lot of peracetic acid for crop protection and post-harvest treatment.
France is working on hydrogen peroxide-based propulsion systems for aerospace applications too, through collaborations with aerospace giant Airbus and the European Space Agency (ESA). Such diversification increases industry potential.
FMI opines that France Active Oxygen sales will grow at nearly 5.3% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
Above the worldwide average, Germany’s active oxygens industry will gain at 5.4% CAGR between 2025 and 2035. Key growth factors are strengthening the manufacturing base, strict environmental regulations (REACH, CLP Regulation) and focus on sustainable industrial processes.
Germany is a leader in the industrial and pharmaceutical production of hydrogen peroxide. Front runners, like Evonik and BASF, are investing in the advanced production of bio-based peroxides. The demand for green hydrogen peroxide is also growing in textiles, food packaging and medical sterilization.
The use of hydrogen peroxide is expanding into Germany’s wastewater treatment sector, a relatively young industry in the country, where some municipalities are now implementing advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The automotive industry is also a large consumer of peracetic acid component sterilization in electric vehicle (EV) battery production.
FMI opines that Germany's Active Oxygen sales will grow at nearly 5.4% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
With a firm adherence towards green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing, the industry in Italy is anticipated to evolve with a CAGR of 5.1% by 2035. Textile and fashion are driving industry growth with brands gravitating to chlorine-free bleaching processes that utilize hydrogen peroxide.
The food and beverage sector in Italy offers another important contribution. It is often used for the sterilisation of dairy products as well as in the production of wine. Strict safety regulations for disinfectants have been implemented by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), which will further drive industry growth.
Wastewater treatment and bio-based chemical production are key growth sectors in Italy as the country "works towards circular economy regulations. A major trend is represented by the investment of major Italian chemical companies in hydrogen peroxide for energy storage and fuel cell applications.
FMI opines that Italy Active Oxygen sales will grow at nearly 5.1% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
The South Korean active oxygens industry is expected to grow by 5.7% CAGR during the period between 2025 to 2035, due to the development of semiconductor manufacturing, wastewater treatment, and pharmaceutical sterilization.
The largest consumers of high-purity hydrogen peroxide are electronics companies, especially those involved in chip fabrication, where it is used for cleaning chips. Demand for ultra-high purity hydrogen peroxide is up as Samsung and SK Hynix increase usage through manufacturing processes.
FMI opines that the South Korea Active Oxygen sales will grow at nearly 5.7% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
Pharma, food processing, and industrial manufacturing to drive demand also Japan, which is projected to grow at a 5.3% CAGR during the upcoming decade. In Japan’s pharmaceutical industry, hydrogen peroxide is one of the main sterilizing agents that must be used in drug formulation and packaging to meet strict PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) regulations.
The food and beverage sector is another large consumer, most notably in process events like seafood processing and packaging for beverages. Japan’s emphasis on clean energy has led to R&D on hydrogen peroxide to be used as an alternative fuel, with automakers like Toyota partnering with major chemical companies.
FMI opines that Japan Active Oxygen sales will grow at nearly 5.3% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
China is also projected to grow faster than other major economies at 6.8% CAGR by 2035. Key growth drivers include the country’s industrial expansion, rapid urbanization and environmental regulations. Hydrogen peroxide is primarily used in the pulp & paper industry, wastewater treatment, and electronics manufacturing.
China National Chemical Corporation (CNCC) is expanding its production capacity to cater to the growing domestic and export demand. China’s Five-Year Plan emphasizes eco-friendly chemical production, and hydrogen peroxide is an increasingly preferred bleach and reagent for chemical synthesis.
FMI opines that China Active Oxygen sales will grow at nearly 6.8% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
The Australia-NZ active oxygens industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% over the next decade (2025 to 2035), due to stringent environmental and food safety regulations. APVMA (the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) has a rigorous requirement for disinfecting and sanitation that is driving demand for peracetic acid in agriculture. An additional primary consumer of active oxygens is the burgeoning wine industry.
FMI opines that Australia-NZ Active Oxygen sales will grow at nearly 4.9% CAGR through 2025 to 2035.
