Calcium Hypochlorite Market

Market Overview

The global calcium hypochlorite market size was valued at USD 700.12 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 1,808.11 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.13% over the forecast period (2023–2031). Market growth is anticipated to be driven by the rising demand for calcium hypochlorite in the coming years, driven by the rising usage of hygiene products to prevent water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid.

Calcium hypochlorite is an inorganic compound utilized as a component in chlorine powder and bleaching powder, among other applications. It undergoes gradual decomposition in humid air and emits a potent chlorine odor. Calcium hypochlorite overuse can be harmful and irritate the skin. It has extensive applications in the disinfection of swimming pools, water purification, and bleaching textiles and paper. Calcium hypochlorite must be stored away from organic materials such as cloth, wood, and petroleum products since it can cause an explosion or fire when reacted.

Calcium hypochlorite is mainly used to disinfect drinking water and public swimming pools. The surging usage of calcium hypochlorite in spas, hot tub water, and swimming pools is anticipated to positively impact the growth of the calcium hypochlorite market worldwide. It is used as an oxidizer for decontaminating mustard gas and as a pesticide for insects, especially caterpillars. Calcium hypochlorite is also used to kill bacteria in different food products. It is utilized to sanitize the surfaces of different equipment and utensils. In households, calcium hypochlorite is commonly used in algaecides, bathroom cleaners, herbicides, household disinfectant sprays, laundry detergents, etc.

Market Dynamics

Global Calcium Hypochlorite Market Drivers:

Increasing Occurrence of Water-Borne Diseases Globally

The growing global population and the increasing population density in urban areas have led to surging instances of water-borne diseases. There is a lack of cleanliness due to the cramped living quarters. Global demand for calcium hypochlorite is expected to be high during the forecast period due to its extensive use in water purification. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have indicated that unless the healthcare sector doubles its current rate of progress, billions of people will lack access to adequate sanitation, safe drinking water, and hygienic services.

The spread of COVID-19 also increased global awareness about maintaining a hygienic environment. At the beginning of the pandemic, 3 out of 10 people in India had no access to water and soap to wash their hands to ensure safety against the virus, owing to the lack of resources and the fragile healthcare system. According to WHO, the percentage of hand washing facilities equipped with soap and water increased from 67% to 71% during the five years till 2020. This gradually helped in reducing the spread of water-borne diseases. Moreover, the increase in the usage of hygiene products to prevent different water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera is expected to further fuel the demand for calcium hypochlorite in the coming years, thereby leading to market growth during the forecast period.

Growing Usage of Calcium Hypochlorite in Water Treatment Applications

Rising global concerns related to the human consumption of freshwater are leading to the increased demand for calcium hypochlorite to purify water. Freshwater is mainly used for drinking and agricultural applications. It is also used for washing clothes, utensils, etc. However, industrial development has led to the contamination of freshwater, making it hazardous for human usage. This leads to the increased requirement for artificial treatment of water.

In the water distillation process, calcium hypochlorite is used as a disinfectant pre and post-treatment. It is also used for sanitizing wastewater treatment plants and public swimming pools. Calcium hypochlorite can kill germs when used for the artificial treatment of water. Moreover, the water treatment industry uses calcium hypochlorite in powdered and tablet forms. The growing consumption of clean water has led to a rise in the demand for calcium hypochlorite in water treatment applications worldwide.

Global Calcium Hypochlorite Market Restraint:

High Production Costs of Calcium Hypochlorite

The increase in production costs of calcium hypochlorite and the high installation costs of calcium hypochlorite are expected to restrict the growth of the calcium hypochlorite market over the forecast period. High capital investments are required to set up calcium hypochlorite production plants owing to the high manufacturing costs of calcium hypochlorite. The production process of calcium hypochlorite is patented by most companies as research and development activities related to its manufacturing require significant investments.

Furthermore, companies without patents use third-party manufacturing processes to produce expensive calcium hypochlorite. This negatively impacts the growth of the calcium hypochlorite market. Moreover, calcium hypochlorite is a corrosive substance that produces chlorine when it comes into contact with humid air. This also acts as a barrier to the growth of the calcium hypochlorite market over the forecast period.

