Peracetic Acid Market in China

The global peracetic acid market is expected to reach an estimated $1.5 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 7.0% from 2025 to 2031. The peracetic acid market in China is also forecasted to witness strong growth over the forecast period. The major drivers for this market are the increase in peracetic acid usage in the pharmaceutical sector, the growing use of peracetic acid for effective water treatment solutions, and the increasing need to sanitize surgical instruments.

The future of the peracetic acid market in China looks promising with opportunities in the healthcare, food & beverage, water treatment, and pulp & paper markets.

• Within the application category, disinfectant will remain the largest segment over the forecast period due to its efficiency, minimal toxicity, and environmental friendliness, along with the broad use in a variety of industries, such as agriculture, water purification, food & beverage, and healthcare.

Emerging Trends in the Peracetic Acid Market in China

The peracetic acid market in China is witnessing rapid evolution driven by industrial growth, environmental regulations, and increasing demand for effective disinfectants. As China prioritizes sustainable and safe chemical solutions, peracetic acid is emerging as a preferred choice across sectors like healthcare, food processing, and water treatment. Innovations in production technology and government initiatives to reduce pollution further fuel market expansion. These factors together create a dynamic environment where emerging trends shape the competitive landscape and adoption patterns of peracetic acid, positioning China as a key player in the global market.

• Expansion of Food Industry Applications: China’s growing food processing sector increasingly adopts peracetic acid for sanitation due to its effectiveness against pathogens and minimal chemical residues. Stricter food safety laws and consumer awareness of hygiene are driving this trend. Peracetic acid’s rapid decomposition into non-toxic byproducts aligns with demand for clean-label products. This growth supports safer food supply chains and boosts the chemical’s market share in food processing applications.
• Rising Use in Healthcare and Sterilization: The healthcare sector in China is expanding its use of peracetic acid for sterilization amid heightened infection control measures. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial action and environmentally friendly profile make it ideal for hospitals and clinics. This trend is reinforced by increasing healthcare infrastructure investments and regulatory emphasis on hygiene, resulting in stronger demand for effective sterilants such as peracetic acid.
• Adoption in Water and Wastewater Treatment: Peracetic acid is gaining popularity in China’s municipal and industrial water treatment to meet stringent environmental standards. Its ability to disinfect without producing harmful chlorinated byproducts addresses pollution concerns. Growing urbanization and industrialization drive investments in sustainable water treatment solutions, positioning peracetic acid as a preferred chemical to improve water quality and comply with regulations.
• Technological Innovations in Production: Chinese manufacturers are increasingly adopting advanced production technologies, including continuous processes and catalysts, improving the efficiency and sustainability of peracetic acid manufacturing. These innovations reduce energy use and waste, lowering production costs. Enhanced production capabilities enable China to meet domestic demand and boost exports, reinforcing its status in the global peracetic acid market.
• Government Support for Green Chemicals: Government policies promoting environmentally friendly chemicals support the growth of peracetic acid in China. Incentives for green technologies and stricter regulations on hazardous substances encourage industries to switch to biodegradable and low-toxicity disinfectants. This policy environment accelerates market adoption and investment in peracetic acid, aligning industrial growth with sustainability objectives.

Emerging trends in China’s peracetic acid market reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability, safety, and technological advancement. Expansion in food processing, healthcare, and water treatment, combined with production innovations and supportive government policies, are driving rapid market growth. These trends are reshaping the industry by promoting wider adoption of peracetic acid as a preferred disinfectant and sanitizer. Consequently, China is strengthening its position as a key market and producer in the global peracetic acid landscape, aligned with environmental and public health priorities.

Recent Developments in the Peracetic Acid Market in China

The peracetic acid market in China is experiencing significant developments driven by industrial growth, environmental regulations, and technological advancements. As a potent disinfectant and sterilant, peracetic acid is gaining traction across various sectors, including food processing, healthcare, and water treatment. Recent shifts in production methods, regulatory frameworks, and market demands are reshaping the landscape, offering new opportunities and challenges for stakeholders. This overview highlights five key developments influencing the peracetic acid market in China.

• Expansion of Production Capacity: Leading manufacturers in China are scaling up peracetic acid production to meet the growing demand across industries. This expansion includes the construction of new facilities and the enhancement of existing plants. For instance, in January 2024, Evonik Industries acquired Thai Peroxide Company Limited, a move aimed at bolstering its peracetic acid production capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Such investments are expected to improve supply chain efficiency and support the increasing consumption of peracetic acid in sectors like healthcare and food processing.
• Adoption in Food Processing: Peracetic acid is increasingly utilized in China's food processing industry due to its effectiveness in sanitizing equipment and surfaces without leaving harmful residues. The National Food Safety Standard for Disinfectants (GB 31658) has been updated to mandate third-party certification for all food-contact sanitizers, including peracetic acid formulations. This regulatory change is expected to enhance product safety and quality, thereby boosting consumer confidence and market adoption.
• Technological Innovations in Production: Advancements in production technologies are enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of peracetic acid manufacturing in China. Emerging bio-based production methods, utilizing renewable feedstocks and simpler reactions, are being explored to reduce environmental impact. For example, certain bacteria and algae species have been identified as potential bio-producers of peracetic acid, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. These innovations aim to lower production costs and align with China's green chemistry initiatives.
• Regulatory Support for Green Chemicals: The Chinese government is actively promoting the use of environmentally friendly chemicals, including peracetic acid, through stricter environmental regulations and incentives for green technologies. Recent revisions to the "Emission Standard for Water Pollutants in the Disinfection Product Industry" have reduced permissible peracetic acid residue levels in wastewater by 40%, compelling producers to adopt advanced filtration systems. These regulatory measures are driving the adoption of peracetic acid as a sustainable disinfectant across various industries.
• Increased Demand in Water Treatment: Peracetic acid is gaining popularity in China's water treatment sector due to its effectiveness in disinfecting water and reducing chemical by-products. Its ability to break down into harmless components makes it an attractive alternative to chlorine-based treatments. The growing concerns over water pollution and the need for safe drinking water are driving investments in sustainable water treatment solutions, positioning peracetic acid as a key component in addressing these challenges

Recent developments in China's peracetic acid market, including expanded production capacities, regulatory support for green chemicals, and increased adoption across food processing and water treatment sectors, are fostering a dynamic and sustainable market environment. Technological innovations are further enhancing production efficiency and aligning with environmental goals. These factors collectively contribute to the growth and transformation of the peracetic acid market in China, positioning it as a critical component in the country's industrial and environmental strategies.

Strategic Growth Opportunities for Peracetic Acid Market in China

The peracetic acid market in China is poised for significant growth as industries increasingly seek effective, sustainable disinfectants and sterilants. Key application sectors such as food processing, healthcare, water treatment, agriculture, and industrial cleaning present strategic opportunities for market expansion. Growing regulatory emphasis on environmental safety, rising consumer awareness, and technological advancements further drive demand across these applications. This environment creates a fertile ground for companies to capitalize on peracetic acid’s unique properties, unlocking new growth avenues and strengthening China’s position in the global disinfectants market.

• Food Processing and Preservation: China’s expanding food processing industry offers a substantial growth opportunity for peracetic acid due to its strong antimicrobial efficacy and rapid decomposition into safe byproducts. Increasing food safety regulations and heightened consumer demand for hygienic and residue-free products are encouraging processors to adopt peracetic acid for surface sanitation and equipment cleaning. This application not only improves product shelf life and safety but also helps companies comply with stricter food safety standards, ultimately driving widespread adoption of peracetic acid across the food supply chain.
• Healthcare and Medical Sterilization: The growing healthcare infrastructure in China is fueling demand for effective sterilants. Peracetic acid’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties make it ideal for disinfecting medical instruments, hospital environments, and healthcare facilities. Heightened awareness of infection control following recent public health crises has accelerated the adoption of peracetic acid-based sterilizers. Its environmentally friendly profile and minimal toxic residue align with strict hospital hygiene protocols. Consequently, this sector represents a critical growth area, offering manufacturers opportunities to expand product portfolios and cater to stringent healthcare sanitation requirements.
• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Urbanization and industrial expansion in China are driving the need for efficient water and wastewater treatment solutions. Peracetic acid’s strong oxidizing and disinfectant capabilities, coupled with its ability to degrade into non-toxic byproducts, position it as a preferred choice in this sector. Increasing regulatory pressure to reduce harmful disinfection by-products and improve water quality boosts demand. Adoption of peracetic acid helps municipal and industrial operators comply with environmental standards while ensuring safer water supplies, making this an important strategic growth avenue.
• Agricultural Applications: Sustainable agriculture practices in China are gaining traction, creating opportunities for peracetic acid use in crop protection, irrigation water treatment, and post-harvest sanitation. Its effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens and biodegradability makes it attractive for minimizing chemical residues in food production. Farmers and agribusinesses seek safer alternatives to traditional pesticides and disinfectants to meet both regulatory demands and consumer preferences for cleaner produce. Expansion into this application supports environmental sustainability goals and offers a promising growth segment for peracetic acid suppliers.
• Industrial Cleaning and Surface Disinfection: Peracetic acid is increasingly utilized in industrial cleaning due to its rapid action against bacteria, viruses, and fungi on equipment and surfaces. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and manufacturing are adopting it to maintain high hygiene standards while reducing environmental impact. Its compatibility with various materials and minimal corrosiveness further enhances its appeal. This sector’s demand for effective and eco-friendly cleaning agents provides a strategic opportunity for growth, enabling manufacturers to develop specialized formulations tailored to industrial requirements.

Strategic growth opportunities in China’s peracetic acid market span critical applications such as food processing, healthcare, water treatment, agriculture, and industrial cleaning. Each sector benefits from the chemical’s strong disinfectant properties, environmental safety, and regulatory alignment. Together, these opportunities are driving broader adoption, market expansion, and innovation in product development. As industries prioritize sustainability and safety, the peracetic acid market in China is set to experience sustained growth and increased significance across diverse sectors.

Peracetic Acid Market in China Drivers and Challenges

The peracetic acid market in China is influenced by a range of technological, economic, and regulatory factors that serve as both drivers and challenges. Technological advancements enhance production efficiency and sustainability while economic growth fuels demand across key sectors such as healthcare, food processing, and water treatment. Regulatory frameworks promote environmentally friendly chemical usage but also impose stringent compliance requirements. Understanding these major drivers and challenges is essential for stakeholders to navigate the market landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities while mitigating potential risks.

The factors responsible for driving the peracetic acid market in China include:

