Water Treatment Industry End User to Hold the Highest Share in Hypochlorous Acid Market During the Forecast Period, 2019–2026

Introduction

Hypochlorous acid (chemical formula: HOCl) is a weak acid formed when chlorine dissolves in water. It is extensively used in the water treatment industry as it is easy to store and transport. Hypochlorous acid’s non-hazardous nature, cost-effectiveness, environment-friendly nature, and ability to be used as a biocide expand its application scope in various end-use industries. The disinfecting properties of hypochlorous acid provide novel opportunities for its use in the water treatment sector.

Sodium hypochlorite, a type of hypochlorous acid, is commonly referred to as liquid chlorine bleach. In North America, it is widely used as laundry bleach and a household cleaner. Ever-growing population, growing consumer awareness regarding the need to maintain personal health and hygiene, and the inclination towards personal grooming among the youth are expected to upsurge the demand for sodium hypochlorite as a bleaching agent in the laundry industry. As per statistical data released by the Coin Laundry Association, currently, there are about 29,500 coin laundries in the U.S., which generate nearly USD 5 billion in gross revenue annually.

Increasing water contamination at a domestic, municipal, and industrial level has led to an upsurge in the demand for water treatment over the past few years. According to the World Bank, nearly 783 million people lack access to safe drinking water, 2.5 billion people lack adequate sanitization, and a considerable portion of the world’s population suffers from water-borne diseases, globally.

Segmentation Analysis

The global hypochlorous acid market can be segmented by type, application, and end user.

Based on type, the market can be segmented into sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, and others. The sodium hypochlorite segment is expected to witness significant growth in the market, owing to the increasing demand for hypochlorous acid as a bleaching agent and an oxidizing agent in the various end-use industries. Calcium hypochlorite is used as chlorine powder or bleach powder for water treatment and as a bleaching agent.

Based on application, the market can be segmented into sanitizing agent, disinfecting, oxidizing agent, and others. The oxidizing agent segment is expected to witness substantial growth, owing to the widespread contamination of various water sources around the globe. Increasing environment-consciousness among the population and demand for ready-to-use disinfectant and sanitizing products collectively drive the demand for hypochlorous acid in the market.

Based on end user, the market can be segmented into water treatment, textile, and other industries. The textile industry is expected to hold a prominent market share by end user as hypochlorous acid is vastly used as an oxidizing agent and a bleaching agent in the industry. Further, hypochlorous acid is also used in the water treatment industry as an active sanitizer.

Regional Landscape

Geographically, the global hypochlorous acid market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to robust marketing and research. With an increasing number of commercial and residential swimming pools and growth of associated businesses such as swimming pool water treatment, the U.S. is pegged to be a key consumer of hypochlorous acid.

Asia Pacific is pegged to be the fastest growing market for hypochlorous acid, back by population growth and rapid urbanization. The region has a huge industrial sector, which generates a significant amount of industrial waste that is discharged in water. Thus, Asia Pacific’s water treatment industry presents a lucrative opportunity for the hypochlorous acid market. The region also registers high demand for disinfectants, which will further provide impetus to market growth.

The Middle East & Africa region is expected to witness steady growth during the forecast period, owing to the growing use of hypochlorous acid as an oxidizing agent in the region. Environmental regulations imposed by government agencies in response to rising water security issues across the region are also expected positively influence market growth.

Latin America is expected to witness noteworthy growth during the forecast period, owing to the strong demand for basic infrastructure, coupled with the regional governments’ commitment towards funding water treatment projects. According to the Development Bank of Latin America, the estimated investment required to meet water infrastructure demand in Latin America will amount to 0.3% of the region’s GDP until 2030.

Among all regions, Europe is expected to witness relatively slow growth during the forecast period, owing to the region’s stringent regulatory framework.

Competitive Players

1. AGC Inc.
2. Occidental Petroleum Corporation
3. Nouryon
4. Industria Química del Istmo
5. BASF SE
6. Kuehne Company
7. Lonza
8. Surpass Chemical Company Inc.
9. INEOS
10. Lenntech B.V.
11. Tosoh Corporation
12. Aditya Birla Chemicals
13. Acuro Organics Limited
14. Junsei Chemical Co.,Ltd.

Recent Developments

• June 2023- Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Inc. introduced a new application for intraoperative pulse lavage irrigation treatment using their patented Microcyn® technology-based stabilized hypochlorous acid (HOCl) products. This treatment can be used in surgical procedures as an alternative to traditional IV bags.
• January 2024- Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Inc. introduced LumacynTM Clarifying Mist for direct over-the-counter use in the United States. The Lumacyn Clarifying Mist is a spray that soothes inflamed skin by utilizing Sonoma's unique stabilized hypochlorous acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Segmentation

1. By Type
   1. Sodium Hypochlorite
   2. Calcium Hypochlorite
   3. Others
2. By Application:
   1. Sanitizing Agent
   2. Disinfecting Agent
   3. Oxidizing Agent
   4. Others
3. By End Use Industry:
   1. Personal Care & Cosmetics
   2. Pharmaceuticals
   3. Food and Beverages
   4. Oil and Gas
   5. Water Treatment
   6. Others