Global Calcium Hypochlorite Market Opportunities:

Growing Demand in Various End-User Applications

The global market for calcium hypochlorite is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing demand in various industries such as water treatment, detergents, textiles, agrochemicals, and household cleaners. This growth is supported by the strong production capabilities of calcium hypochlorite manufacturers and substantial investments in research and development, which can lead to new opportunities for growth in the future.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Region-wise, the global calcium hypochlorite market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Central and South America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global calcium hypochlorite market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 11.8% during the forecast period. The rising use of calcium hypochlorite in industrial applications in nations like China, Japan, India, and Indonesia is responsible for the market expansion in this area. The surging demand for calcium hypochlorite from the water treatment industry, owing to the rising requirement for fresh water, is expected to fuel the growth of the calcium hypochlorite market in the Asia-Pacific over the forecast period. Moreover, the key companies in the region are focusing on consistent research and development activities to develop innovative production technologies. This is anticipated to favor expanding the calcium hypochlorite market in Asia.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period. The demand for calcium hypochlorite is rising in Europe due to its extensive use in water treatment applications. It is added to the drinking water to prevent bacterial growth that can cause infections. The market for calcium hypochlorite in the form of disinfectants is also growing tremendously in the household sector. It is used as a cleaning and disinfecting agent in many households across European countries. It can kill microbes, viruses, and other bacteria and is also used to eliminate bad odors and stains from clothes and maintain the fabric's original color.

Furthermore, the region's cost-effectiveness and well-connected distribution network of calcium hypochlorite are positively influencing its market growth. Calcium hypochlorite products work well at low temperatures and offer better effectiveness in terms of performance. It is also used for sanitization in schools, hospitals, food processing plants, and restaurants. Moreover, the consumption and demand for calcium hypochlorite are rising, especially in industrial applications, coupled with increased consumer spending, which will likely benefit the market growth in the coming years.

Segmental Analysis

The global calcium hypochlorite market is segmented based on process, form, and application.

By process, the global calcium hypochlorite market is categorized into calcium and sodium processes. 

The sodium process segment dominates the global market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period. Calcium hypochlorite made using the sodium process is gaining higher demand than calcium hypochlorite developed from the calcium process as it offers better whiteness, a more effective form of chlorine extracts in terms of its ability to kill a maximum number of viruses and bacteria, lesser precipitation, and higher thermal stability, as well as has lower moisture absorption property. It passes chlorine into a slurry of sodium hydroxide and slaked lime, producing sodium chloride and calcium hypochlorite. This calcium hypochlorite is advised to be stored in a cool, dry, ventilated location and away from heat and fire.

Calcium hypochlorite developed using the sodium process is packed in plastic drums and PVC bags that are well sealed. Like the calcium process, sodium is also used in water treatment, sanitation, and aquaculture applications. Moreover, it is used in environmental applications with stricter water quality requirements, such as the disinfection of homes, swimming pools, and drinking water. Calcium hypochlorite developed using sodium exceeds the quality standards required by swimming pools and drinking water applications. The better attributes of calcium hypochlorite developed using the sodium process than calcium hypochlorite made from the calcium process are anticipated to fuel the growth of the sodium process segment of the calcium hypochlorite market in the coming years.

Based on form, the global calcium hypochlorite market is categorized into powder, granular, and pellets. 

The powder segment owns the highest market share and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period. Calcium hypochlorite is a mixture of calcium chloride and lime sold as bleach or chlorine powder. It is widely used as a bleaching agent and in water treatment applications. It is also used as an ingredient in bleaching powder for bleaching linen and cotton. Powder calcium hypochlorite is used in moss and algae removers, bathroom cleaners, weed killers, household disinfectant sprays, and chloroform manufacturing. Bleaching powder is used in the sugar industry to bleach sugarcane juice before crystallization.

Calcium hypochlorite powder is mainly used to disinfect spas, swimming pools, and hot tubs and to treat sewage water. It is extensively used as a sanitizer in industrial applications. Calcium hypochlorite can be stored for numerous weeks under normal temperatures as it is stable and must be kept away from light in dark, closed containers. It is also widely used in the textile industry to remove stains from the fabric surface. Moreover, the growing use of calcium hypochlorite powder in several end-user applications is anticipated to positively impact the market during the forecast period.

Based on applications, the global calcium hypochlorite market is categorized into detergents, agrochemicals, house cleaners, water treatment, food and beverages, textiles, pulp and paper, and other applications. 

The water treatment segment dominates the global market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period. Calcium hypochlorite is used in higher concentrations to effectively sanitize and disinfect swimming pools and prevent the spread of various water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dengue. Such factors drive the demand for calcium hypochlorite for pool and spa cleaning applications. It sanitizes pool bottoms, poolside, ladders, diving boards, decks, and other surfaces near pools. It is also one of the most popular powder-based sanitizers used by the owners of private swimming pools.

Furthermore, calcium hypochlorite products collect, purify, and distribute water into the pool. The main concern while using calcium hypochlorite is the hardness of water. If the water in the pool is too hard, it may cause erosion of the pool surface. The water must maintain a pH level of about 12 to prevent it from corrosion. Moreover, calcium hypochlorite removes germs that may cause several health problems, including wound infections, diarrhea, skin infections, swimmer's ear, and respiratory infections.

Recent Developments

• December 2022- Hawkins, Inc. increased the capacity of its water treatment facilities and established a new branch in Delmar, Delaware.