Peroxides are likely to maintain their dominant position over the active oxygens industry, propelled by their extensive industrial, environmental and consumer applications. Unlike chlorine-based chemicals, hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid are becoming increasingly popular as eco-friendly water treatment and disinfection options. Globally, regulatory authorities are imposing stricter safety and sustainability regulations, which are driving industries towards the use of peroxides owing to their biodegradability and low impact on the environment.
Peracetic acid is gaining traction in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors due to its sterilizing and hygienic properties, while hydrogen peroxide is becoming a peer in food and beverage applications, by being introduced into packaging and processing to ensure safety. Manufacturers are developing bio-based peroxides and making production more efficient in response to increasing demand across several industries.
Increasing demand from air purification and advanced oxidation processes in water treatment will drive the growth of ozone sales for the upcoming game plan period. Ozone-based disinfection technologies are helping governments and regulatory agencies to not only address existing water quality issues but also emerging contaminants.
Microbial control in food processing/health-care facilities is becoming one of the main industries to look to ozone as a solution. Due to technological advancements in generation and delivery systems, it is progressively being recognized as an ideal option in high-efficiency chemical-free disinfection applications. Despite its great potential, ozone’s high capital investment costs and complexities in operation might stifle its adoption in some regions.
The active oxygens industry is expected to continue to see cleaning and disinfection as a significant growth segment for the next decade. Due to increased awareness of hygiene and sanitation, sectors like healthcare, food processing, and hospitality are turning to next-generation disinfection solutions.
Hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid are emerging as the surface sterilisation, equipment-cleaning, and medical-instrument-disinfecting options of choice. The increasing prevalence of infectious and global health regulations is propelling the demand for highly effective and eco-friendly disinfectants. Contains safer but equally effective stabilized formulations of peroxide and an optimized delivery system in place.
The pharmaceutical industry is also ramping up peroxide-based sterilisation techniques to facilitate the sealed packaging of drugs. Driven by the increasing consumer demand for preservative-free and extended shelf-life products, aseptic packaging technologies are being improved to optimise food safety while maintaining freshness. This is further boosting the innovation in peroxide-based sterilization solutions for sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions.
The textile and laundry industry is transforming toward more sustainable solutions for bleaching and washing. Hydrogen peroxide is a progressive substitute for traditional chlorine-based bleaching agents that help maintain the integrity of fabrics in the bleaching process while minimizing pollution emissions into the water.
Numerous other ozone-based textile treatment methods are on the rise, mainly due to industrial laundries, as they provide energy-efficient, chemical-free alternatives. With stricter international regulations surrounding wastewater release, industrial textile producers are switching to peroxide and ozone-based processes to reduce their environmental impact.
Ozone has become increasingly popular as an alternative disinfectant in municipal water treatment plants. In industrial wastewater treatment, hydrogen peroxide has become most common for the removal of organic matter and harmful chemicals. There is a growing use of active oxygens (AOs) for soil and groundwater remediation as industries search for cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of decontamination.
Oxidation-based remediation techniques are being promoted by government and environmental agencies as part of sustainability initiatives. As industries increasingly focus on sustainable land restoration initiatives, there is expected to be a significant increase in the utilization of in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) technologies using active oxygens in the solution for in-situ oxidation of contaminants.
Active oxygens are being used in chemical synthesis for clean and efficient production processes. The use of hydrogen peroxide as an ecologically friendly oxidizing agent is becoming more common in the pharmaceutical and speciality chemical industry.
