Hydrogen Peroxide Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Grade (<35% and >35%), By Type (Disinfectant, Bleaching Agent, and Others), By Application (Pulp & Paper, Chemical Synthesis, Textile Bleaching, Water Purification, Home & Personal Care and Specialty Applications), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global hydrogen peroxide market was valued at USD 1.82 billion in 2023. The market is projected to be worth USD 1.89 billion in 2024 and reach USD 2.56 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the hydrogen peroxide market with a market share of 45.05% in 2023.

Versatility in terms of applications fuels the demand for hydrogen peroxide in the paper and pulp industry, chemical manufacturing, the textile industry, water treatment, home care, cosmetics, and specialty applications such as food and beverages, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. In order to tap these opportunities, leading players operating in the global market are investing to increase their production capacity. For instance, in July 2019, Solvay S.A. raised its production capacities in Belgium, Germany, Finland, and the Middle East to meet growing demand from its consumers in Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region.

The rapid surge in demand for chemical disinfectants amid the COVID-19 outbreak increased the demand for disinfectant solutions. Since hydrogen peroxide has been proven effective in bactericidal and virucidal activities, it was in high demand in the healthcare industry, with healthcare professionals pulling all stops to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. During the early phase of the outbreak, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the second emergency use authorization to decontaminate respirators for reuse. The FDA thus allowed the decontamination of N-95 respirators by using vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, further driving market growth.

Hydrogen Peroxide Market Trends

Increasing Adoption of H₂O₂ in Food and Electronic Applications to Drive Growth

Food-grade hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching and antimicrobial agent in applications such as cheese manufacturing, instant tea, and others. Moreover, it is also approved as a sterilizing agent in aseptic packaging. Therefore, companies are introducing new grades to meet the changing market trends. For instance, Arkema S.A. launched ‘Valsterane S-HP,’ with 25% and 35% concentration for spray aseptic packaging in May 2018. Moreover, companies such as Solvay S.A. and Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals Company invest in manufacturing super-pure grades for electronic applications in China and Taiwan, respectively.

Hydrogen Peroxide Market Growth Factors

Rising Adoption as a Disinfectant in the Water Treatment Industry is Expected to Drive Market Growth

The demand for hydrogen peroxide in water treatment systems has been increasing due to its effectiveness as a disinfectant, oxidizing agent, and odor controller. It plays a crucial role in purifying water by killing microorganisms, breaking down organic pollutants, and controlling unpleasant odors. As concern over chlorine’s disinfection by-products grows, hydrogen peroxide is seen as a chlorine-free alternative that meets stringent environmental regulations. Its ability to decompose into water and oxygen without leaving harmful residues aligns with the market trend for environmentally friendly water treatment solutions. Advancements in water treatment technologies, such as advanced oxidation processes, further expand hydrogen peroxide's demand. Its role in ensuring safe and clean water for various purposes, from drinking to industrial use, drives its demand in the water treatment sector. With increasing focus on sustainable practices and regulatory compliance, hydrogen peroxide is expected to witness wider adoption as an eco-friendly water treatment solution, driving market growth. 

Wide Applicability of the Chemical to Boost Market Growth

Hydrogen Peroxide offers multiple functions in different industrial, commercial, and household applications. Strong bleaching properties make it suitable for paper and textile bleaching. In healthcare, it is used as an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. It acts as an excellent disinfecting and oxidizing agent in water purification, home care, personal care, and food applications. In electronics, it is used as a high-quality cleaning agent. It is also used in the production of detergent bleaches such as sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate. Therefore, such versatility in terms of applicability is fueling the hydrogen peroxide market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Potential Health Hazards May Hinder Product Adoption

Due to its strong oxidizing nature, the chemical can be corrosive to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. If not handled carefully, prolonged exposure irritates the skin & the eyes and causes hair bleaching. Moreover, it is not compatible with most raw materials such as copper alloys or heavy metals, leading to self-accelerated thermal decomposition. Therefore, it should be carefully stored and handled to avoid potential health hazards.

Hydrogen Peroxide Market Segmentation Analysis

By Grade Analysis

>35% Segment to Hold the Largest Share in the Global Market

Based on grade, the global market is categorized into different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and is marketed according to their applications. In general, less than 35% of lower concentrations are used in home care products, personal care products, and specialty applications. Higher concentrations of more than 35% are generally used in paper, textile, chemical, and wastewater treatment applications. Pure grades or more than 90-95% concentrations are used as fuel in rocket propellants. High adoption of products with more than 35% concentration to obtain optimized results is the key factor driving the growth of this segment.

