Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfection and Sterilization Market
Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile chemical compound that has been gaining significant traction in disinfection and sterilization applications. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, environmental friendliness, and effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens make it a preferred choice for various applications. The market for hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants and sterilants is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for a hygienic environment in healthcare settings, food processing facilities, and industrial manufacturing. The hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization market has been experiencing significant growth driven by the growing demand from the water treatment industry.
Asia Pacific held the largest share of the hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization market in 2023. The region’s rapid industrialization has significantly increased the demand for effective disinfection and sterilization solutions, particularly in healthcare, food processing, and water & wastewater treatment industries. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in their healthcare infrastructure, driving the demand for hydrogen peroxide as a safe and effective disinfectant. In addition, the growing population of the region is also driving demand for hydrogen peroxide to control infectious diseases in the region.
Growing Demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Drives Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfection and Sterilization Market Growth
Hydrogen peroxide is injected into flowing water during the water treatment process to control biological growth and disinfect drinking water. It is used to prevent microbial growth in water systems and cooling towers. In the US, hydrogen peroxide is used to treat residential water supplies, groundwater treatment, process water treatment, and industrial wastewater treatment. Under the Biocidal Products Regulation, hydrogen peroxide is approved as an active substance for use in biocidal products for drinking water disinfection. The major factors driving the hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization market are the strong growth of the healthcare industry, increasing water treatment activities, and rising demand for industrial and household cleaning and disinfecting products. According to the news released by The White House in 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced over US$ 3.2 billion through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to expand access to clean drinking water across the US, bringing the total amount of funding announced under this category to US$ 8.9 billion.
In Canada, there is a high demand for hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization in households, commercial, and industrial places, owing to the rising emphasis on health, hygiene, and cleanliness. The manufacturing sector is a critical part of the country’s economy. The country is one of the largest economies among developed nations, owing to the production, distribution, and sale of various products by the manufacturing sector.
In February 2023, the US government declared a US$ 5.8 billion investment in the development of potable water and wastewater infrastructure. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency report published in 2022, ~128.7 billion liters of wastewater is processed daily in wastewater treatment plants in the US. The report also reveals that 20% of US households use septic tanks and systems for local wastewater treatment. According to the report published by the International Trade Administration in 2023, as of 2021, China’s water treatment facilities treated wastewater for 98.1% of municipalities and 28% of rural areas. Thus, the growing demand for water and wastewater treatment propels the hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization market growth.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfection and Sterilization Market: Segmental Overview
The hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization market analysis has been carried out by considering the application segment. Based on application, the market is segmented into healthcare, food and beverage, water treatment, industrial cleaning, personal care, horticulture, livestock, and others. In 2023, the healthcare segment held the largest hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization market share. Healthcare is one of the major industries that use hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization. Hydrogen peroxide is active against a wide range of microorganisms—including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores—because of its antimicrobial properties.
Hydrogen peroxide works by creating destructive hydroxyl free radicals that kill dangerous microbes. These free radicals attack DNA, membrane lipids, and other essential cell components that the microbes cannot live without. Due to the ability to produce hydroxyl free radicals, hydrogen peroxide becomes a highly effective choice for making an environment sterile. This makes hydrogen peroxide ideal for use in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Therefore, the healthcare segment contributes significantly to the hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization market share and is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2031.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfection and Sterilization Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Evonik Industries AG, Solvay SA, Arkema SA, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co Inc, Kemira Oyj, Nouryon Chemicals Holding BV, Stepan Co, Aditya Birla Chemicals India Ltd, Merck KGaA, Ecolab Inc, and Taekwang Industrial Co Ltd, are a few players profiled in the hydrogen peroxide for disinfection and sterilization market report. Players operating in the market focus on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand.
Key Developments
- Evonik Industries AG, in partnership with Dow, announced the successful start-up and operation of a pioneering hydrogen peroxide to propylene glycol (HPPG) pilot plant at Evonik Industries AG’s site in Hanau, Germany. This plant uses the distinct HYPROSYN method to enable the direct synthesis of propylene glycol (PG) from hydrogen peroxide and propylene. (Source: Evonik Industries AG, Press Release, October 2024)
- Aditya Birla Chemicals India Ltd announced its plans to invest US$ 50 million in a manufacturing and research and development center in Texas. (Source: Aditya Birla Chemicals India Ltd, Press Release, June 2024)
- Solvay SA, in partnership with Sapio Sciences, announced its plans to develop Europe’s first hub for the production of green hydrogen peroxide by mid-2026 and help decarbonize the plant. (Source: Solvay SA, Press Release, June 2023)
