Equipment use, changing regulatory environments driving water treatment chemical demand

Expanding regulatory requirements for drinking water and wastewater quality, expanding manufacturing output, and improving municipal water treatment infrastructure will support gains in developing regions. In more mature geographical markets for water treatment chemicals, specialty water treatment chemicals such as corrosion and scale inhibitors will be used to prevent damage to water treatment equipment and other equipment. Additionally, the use of membrane systems in water treatment will support the use of coagulants and flocculants in pretreatment steps. Regulatory requirements will also promote a transition to higher value products that are more efficient and less environmentally hazardous.

Key Findings in the Global Water Treatment Chemicals Study:

Equipment Use a Strong Driver of Shift in Product Mix

While water treatment equipment may directly compete with some chemicals, its use is generally complementary with others. Some treatment equipment may be prone to damage without the use of chemicals. Membrane systems, for example, are easily fouled if fine suspended particulates are not first removed with coagulants and flocculants. As a result, demand will rise for corrosion and scale inhibitors, chelating agents, foam control products, and other chemicals that are used with water treatment equipment to prevent damage. In contrast, demand for biocides will be below average as water treatment equipment is often competitive, rather than synergistic, with biocides.

Developing Markets to Show Especially Robust Growth

The strongest gains are expected in the Asia/Pacific and Africa/Mideast regions, where water use is increasing, new environmental regulations are being put into place, and regulatory enforcement is improving. Many developing countries are working to increase access to safe drinking water supplies and improved sanitation by expanding their water treatment infrastructure, resulting in greater need for water treatment chemicals.

Wastewater Treatment Becoming Greater Priority

In all regions, wastewater from municipal and industrial sources is coming under increased scrutiny. In developed markets such as the US and Western Europe, wastewater treatment and discharge are heavily regulated, and regulatory requirements are expected to remain stringent. In developing regions, however, users in manufacturing and other industrial markets are increasingly being required to heavily treat wastewater before its disposal, and infrastructure for the treatment of municipal wastewater is rapidly being improved.

Study Coverage

This industry study presents historical demand data (2006, 2011, and 2016) and forecasts (2021) by product (corrosion and scale inhibitors, coagulants and flocculants, biocides, pH adjusters), market (manufacturing, municipal, and other), and region. The study also evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on industry competitors including BASF, Dow Chemical, Ecolab, General Electric, Kemira, Occidental Petroleum, SNF, and Solenis.