By Type Analysis

Bleaching Agent Segment to Lead the Market Share

Based on type, the global market is classified into disinfectants, bleaching agents, and others. The chemical offers high bleaching effects at reasonable costs and keeps the fiber quality intact. Furthermore, it also provides the benefit of alkaline extraction with bleaching in paper and textile manufacturing. Single-stage bleaching can be possible in short-term bleaching processes such as cotton bleaching. This process can also help to obtain stable and higher whiteness. Besides, no unpleasant smell is produced, and its environment-friendly nature makes it the ideal bleaching agent for paper and textiles. Moreover, the product is an excellent disinfectant that has the potential to combat virucidal activities. Therefore, with increasing awareness about self-hygiene, the demand for disinfectant solutions such as H₂O₂ is expected to increase in the foreseeable future.   

By Application Analysis

Pulp & Paper Segment to Account for the Largest Share of the Global Market

On the basis of application, the global market is segmented into pulp & paper, chemical synthesis, textile bleaching, water purification, home & personal care, and specialty applications. Pulp & paper industries utilize the chemical as an ideal bleaching agent for chemical, mechanical, and recycled pulp. It improves the paper quality and lowers production costs by increasing production yield. Moreover, its eco-friendly nature plays an important role in developing sustainable solutions in the paper recycling industry. The rising demand for high-quality paper for packaging and sanitary applications is expected to boost the market's growth during the forecast period. According to the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), paperboard, the wrapping & packaging paper, and sanitary tissue segments account for more than 60% share in the global paper products every year.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

On account of favorable growth of end-use industries such as paper, textiles, and chemicals, among others, Asia Pacific led the market share (value & volume) in 2023. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Asia Pacific is the largest producer and consumer of paper & paperboard globally and accounts for more than 45% share in the global paper industry. Moreover, the flourishing textile industry in China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia creates a huge demand for hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent.

Europe is the second-largest consumer of hydrogen peroxide in the world, followed by North America. Owing to the high presence of paper, textile, water purification, home care, and personal care industries, Germany is a prime contributor to the market's growth in Europe. Moreover, the strong presence of leading players such as Solvay S.A., Evonik Industries A.G., and Arkema S.A. creates a competitive environment for this region's growth.

Increasing research & development activities to extend applications of H₂O₂ in specialty and healthcare applications is driving the growth of the market in North America. For instance, in 2019, a new process developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology could lead to the development of a cost-effective device to produce H₂O₂ and sterilize water supplies, wounds, or even food preparation surfaces.

Owing to the significant growth of end-use industries, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to indicate high growth during the forecast period. Latin America is projected to register the second-fastest growth in the global market, followed by Africa.

List of Key Companies in Hydrogen Peroxide Market

Key Players to Focus on Expanding Their Existing Production Capacities

With increasing demand and utilization of highly versatile chemicals, key manufacturers are investing in the expansion of their production capacities globally. For instance, Solvay S.A., a global leader in peroxide technologies, has heavily invested in its production sites in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East in the past ten years. With increasing global demand, the company aims to strengthen its market reach and improve distribution networks to serve its customers better. Other key players are also focusing on extending their footprints with additional production capacities.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• Solvay S.A. (Belgium)


• Evonik Industries A.G. (Germany)


• Arkema S.A. (France)


• Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc. (Japan)


• Kemira Oyj (Finland)


• Taekwang Industrial Co., Ltd. (South Korea)


• Thai Peroxide Ltd. (Thailand)


• Hansol Chemical Co. Ltd. (South Korea)


• OCI COMPANY Ltd. (South Korea)


• Nouryon (Netherlands)


• Indian Peroxide Ltd. (India)


• Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd. (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• January 2024: Solvay and Huatai announced plans to expand their hydrogen peroxide production capacity in China. The decision to expand their production capacity was taken considering the growing demand for hydrogen peroxide in the photovoltaic sector, where it is used as a cleaning agent in the production of photovoltaic cells. As a part of the expansion plan, the joint venture aims to produce 48,000 tons/year of photovoltaic-grade hydrogen peroxide by 2025.


• April 2020: Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals announced the commencement of partial operations of polyaluminum chloride and hydrogen peroxide plants at Dahej.


• June 2020: Nouryon announced the development of the world-class state-of-art manufacturing facility at the current operating site of Ningbo, China, to produce two key intermediates for its organic peroxide business.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global hydrogen peroxide market research report provides both qualitative & quantitative analysis and insights into the global market. Quantitative insights include the global market sizing in terms of value (USD billion) & volume (kilo tons) across each segment, sub-segment, and region profiled in the scope of the study. Also, the report covers market share analysis and growth rates of the segments, sub-segments, and key countries across each region. Qualitative insight covers the elaborative market analysis of drivers, restraints, growth opportunities, key trends related to the market. The competitive landscape section covers detailed company profiling of the key players operating in this market.

Report Scope & Segmentation