Water Treatment Chemicals Market: A Report on Growth, Segmentation, and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals
Executive Summary
The global Water Treatment Chemicals Market is on a significant growth trajectory, projected to expand from an estimated USD 39.5 billion in 2024 to approximately USD 65.8 billion by 2033, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. This expansion is fundamentally linked to the global pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning clean water, public health, and sustainable industrial practices. The increasing prevalence of water pollution, coupled with stringent environmental regulations and rising demand for potable water, positions this market as a critical enabler of global sustainability targets.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The function and growth of the Water Treatment Chemicals Market are intrinsically tied to achieving several key SDGs. The industry’s core purpose addresses global challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and public health.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: This is the primary goal supported by the market. Water treatment chemicals are essential for treating wastewater, purifying drinking water, and improving ambient water quality. They directly contribute to Target 6.1 (achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water) and Target 6.3 (improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing recycling and safe reuse).
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: By removing contaminants, pathogens, and harmful substances from water supplies, these chemicals play a vital role in preventing waterborne diseases, thus supporting Target 3.9 (substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution).
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The market facilitates sustainable industrialization by enabling industries like power generation, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals to treat process water and effluent. This supports Target 9.4 (upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency).
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Effective municipal water treatment is a cornerstone of a sustainable city. The market provides the necessary chemicals for large-scale urban water purification and sanitation systems, contributing to Target 11.1 (ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services).
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The use of water treatment chemicals allows industries to manage water resources more efficiently, reduce their environmental footprint, and comply with regulations, aligning with Target 12.2 (achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources).
Market Segmentation Analysis
By Chemical Type
The market is segmented by the function of the chemicals, each addressing specific treatment needs:
- Coagulants & Flocculants
- Disinfectants & Biocides
- Scale Inhibitors
- Corrosion Inhibitors
- pH Adjusters
- Defoamers
- Other specialized chemicals
By Application
The demand for water treatment chemicals is driven by various end-use sectors, each with distinct requirements for achieving operational and sustainability objectives:
- Municipal Water Treatment: Foundational for public health and sanitation, directly supporting SDG 3 and SDG 6.
- Industrial Water Treatment: Critical for sustainable production across multiple sectors.
- Power Generation: Ensures efficiency and asset longevity while managing environmental discharge.
- Oil & Gas: Manages process water and treats produced water for reuse or safe disposal.
- Food & Beverage: Guarantees water purity for product safety and quality, aligning with SDG 12.
- Pharmaceuticals: Requires ultra-pure water for manufacturing processes, a critical quality control measure.
- Others: Includes mining, pulp & paper, and textiles, where water management is key to environmental compliance.
By Form
Chemicals are supplied in various physical forms to suit different application systems and logistical needs:
- Liquid
- Powder
- Granules
Regional Outlook and Market Dynamics
Geographic Analysis
The market demonstrates varied growth patterns across regions, influenced by economic, environmental, and political factors. The Asia-Pacific region is identified as a major growth area, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing governmental focus on water quality and environmental protection in line with the SDGs. Developed regions like North America and Europe continue to be significant markets, with a focus on upgrading aging infrastructure and adopting advanced, eco-friendly treatment solutions.
- North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
- Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain)
- Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia)
- South America (Brazil, Argentina)
- Middle East & Africa
Market Drivers and Trends
The primary factors propelling market growth are directly related to sustainability and regulatory pressures. Key trends include a shift towards green and sustainable chemical formulations that minimize environmental impact. Technological advancements are leading to more efficient and specialized products, further enabling industries and municipalities to meet and exceed water quality standards mandated by increasingly stringent global regulations.
Competitive Landscape
The Water Treatment Chemicals Market is characterized by the presence of several major global corporations. These key players are actively engaged in research and development to innovate and provide sustainable solutions that align with the global sustainability agenda. The competitive environment drives advancements in product efficacy, environmental safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Key Market Players
- Ecolab Inc.
- BASF SE
- Solenis LLC
- Kemira Oyj
- Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
- The Dow Chemical Company
- Veolia
- Baker Hughes Incorporated
- SNF Floerger
- Nouryon
SDGs Addressed in the Article
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- The article’s core subject is the “Water Treatment Chemicals Market,” which is directly linked to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. The text explicitly mentions the goal of achieving “clean and safe water” and treating “wastewater, industrial process water, and drinking water.”
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- The article highlights the role of water treatment in various industrial sectors, such as “power generation, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverages.” It also points to “technological advancements” and the need for industries to invest in “effective water treatment processes” due to “rapid industrialization,” which connects to building resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable industrialization.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- The demand for water treatment chemicals in “municipalities” and the growth driven by “urbanization” are mentioned. This relates to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, particularly in managing urban wastewater (“Municipal Water Treatment”).
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- The article discusses the “adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable chemical solutions” and the influence of “stringent environmental regulations.” This aligns with the goal of ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, specifically the environmentally sound management of chemicals.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- By focusing on “removing contaminants” to produce “clean and safe water,” the article implicitly addresses public health. The treatment of drinking water and the removal of pollutants from wastewater prevent waterborne diseases and reduce health risks associated with contaminated water, contributing to healthy lives.
Specific SDG Targets Identified
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. The article’s focus on chemicals for “drinking water” treatment directly supports this target by ensuring water is safe for consumption.
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. The article’s emphasis on “treating wastewater,” “removing contaminants,” and addressing “increasing water pollution” aligns perfectly with this target.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. The article mentions industries like “power generation, oil & gas, and food & beverage” investing in “effective water treatment processes” and the “adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable chemical solutions.”
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. The article’s reference to “Municipal Water Treatment” and the market growth driven by “urbanization” connects to this target’s focus on managing urban waste, including wastewater.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The article points to the “adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable chemical solutions” and the role of “stringent environmental regulations” in compelling industries to manage their water treatment processes effectively.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. The entire purpose of the water treatment chemicals discussed is to “remov[e] contaminants” from water, thus directly contributing to reducing illnesses from water pollution.
Indicators for Measuring Progress
- Market Value and Growth: The article provides specific financial figures that can serve as a proxy indicator for investment in water treatment. The market size, “estimated to be valued at approximately USD 39.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 65.8 billion by 2033,” and the “CAGR of about 6.1%” indicate the level of financial resources being allocated to water treatment, which is relevant for measuring progress towards targets 6.3 and 9.4.
- Proportion of Wastewater Treated: While not giving a direct percentage, the article’s focus on the growing market for treating “wastewater” and “industrial process water” implies that the proportion of treated wastewater is a key metric. The growth in the “Municipal Water Treatment” and “Industrial Water Treatment” application segments suggests an increase in this proportion, which is the official indicator for Target 6.3 (Indicator 6.3.1).
- Adoption of Sustainable Technologies: The mention of “adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable chemical solutions” implies a shift in technology and product choice. The market share of these specific solutions could be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 9.4 and Target 12.4.
- Regulatory Compliance: The article states that these chemicals help in “ensuring regulatory compliance” and that “stringent environmental regulations worldwide are compelling industries to invest.” The level of compliance and the number of countries with such regulations can be seen as an indicator of progress towards Target 12.4.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
SDGs | Targets | Indicators (Mentioned or Implied in the Article) |
---|---|---|
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1: Achieve access to safe and affordable drinking water. 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and treating wastewater. |
– Growth in market for chemicals used in “drinking water” treatment. – Growth in market segments for “Municipal Water Treatment” and “Industrial Water Treatment,” implying an increase in the proportion of treated wastewater. |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable and adopt clean technologies. | – Investment by industries (“power generation, pharmaceuticals, food & beverages”) in water treatment. – Market growth driven by “rapid industrialization.” – Mention of “technological advancements” in water treatment. |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, including waste management. | – Growth in the “Municipal Water Treatment” application segment. – Market demand driven by “urbanization.” |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes. | – “Adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable chemical solutions.” – Investment driven by “stringent environmental regulations.” |
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: Substantially reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and water pollution. | – Market growth for chemicals that play a “critical role in…removing contaminants” from drinking and wastewater. |
Source: openpr.com