Biocides Market Size By Type (Oxidizing Biocides, Non-Oxidizing Biocides), By Application (Water Treatment, Household & Personal Care, Paints & Coatings, Wood Preservatives), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Biocides Market Size And Forecast

The Biocides Market size was valued at USD 12.27 Billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 17.72 Billion in 2031, at a CAGR of 5.19% from 2024 to 2031.

• Biocides are a diverse group of chemicals produced to eliminate or control unwanted living organisms. This target list includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, insects, and rodents.
• Biocides are utilized in various sectors. Hospitals and water treatment facilities are disinfected and purified, respectively, to safeguard public health.
• Pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) are employed in agriculture to protect crops. Industries utilize biocides for product preservation (wood preservatives) and to prevent fouling (ship paints).  Disinfectants, household cleaners, and personal care products also contain biocides.
• Antimicrobials are types of biocides designed to kill or control microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Antimicrobials can be further classified into several different types, such as disinfectants, antiseptics, and antibiotics.

Global Biocides Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the biocides market include

Key Market Drivers

• Increased Demand for Water Treatment Global population growth, alongside shifting food habits and climate change impacts, is resulting in a rise in demand for water treatment facilities. This translates to a growing market for biocides used in water treatment processes, particularly those that offer a more effective disinfection method than chlorine.
• Heightened Focus on Hygiene The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for disinfectants and sanitizers. This resulted in a global rise in awareness regarding the importance of hygiene and sanitation practices. This trend is expected to be sustained, leading to continued growth in the biocide market for applications in households and public health settings.
• Growing Demand for Antimicrobial Protection Across various end-use industries, there is a rising demand for products with built-in antimicrobial properties. The personal care industry exemplifies this, where consumers seek products that offer protection against germs. Similarly, the paints and coatings industry incorporates biocides to extend product lifespan and prevent mold growth.
• Implementation of Stringent Regulations While regulations can act as a market restraint, they also drive innovation. stricter regulations on environmental safety and human health are prompting the development of new biocides that boast greater eco-friendliness and lower toxicity.
• Exploration of Emerging Applications Biocides are being identified for new uses in various sectors. For instance, the agricultural sector is investigating biocides as a potential tool to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria in livestock. The potential applications of biocides continue to evolve, creating new market opportunities.
• Rise of the Asia-Pacific Market The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to experience the fastest growth in the biocide market. This can be attributed to factors such as rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing awareness about hygiene and sanitation practices.

Key Challenges

• Strict Environmental Regulations While regulations can incentivize the development of environmentally conscious biocides, strict environmental regulations can also restrict the use of certain biocides. This is due to concerns regarding their impact on water sources, wildlife, and overall environmental health. Manufacturers are challenged by navigating this complex regulatory environment.
• Health Concerns and Antimicrobial Resistance There are growing concerns about the potential human health risks associated with biocides, especially when used improperly. Additionally, the overuse of biocides can lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms, making them less susceptible to the biocide’s effects. This necessitates the development of new and more effective biocides.
• Fluctuations in Raw Material Costs The biocide market can be negatively affected by fluctuations in raw material prices. These variations can impact production costs and ultimately lead to reduced profit margins for manufacturers.
• Lengthy and Costly Registration Processes The registration process for new biocides can be lengthy and expensive. This creates a barrier to entry for new companies and hinders innovation within the market.
• Consumer Preference for Eco-Friendly Products Consumers are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly and natural products. This can put pressure on the biocide market, as some traditional biocides are perceived as harmful to the environment. Manufacturers are forced to adapt by developing biocides that meet these evolving consumer preferences.

Key Trends

• Increased Focus on Biocides for Water Treatment As global populations rise and climate change disrupts water resources, the demand for efficient water treatment solutions is growing. This is creating opportunities for biocides offering more effective disinfection compared to traditional methods like chlorine.
• Biocides in Personal Care Products are on the Rise With consumers prioritizing hygiene and germ protection to a greater extent, the demand for personal care products with built-in antimicrobial properties is being driven upwards. This trend benefits biocide manufacturers supplying the personal care industry.
• Innovation in Eco-Friendly Biocides is Occurring Stringent environmental regulations are pressuring biocide manufacturers to develop new products with a lower environmental impact. This is leading to the emergence of biocides that are readily biodegradable and less toxic to wildlife.
• Exploration of Biocides for Emerging Applications New uses for biocides are being explored in various sectors. The agricultural industry, for instance, is investigating biocides as a potential weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria in livestock. This trend is opening doors for new market segments within the biocide industry.
• The Asia-Pacific Market is Expected to Grow The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to be a major driver of growth in the biocide market. Factors like rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness of hygiene are leading to an increase in demand for biocides in this region.
• Collaboration Between Manufacturers and Regulators is Taking Place Biocide manufacturers are increasingly collaborating with regulatory bodies to develop new products that meet safety and efficacy standards while complying with environmental regulations. This collaborative approach is fostering innovation within the market.

