Water and Waste Water Treatment Chemical Market

Water and Waste Water Treatment Chemical Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

The global water and wastewater treatment chemical market size reached US$ 37,192.3 million in 2023. Over the forecast period, global water and wastewater treatment chemicals demand is anticipated to rise at 4.6% CAGR. The market is expected to increase from US$ 38,588.9 million in 2024 to US$ 60,541.2 million by 2034.

Water and Waste Water Treatment Chemical Market Overview

• The water treatment sector embraces eco-friendly chemicals and procedures due to increasing sustainability concerns, focus on creating biodegradable compounds, and the need to reduce waste & energy usage.
• Global water quality and environmental regulations are becoming strict due to concerns about microplastics and pharmaceuticals, which is increasing the need for advanced treatment chemicals to eliminate contaminants.
• Limited freshwater resources necessitate recovery and reuse efforts, further increasing the demand for treatment chemicals for water recycling, desalination, and nutrient recovery from wastewater.
• The water and wastewater treatment chemical market is witnessing advancements in membrane filtration, oxidation procedures, and intelligent monitoring systems, thereby enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Digital advancements in water treatment are revolutionizing the industry by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and process optimization, leading to increased value-added services from suppliers.
• The need for robust water infrastructure, treatment chemicals for old infrastructure upkeep, and climate-related mitigation drives infrastructure renovations and resilience planning investments.

Key Water and Waste Water Treatment Chemical Market Highlights

Market to Expand Over 1.6x through 2034

The global water and wastewater treatment chemical market is predicted to expand over 1.6x through 2034, amid a 2.3% increase in expected CAGR compared to the historical one. This is due to the rising demand for clean, potable water and the scarcity of freshwater sources.

Global water and wastewater treatment chemicals sales are expected to rise due to rapid population growth, increasing government initiatives for water infrastructure development, and surging awareness of chlorine-free water.

North America is Poised to Continue as a Key Hub for Manufacturers

North America is expected to dominate the global water and wastewater treatment chemical market during the forecast period. It is set to hold around 25.4% of the worldwide market share in 2034. This is attributed to the following factors:

• Advanced Technological Infrastructure: North America has a sophisticated technological ecosystem with research & development facilities, academic institutions, and industry partnerships dedicated to water treatment innovation. This infrastructure enables manufacturers to access cutting-edge technologies, driving continuous improvement and developing high-performance treatment chemicals.
• Stringent Environmental Regulations: North America is renowned for its stringent environmental regulations governing water quality and pollution control. These regulations are enforced at federal and state levels, compelling industries to invest in effective water treatment solutions to comply with strict standards.
• Diverse Industrial Landscape: The region's diverse industrial landscape encompasses oil & gas, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and more. Each industry has unique water treatment requirements driven by process efficiency, product quality, and environmental stewardship. Manufacturers leverage this diversity to develop specialized treatment chemicals tailored to the specific needs of different industries.

Biocide Chemicals Dominating the Market

Biocide chemicals are anticipated to witness a high demand, surging at a 5.6% CAGR during the forecast period.

• Biocide chemicals are expected to create new opportunities and demand due to the increasing focus on microbial control and disinfection across several industries, including water treatment, healthcare, and food production.
• As regulations become more stringent and concerns about waterborne diseases & contamination rise, the demand for biocide chemicals is expected to surge significantly.
• Biocides are versatile and can be used in several applications, further driving their potential for growth

Historical Water and Waste Water Treatment Chemical Market Growth Outlook

Global sales of water and wastewater treatment chemicals grew at a CAGR of 2.4% between 2019 and 2023. Total market revenue reached US$ 37,192.3 million in 2023. The market witnessed steady growth due to the significant demand for clean drinking water and a high focus on improving product quality & integrity in the pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries.

• As a result of urbanization and industrialization, wastewater generated by municipal operations, industrial processes, and agricultural methods is on the rise. This has increased the need for treatment chemicals to handle the increasing volume and complexity of wastewater streams.
• Investment in water reuse and recycling projects has surged due to the growing awareness of water scarcity and the necessity of sustainable water management techniques. The need for treatment chemicals to aid in water reclamation and conservation efforts has increased due to this trend.
• A move toward greener and more sustainable chemical formulations has been spurred by worries about how treatment procedures affect the environment.
• Environmentally friendly and biodegradable treatment chemicals gained traction as companies emphasized lessening their environmental impact and lowering their carbon footprint.

In the forecast period, the worldwide water and wastewater treatment chemical industry is set to thrive at a CAGR of 4.6%.

