Bleaching Powder Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Bleaching Powder Market is projected to expand from USD 1.93 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.53 Billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 4.61%. Also known technically as calcium hypochlorite, this inorganic chemical is valued for its potent disinfecting and oxidizing capabilities. The market is primarily underpinned by enduring demand from the municipal water treatment industry, where it is essential for sanitizing drinking water and treating wastewater to guarantee public safety. Additionally, the pulp and paper and textile sectors heavily depend on this compound for efficient whitening processes, establishing a steady industrial consumption base that remains largely unaffected by transient market shifts.

However, the market faces a substantial obstacle due to the instability of raw material supplies, specifically chlorine, which requires significant energy to produce and is subject to variable production cycles. This reliance creates potential disruptions in the supply chain for downstream products. Data from Euro Chlor highlights this issue, noting that European chlorine production reached 690,555 tonnes in March 2024, a figure that illustrates the fluctuating availability of the key feedstock needed for global bleaching powder manufacturing.

Market Drivers

The escalating need for municipal water treatment and disinfection serves as a major engine for the global bleaching powder market, spurred by growing initiatives to modernize public sanitation infrastructure. Governments around the globe are prioritizing water security to fight waterborne illnesses, leading to massive procurement of calcium hypochlorite due to its cost-effectiveness and stability in treating drinking water supplies. This movement is bolstered by significant federal funding dedicated to revitalizing aging systems. For instance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced in its February 2024 press release, 'EPA Announces Over $5.8 Billion for Water Infrastructure,' that substantial funds were allocated to states for crucial infrastructure upgrades, directly resulting in higher demand for disinfection chemicals.

Simultaneously, the growth of the textile sector in emerging markets is a key driver of market expansion, as bleaching powder remains essential for finishing fabrics and whitening cotton. The revival of garment production in the Asia-Pacific region has generated a consistent need for industrial-grade bleaching agents to satisfy export goals. As reported by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam in June 2024, textile and garment export turnover hit 16.5 billion USD in the first half of the year, signaling strong industrial activity that fuels chemical usage. To meet this demand, leading producers are maintaining elevated output of chlor-alkali precursors; Grasim Industries Limited, in its May 2024 'Q4 FY24 Investor Presentation,' reported caustic soda sales of 308 KT for the quarter, a figure that dictates the co-production of chlorine utilized for bleaching powder.

Market Challenges

The principal obstacle constraining the global bleaching powder market is the intrinsic instability involved in sourcing raw materials, particularly chlorine. Because chlorine production is energy-intensive, it is highly vulnerable to shifting energy prices and operational cycles. This dependence results in a precarious supply chain wherein any disruption in feedstock availability immediately hampers the production capacity of calcium hypochlorite manufacturers. As a result, these supply bottlenecks make it difficult for producers to sustain consistent output, directly impacting their ability to fulfill the steady demands of critical industries like textile bleaching and municipal water treatment.

This unpredictability in raw material supply is corroborated by recent industrial statistics showing notable monthly variations in output. According to Euro Chlor, European chlorine production stood at 606,690 tonnes in September 2024. This figure emphasizes the erratic nature of chlorine availability, especially when contrasted with higher volumes reported earlier in the year. Such volatility compels bleaching powder manufacturers to function within an uncertain landscape, often causing delayed deliveries or reduced capacity utilization. Ultimately, the difficulty in securing a reliable stream of chlorine limits the market's overall growth potential, as manufacturers struggle to synchronize production schedules with actual demand.

Market Trends

The growth of specialized aquaculture applications is generating a strong alternative revenue source for bleaching powder producers. As global fish and shrimp farming activities expand, operators are increasingly relying on calcium hypochlorite for pathogen control and pond mineralization to avert disease outbreaks. This dependence is especially prominent in leading seafood-exporting countries where rigorous hygiene standards are required for trade. For example, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry stated in a June 2024 press release, 'India's seafood exports touch an all-time high,' that India exported 17,81,602 MT of seafood in the 2023-24 fiscal year, underscoring the immense scale of aquaculture operations that require consistent chemical disinfection.

Concurrently, a transition toward concentrated, high-purity formulations is influencing product development, motivated by the demand for sanitation efficiency. End-users are shifting to high-strength calcium hypochlorite options that produce less insoluble residue, a feature critical for compatibility with modern filtration systems. This trend is mirrored in the financial results of distributors serving the recreational water market, where chemical balance and water clarity are essential. In April 2024, Pool Corporation reported in its 'Pool Corporation Reports First Quarter 2024 Results' press release that it achieved net sales of $1.1 billion for the quarter, affirming the enduring demand for premium chemical maintenance solutions.

Key Players Profiled in the Bleaching Powder Market

• OxyChem
• Tata Chemicals
• Solvay
• Kemira
• Nouryon
• Clorox
• BASF
• AkzoNobel
• Zhejiang Longsheng
• Nirma

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Bleaching Powder Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Bleaching Powder Market, by Product Type:

• Calcium Hypochlorite
• Sodium Hypochlorite
• Others

Bleaching Powder Market, by Application:

• Water Treatment
• Textile
• Pulp and Paper
• Household Cleaning
• Others

Bleaching Powder Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Bleaching Powder Market.

Available Customization

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• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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