| Aspect | 2020 to 2024 |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | The industry experienced moderate growth, recovering from pandemic-related disruptions. Demand surged for disinfection and healthcare applications due to COVID-19. However, supply chain constraints and raw material price volatility posed challenges. |
| Key Drivers | High demand for disinfectants and sterilization solutions due to COVID-19. Rising awareness about water treatment and environmental safety. Increased industrial and municipal wastewater treatment needs. |
| Regulatory Influence | Governments implemented stricter hygiene and disinfection protocols. Regulatory agencies focused on safety and environmental standards, with greater enforcement of wastewater treatment norms. |
| Industrial Applications | Key applications included medical sterilization, water treatment, food processing, and pulp & paper bleaching. The textile industry began shifting towards hydrogen peroxide-based processes. |
| Challenges | Supply chain disruptions, fluctuating raw material prices, logistical constraints, and regulatory compliance complexities affected industry stability. |
| Regional Market Trends | North America and Europe led industry growth due to strict regulations and high adoption rates. Asia-Pacific industries, especially China and India, grew rapidly due to industrial expansion and rising environmental concerns. |
| Technology and Innovation | Ozone and hydrogen peroxide-based disinfection technologies saw rapid adoption. Companies explored new applications in healthcare, food safety, and semiconductor manufacturing. |
| Market Outlook | The industry saw stable growth, with strong demand from healthcare, water treatment, and food industries. Temporary slowdowns due to economic uncertainty and supply chain issues. |
| Aspect | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | The industry is projected to grow steadily, driven by industrial expansion, sustainability regulations, and advanced oxidation applications. Increasing investments in green chemistry and bio-based active oxygens will shape future growth. |
| Key Drivers | Sustainability-focused regulations, growing adoption of hydrogen peroxide in food safety and pharmaceuticals, technological advancements in oxidation processes, and increasing demand for eco-friendly industrial solutions. |
| Regulatory Influence | Regulations will push for chlorine-free bleaching, stricter emissions control, and broader adoption of sustainable oxidation technologies. REACH, EPA and other national agencies will tighten compliance requirements. |
| Industrial Applications | Industrial applications will expand into green energy, advanced oxidation for semiconductor cleaning, and sustainable mining. Adoption of hydrogen peroxide in hydrogen fuel cell technology may emerge. |
| Challenges | Companies will focus on cost-efficient production, overcoming raw material shortages, and investing in localized manufacturing. Innovations in bio-based hydrogen peroxide and ozone generation will help mitigate supply risks. |
| Regional Market Trends | Asia-Pacific will emerge as the fastest-growing industry, driven by industrialization and stringent pollution control laws. North America and Europe will see sustained growth due to innovations in sustainable oxidation solutions. |
| Technology and Innovation | Next-gen oxidation technologies, AI-driven process optimization, and bio-based peroxide production will gain momentum. Investment in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) will increase. |
| Market Outlook | The industry is poised for sustained expansion, supported by regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability initiatives, and industrial innovation. Companies investing in green chemistry solutions will gain a competitive edge. |
The active oxygens industry falls under the speciality chemicals and industrial oxidation technologies industry. The industry is closely linked to water treatment, pharmaceuticals, food safety, pulp & paper, textiles, and environmental remediation industries. The industry for active oxygens will grow steadily as economies increasingly value sustainability, access to clean water, and high-tech manufacturing processes.
Industrial development worldwide, especially in emerging industries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia, will spur demand for hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and ozone-based oxidation technologies. Governments are imposing stricter environmental and food safety regulations, compelling industries to switch to green disinfection and oxidation solutions.
The active oxygens industry offers favourable growth in bio-based hydrogen peroxide, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and ultra-high purity (UHP) applications in semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Opportunities exist for companies to derive benefits by introducing on-site peroxide generation systems for water treatment ozone-based textile processing and food sterilization solutions. Green hydrogen-fueled peroxide production will meet sustainability objectives with less raw material reliance.
To remain competitive, stakeholders will need to invest in production facilities that are localized to address supply chain interruptions. Conformity to EU REACH, EPA, and ISO safety standards will make products distinctive. Focused R&D on oxidation technologies for aerospace, chemical recycling, and aseptic packaging will unlock high-margin industry opportunities. Strategic mergers and acquisitions for speciality oxidation companies and technological partnerships will boost industry presence further.
Major players in the active oxygens industry are competing based on pricing, product development, strategic alliances, and international expansion. Price competition is high, especially in high-volume industrial uses such as water treatment and pulp & paper bleaching.
Premium pricing is developing for high-purity peroxide in semiconductors and pharmaceutical sterilization, where stringent regulatory requirements call for specialized products. Differentiation comes through innovation, with players spending on bio-based peroxides, hydrogen-fuelled production processes, and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to address sustainability and efficiency needs.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Strategic Partnerships
They are used in disinfection, water treatment, textiles, aseptic packaging, and chemical synthesis.
Healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food processing, pulp & paper, textiles, and water treatment industries.
Sustainability goals, stricter regulations, and rising demand for eco-friendly disinfection.
By developing bio-based peroxides, low-emission ozone systems, and advanced oxidation processes.
Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe due to industrial expansion and stricter environmental laws.
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