• The future scope of the water and wastewater treatment chemical market looks promising, driven by increasing industrialization, urbanization, and environmental awareness.
• The emergence of new contaminants and the need for sustainable solutions are set to create opportunities for innovation and expansion in the market, ensuring sustained growth during the forecast period.

Nikhil Kaitwade

Principal Consultant

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Key Market Dynamics

Escalating Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Initiatives

• As governments impose strict standards for water quality and discharge limits, industries are compelled to adopt advanced treatment solutions to meet compliance requirements.
• Companies recognize the importance of minimizing their environmental footprint and embracing eco-friendly practices to mitigate their environmental impact.
• Industries such as pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, textiles, and municipal water treatment facilities actively integrate sustainability into their operations to enhance brand reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Increasing Focus on Water Reuse and Recycling

• As freshwater resources become increasingly scarce and water stress intensifies, industries and municipalities are turning toward water reuse and recycling as sustainable solutions. This trend drives the demand for specialized treatment chemicals to ensure the purification and safety of recycled water for diverse applications.
• Industries such as power generation and pharmaceuticals are adopting advanced membrane water treatment systems to recycle water used in their processes.
• Regulatory mandates and incentives promoting water conservation and sustainability bolster the demand for water recycling technologies and treatment chemicals.

Shift toward Decentralized Water Treatment Systems

• In remote or rural areas lacking access to centralized treatment plants, decentralized systems offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for water purification.
• Industries and municipalities increasingly adopt decentralized systems to address specific water treatment needs, such as recycling wastewater for irrigation or industrial processes.
• As the demand for localized and efficient water treatment solutions continues to rise, driven by population growth and urbanization, the market for water and wastewater treatment chemicals is set to experience a substantial increase in the forecast years.

Key Factors Restraining Water and Waste Water Treatment Chemical Market Growth

• Establishing water and wastewater treatment facilities, including installing equipment and treatment chemicals, requires a sizable initial outlay of funds. This expensive initial outlay is set to turn off investors and prevent the market from growing.
• Creating sustainable and effective treatment chemicals that satisfy legal standards while reducing their negative effects on the environment presents technological difficulties.
• The market's growth is expected to be slowed by time-consuming and expensive research & development projects aimed at solving such problems.
• Water treatment facilities are lacking in rural areas or developing nations where access to clean water sources is restricted. This is set to limit the market's ability to expand and raise the demand for treatment chemicals.
• Recessions or shifts in the world economy are projected to impact capital expenditures for water and wastewater treatment facilities.

Country-wise Insights

The table below highlights key countries' water and wastewater treatment chemical market revenues. The United States, China, and India are expected to remain the top three consumers of chemicals for the wastewater treatment market, with expected valuations of US$ 11,200.1 million, US$ 9,262.8 million, and US$ 7,507.1 million, respectively, in 2034.

The table below shows the estimated growth rates of the leading countries. India, Brazil, and Chile are set to record high CAGRs of 6.5%, 6.2%, and 5.9%, respectively, through 2034.

Expansion of Water Treatment Infrastructure Driving Demand in the United States

The United States chemicals for water treatment market is projected to reach US$ 11,200.1 million by 2034. Over the assessment period, demand for water and wastewater treatment chemicals in the United States is set to rise at 3.9% CAGR. The key factors supporting the market growth are:

• The water treatment infrastructure in the United States is robust, with significant investments made to ensure water quality and safety.
• Expanding industries such as food & beverages and textiles in the United States are expected to create opportunities for water and wastewater treatment chemical manufacturers.
• The United States’ commitment to renewable energy sources necessitates stringent water quality standards, fostering demand for water and wastewater treatment chemicals in power plants.

Rising Demand for Clean Water in Rural Areas Expected to Boost Sales in China

During the assessment period, sales of water and wastewater treatment chemicals in China are projected to soar at a CAGR of around 4.3%. China is anticipated to reach US$ 9,262.8 million by 2034. This is attributable to a combination of factors, including:

• China is increasingly focusing on environmental protection and water quality improvement, leading to strict regulations on chlorine discharge from industrial processes and wastewater treatment.
• Rapid industrialization and urbanization are increasing water demand across several sectors, such as manufacturing, energy, and municipal services.
• Stringent regulations concerning water quality and pollution control drive the adoption of advanced treatment solutions, further fueling demand for treatment chemicals.
• China's growing population and expanding middle class contribute to the rising demand for clean water in households and commercial establishments.

