Biocides

Report Highlights

• The total U. S. market for biocides stood at $1.60 billion in 2003.
• The Average annual growth rate to (AAGR) 2008 is expected to be about 3.2%.
• The four largest end uses are swimming pool and spa disinfectants, paper slimicides, wood preservatives and personalcare products that combined, account for nearly two-thirds of the dollar volume.
• By product group, the three largest are halogenated compounds, inorganic compounds, and quaternaries that make up55% of the value.
• The most rapidly growing end use is health care while the product types growing the fastest are quaternaries and halogenated compounds.

INTRODUCTION

Humanity has been aware of the need to protect itself against disease as far back as ancient times. We knew that boiling water was an effective precaution, and that storing it in silver or copper vessels helped. When plagues ravaged Europe, they were fought by burning sulfur or aromatic woods in affected houses. It was not until the 16th or 17th centuries, however, that the concept of transmission of contagion by some sort of microorganism was realized by students of disease.

An even greater public awareness of the need for expanded control of microorganisms and effective government regulations, particularly with respect to new product development,is having its effect on the makeup of today’s market for the biocides used to control these pathogens. There have been numerous studies of the biocides market, but it continues to undergo changes that have a significant effect on use. Therefore, it is necessary to keep abreast of all developments.

This BCC report presents the findings of a survey of the U. S. market for specialty biocides. It brings to its readers a detailed analysis of the market, with emphasis on future trends, changing technologies and opportunities. The study makes available the most current and reliable information on the consumption of biocides and forecasts the market for these products, broken down insofar as possible, by end use and individual product or product group.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report:

• Covers specialty organic and inorganic chemicals used to control or kill microorganisms, both as chemical entities and as formulations
• Identifies the most rapidly changing applications and the reasons for their growth or decline
• Describes major use trends
• Forecasts biocide markets through 2008
• Provides profiles of the most important companies supplying biocides.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

Information on market size, growth rates, and technology trends was obtained from telephone interviews with key marketing and management personnel from suppliers of biocides.

Secondary sources include reviews of trade journals such as Chemical and Engineering News, and Chemical Market Reporter. Product literature from selected suppliers was also reviewed.

UNITS

All units are given in constant 2003 dollars. Growth rates are compounded annually.

AUTHOR'S CREDENTIALS

George Innes has an A.B. degree in chemistry from Harvard. After spending about ten years in research in the chemical industry, he moved to market development and then to sales, eventually serving as sales manager for Jefferson Chemical Co. (now part of Huntsman Chemical). Innes also served as director of sales and development for Amax and later vice president of marketing for Michigan Chemical. He has also spent many years in market research as vice president of C.H. Kline & Co. and has completed some 20 technical market research reports for BCC in the field of chemicals and allied products.