Biocides Market (By Product: QAC, Halogen Compounds, Phenolic; By End-use: Paints & Coatings, Water Treatment, HVAC) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2024-2033

Biocides Market Size and Trends

The global biocides market size was estimated at around USD 8.93 billion in 2023 and it is projected to hit around USD 13.53 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.24% from 2024 to 2033.

Key Pointers

• Asia Pacific region dominated the global market with the largest market share of 37% in 2023.
• By Product, the halogen compounds contributed the largest market share of 26% in 2023.
• By End-use, the paints and coatings segment generated the maximum market share of 27% in 2023. 

Biocides Market Overview

The biocides market plays a critical role in various industries, providing essential solutions for controlling harmful microorganisms and ensuring safety and hygiene. Biocides are chemical substances or microorganisms intended to deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on harmful organisms by chemical or biological means. The market for biocides is vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of applications, from healthcare and agriculture to water treatment and industrial processes.

Biocides Market Growth Factors

The biocides market is experiencing robust growth driven by several key factors. Increasing urbanization and industrialization worldwide have led to a heightened demand for clean water, thereby boosting the use of biocides in water treatment processes. The expansion of the healthcare sector, coupled with rising awareness about infection control and hygiene, has significantly propelled the market, as hospitals and pharmaceutical industries rely heavily on biocides for maintaining sterile environments. Additionally, the agricultural sector's need for effective pest control solutions to ensure high crop yields is fueling biocide adoption. Furthermore, advancements in biocide formulations and the development of eco-friendly alternatives are opening new avenues for market expansion, addressing both regulatory requirements and environmental concerns. Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, offer substantial growth opportunities due to their rapid industrialization and improving infrastructure. These factors collectively drive the dynamic growth of the biocides market.

Asia Pacific Biocides Market Size 2024 to 2033

The Asia Pacific biocides market size was estimated at USD 3.30 billion in 2023 and is expected to surpass around USD 5 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.24% from 2024 to 2033.

The Asia Pacific region led the market in 2023, capturing the highest revenue share of 37%. Several factors contributed to this dominance, including the increased production of disinfectants, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the high demand for application-specific cleaning products.

In industrial, commercial, and residential applications, disinfectants require antimicrobial agents with high efficacy. This has significantly increased the demand for cost-effective and efficient biocide active ingredients. The pulp and paper industry are expected to see a rise in biocide demand, driven by the growing production of high-end paper, extensive recycling efforts, and stricter regulations regarding effluent discharges from the pulp and paper sector

The Central & South America region is projected to grow at a significant rate, driven by the increasing demand for water treatment and wood preservation. The adoption of water-based paints and coatings, which are more environmentally friendly, is expected to boost product consumption in the paints and coatings sector. Additionally, the ultra-low sulfur demand from the marine transportation industry is anticipated to propel market growth in fuel applications.

Biocides Market Trends:

• Growth in Healthcare and Hygiene Applications: The heightened focus on hygiene and infection control, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to increased use of biocides in healthcare settings and public spaces.
• Rising Demand in Water Treatment: As global water scarcity and pollution issues intensify, the demand for biocides in water treatment processes is growing, ensuring safe and clean water supply.
• Expansion in Emerging Markets: Rapid industrialization and urbanization in emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are creating significant growth opportunities for the biocides market.
• Integration of IoT and Smart Technologies: The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technologies in industrial processes is enhancing the monitoring and control of biocide application, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
• Consolidation through Mergers and Acquisitions: The market is witnessing a trend of consolidation, with major players engaging in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market position and expand their product portfolios.
• Rise in Consumer Awareness: Growing consumer awareness about the harmful effects of microorganisms and the importance of hygiene is driving demand for biocides in household and personal care products.

Biocides Market Restraints:

• Environmental Impact: Concerns about the environmental persistence and potential toxicity of biocides to non-target organisms are leading to increased scrutiny and limitations on their use.
• Health Risks: Potential health risks associated with biocide exposure, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other adverse effects, can limit their application and acceptance.
• Microbial Resistance: The development of resistance among microorganisms to certain biocides reduces their effectiveness over time, necessitating continuous innovation and development of new solutions.
• High Production Costs: The cost of raw materials and the complexity of biocide production processes can result in high manufacturing costs, impacting the profitability of producers.

Product Insights

Halogen compounds led the market in 2023, capturing the highest revenue share of 26%. This dominance is due to the use of halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, and iodine in biocide formulations. An iodine-based compound, iodophor, enhances the stability and biocidal effectiveness of iodine. Chlorine, one of the most extensively used halogens, is favored for its strong antibacterial and oxidizing properties, making it suitable for municipal drinking water plants and wastewater treatment facilities, among other applications.

In the food and beverage industry, chlorine-based formulations like calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite are commonly used. Chlorine dioxide, another chlorine-based compound, is utilized in water treatment applications and is available in gas form. The primary market drivers are the efficacy of halogens in reducing microbial growth and their versatility across various application areas.

The metallic compounds segment is projected to grow during the forecast period due to their effectiveness in binding to microbial proteins and inhibiting enzyme activity. Metals such as silver and other heavy metals are frequently used as biocides. Copper is considered more effective than silver due to its higher toxicity to bacteria and microbes. Copper sulfate-based biocide formulations are widely used in water treatment facilities to control algae growth and in marine anti-fouling paints.

End-use Insights

The paints and coatings segment dominated the market in 2023, achieving the highest revenue share of 27%. This dominance is primarily due to the significant use of biocides in marine coating applications, where painted surfaces are frequently exposed to humid and aquatic environments. Water-borne paints and coatings, in particular, require substantial biocide application. However, the market faces challenges from other paint and coating segments, such as powder coatings and solvent-borne coatings, which do not require in-can preservation, posing competition to water-borne paints and coatings.

The Asia Pacific region, which holds a substantial share of the paints and coatings market volume, presents lucrative growth opportunities, especially in countries like China and India. According to the American Coatings Association, the Asia Pacific paints and coatings market was projected to reach over USD 96.0 billion by 2023, up from USD 56.2 billion in 2016. However, this forecast is now expected to be lower due to the growth decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The water treatment segment is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the use of biocides to prevent biofouling, film formation, and algal or bacterial contamination in various water systems. These systems include municipal drinking water treatment facilities, cooling water systems, spas and pools, and industrial water treatment setups. Common biocides used in these applications include sodium bromide, hypobromous acid, hydrogen peroxide, silver, bromine, chlorine tablets, stabilized bromine, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, Bronopol, QACs, and isothiazolinone.

Biocides Market Key Companies

• Troy Corporation
• Chemtreat, Inc.
• Neogen Corporation
• Finoric LLC
• Shanghai Zhongxin Yuxiang Chemicals Co. Ltd.
• Iro Group Inc.
• Hubei Jinghong Chemicals Co. Ltd.
• Wuxi Honor Shine Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Albemarle Corporation
• Lubrizol
• BASF SE
• Solvay SA
• Lanxess AG
• Lonza

Biocides Market Segmentation:

By Product

• Halogen Compounds
• Metallic Compounds
• Organosulfur
• Organic Acids
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
• Phenolic
• Nitrogen
• Glutaraldehyde

By End-use

• Water Treatment
• Food and Beverage
• Personal care
• Wood Preservation
• Paints and Coatings
• Plastics
• HVAC
• Boilers
• Oil and Gas
• Fuels
• Pulp and Paper
• Cleaning Products

By Region

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