Process Chemicals for Water Treatment Market

Global Process Chemicals for Water Treatment Market Size (2024 to 2029)

The process chemicals for water treatment market is estimated to reach USD 50.02 billion by 2029 from USD 40.72 billion in 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period.

MARKET OVERVIEW

Process chemicals for water treatment refer to various chemicals used to treat and purify water for various applications, including drinking water, industrial processes, and wastewater treatment. These chemicals are designed to remove contaminants, particles, and impurities from the water, making it safe for human consumption and use in industrial processes. Common process chemicals for water treatment include coagulants, flocculants, pH adjusters, biocides, corrosion inhibitors, and scale inhibitors. The market for process chemicals in water treatment is driven by population growth, increasing demand for clean water, and growing industrialization in emerging economies.

MARKET DRIVERS

Several factors drive the process of chemicals for the water treatment market. First, the increasing demand for clean and safe water in various end-use industries, including power generation, municipal water treatment, and oil and gas, is a major market driver.

In addition, the rising population and industrialization in emerging economies are contributing to the market's growth, as they have increased the demand for water treatment chemicals. Moreover, implementing stringent environmental regulations and standards related to water quality drives the demand for process chemicals for water treatment.

Furthermore, the increasing use of membrane technology in water treatment and the growing trend of water reuse and recycling are expected to fuel the market's growth in the coming years. Furthermore, developing innovative and eco-friendly chemicals for water treatment is also expected to contribute to the market's growth. Additionally, the growing adoption of automation and digitalization in the water treatment industry creates new opportunities for the market players to offer advanced and efficient process chemicals.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

The process chemicals for water treatment market faces several restraints that impact its growth and profitability. One significant constraint is the stringent government regulations related to using chemicals in water treatment. The regulations are aimed at protecting the environment and human health, which increases the compliance costs for the industry players. Moreover, the high cost associated with the production and transportation of process chemicals for water treatment also acts as a restraint. The industry players need to invest heavily in R&D to develop new and efficient chemicals to meet the ever-increasing demand for clean water, which further adds to the production costs. Additionally, the availability of alternative water treatment technologies, such as membrane filtration, UV radiation, and ozone treatment, also poses a challenge for the process chemicals for the water treatment market. These alternative technologies are gaining popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of operation, which limits the demand for process chemicals in water treatment.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES         

The process of chemicals for the water treatment market presents both challenges and opportunities. While stringent regulations, high production costs, and the availability of alternative technologies restrain market growth, increasing demand for clean water due to population growth and industrialization creates opportunities for process chemical manufacturers. Furthermore, the growing awareness of the harmful effects of untreated wastewater and industrial effluents on the environment has led to increased investment in the water treatment industry. Finally, the increasing focus on wastewater recycling and reuse presents an opportunity for the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective chemicals that comply with stringent government regulations.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Process Chemicals for the Water Treatment Market

The process chemicals for the water treatment market have experienced both negative and positive impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial phase of the pandemic led to a decrease in demand for process chemicals due to supply chain disruptions and reduced industrial production. However, the increased need for clean water for hygiene purposes and the resumption of industrial activities after the lockdown have led to a surge in demand for process chemicals in water treatment. Moreover, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in the water treatment industry, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings. However, the uncertain economic environment and restricted movement of goods and services have also posed challenges for the industry players.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

Global Process Chemicals for Water Treatment Market Type of Chemical

Coagulants and Flocculants are estimated to hold the highest revenue share in the global process chemicals for water treatment market. Coagulants destabilize and group suspended particles for easy filtration such as aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, and poly aluminum chloride. Flocculants combine unstable particles, such as polyacrylamide and polyethylene oxide, for simpler filtration. Overall, the demand for coagulants and flocculants is high in the water treatment industry as they play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of treated water.

Global Process Chemicals for Water Treatment Market By End-Use Industry

Municipal water treatment is expected to hold the highest market value during the forecast period, which involves the treatment of water for public use, such as for drinking water and other domestic purposes. This end-use industry typically has the highest demand for process chemicals in water treatment due to the large volume of water being treated for a wide range of contaminants.

Global Process Chemicals for Water Treatment Market By Function

Primary treatment chemicals are expected to gain the highest demand in the global process chemicals for water treatment and which are used to remove large suspended solids and organic matter have the highest demand as they are the first stage of treatment in most water treatment processes.

Global Process Chemicals for Water Treatment Market By Application

Drinking water has the highest demand in the global market and is also estimated to hold the highest market share in the next coming years. Drinking water treatment typically has the highest demand for process chemicals in water treatment as it involves the treatment of water for human consumption and therefore requires stringent treatment processes to ensure water safety and quality.

Global Process Chemicals for Water Treatment Market By Form 

Liquid chemicals are estimated to have the highest demand in the market as compared to others due to their convenience and ease of use. Liquid chemicals are also preferred over powder and granular chemicals because they are easier to transport and store. Liquid chemicals are often transported in bulk in tanker trucks or railcars, and liquid chemicals are more cost-effective for large-scale water treatment facilities.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Asia-Pacific region is projected to have the highest revenue in the global market because, the fastest-growing market for process chemicals in water treatment, driven by increasing industrialization and population growth. China and India are the largest markets in the region, followed by Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

KEY PLAYERS IN THE GLOBAL PROCESS CHEMICALS FOR WATER TREATMENT MARKET

BASF SE, Ecolab Inc., Kemira Oyj, SNF Group, Solenis LLC, AkzoNobel N.V., The Dow Chemical Company, SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions, Buckman Laboratories International, Inc., Kurita Water Industries Ltd are some of the notable companies in the global process chemicals for water treatment market.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

• In Nov 2022, Ecolab recently launched the Ecolab Water for Climate™ program, which aims to assist businesses in dealing with the growing energy crisis and the adverse effects of climate change and water scarcity across the globe. This initiative enables companies to achieve their climate objectives while ensuring continued business growth.

• In Feb 2021, SNF Group announced the construction of a new polyacrylamide production site in the United States to meet the growing demand for water treatment chemicals in North America.

DETAILED SEGMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL PROCESS CHEMICALS FOR WATER TREATMENT MARKET INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT

This research report on the global process chemicals for the water treatment market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on chemical, end-use industry, function, application, form, and region.

By Chemical

• Coagulants
• Flocculants
• pH adjusters
• Biocides
• Corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors
• Others

By End-Use Industry

• Municipal water treatment
• Industrial water treatment
• Commercial water treatment
• Others

By Function

• Primary treatment chemicals
• Secondary treat chemicals
• Tertiary treatment chemicals

By Application

• Drinking water treatment
• Wastewater treatment
• Desalination treatment
• Process water treatment
• Others

By Form 

• Liquid
• Powder
• Granular chemicals

By Region

•  North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa