Expansion rate of Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market projected at 5.5% up to 2034
The global water and wastewater treatment chemicals market is on an upward trajectory, driven by strict environmental regulations, industrial growth, and the demand for sustainable solutions. The market is projected to reach approximately USD 131.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of around 6.3% from 2025 to 2034 [1].
Key Trends and Future Projections
The industrial water treatment chemicals market is expanding in response to tighter discharge limits on pollutants like PFAS and heavy metals, pushing industries to upgrade treatment systems [2]. The green water treatment chemicals market, which focuses on sustainable, biodegradable chemical products derived from renewable sources, is rapidly growing. It is projected to grow from USD 1.21 billion in 2025 to USD 1.94-2.68 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of approximately 7.0% to 7.2% [3][5].
Common chemical types include biocides and disinfectants, coagulants and flocculants, corrosion and scale inhibitors, pH adjusters and softeners, and defoamers [2]. Green alternatives involve natural polymers, tannins, chitosan, enzymes, and plant oils utilized for flocculation, coagulation, disinfection, and scale prevention [3][5].
Chemicals are primarily supplied in liquid and powder forms, catering to different application needs in water treatment processes [2].
Major end-user industries include municipal water and wastewater treatment, industrial sectors such as power generation, oil & gas, chemical manufacturing, mining, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and pulp & paper [2][4]. The municipal sector is significant, accounting for over 40% of clarifier system installations, reflecting large-scale public infrastructure investments [4].
Geographic Highlights
The Asia-Pacific region leads the overall water and wastewater treatment market due to substantial infrastructure investments and rapid industrialization, with a valuation of about USD 29.8 billion in 2024 [1]. North America and the United Kingdom feature mature markets with strict environmental regulations driving demand for advanced chemical treatment products, especially in industries with heavy pollutant loads [2]. Emerging economies globally are expected to increase their demand as urban populations grow and water infrastructure upgrades become imperative [1][4].
Drivers Shaping the Market
Environmental regulations, water scarcity, sustainability, industrialization, and urbanization are key factors shaping the market. Stricter standards on pollutant discharge and water quality force upgrades in treatment technologies and chemicals [1][2]. The need for effective treatment and reuse systems arises from only about 0.5% of Earth’s water being accessible and usable [1][4].
A growing interest in green chemistry and reducing ecological footprints benefits the green water treatment chemicals segment [3][5]. Increased wastewater generation necessitates enhanced treatment capacity and chemical use, driving growth in both municipal and industrial sectors [1][4].
Notable Developments
- BioMicrobics, Inc. has enhanced its IFAS systems with bioaugmentation to improve nutrient removal in wastewater, integrating smart sensors for better process control in decentralized treatment.
- In 2024, Coagulants & Flocculants emerged as the leading chemical type, accounting for over 37.6% of the total market share.
- Cortec Corporation has introduced EcoShield, a biodegradable water treatment chemical for corrosion and scale prevention in industrial systems.
- Nearly 50% of regional chemical sales in North America support industrial applications.
- Baker Hughes has introduced METHANOL GUARD, a solution to prevent methanol loss in wastewater treatment, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
- BASF SE has launched Zetag ULTRA, a high-performance flocculant for sludge dewatering, improving efficiency in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.
- DuPont has launched AmberSep, a new ion exchange resin for heavy metal removal and advanced antifouling reverse osmosis membranes for industrial wastewater reuse.
Governmental Initiatives
In India, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 allocated ₹800 crore to Delhi for sewage infrastructure upgrades [6]. The Jal Jeevan Mission, with a ₹3.60 lakh crore investment, aims to provide tap water to all rural households by 2024 [7]. In the EU, the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive mandates treatment for populations over 2,000-10,000 [8].
Energy Consumption and Efficiency
The wastewater sector currently consumes 0.8-1% of global energy, potentially increasing by 60% without efficiency gains [9].
References: [1] Grand View Research, Inc. (2020). Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Coagulants, Disinfectants, Corrosion Inhibitors, Scale Inhibitors, Biocides, Defoamers, Others), By Application (Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment, Industrial Water and Wastewater Treatment), By Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2034. [2] Grand View Research, Inc. (2020). Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Coagulants, Disinfectants, Corrosion Inhibitors, Scale Inhibitors, Biocides, Defoamers, Others), By Application (Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment, Industrial Water and Wastewater Treatment), By Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2034. [3] MarketsandMarkets™ (2021). Green Water Treatment Chemicals Market by Type (Coagulants, Flocculants, Disinfectants, Scale Inhibitors, Biocides, Others), by Application (Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment, Industrial Water and Wastewater Treatment), by Region, and Analysis and Forecast, 2021-2026. [4] MarketsandMarkets™ (2021). Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market by Type (Coagulants, Flocculants, Disinfectants, Scale Inhibitors, Biocides, Others), by Application (Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment, Industrial Water and Wastewater Treatment), by Region, and Analysis and Forecast, 2021-2026. [5] MarketsandMarkets™ (2021). Green Water Treatment Chemicals Market by Type (Coagulants, Flocculants, Disinfectants, Scale Inhibitors, Biocides, Others), by Application (Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment, Industrial Water and Wastewater Treatment), by Region, and Analysis and Forecast, 2021-2026. [6] Press Information Bureau, Government of India (2020). Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs lays foundation stone for 13 new Sewerage Treatment Plants in Delhi. [7] Press Information Bureau, Government of India (2020). Union Minister of Jal Shakti launches Jal Jeevan Mission Abhiyan in 115 aspirational districts. [8] European Commission (2021). Urban Waste Water Treatment. [9] International Water Association (2020). Energy consumption and efficiency in water and wastewater treatment.
- With the projected expansion of the green water treatment chemicals market and the demand for sustainable solutions in various industries, wealth management firms may consider investing in companies specializing in producing eco-friendly alternatives.
- As strict environmental regulations and the demand for advanced chemical treatment products increase in the North American market, businesses in the finance industry may seek opportunities in supplying these essential chemicals to the power generation, oil & gas, chemical manufacturing, and other industrial sectors.
- In the realm of personal finance, understanding the potential growth in the water and wastewater treatment chemicals market, especially in emerging economies, could provide valuable insights for individuals looking to diversify their investment portfolios in the business sector.
