The global biocide market size was valued USD 9.16 billion in 2017, owing to its application in paint & coatings manufacturing industries, as well as in disinfectants for the household and healthcare sector. The effectiveness of biocide in restricting microbial & fungal growth and preventing the spread of infections has resulted in a surge in its demand in the global market.

                                                   Global Biocide Market Revenue, 2015-2025 (USD Million)

Biocide is a compound which is used to kill or control any life form. These are a diverse group of poisonous substances including insecticides, disinfectants, preservatives and pesticides used for the control of organisms that are harmful to human or animal health or that cause damage to natural or manufactured products. However, the growing concern over the exposure to toxic chemicals is expected to hamper the global biocide market growth in the coming years. The European Union regulatory framework and the Federal Pesticide Law (FIFRA) regulates the use of biocides in Europe and the US respectively. For instance, the FDA recently banned Triclosan, an antibacterial agent from use in over-the-counter antiseptic products

The global market for the Biocide is anticipated to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% throughout the course of the forecast, to reach USD 13.6  billion 

Halogen compounds segment had a valuation of USD 2.48 million in 2017 in the global biocide market. The low cost and availability of raw materials such as bromine, chlorine, and iodine are the factors contributing towards the escalated use of biocides. Another factor driving the growth of this segment is the application in disinfection of drinking water and cooling systems and surfaces. The increasing need for clean water is expected to further propel the demand for halogen biocides. However, growing environmental and health concerns with regard to the use of chlorine and bromine are expected to hamper the growth in the coming years. Continuous exposure to chlorine in the air can affect the immune system and thus poses threat to organisms in water and soil. This has necessitated the need for regulations that mandate the release of such chemicals.

Water treatment application emerged as the largest application contributing to more than 23% of the revenues in 2017 and is projected to witness the fastest gains in the future. Rising need for clean water for domestic and industrial use in developing regions is the key driving factor behind the growth of wastewater treatment plants. The growth in potable water requirement owing to the increasing population in Asia Pacific is expected to propel the global biocide market demand. Furthermore, increased health awareness is also expected to act as a catalyst and contribute to the growth of the global biocide industry.

North America accounted for 40.5 % of the total revenue share in 2017. The U.S. dominated the regional biocide market and this trend is anticipated to continue over the forecast period. The infrastructural development in the region has escalated the demand for paints & coatings which has consequently driven the demand for biocide. The growing demand for food & beverage and personal care products owing to the rising disposable income has further led to the growth of the biocide market across the region. An increasing number of water treatment projects coupled with rising demand from the construction industry are the factors that are positively impacting the biocide market growth in the region. Middle East is expected to offer lucrative opportunities during the forecast period as a result of increased urbanization, rise in per capita income and demand from oil & gas application which will act as a driver for oilfield biocide market.

The global biocide market is highly fragmented owing to the presence of a large number of global and regional players. Companies including AkzoNobel N.V., BASF SE, Clariant AG, The Dow Chemical Company, Thor Group Limited, Troy Corporation, LANXESS, Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc., Nalco Champion, and Arch Chemicals Inc. among others have a broader presence within the global biocide market. The key players adopt several strategies to strengthen themselves. For instance, in November 2018, Lanxess announced that it would invest INR 1,250 crore in India to strengthen its asset base. Chemical intermediates, high-performance plastics and water treatment products will be the focus areas of the investment. This investment will also strengthen the Indian production sites.

Biocide Market Scope

Key segments of the global biocide market

Type Overview, 2015-2025 (USD Million)

• Phenol
• Organosulfurs
• Nitrogen
• Organic Acids
• Halogen Compounds
• Metallic Compounds
• Others

Application Overview, 2015-2025 (USD Million)

• Oil & Gas
• Water Treatment
• Paints & coatings
• Food & Beverages
• HVAC
• Personal Care
• Fuels
• Boilers
• Others

Regional Overview, 2015-2025 (USD Million)

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • India
  • Japan
  • China
  • Rest of APAC
• Rest of the World