Global Biocides Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the biocides market

North America

• The North American biocides market holds a significant position globally and is projected to experience continued growth in the coming years.
• Stringent regulations in North America promote the development of eco-friendly and less toxic biocides. Heightened public health awareness, driven by the pandemic, fuels demand for biocides in disinfectants and hygiene products. Advanced agricultural practices rely heavily on biocides for crop protection, ensuring food security.
• The United States leads the market due to its large population, well-developed agriculture, and strict regulations. Canada’s market is on the rise due to increasing disposable incomes and growing hygiene awareness.
• Strict environmental regulations, while fostering innovation, can also restrict the use of certain biocides. The growing consumer preference for eco-friendly products necessitates the development of biocides that meet these demands.

Asia Pacific

• As urban areas in the Asia Pacific expand rapidly, there is a high demand for effective water treatment solutions, which leads to increased use of biocides in water treatment facilities.
• The development of economies in the region is propelling significant growth in industries like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. This consequentially leads to a rise in demand for biocides across various applications.
• Public health awareness is on the rise in Asia Pacific. This translates to an increased demand for biocides in disinfectants, sanitizers, and household cleaning products.
• While regulations can pose challenges at times, they also encourage the development of safer and more eco-friendly biocides in the region.

Global Biocides MarketSegmentation Analysis

The Global Biocides Market is segmented based on Type, Application, and Geography.

Biocides Market, By Type

• Oxidizing Biocides
• Non-Oxidizing Biocides
• Others

Based on Type, the market is divided into Oxidizing Biocides, Non-Oxidizing Biocides, and Others. Oxidizing biocides work by killing bacteria through the process of oxidation. During this process, the biocide gains an electron from the bacteria, leading to the bacterium’s death. They are most effective in systems that use a large amount of water. Common oxidizing biocides used in water treatment include chlorine, bromine, iodine, chlorine dioxide, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, peracetic acids, hypobromous acid, and sodium bromide. According to industry experts, oxidizing biocides are widely used in water treatment because they are more cost-effective than non-oxidizing biocides.

Biocides Market, By Application

• Water Treatment
  • Municipal Water Treatment
  • Oil & Gas
  • Power Plants
  • Pulp & Paper
  • Swimming Pools
  • Mining
  • Others (Water Treatment)
• Household & Personal Care
• Paints & Coatings
  • Marine Coatings
  • Other Paints & Coatings
• Wood Preservatives
• Other Biocides

Based on Application, the biocides market is segmented into water treatment, household and personal care, paints and coatings, wood preservatives, and other biocides. The largest share of the worldwide biocides market is accounted for by household and personal care applications due to the significant increase in disinfection demand during the pandemic. The increased demand for biocides in household and personal care products, such as triclosan, isothiazolinones, chloroacetamidebronopol, and others, is driven by heightened health hygiene awareness.

Biocides Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the biocides market is classified into five regionsNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America is the largest market, while the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth rate. The growth in the Asia Pacific region is driven by increasing local demand and rising exports to Western markets. The demand for biocide products in the water treatment, household & personal care, paints & coatings, and food & beverage industries is contributing to the market growth in this region, with China holding the largest share. The Chinese chemicals market has become a labor-intensive, high-technology industry with low operating costs and economies of scale.

Key Players

The “Biocides Market” study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Ecolab Inc.(US), BASF SE (Germany), Kemira OYJ (Finland), Solvay(Belgium), Nouryon(Netherlands), Solenis (US), Veolia (France), Thor Industries (US), Sigura Water(US), and Italmatch chemicals (Italy).

Our market analysis offers detailed information on major players. Our analysts provide insight into the financial statements of all the major players, product portfolios, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes market share analysis, key development strategies, recent developments, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

Biocides Market Recent Developments

• In March 2024, Univar Solutions Brasil Ltda., a subsidiary of Univar Solutions LLC, announced a new distribution agreement with Arxada for a complete range of biocides, preservatives, and performance additives.
• In August 2022, Veolia Water Technologies partnered with Bridgnorth Aluminium to provide water treatment processes and compliance services at the production site in Shropshire. Veolia will handle servicing, chemical supply, and Legionella compliance for the cooling towers and water treatment systems.
• In January 2022, Arxada completed its merger with Troy Corporation, creating a comprehensive and innovative offering in Arxada’s Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) business. This enables the delivery of new solutions and value-added services to customers.

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