The North American water treatment chemicals market is mature with high
entry barriers. This market consists of a large number of participants
from various backgrounds and origins. Even though the market is highly
mature, there are still some segments likely to exhibit growth in
certain areas, among these for products such as coagulants and
flocculants, and biocides.
Coagulants and flocculants:
HEDP acid
used to clarify water by causing the coalescence of dissolved
impurities. Upon coalescence into large agglomerates, the impurities can
be removed mechanically.
Anti-foamants and defoamers: Chemical suppression of foam by prevention or destruction
Corrosion and scale inhibitors: Chemicals reducing and/or preventing
corrosion and scale formation by softening, demineralization,
precipitation, sequestration and/or de-aeration of the water.
Activated carbon
pH adjustors, water softeners, and other inorganic commodities
Biocides: Chemicals which eliminate and/or control micro-organism growth
Strategic Market Analysis
Constant deterioration of water resources has created growth
potential for water treatment chemicals. Regions where potable water
supply is scarcest are expected to experience the highest growth during
the forecast period due to a widespread population shift. These include
coastal regions such as Texas, which will be rebuilding from recent
damage following Hurricane Ike.
Industry Challenges
General aversion to chemical treatment technologies – There's a
trend in the water treatment industry to move away from chemical
treatment, and toward physical treatment technology such as membranes
and UV disinfection. This is due in part to the general aversion of
chemicals in water treatment, and in part to regulatory pressures that
try to reduce or even eliminate chemical use. Advanced technologies that
allow industries to minimize chemical use are favored, which will
inevitably enhance expansion of the advanced water treatment market.
Alternative technologies substituting chemicals – Non-chemical
methods such as membrane filtration, UV treatment, and other biological
treatment are slowly expanding in the North American market. These
alternative technologies are likely to substitute chemical products, and
processes are expected to shift from predominantly chemical to
biological as larger and more technologically advanced water treatment
plants are built. Increasing environmental awareness also pushes for a
"greener", non-chemical way to treat wastewater.
The Wall