Biocides Market

Updated on : October 25, 2024

Biocides Market

The global biocides market size is valued at USD 9.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 12.3 billion by 2029, growing at 4.9% cagr from 2024 to 2029. Biocides are agents or compounds designed to manage and eliminate harmful organisms using chemical or biological methods. Biocides are used in the water treatment sector to prevent microbiological growth in storage tanks, pipelines, and cooling towers. They are used to maintain the safety and purity of the water supply, reduce corrosion, and stop the development of biofilms. Biocides are used in various applications such as water treatment, industrial & institutional cleaning and home care, paints & coatings, wood preservatives, and other bocides to control bacteria, fungi, viruses, insects, rodents, and other harmful organisms.

Biocides Market Forecast & Trends

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Biocides Market Dynamics

Driver: Increase in antimicrobial protection in end-use industries

The market for biocides is being driven by the increasing need for antimicrobial protection in diverse applications. Biocides are crucial in the water treatment sector because they regulate microbial development and ensure that the water remains safe and clean. Biocides are used in the household and industrial cleaning industries to maintain hygienic practices and stop the spread of harmful bacteria. Biocides aid in preventing microbial deterioration in the paint and coatings sector, prolonging product life. Similarly, biocides improve longevity in wood preservation by providing protection from fungi and insects. The need for biocides in various areas is fueled by the growing emphasis on health, safety, and product longevity as well as by the strict rules for microbial control.

Restraints: Environmental regulations on toxic biocides

The market for biocides is greatly impacted by environmental rules on harmful biocides because they encourage the creation and use of safer substitutes. Tight rules force producers to develop innovative, environmentally friendly, biodegradable solutions to reduce the harmful effects of toxic biocides on the environment and the health concerns they provide. To meet market needs, compliance with these rules often necessitates significant testing and certification, which can be expensive. In a consequence, the market for green biocides which provide antimicrobial protection without causing negative side effects is expanding. In addition to improving environmental sustainability, this regulatory pressure also encourages biocide technology breakthroughs, which result in safer goods and more market prospects for producers who comply.

Opportunities: Rising demand for green biocides

The market for biocides has the potential for substantial growth due to the growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable products from both consumers and enterprises. Green biocides, derived from natural sources or formulated to be less harmful to the environment, cater to the growing awareness and regulatory pressures regarding environmental and human health. Due to their lower toxicology and less environmental impact, these biocides are preferred in applications such as food preservation, water treatment, and personal care products. The market for green biocides is growing as sustainability gains traction, giving producers a competitive advantage and supporting international environmental objectives.

Challenges : Fluctuating raw material prices

The market for biocides is severely impacted by fluctuating raw material costs, which influence manufacturing costs and profit margins. Global demand fluctuations, supply chain interruptions, and geopolitical tensions are some of the variables that might affect the price of essential raw materials, including chemical precursors and natural extracts. Manufacturers find it challenging to maintain stable prices because of these swings, and they may have to raise manufacturing costs and pass those savings along to customers. The availability and affordability of creating new biocidal products may also be impacted by this instability, which could impede industry expansion and competitiveness.

Biocides Market Ecosystem

Leading companies in this market include well-established biocides manufacturers. These businesses have been in business for a while and have an extensive range of products, pioneering technologies, and strong international sales and marketing networks. Top companies in this market include LANXESS AG (Germany), Veolia Group (France), Arxada AG (Switzerland), Ecolab Inc. (US), Nouryon (Netherlands), General Electric Company (US), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Solvay SA (Belgium), and Clariant AG (Switzerland).

“Based on type, oxidizing biocides was the second largest type for biocides in 2023, in terms of value.”

Oxidizing biocides are the second most popular kind of biocides on the market in 2023 because of their rapid action and broad-spectrum effectiveness against a variety of microorganisms, such as fungus, viruses, and bacteria. These biocides are very successful in a variety of applications because they oxidize biological components, which destroys microbial cells. Because of their effectiveness in preventing biofilm formation and microbial contamination, they are frequently utilized in industrial operations, water treatment facilities, and healthcare environments. Oxidizing biocides are in high demand because they work well at low concentrations and can be used in a variety of settings where strict disinfection regulations are needed, such as cooling towers, swimming pools, and drinking water systems.

“Based on application, industrial & institutional cleaning and home care was the second largest application for biocides  in 2023, in terms of value.”

The increased emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness has made the industrial and institutional cleaning as well as home care segment the second-largest segment of the biocides market in 2023. The need for efficient antimicrobial agents in cleaning solutions has increased due to growing awareness of the importance of preventing infections and maintaining hygienic surroundings. Biocides are necessary in both home and business settings to get rid of dangerous bacteria and ensure clean, safe surfaces. Additionally, the need for biocidal products is expanding due to the growth of food processing companies, public facilities, and healthcare facilities. In addition, the expanding number of people living in cities and rising living standards have raised the need for cleaning supplies. The demand for practical and efficient cleaning products containing biocides has increased as people place a higher priority on cleanliness and hygiene, particularly in metropolitan areas.

“North America was the largest region in biocides market 2023, in terms of value.”

North America is the largest region in the biocides market in 2023 due to its rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development. Countries like US are experiencing significant growth in sectors such as paints & coatings, water treatment, and industrial & institutional cleaning and home care, which heavily rely on biocides to prevent microbial growth, ensuring product durability and hygiene. These biocides are crucial for keeping safety regulations and extending the life of systems and products. The region's focus on technological advancements, product durability and hygiene in paints & coatings, water treatment, and industrial & institutional cleaning and home care industries further supports its leading position in the biocides market.

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Biocides Market Players

The key players profiled in the report LANXESS AG (Germany), Veolia Group (France), Arxada AG (Switzerland), Ecolab Inc. (US), and Nouryon (Netherlands), among others, are the key manufacturers that holds major market share in the last few years. A major focus was given to collaborations, partnerships, and new product development due to the changing requirements of users across the world.

Biocides Market Report Scope

This report categorizes the global biocides market based on type, application, and region.

Based on type, the biocides market has been segmented as follows:

• Oxidizing Biocides
• Non-oxidizing Biocides
• Other Biocides type

Based on end-use industry, the biocides market has been segmented as follows:

• Water Treatment
• Industrial & Institutional Cleaning and Home Care
• Paints & Coatings
• Wood Preservatives
• Others

Based on region, the biocides market has been segmented as follows:

• Asia Pacific
• North America
• Europe
• Middle East & Africa
• South America

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Univar Solutions Brasil Ltd., a subsidiary of Univar Solutions LLC, announced a new distribution agreement with Arxada for a full range of biocides, preservatives, and performance additives used in industrial applications such as paints, coatings, and lubricating fluids in Brazil.
• In 2023, Solvay completed the partial spin-off of its Specialty Businesses into a new standalone company called Syensqo. The completion of this spin-off was effective on December 9, 2023, and Solvay and Syensqo started trading as separate entities on Euronext Brussels and Paris.
• In 2023, Solvay completed the divestment of its 50% stake in the Rusvinyl joint venture to its partner Sibur in the first quarter of 2023, with the transaction having an impact on Solvay's 2023 financial results.

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