• Rising Demand in Food Safety and Hygiene: China’s expanding food processing industry and increasing consumer focus on food safety are driving demand for effective sanitizers like peracetic acid. This chemical offers strong antimicrobial properties and decomposes into safe byproducts, making it ideal for maintaining hygiene without harmful residues. Enhanced regulatory requirements and certifications in food safety further encourage adoption. As food safety remains a top priority, peracetic acid use in cleaning and disinfecting food contact surfaces is expected to grow substantially, supporting market expansion.
• Technological Advancements in Production: Innovations in production technologies, including continuous processing and bio-based methods, improve the efficiency and sustainability of peracetic acid manufacturing. These advances reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and minimize environmental impact. The integration of greener production techniques aligns with China’s national strategies on green chemistry and pollution control. Enhanced production capacity and improved product quality enable manufacturers to meet rising demand and strengthen their competitive position in the market.
• Government Regulations Promoting Green Chemicals: Chinese environmental regulations are increasingly stringent, favoring biodegradable and low-toxicity disinfectants like peracetic acid. Policies restricting harmful chemical use and incentivizing green alternatives encourage industries to shift away from traditional disinfectants. These regulatory measures stimulate market growth by creating a favorable environment for sustainable chemical solutions. Compliance with updated emission and safety standards further positions peracetic acid as a preferred disinfectant in diverse applications.
• Growth in Healthcare Infrastructure: Rapid expansion of healthcare facilities in China drives the need for reliable sterilants. Peracetic acid is widely used for sterilizing medical instruments and hospital environments due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and environmentally friendly decomposition. Increased investments in healthcare infrastructure and infection control measures boost demand for effective sterilants. This sector remains a significant driver, supporting sustained growth and innovation in peracetic acid formulations tailored for medical use.
• Increasing Water and Wastewater Treatment Needs: Urbanization and industrialization lead to higher demand for advanced water treatment chemicals. Peracetic acid offers effective disinfection while avoiding formation of harmful chlorinated byproducts common with traditional treatments. Growing regulatory pressure to improve water quality and reduce pollution encourages adoption of sustainable disinfectants. Its use in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities is rising, contributing to improved environmental outcomes and driving market growth.

Challenges in the peracetic acid market in China are:

• High Production and Raw Material Costs: Peracetic acid production involves costly raw materials such as acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, and advanced manufacturing processes. Fluctuations in raw material prices can impact production costs and market pricing. Higher costs may limit affordability for smaller users or certain applications. Managing cost efficiency without compromising quality remains a challenge for producers, especially as competition intensifies and price sensitivity increases in the market.
• Safety and Handling Concerns: Peracetic acid is a strong oxidizing agent that requires careful handling and storage to prevent hazards such as corrosion, irritation, or explosions. Strict safety protocols increase operational complexity and training needs for end-users and manufacturers. These concerns can limit widespread adoption, especially in smaller facilities with limited resources. Overcoming safety challenges is critical to ensuring broader market acceptance and regulatory compliance.
• Stringent Regulatory Compliance Requirements: While regulations promote sustainable chemical use, they also impose complex compliance requirements related to product registration, emissions, and safety standards. Navigating these regulatory frameworks can be costly and time-consuming for manufacturers, especially new entrants. Non-compliance risks penalties and market access restrictions. Continuous updates to regulations necessitate ongoing adaptation by companies, posing a challenge to operational agility and long-term planning.

The peracetic acid market in China is propelled by strong drivers including growing food safety demands, technological innovation, regulatory support for green chemicals, healthcare expansion, and water treatment needs. However, challenges such as high production costs, safety concerns, and complex regulatory compliance must be managed carefully. Together, these factors shape a dynamic market environment requiring strategic investments and risk mitigation. Successful navigation of drivers and challenges will determine the pace and sustainability of market growth in China.

List of Peracetic Acid Market in China Companies

Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies, peracetic acid companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base.

Peracetic Acid Market in China by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the peracetic acid market in China by grade, application, and end use.

Grade [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• < 5% Grade
• 5-15% Grade
• >15% Grade

Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Disinfectant
• Sterilant
• Sanitizer
• Others

End Use [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Healthcare
• Food & Beverage
• Water Treatment
• Pulp & Paper
• Others

Features of this Peracetic Acid Market in China Report

• Market Size Estimates: Peracetic acid in China market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
• Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
• Segmentation Analysis: Peracetic acid in China market size by grade, application, and end use in terms of value ($B).
• Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different grade, application, and end use for the peracetic acid in China.
• Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the peracetic acid in China.
• Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.

This report answers the following 10 key questions:

Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the peracetic acid market in China by grade (< 5% grade, 5-15% grade, and >15% grade), application (disinfectant, sterilant, sanitizer, and others), and end use (healthcare, food & beverage, water treatment, pulp & paper, and others)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?