Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Antiscalants Market size was USD 4.12 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 9.69 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of antiscalant is assessed at USD 4.40 billion.
The global antiscalants market is poised for significant growth, primarily driven by the rapid industrialization and urbanization occurring in emerging economies. Antiscalants are used in the chemical manufacturing sector to protect its machinery against scaling problems, guaranteeing continuous chemical output and avoiding expensive maintenance downtime. Similarly, by avoiding scale building, which can otherwise result in decreased energy efficiency and higher operating costs, antiscalants are essential to preserving the effectiveness of boilers, heat exchangers, and cooling systems in the power generation industry.
Also, the steam boiler trade is a key driver of the antiscalants market, as industrial and commercial boilers require effective scale prevention to maintain efficiency and longevity. The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) revealed that with USD 4.43 billion in global trade, steam boilers ranked 579th in the world in 2023. Steam boiler exports increased 6.84% between 2022 and 2023, from USD 4.15 billion to USD 4.43 billion. 0.02% of global trade is made up of steam boilers.
|
Country |
Export Value for Steam Boilers (USD million) |
Country |
Import Value for Steam Boilers (USD million) |
|
China |
1650 |
Indonesia |
648 |
|
South Korea |
371 |
U.S. |
217 |
|
Germany |
261 |
Japan |
191 |
|
Italy |
211 |
Hong Kong |
154 |
|
India |
211 |
Chinese Taipei |
152 |
Source: OEC
Antiscalants are essential for preventing scale deposits that can clog equipment and lower productivity in the mining industry, where water is utilized extensively for extraction and processing. Additionally, antiscalants are used by the food and beverage industry, which has strict quality and hygiene standards, to prevent scale formation in its processing equipment, preserving product quality and regulatory compliance.
These industries' constant growth, which is fueled by urbanization and global economic expansion, highlights the persistent and rising need for antiscalant technologies. Antiscalants are a crucial part of these industries' water management plans since they aim for cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. They guarantee continuous production processes and support the general prosperity and sustainability of these sectors.
Antiscalants Market: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Increased utilization in water treatment systems: As industries expand, the demand for efficient water treatment systems has escalated, particularly in light of ongoing water shortages. According to the United Nations University, although 52% of wastewater is thought to be treated worldwide, treatment rates differ significantly among high-, middle-, and lower-income nations (74%, 43%, 26%, and 4.3%, respectively). Antiscalants have become indispensable in various sectors, including water treatment, oil and gas, and power generation, as they effectively inhibit the formation of scale within water systems.
The industry's transition towards sustainable solutions has led to increased research and development investments, with a particular focus on environmentally friendly and biodegradable products. Within the seawater desalination sector, three predominant types of antiscalants are utilized: polyacrylic acid (CA), polyphosphonate (PP), and carboxylated dendrimeric (DN) compounds. Antiscalants function by preventing scale-forming ions, such as calcium and sulfate, from crystallizing and depositing on membranes and equipment. Additionally, they possess properties that disperse particles, thereby diminishing the likelihood of scale formation. - Growing technological advancements: Innovative solutions are essential for effectively and sustainably resolving scaling difficulties as industries and water treatment procedures grow more intricate and demanding. More potent antiscalants are constantly being created through sophisticated chemistry and formulations. These formulations are more flexible and adaptable to a wider range of applications because they can prevent scale formation in a wider range of water quality and conditions. Additionally, the market of eco-friendly antiscalants is moving more in the direction of eco-friendly products as regulatory and environmental concerns grow. Antiscalants that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and do not affect the environment are being developed owing to technological advancements.
Additionally, dosage accuracy and real-time antiscalant performance monitoring are being enhanced via automation and sensor technology. This lowers waste and operating expenses while guaranteeing appropriate antiscalant dosage. Another exciting field is nanotechnology, which has promise for producing nanoscale antiscalant particles with improved scale inhibition capabilities.
Challenges
- Fluctuating raw material prices: Due to the uncertainty, raw material price volatility could severely limit the antiscalants market and impact manufacturers' profit margins. The need for chemicals, which are the fundamental raw materials needed for manufacturing, is the reason for these restrictions. To control these fluctuations, businesses must raise operating costs, which makes it challenging to offer competitive prices and manage their spending. For instance, if input prices rise suddenly, it is challenging to pass on such costs to customers without affecting demand, which results in a squeeze in margins where cost increases occur concurrently with a decline in sales prices, which ultimately impacts profitability over the long run.
- Environmental and health concerns: Conventional antiscalant chemicals might contain ingredients that raise concerns about their effects on the environment and human health. These substances have the potential to seep into water sources, impact aquatic ecosystems negatively, and endanger human health if polluted water is consumed. However, non-toxic and ecologically friendly substitutes that can allay these worries are becoming more and more popular. Furthermore, the disposal of antiscalants and their byproducts might raise concerns for the environment, especially if they contain harmful compounds. These substances have the potential to contaminate soil and water sources if improperly handled, which could cause long-term environmental damage.
Businesses and industries are facing pressure to embrace safer and more sustainable options as public awareness of environmental and health issues continues to rise. The antiscalants market may see a decline in demand for conventional antiscalants as a result of this change toward healthier and more ecologically friendly activities, but it may also encourage the creation and uptake of more ecologically friendly alternatives.
Antiscalants Market: Key Insights
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
6.9% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 4.12 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 9.69 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Antiscalants Segmentation
End use (Water Treatment, Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Chemical, Others)
Water treatment segment is estimated to dominate antiscalants market share of over 40.4% by 2037. The water treatment industry is the largest consumer of antiscalants, driven by the growing need for clean water and the necessity to control scaling in water-intensive processes. Significant contributors to this demand include municipal water treatment facilities and industrial wastewater management plants. In the oil and gas sector, antiscalants are essential for preventing scaling during exploration, production, and refining activities. This need is further heightened by the increasing use of enhanced oil recovery techniques.
Type (Phosphonate-based Antiscalants, Carboxylate-based Antiscalants, Sulfonate-based Antiscalants, Others)
The phosphonate-based antiscalants segment in antiscalants market is anticipated to garner a significant share during the assessed period. The market for antiscalants is dominated by phosphonate-based products, which successfully prevent the production of calcium carbonate and sulfate scale in water systems. They are a popular option in sectors like desalination and water treatment because of their effectiveness. Their broad popularity is further supported by their versatility and compatibility with many platforms. The growing need for sustainable solutions is reflected in the growing popularity of carboxylate-based antiscalants, which are acknowledged as environmentally friendly substitutes.
Our in-depth analysis of the global antiscalants market includes the following segments:
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Type |
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Application |
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End use |
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Customize this ReportAntiscalants Industry - Regional Synopsis
North America Market Statistics
By 2037, North America antiscalants market is set to dominate over 34.2% revenue share. The choice of antiscalant products is influenced by the strict environmental standards and regulations in North America. Demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly antiscalants is rising. It gains from continuous technological advancements in the antiscalants market, which result in more potent and sustainable solutions.
The U.S. antiscalants market is expanding rapidly due to rising demand in critical industries like power production, oil and gas, and water treatment. Stricter regulations and more worries about water shortages have led to a boom in the use of cutting-edge water treatment technologies. These consist of seawater desalination and reverse osmosis (RO) systems. Antiscalants are essential in these situations because they stop scaling, increase equipment longevity, and improve operational effectiveness. Notably, a significant factor driving the demand for antiscalants is the U.S. power production industry, which mostly relies on effective cooling and heating systems. This is particularly true for versions based on phosphonates and sulfonates, which are valued for their ability to withstand high temperatures and function well in such conditions.
In Canada, the rising concerns over water scarcity and stringent environmental regulations are driving the demand for antiscalants. Additionally, the expansion of industrial and manufacturing sectors, coupled with the need for cost-effective maintenance solutions, is increasing the adoption of antiscalants. Furthermore, growing investments in infrastructure and sustainable water management practices further contribute to antiscalants market growth, making antiscalants a crucial component in industrial operations. The Sustainable Development Goals reported an allocation of USD 650 million over ten years, commencing in 2023-24, to facilitate monitoring, assessment, and restoration initiatives within the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe. This investment represents a substantial commitment to the preservation of Canada's freshwater resources, as announced by the Government of Canada on March 28 through Budget 2023. Furthermore, an additional USD 22.6 million will be directed towards enhancing the coordination of freshwater protection initiatives across Canada, beginning over a three-year timeframe starting in 2023-2024.
APAC Market Analysis
Asia Pacific antiscalants market is expected to grow at a significant rate during the projected period. As a result of the economic expansion of nations such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, India, and others, the regional market is expanding at a rapid rate globally. It is the top buyer of antiscalants worldwide, and in recent years, the use of antiscalants has increased exponentially. Due to the growing demand for applications in industries such as power and construction, oil and gas, mining, municipal water treatment and desalination, food and beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, and others, the presence of densely populated nations including China and India has helped the antiscalants market. Among the most populated nations in the world, China, India, Japan, and South Korea always need water for a variety of reasons, creating a need for antiscalant solutions in the desalination and municipal water treatment industry.
Moreover, as industries such as chemical manufacturing, power plants, and desalination projects grow, the demand for effective scale prevention solutions has intensified. Additionally, the government’s focus on environmental sustainability and stricter wastewater treatment regulations have encouraged industries to adopt advanced water treatment chemicals, including antiscalants. The rapid urbanization and rising demand for clean water in municipal sectors also increase the demand for antiscalants, making them a crucial component in China’s water treatment industry. The World Bank Open Knowledge Repository revealed that China's officials are seeking a better-coordinated urbanization process as the country's urban population is expected to reach approximately one billion people by 2030, or over 70% of the total population.
As water scarcity intensifies, industries in India are investing in advanced water treatment solutions to enhance operational efficiency and reduce scaling issues in equipment. Government regulations on wastewater treatment and sustainability initiatives are also pushing industries to adopt antiscalants. For instance, the National Water Policy (NWP), which was first adopted in 1987 and updated in 2002 and 2012, is one of India's many water policies. The National Water Mission, which is a component of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, and other state-level water policies that are adapted to local needs are other important measures. Additionally, the rise of desalination plants and RO water purification systems in both industrial and municipal sectors has further fueled the demand.
Companies Dominating the Antiscalants Market
- Clariant AG
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- Italmatch Chemicals
- Ecolab Inc.
- The Dow Chemical Company
- Ashland Inc.
- Solvay SA
- H2O Innovation Inc.
- Solenis
- Avista Technologies Inc.
- BWA Water Additives
Numerous regional and international competitors are vying for antiscalants market dominance through innovation, strategic alliances, and geographic expansion, which defines the competitive landscape. Prominent businesses in the industry use their strong R&D capacities and wide distribution networks to provide cutting-edge antiscalant solutions suited for a range of uses, such as water treatment, power production, and oil and gas. To satisfy the changing needs of end consumers, industry leaders concentrate on product innovation, improving safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.
Some prominent players leading the antiscalants market include:
In the News
- In March 2024, H2O Innovation Inc. sold super-concentrated antiscalants with decreased CO2 footprints to over 25 desalination facilities worldwide, including 7 mega plants. Clients are seeking better solutions due to rising transportation and shipping costs globally, as well as customer demand for sustainable products.
- In October 2023, Solenis acquired Cedarchem with the goal of improving its direct-to-market strategy. Solenis was able to increase its capabilities of better chemical solutions and wastewater treatment products and services after acquiring Cedarchem. The approach would improve service and innovation for Solenis clients in industries that rely on modern water and wastewater treatment technologies.
Author Credits: Rajrani Baghel
- Report ID: 7282
- Published Date: Mar 05, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