Increasing Utilization in Industrial Processes Fuels Demand in India

India's water and waste water treatment chemical market value is anticipated to total US$ 7,507.1 million by 2034. Over the forecast period, the demand for water and wastewater treatment chemicals in India is set to increase at a robust CAGR of 6.5%. Top factors supporting the market expansion in the country include:

• Infrastructure development initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Mission propel the need for efficient water treatment solutions in India.
• India's robust GDP growth rate and increasing investments in manufacturing, power generation, and pharmaceuticals contribute to heightened demand for water treatment chemicals.
• With a growing number of companies entering the market and expanding connectivity, India is poised to become a key player in the global water and wastewater treatment chemical market.
• The country's focus on technological innovation and sustainable development encourages investments in water treatment infrastructure.
• Implementation of advanced membrane technologies and the promotion of water recycling initiatives are propelling the market growth in India.

Category-wise Insights

The section below shows the coagulant & flocculant segment as a dominating product type. It is forecast to thrive at 4.1% CAGR between 2024 and 2034. Based on end-users, the municipal segment is anticipated to hold a dominant share through 2034. It is set to exhibit a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period.

Coagulant & Flocculant Segment Tops the Product Type Category

• The preference for coagulant & flocculant-based chemicals in water and wastewater treatment stems from their effectiveness in particle aggregation and sedimentation.
• Coagulants and flocculants offer versatile applications across several water treatment processes, including sedimentation, filtration, and clarification.
• Their ability to enhance water quality makes them a preferred choice for end-users seeking reliable and cost-effective solutions for water and wastewater treatment challenges.

Demand to Remain High in Municipal Segment Through 2034

• The municipal sector drives significant demand for water and wastewater treatment chemicals due to the large-scale purification requirements for supplying clean water to urban populations.
• Municipalities worldwide prioritize water treatment to ensure public health and environmental protection, leading to consistent demand for chemicals like coagulants, flocculants, and disinfectants.
• Growing urbanization and industrialization intensify water pollution concerns, necessitating robust treatment measures.
• Stringent regulatory standards and increasing awareness of waterborne diseases compel municipalities to invest in advanced treatment solutions, sustaining the demand for water and wastewater treatment chemicals in the municipal sector.

Competitive Landscape

The global chemical additives for water treatment market is fragmented, with leading players accounting for 40% to 45% of the share. Akzo Nobel N.V., Baker Hughes Inc., BASF SE, Dow Inc., Eco Lab Inc., and Italmatch Chemicals S.p.A are the leading manufacturers and suppliers of water and wastewater treatment chemicals listed in the report.

Leading water and wastewater treatment chemicals companies invest in continuous research to produce new products and increase their capacity to meet end-user demand. They are also inclined toward adopting strategies to strengthen their footprint, including acquisitions, partnerships, mergers, and facility expansions.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Solenis acquired CedarChem LLC, bolstering its water and wastewater treatment product offerings in the South-eastern United States. The move supports Solenis' strategy to enhance customer service and expand market presence, leveraging CedarChem's reputation and expertise.
• In 2023, Kemira expanded its ferric sulfate production line in Goole by 70,000 tons to address increasing coagulant demand due to strict wastewater treatment regulations.
• In 2023, Ion Exchange (India) announced its board's approval to invest in and acquire MAPRIL in Portugal.
• In 2023, Brenntag acquired a water treatment facility in Pomona to enhance its South African presence. This move expands Brenntag specialties' portfolio, strengthens regional expertise, and improves customer service.

Key Companies Profiled

• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• Baker Hughes Inc.
• BASF SE
• Dow Inc.
• Eco Lab Inc.
• Italmatch Chemicals S.p.A
• Kemira OYJ
• Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
• Lonza Group Ltd.
• Nouryon
• SNF
• Solenis LLC
• Solvay
• SUEZ
• Thermax Limited
• Veolia Group
• American Water Chemicals
• Canadian Clear
• Carus Group Inc.
• Chembond Chemicals Ltd.

Key Coverage of Water and Waste Water Treatment Chemical Industry Report

• Adjacent Study on the Industrial Water Treatment Chemical Market, Municipal Water Treatment Chemical Market and Disinfection Chemicals for Water Treatment Market
• Opportunity Analysis of Water Sanitization Chemical Market
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Infrastructure
• Demand for Water and Waste Water Treatment Chemical in India
• Biological Treatment of Wastewater
• Waste Water Treatment Chemical Specifications

Water and Waste Water Treatment Chemical Market Segmentation by Category

By Product Type:

• Coagulant & Flocculant
• Biocide
• Corrosion & Scale Inhibitor
• Defoamer
• pH Adjuster
• Others (Chelating Agent, Oxygen Scavenger)

By Application:

• Cooling Water
• Boiler Water
• Membrane Water
• Municipal Water
• Others

By End-user:

• Oil & Gas
• Power
• Mining
• Pulp & Paper
• Chemical & Fertilizer
• Pharmaceutical
• Municipal
• Textile
• Food & Beverages
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa