Oxidizing and Bleaching Agents

Report Highlights

• Growth in oxidizing and bleaching agents is forecast at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 3.5% reaching about $4.1 billion in 2007.
• Pulp bleaching is, by far, the largest end use, accounting for two-thirds of the total dollars.
• Pulp bleaching will show the most growth at an AAGR of 3.6%.
• By product type, chlorine and chlorinated compounds and oxygen and oxygenated compounds each make up about 45% of the market.
• Oxygen and oxygenated compounds will account for nearly half the dollar volume by 2007.

INTRODUCTION

BCC presents the findings of a detailed analysis of the U. S. market for oxidizing and bleaching agents, with emphasis on future trends, changing technology and opportunities. The report updates a previous study completed in 1995. Since then, oxidizing and bleaching agents have continued to grow, largely because of the environmental problems caused by chlorine and its derivatives. Indeed, BCC estimates the total domestic market for oxidizing and bleaching agents to have reached about $3.42 billion in 2002. A review of the status of this market, therefore, appears to be appropriate.

Today, most commercial bleaches are oxidizing agents, i.e., chemicals that decolorize substances by means of oxidation. In addition to their bleaching and oxidative properties, chlorine and many of its compounds have the power to kill or control microorganisms, a property that is useful in cleaning compounds. There are three principal classes of bleaching agents covered in this study: (1) chlorine and chlorinated compounds, (2) oxygen and oxygenated compounds, and (3) reducing bleaches. There also are other oxidizing and bleaching agents not used in commercial quantities that will be dealt with briefly.

Through this timely report, BCC makes available the most current and reliable information on the consumption of oxidizing and bleaching agents. It will be of particular value, therefore, to CEOs, directors of development and marketing, as well as strategic planners and researchers in the chemicals industry, and the application es covering the fields of cleaners, pulp manufacturing, waste treatment, textiles, food, mining and electronics.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This analysis of oxidizing and bleaching agents:

• Forecasts the market for these products by end use and by individual product or product group
• Identifies the most rapidly changing applications and the reasons for their growth or decline
• Describes the major trends in end uses
• Provides a description of the most important companies supplying oxidizing and bleaching agents
• Reviews changing technologies and government regulations.

METHODOLOGY AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Information on market size, growth rates, technological trends, and regulatory influences was obtained from interviews with marketing personnel with suppliers of oxidizing and bleaching agents. Secondary sources include reviews of trade journals such as Pulp and Paper, Chemical & Engineering News, and Chemical Market Reporter.

UNITS

All forecasts are given in constant 2002 dollars. Growth rates are compounded annually. Trade names are shown in upper case letters.