Water Treatment Polymers Market size was USD 46.1 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 93.2 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of water treatment polymers is assessed at USD 49.2 billion.
The water treatment polymers market is experiencing significant growth as it adapts to the increasing environmental standards and the rising demand for clean water driven by a growing global population. This expansion is fueled by the need for effective solutions to address water pollution and enhance the water quality available for various uses, including drinking, agriculture, and industrial processes. As regulations become more stringent to protect natural water resources, the demand for innovative polymer-based solutions that facilitate efficient water treatment processes is on the rise. According to the UN World Water Development Report, 2.2 billion people lacked access to safely regulated drinking water as of 2022. Water treatment polymers are employed in manufacturing processes, cooling and heating systems, and consumer applications.
Polymers are extremely effective in the treatment of wastewater. These molecular chains help to separate the wastewater's solid and liquid components. Once the two components of wastewater are separated, it is much easier to finish the treatment process by isolating solids and treating liquids, leaving clean water suitable for safe disposal or use in other industrial applications. Numerous industries, including thermoelectric power plants, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, mining and metal, oil and gas, and petrochemicals, are experiencing a surge in demand for these polymers.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
6.6% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 46.1 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 93.2 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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End use (Residential Buildings, Commercial Buildings, Municipality, Industrial)
In water treatment polymers market, industrial segment is projected to dominate revenue share of around 68.4% by the end of 2037. The segment growth can be attributed to the growing adoption of water treatment polymers in various industry sectors such as thermoelectric power plants, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, oil & gas, and petrochemicals for adhesives, oil recovery, and water treatment. The semiconductor industry’s demand for ultrapure water underscores the challenge of water consumption, as creating 1,000 gallons of ultrapure water requires approximately 1,400 to 1,600 gallons of municipal water. An average chip manufacturing facility uses about ten million gallons daily, equivalent to the water consumption of 33,000 US families. With rising wastewater levels, specialized polymers play a crucial role in managing this waste while enhancing performance and efficiency in various applications, making them vital for sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. The demand for treated water for steam generation, cooling towers, and other industrial equipment, including oil and gas treatment for power generation, is expected to increase as power plants focus on enhancing their output.
Product Type (Polyacrylamides, Polyacrylates, Quaternary Ammonium Polymers, Polyamines)
The polyacrylamides segment in water treatment polymers market will garner a notable share in the forecast period. The segment growth is expected to be driven by the growing need for polyacrylamide in drinking water purification facilities, industrial wastewater treatment facilities, and municipal sewage treatment facilities. Additionally, government regulatory agencies in several nations are focusing on the water treatment sector which will expand the segment growth. The potable water treatment sector has made significant use of polyacrylamide's ionic forms. The lengthy polymer chains of polyacrylamide act as a bridge between trivalent metal salts such as ferric and aluminum chlorides.
The flocculation rate is significantly increased as a result. As a result, raw water's total organic content (TOC) can be significantly reduced by water treatment facilities. Polyacrylamide and its derivatives are also frequently used in subsurface applications like enhanced oil recovery. The economics of traditional waterflooding can be improved by injecting high-viscosity aqueous solutions that are produced with low quantities of polyacrylamide polymers.
Application (Preliminary Treatment, Water Treatment, Sludge Treatment)
The water treatment segment is estimated to gain a significant share in water treatment polymers market by 2037. The segment growth can be credited to the growing demand for clean water with the increasing global population. Countries are now aware of the detrimental impacts of pollutants ranging from heavy metals to persistent organic waste. This has led to significant expenditure and attention being paid to lessening the effects of released water on the environment and people. Water treatment polymers work well as flocculants, which combine the contaminants in the water and facilitate purification. Therefore, it is anticipated that the demand for water treatment polymers will increase shortly due to the increased awareness of the use of treated water globally.
Our in-depth analysis of the global water treatment polymers market includes the following segments:
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Product Type |
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Application |
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End use |
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North America Market Statistics
North America water treatment polymers market is anticipated to capture revenue share of over 63.3% by 2037. The market growth in the region can be attributed to the surging demand for these polymers for drilling, well completion, production, and enhanced oil recovery in the oil & gas industry. As the region continues to develop fracking technologies, the enhanced oil recovery technology is expected to play a significant role in oil and gas extraction operations, driving regional water treatment polymers market expansion. Furthermore, the presence of several agencies in the U.S. like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and UN-water has mandated that industries treat water before it is disposed out of the facility.
In Canada, the growing demand for prudent water management and wastewater treatment has increased as a result of shifting climatic patterns and the acknowledgment of water shortage as a global problem. Therefore, the country is actively engaging in research & development efforts to explore sustainable and cost-effective wastewater treatment techniques for rural communities.
Europe Market Analysis
Europe will encounter huge growth in the water treatment polymers market during the forecast period. The market is growing in the region due to the increased government initiatives for water & wastewater treatment. For instance, the European Commission proposed to amend the urban wastewater treatment regulation in October 2022 to align with the EU's policy goals for pollution reduction, the circular economy, and climate action. One of the main projects within the EU's zero pollution action plan for land, water, and air is the legislation.
Among Europe's leading producers of chemicals is Germany. Since the nation is home to several important industries, water treatment laws are essential for reducing pollution. Sales of water treatment polymers are anticipated to increase in Europe as a result of strict regulations about water treatment, particularly in Germany. Polyacrylamides are the most widely used product type segment in Germany due to their growing use in metal recovery by flocculation of metal through the preparation of metal salts.
The water treatment polymers market will continue to grow due to major players making significant R&D investments to broaden their product ranges. Important market developments include new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and cooperation with other organizations. The manufacturers need to provide affordable products to grow and thrive in a more cutthroat and expanding market environment.
Author Credits: Rajrani Baghel
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