Biocide Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast 2034

Biocide Industry Prospective:

The global biocide market size was worth around USD 9.05 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 18.66 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.50% between 2025 and 2034.

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Biocide Market: Overview

A biocide is a microorganism or a chemical substance used to control the harmful effects of other organisms. It intends to deter, destroy, or render harmful organisms that may affect the integrity of other substances. The official definition of biocides may vary depending on the region and regulatory protocols. However, the ultimate goal of using biocides is to ensure complete protection of other living organisms from harmful substances. The most common applications of biocides include insect repellants, oxidizing agents, disinfectants, and preservatives. Biocide chemicals are also used as pesticides or as antimicrobial agent due to their inherent properties. It is essential to follow safety protocols when handling biocides, as the unregulated use of chemicals can have a significant impact on the environment and other biological systems.

According to market research, the industry is currently influenced by synthetic and natural biocides, with the latter gaining significant traction among end-users. During the forecast period, demand for biocides is expected to grow at a steady pace, driven by surging applications across major industries. The market growth rate may be affected by the changing government regulations and compliance requirements.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global biocide market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 7.50% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global biocide market size was valued at around USD 9.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 18.66 billion by 2034.
• The biocide market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the rising demand for hygiene and cleanliness-related products across residential and commercial centers.
• Based on the product type, the paints & coatings segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the end-user application, the paints & coatings segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Biocide Market: Growth Drivers

Rising demand for hygiene and cleanliness-related products across residential and commercial centers to fuel market growth

The global biocide market is expected to be driven by the rising demand for cleanliness and hygiene products across residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. Market research indicates a steady increase in demand for disinfectants and insect repellents among the general population, especially since the pandemic.

Furthermore, heightened awareness about the benefits of maintaining clean residential spaces has further fueled demand for effective cleaning agents, including biocides. On the other hand, the presence of strict government frameworks concerning hygiene across commercial facilities, such as shopping complexes, office buildings, hotels, and cafes, has further contributed to the increased use of biocides in cleaning solutions.

How will surging applications in wastewater treatment facilities propel the biocide market revenue?

Biocides play a crucial role in wastewater treatment facilities. The chemical is used to prohibit the growth of harmful bacteria, algae, and other organisms in water bodies. For instance, OXYSTRONG® 15 by Solvay, a leading chemical company, is widely popular for treating wastewater. The chemical is produced using an equal mixture of hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, water, and acetic acid. It is used for removing harmful pathogens from wastewater ranging from raw sewage to stormwater and final sewage effluent.

According to Solvay, the fast-acting oxidizing agent ensures superior water safety for humans and animals alike. Similarly, a growing number of market players are experimenting with advanced solutions in the global biocide market, aiming to develop effective wastewater treating agents.

Biocide Market: Restraints

Will environmental and health impacts of biocide limit the biocide market expansion?

The global biocide industry is expected to be affected by the growing concerns over the environmental impact of biocide production and application. In case of failure to follow safety protocols, biocides can have a serious health impact on living organisms apart from the target substances.

For instance, scientific studies indicate that long-term exposure to biocides can have chronic effects on humans. Biocides are also associated with influencing genetic mutation and are considered extremely harmful to the environment. The National Institutes of Health suggests that exposure to biocides can induce work-related asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Biocide Market: Opportunities

How will increased introduction of safer and more effective biocide solutions generate growth opportunities?

The global biocide market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising innovation in the industry. Market players are emphasizing developing safer and more effective solutions. For instance, green biocides have experienced significant growth momentum in recent years and are expected to transform the global landscape in the coming years. Green biocides deliver the same function as traditional biocides, eliminating unwanted organisms in a system, while having minimal impact on the environment or other non-target living organisms. Moreover, the green biocide is prepared using procedures that reduce the amount of waste generated, making it more economical compared to chemical-loaded biocides.

For instance, Biodx Biological Chemical Technologies (Pty) Ltd is known for producing green biocide prepared using antimicrobial and antiviral active ingredients. The company commercially sells Decont-X using proprietary technology and containing extract from 100% natural citrus. Furthermore, there is a growing focus on enhancing product performance.

In September 2023, FMC announced the launch of ENTAZIA™ in the Indian market. The new offerings consist of Bacillus subtilis and hence have proven highly efficient in helping crops resist diseases without impacting the environment. In August 2022, Dow Biocides Division launched BIOBAN™ ULTRA BIT biocide. It is a broad-spectrum solution to be used for protecting water-based products in industries from fungal, yeast, or bacterial contamination. It does not contain formaldehyde, thus showing improved environmental benefits as compared to other solutions.

Biocide Market: Challenges

Changing regulatory measures across the globe to challenge market expansion

The global biocide industry is expected to face challenges from a changing regulatory environment regarding the use of these materials. In recent events, European countries have implemented bans on the use of certain biocides due to their high toxicity and environmental impact.

For instance, the European Commission has prohibited the use of siloxanes D6, D5, and D4. Keeping up with the evolving regulatory trends concerning biocide applications can be challenging and resource-consuming.

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Biocide Market: Report Scope

Biocide Market: Segmentation

The global biocide market is segmented based on product type, end-user application, and region.

Based on the product type, the global market segments are phenolic, metallic compounds, organic acids, organosulfur, nitrogen, halogen compounds, glutaraldehyde, and quaternary ammonium compounds. In 2024, the halogen compounds segment experienced the highest growth, accounting for 29% of the total revenue. The increasing use of popular halogens such as iodine, fluorine, and chlorine in biocide compounds. The organosulfur segment is anticipated to deliver a CAGR of over 4.71% during the projection period.

Based on the end-user application, the global market divisions are boilers, HVAC, food & beverages, fuels, personal care, water treatment, cleaning products, paints & coatings, and others. In 2024, the highest return on investment was reported in the paints & coatings segment, with a market share of 26.05%. The higher susceptibility of paints & coatings to microbial growth has fueled the segmental growth rate. The water treatment segment will contribute a higher CAGR during the projection period.

Biocide Market: Regional Analysis

What will help Asia-Pacific dominate the biocide industry during the forecast period?

The global biocide market will be led by Asia-Pacific during the projection period. Countries such as India and China will emerge as the largest contributors to regional market share. China, for instance, is one of the largest producers and suppliers of chemicals used across industries. The presence of a robust manufacturing infrastructure helps China sustain its dominance in the regional and global chemical industry.

In October 2023, Diethelm Keller Siber Hegner, a European company offering market expansion services, announced a partnership with Vink Chemicals in the Chinese market, as regional demand continues to surge at a steady pace.

Europe is another prominent region in the biocide industry, offering high growth potential. However, in recent times, the country has witnessed changes in regulatory measures associated with the production and use of certain biocides.

For instance, in April 2025, the European Union announced its refusal to authorize 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CIT) as an active substance in biocidal products of product-type 6. The region is, however, expected to experience increased demand for green and sustainable biocide solutions, driven by expanding end-user applications.

Biocide Market: Competitive Analysis

The global biocide market is led by players like:

• Albemarle Corporation
• BASF SE
• Nouryon
• Lubrizol Corporation
• Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals
• Valtris Specialty Chemicals
• Clariant AG
• Troy Corporation
• LANXESS AG
• Thor Group
• Solvay SA
• Lonza Group AG
• Baker Hughes Company
• Kemira Oyj
• Ecolab Inc.

The global biocide market is segmented as follows:

By Product Type

• Phenolic
• Metallic Compounds
• Organic Acids
• Organosulfur
• Nitrogen
• Halogen Compounds
• Glutaraldehyde
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

By End-User Application

• Boilers
• HVAC
• Food & Beverages
• Fuels
• Personal Care
• Water Treatment
• Cleaning Products
• Paints & Coatings
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa