Market Overview
Amino Trimethylene Phosphonic Acid (ATMP) is a key organophosphorus compound widely recognized for its role as a chelating and scale-inhibiting agent. Structurally, ATMP contains phosphonic acid groups that provide strong coordination with metal ions, making it highly effective in preventing scale formation and corrosion in water systems. Its thermal and chemical stability, along with its ability to resist hydrolysis under harsh conditions, has positioned it as an indispensable component in industrial water treatment applications.The compound is primarily utilized in industries with heavy reliance on water-based processes, such as oil refineries, thermal power plants, and textile dyeing operations. Its application reduces downtime and extends the operational life of equipment, ensuring process efficiency and cost savings. Furthermore, ATMP is often blended with polymers and other phosphonates to enhance performance in specific applications.
With rising demand for sustainable water treatment solutions and stricter environmental regulations, ATMP has become increasingly important in global industrial practices. The material supports efficiency improvements while also reducing the environmental impact of industrial effluents.
Market Size
The global ATMP market size in 2024 is estimated at 280-550 million USD. Growth is expected to remain robust over the coming years, supported by continued industrial expansion, stricter water quality standards, and the need for advanced anti-scaling and corrosion-prevention technologies. From 2025 to 2030, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%-7%. While ATMP is considered a mature product in industrial chemistry, ongoing innovations in formulation and integration into customized treatment programs continue to enhance its relevance.Application Analysis and Market Segmentation
- Oil Refinery: This segment is one of the largest consumers of ATMP, driven by the need to ensure uninterrupted refinery operations. The growth rate is projected at 4%-6% during 2025-2030. Refineries use ATMP to prevent scaling and fouling in distillation and heat exchanger systems, thereby reducing maintenance and enhancing energy efficiency.
- Thermal Power Plant: Anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5%-7%, driven by ongoing reliance on steam turbine technology and water-intensive operations. ATMP is vital for scaling prevention in cooling systems, boilers, and condensers, supporting reliable power generation and minimizing unplanned outages.
- Woven and Dyeing: The textile industry leverages ATMP in water softening and dyeing processes. This segment is expected to grow at 3%-5%, reflecting steady expansion of textile manufacturing in Asia-Pacific. Its ability to control hardness ions ensures consistent dye quality and prevents machinery damage, enhancing textile process efficiency.
Regional Market Distribution and Geographic Trends
- Asia-Pacific: Expected to lead global demand with an estimated CAGR of 5%-8%. China and India dominate consumption due to their expanding thermal power generation, refinery capacity, and textile manufacturing. Local producers in Shandong and Henan have built significant ATMP capacities to meet both domestic and international demand.
- Europe: Anticipated to grow at 3%-5%. Environmental sustainability is a strong driver, with European countries emphasizing eco-friendly water treatment solutions. ATMP adoption is steady in industries such as power generation and textiles, supported by advanced regulations and stricter wastewater discharge standards.
- North America: Projected growth of 4%-6%, supported by modernization in oil refining and the persistence of thermal power plants despite renewable energy expansion. Regulatory standards for industrial wastewater are also a factor driving stable consumption.
- Other Regions: Emerging markets in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa show increasing demand tied to the expansion of oil refining and power infrastructure. While smaller in size, these markets represent future growth opportunities.
Key Market Players and Competitive Landscape
- Zschimmer & Schwarz: A Germany-based specialty chemical manufacturer with a strong focus on performance chemicals, including water treatment agents. Known for its emphasis on sustainable chemistry and high-quality phosphonate derivatives, the company provides tailored solutions to the industrial water treatment market.
- Italmatch Chemical: A global leader in specialty chemical additives, particularly in water treatment and oilfield applications. The company leverages advanced R&D to create environmentally responsible formulations and has built a strong global distribution network.
- Aquapharm: Based in India, Aquapharm has been an established supplier of phosphonates and water treatment chemicals. As of February 2024, it was acquired by PCBL’s wholly owned subsidiary Advaya Chemical Industries, making it a strategic part of a diversified chemical group. Its production capacity of 3,500 tons of ATMP underlines its role as a significant supplier in the Asia-Pacific market.
- AVA Chemicals: An Indian firm specializing in organophosphorus chemicals, serving both domestic and international water treatment markets. Known for flexible manufacturing and competitive pricing, the company has expanded its footprint globally.
- Finor Piplaj Chemical: With capabilities in phosphonate production, this Indian company supports the needs of textile and water treatment industries. Its regional presence makes it an important supplier in South Asia.
- MKS DEVO: Focused on performance materials and chemicals for industrial use, MKS DEVO integrates ATMP into its broader water treatment solutions portfolio.
- Falizan Tasfyeh: An emerging producer catering primarily to Middle Eastern industries, addressing localized demand in power generation and oil refining sectors.
- Shandong Taihe: One of the largest ATMP producers globally, with a production capacity of 60,000 tons. Taihe is a central player in the Asia-Pacific market, supplying both domestic and international customers with large-scale manufacturing capabilities.
- Henan Qingshuiyuan: With a production capacity of 32,000 tons of ATMP, the company is a key Chinese producer. It has invested in expanding manufacturing to support rising demand across Asia and maintains an extensive product portfolio in water treatment chemicals.
- Uniphos Chemicals: An established Indian producer with a diverse range of water treatment chemicals. It has built strong regional relationships with textile and refining industries.
- Shandong Xintai: Active in the chemical manufacturing sector, providing phosphonate-based water treatment solutions at competitive scale.
- Shandong Kairui: Specializes in chemical intermediates and phosphonates, serving industries in domestic Chinese markets as well as selected international clients.
- Zouping Dongfang Chemical Industry: Positioned as a regional supplier with focus on phosphonate derivatives for water treatment, providing flexibility and low-cost production.
- Shandong Dechuan Chemical Technology Co. Ltd.: A newer entrant in the ATMP market, focused on expanding production capacity and improving manufacturing processes to meet the growing demand for scale inhibitors and corrosion preventives.
Downstream Processing and Application Integration
- ATMP is widely integrated into water treatment programs, often in combination with polymers, to achieve multi-functional performance.
- In oil refineries, downstream application ensures prevention of fouling, extending operational cycles and reducing chemical cleaning needs.
- In thermal power plants, ATMP is applied in closed-loop and open cooling systems, ensuring consistent efficiency.
- In textiles, ATMP prevents interference of hardness ions during dyeing, improving colorfastness and reducing defects.
Value Chain Analysis
The ATMP value chain begins with the procurement of raw materials such as phosphorous trichloride and amines, followed by controlled synthesis and purification processes to ensure consistent quality. Manufacturers, especially in China and India, have invested in large-scale facilities to achieve economies of scale. The midstream sector includes distributors and suppliers providing tailored solutions to industrial end-users. Downstream integration occurs within industries such as oil refining, power generation, and textiles, where ATMP plays a direct role in operational efficiency. Partnerships between manufacturers, industrial service providers, and engineering companies create a collaborative ecosystem that ensures adoption and compliance with environmental standards.Opportunities
- Rising demand for water treatment chemicals in Asia-Pacific due to industrialization and urbanization.
- Increasing enforcement of environmental regulations requiring advanced scale inhibitors and corrosion-prevention solutions.
- Growth of oil refining and power generation infrastructure in emerging economies.
- Rising demand for textile production in Asia, especially in India and Southeast Asia, supporting woven and dyeing applications.
Challenges
- Regulatory pressure on phosphonate usage due to environmental persistence concerns.
- Volatility in raw material prices, particularly phosphorous-based feedstocks.
- Competition from alternative green scale inhibitors and biodegradable formulations.
- Overcapacity risk in China, leading to pricing pressures and margin compression.
Recent Market Developments
Shandong Taihe reported an ATMP production capacity of 60,000 tons, strengthening its position as a global leader in scale inhibitor supply.Henan Qingshuiyuan announced its ATMP production capacity at 32,000 tons, reinforcing its role as a key supplier in Asia.
Aquapharm disclosed a production capacity of 3,500 tons, contributing to India’s export base in water treatment chemicals.
On 1 February 2024, PCBL’s wholly owned subsidiary, Advaya Chemical Industries, completed the acquisition of 100% of Aquapharm Chemicals’ shareholding, making Aquapharm a fully owned subsidiary of PCBL. This acquisition is expected to support portfolio expansion and strengthen PCBL’s footprint in specialty water treatment chemicals.
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Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned
- Zschimmer & Schwarz
- Italmatch Chemical
- Aquapharm
- AVA Chemicals
- Finor Piplaj Chemical
- MKS DEVO
- Falizan Tasfyeh
- Shandong Taihe
- Henan Qingshuiyuan
- Uniphos Chemicals
- Shandong Xintai
- Shandong Kairui
- Zouping Dongfang Chemical Industry
- Shandong Dechuan Chemical Technology Co. Ltd.

