Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemical Market

Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemical Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global water and wastewater treatment chemical market has been forecasted to reach revenue worth US$ 34.8 billion in 2024 and further increase to a size of US$ 47.6 billion by the end of 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 3.2%.

Chemicals used in the water treatment process to eliminate impurities that lead to corrosion, scales, excessive turbidity, and biological imbalances are known as water and wastewater treatment chemicals. These contaminants have an organic, inorganic, or metallic composition. Strict water and wastewater regulations, coupled with the growing demand for treated water across multiple end-use industries are driving the rapid growth of this market.

Water treatment chemicals are used to efficiently recycle water, which is necessary to close the growing gap between supply and demand. Thus, the use of treated wastewater has increased significantly across several industries, including oil and gas, power, pulp and paper, mining, chemicals, and food and beverage.

Key Market Growth Drivers

• The rising use of water treatment chemicals in manufacturing industries, particularly in the mining, oil and gas, and power sectors, is projected to be driven by the restricted availability of water for industrial applications.
• Collectively, these three industries generate almost half of the world market's revenue from chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment.
• Some of the notable water and wastewater treatment chemical market trends include the development of central wastewater treatment units for small- and medium-sized manufacturers, recycling of wastewater for complete in-situ processing attaining zero discharge, and adoption of advanced biological wastewater treatment processes.
• One of the main factors driving up the demand for water treatment chemicals in this market is the increased use of cooling water during the manufacturing process.
• Industries such as textiles, municipal water treatment facilities, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals are actively incorporating advanced membrane water treatment systems to recycle water.

Report Attribute	Detail
Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemical Market Size (2024E)	US$ 34.8 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 47.6 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.2% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2024E)	26.7%
North America Market Share (2024E)	19.7%
Cooling Water Segment Market Value (2024E)	US$ 9.9 Billion
Key Companies Profiled	Goldcrest; Vasu Chemicals; SNF Floerger; Dorf Ketal; BASF-SF; Thermax Ltd.; GE Water & Process Technologies; Chembond India Ltd; Shandong Taihe Water Treatment Technologies Co., Ltd.; E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; Chembond India Ltd.

What are the Reasons for Increasing Sales of Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals?

“Population Growth and Increasing Urbanization”

Manufacturers and municipalities are looking to water reuse and recycling as sustainable solutions as freshwater resources become scarcer and water stress increases across the world. The need for specific treatment chemicals to guarantee the safety and purity of recycled water for a range of applications is being driven by this trend. Industries need to implement cutting-edge treatment solutions to comply with government regulations regarding water quality and discharge limits.

Manufacturers understand that reducing their environmental impact and adopting eco-friendly practices are crucial to reducing their environmental footprint. The market for water and wastewater treatment chemicals is projected to grow at a moderate pace over the forecast period as the need for efficient and locally tailored water treatment solutions rises due to urbanization and population growth.

What are the Key Factors Restraining Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemical Market Growth?

“Limited Access to Water Treatment Solutions in Rural Areas”

Water and wastewater treatment facilities require a significant initial investment, including the installation of equipment and treatment chemicals. This initial investment deters some investors and impedes market expansion. Technological challenges include developing efficient and sustainable treatment chemicals that meet regulatory requirements and minimize their harmful effects on the environment. In rural areas and developing countries where access to clean water sources is limited, water treatment facilities are scarce.

Country-wise Insights

East Asia is projected to hold a significant share of the global water and wastewater treatment chemical market during the forecast period. Meanwhile, North America is forecast to hold a 19.7% market share by 2034. In India, the demand for chemicals used in water treatment has increased due to rising investments in manufacturing, electricity generation, and chemical production. India is set to become a major player in the global market for chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment as more businesses enter the industry and connectivity increases.

Why is the United States a Lucrative Market for Water Treatment Chemical Producers?

“Commitment to Renewable Energy Sources Necessitating Higher Water Quality Standards”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 5 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 7.1 Billion

The United States has a strong infrastructure for treating water, having made large investments to guarantee the safety and quality of the water. Manufacturers of chemicals for water and wastewater treatment are projected to find opportunities as the food & beverages and textile industries grow in the United States. The demand for water and wastewater treatment chemicals in power plants is positively influenced by the United States' commitment to renewable energy sources, which demands stricter water quality standards.

The industrial landscape of the country is diverse and includes manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and other industries. Every industry has different needs for water treatment, which are determined by factors such as product quality, environmental stewardship, and process efficiency. Manufacturers are taking advantage of this diversity to create specialty chemicals for treatment that are suited to the unique requirements of various industries.

What are the Opportunities Ahead for Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemical Manufacturers in China?

“Stringent Regulations Governing Pollution Control and Water Quality”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 5.8 billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 8.5 Billion

Strict laws governing chlorine discharge from industrial processes and wastewater treatment are the result of China’s growing emphasis on environmental preservation and the improvement of water quality. Water demand is rising in several industries, including manufacturing, energy, and municipal services, as a result of increased industrialization and urbanization.

The adoption of advanced treatment solutions is fueled by strict regulations about pollution control and water quality, which in turn is driving demand for treatment chemicals. The growing need for clean water in homes and businesses is a result of China's growing population. These factors are contributing to the expansion of the water and wastewater treatment chemical market size.

Category-wise Insights

In terms of application, the water and wastewater treatment chemicals are categorized into cooling water, boiler water, membrane water, municipal water, chelating agent, and oxygen scavenger. The cooling water application is estimated to account for a significant share of 28.6% in 2024.

Coagulant and flocculant-based chemicals are preferred in the treatment of water and wastewater because of their ability to effectively aggregate and sediment particles. Coagulants and flocculants have a wide range of uses in filtration, clarification, and sedimentation, among other water treatment procedures. They are the go-to option for end users looking for dependable and affordable solutions for problems with water and wastewater treatment because of their capacity to improve water quality.

How are Membrane Filtration Technologies Revolutionizing Water Treatment?

“Reduced Environmental Impact and Operating Expenses Due to Low Chemical Usage”

Attribute	Membrane Water
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 8.7 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	2.8% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 10.9 Billion

Membrane filtration technologies offer a customized method of eliminating contaminants from water, such as reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and microfiltration. They are highly valued in a variety of industries due to their capacity to eliminate particles, microbes, and even dissolved solutes. One notable feature of membrane filtration systems is their capacity to provide exact control over the removal of contaminants without requiring chemical additives. This feature reduces the need for conventional flocculants and coagulants while also improving the quality of treated water.

Low chemical usage of these systems lowers their environmental impact and operating expenses, making them especially appealing. The adoption of these cutting-edge, ecologically friendly water treatment technologies is limiting the growth of the market for conventional water treatment chemicals, as industries place a greater emphasis on cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the water and wastewater treatment chemical industry are Goldcrest, Vasu Chemicals, SNF Floerger, Dorf Ketal, BASF-SF, Thermax Ltd., GE Water & Process Technologies, Chembond India Ltd, Shandong Taihe Water Treatment Technologies Co. Ltd., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, and Chembond India Ltd.

• According to Freethink, Researchers at the University of British Columbia in April 2024 have invented a special silica-based substance that has a high capacity to absorb various PFAS from drinking water. Most of the dangerous particles are captured by the reusable material, which functions as a filter. The researchers then use special electrochemical and photochemical processes to destroy the trapped particles.
• Solenis acquired CedarChem LLC in 2023 to expand its water and wastewater treatment product offerings in the Southeast United States. This move is in line with Solenis's strategy to leverage CedarChem's reputation and experience to expand its market presence and improve customer service.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of water and wastewater treatment chemicals positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion in this new market report.

Segmentation of Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemical Market Research

• By Product Type :

  • Coagulants & Flocculants
  • Biocides
  • Corrosion & Scale Inhibitors
  • Defoamers
  • pH Adjusters

• By Application :

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

• By End Use :

  • Oil & Gas
  • Power
  • Mining
  • Pulp & Paper
  • Chemicals & Fertilizers
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Municipal
  • Textiles
  • Food & Beverages

• By Region :

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