2025 Chemical Research Review

Report Highlights

• The global market for specialty water treatment chemicals is estimated to grow from $42.4 billion in 2025 to reach $57.9 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2025 through 2030.
• The global market for elastomers was valued at $112.7 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from $120.4 billion in 2025 to reach $177.7 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2025 to 2030.
• The global market for high-purity solvents is estimated to grow from $32.7 billion in 2025 and forecast to reach $45 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2025 through 2030.

Research Review Scope

The global chemical industry is constantly evolving. It forms the basis of modern manufacturing and supplies essential materials that drive innovation across sectors such as transportation, electronics, energy, healthcare, and consumer goods. The rising emphasis on sustainability, the circular economy, and improved performance is boosting the demand for various specialty chemicals. The use of AI and automation is enhancing production efficiency and improving supply chain resilience.

Several segments within the chemical industry are expected to grow. These include specialty water treatment chemicals, elastomers, high-purity solvents, refrigerants, flame-retardant chemicals, high-purity quartz, engineered wood adhesives, acrylic coatings, polymers for electric vehicles (EVs), polyester resins, and chemicals for cosmetics and toiletries.

The chemical market for cosmetics and toiletries is expanding, driven by rising consumer demand for safer, more sustainable formulations. This market includes various chemicals such as surfactants, emollients, and preservatives. The increasing need for bio-based, non-toxic, and dermatologically safe chemical formulations is driving growth in this segment.

The demand for water treatment chemicals is rising due to growing concerns about industrial wastewater management, water scarcity, and environmental regulations related to wastewater generation and treatment. Water treatment chemicals are used across sectors such as wastewater treatment, power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing. Water reuse and zero discharge systems are also contributing to market growth, especially in regions that experience water shortages.

Elastomers are used in many applications across the automotive, construction, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors. Their flexibility, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals make them crucial for tires, seals, gaskets, and medical devices. As the automotive industry transitions to electric mobility, the demand for high-performance elastomers in EV components, such as battery seals and thermal management systems, is rising sharply.

High-purity solvents are increasingly used across industries such as the pharmaceutical, electronics, and specialty chemicals sectors. As the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries expand globally, particularly in Asia-Pacific, demand for ultra-high-purity solvents is bound to increase. The refrigerants market has undergone a major shift in recent years, driven by the need to phase out hydrofluorocarbons. This transition favors hydrofluoroolefins and natural refrigerants such as CO2 and ammonia, which have low global warming potentials (GWPs).

High-purity quartz is an essential component in high-tech products, especially in the semiconductor and solar industries. The excellent thermal properties of high-purity quartz make it an essential component in the production of silicon wafers and other electronic components. Flame-retardant chemicals are gaining importance in the market as a means of improving fire safety across a range of industries, including construction, electronics, textiles, and transportation. There has been a major increase in demand for flame-retardant chemicals to meet fire safety regulations and protect the environment.

Acrylic coatings offer excellent weather resistance, durability, and appearance. They are commonly used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications. Waterborne acrylic coatings have gained popularity in recent years due to their low volatile organic compound (VOC) content and compliance with environmental regulations. Adhesives for engineered wood products are gaining popularity as green building materials become more prevalent. These adhesives are used in products such as plywood, particleboard, and cross-laminated timber.

Polyester resins are used across industries, including construction, marine, automotive, and packaging. These materials are cost-effective, have good mechanical properties, and can be used for various applications such as composites and fiber-reinforced plastics. Polymers for electric vehicles are emerging as automakers increasingly use lightweight materials to boost vehicle energy efficiency and driving range. These polymers are used in battery enclosures, interior parts, thermal insulation, and electrical systems.

Research Reviews from BCC Research provide market professionals with concise market coverage within a specific research category. This 2025 Research Review of Chemicals provides a sampling of the type of quantitative market information, analysis, and guidance that BCC Research has been developing since its inception in 1971 to help its customers make informed business decisions. This Research Review includes highlights and excerpts from the following reports published by BCC Research in 2025:

• CHM013L Specialty Water Treatment Chemicals: Technologies and Global Markets
• CHM056E Elastomers: Applications and Global Markets
• CHM158B High-Purity Solvents: Global Markets
• CHM159B Refrigerants: Global Markets
• CHM014R Flame Retardant Chemicals: Technologies and Global Markets
• CHM191A Global High Purity Quartz Market
• CHM189A Global Engineered Wood Adhesives Market
• CHM105C Acrylic Coatings: Technologies, End Users, and Global Markets
• CHM141C Global Market for Polymers Used in Electric Vehicles
• CHM156B Polyester Resin: Global Markets
• CHM018K Global Markets for Chemicals for Cosmetics and Toiletries

After you survey the excerpts in this Research Review, we encourage you to follow up on these topics by checking out the full market research reports associated with each topic. BCC Research looks forward to serving your market intelligence needs in the future.