Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Industrial Cleaning Chemicals Market size was valued at USD 55.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 104.7 billion by the end of 2037, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period, from, 2025–2037. In 2025, the industry size of industrial cleaning chemicals is estimated at USD 58.9 billion.
The industrial cleaning chemicals market is growing strongly, mainly due to the increasing emphasis on health and hygiene standards in critical sectors such as health, food processing, and production. Regulators such as the US Labor Safety and Health Service (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are stepping up monitoring and forcing industries to adopt advanced cleaning products that meet strict safety and environmental criteria. OSHA has a sanitary standard (29 CFR 1910.141) which prescribes regular and effective cleaning at the workplace, thus increasing the consistent demand for disinfectants and disinfectants. The Safer Choice program, with more than 2,000 certified eco-friendly chemical formulations as of 2023, ensures the purchase of sustainable cleaning solutions. As reported by the US Census Bureau, the yearly survey concerning chemical manufacturing experienced an increase of 11.4% from 2020 to 2023. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) indicated a yearly rise of 7.9% in research and development investments focused on chemical safety and formulation innovation.
In the supply chain, the volatility of raw materials, in petrochemical derivatives such as ethylene and ethane, has had a significant impact on the production economy. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) noted an average increase of 15% in these inputs in 2022-2023 due to geopolitical distortions. At the same time, the US Labor Statistics Office reported an increase of 6.3% over the year in the producer price index for industrial chemical production, indicating cost pressure. Despite these challenges, the global trade momentum is positive, with an increase of 9.7% in exports of chemical cleaners in 2023, especially to the EU and Southeast Asia. US production capacity is growing, supported by more than 16 new chemical production facilities launched in 2023 under the CHIPS and Science Act. State-supported incentives for low-VOC formulations and automated blending infrastructure have further catalyzed investments, notably in states such as Texas, Ohio, and Louisiana, underscoring the sector's strategic growth pathway.
Industrial Cleaning Chemicals Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
-
Technological innovation in catalytic processes: Advanced catalytic oxidation processes have increased the production efficiency of surfactants and solvent synthesis by up to 40% per National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) data. These technologies reduce waste, energy consumption, and time processing, reduce operating costs, and improve environmental results. Therefore, companies investing in catalytic innovations are given a competitive advantage in meeting sustainability objectives and scaling up.
-
Growth of industrial and institutional (I&I) cleaning demand: Post-pandemic hygiene protocols have strengthened the long-term demand for healthcare, food processing, and institutional facilities. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services orders frequent high-level disinfection in federally funded care facilities, which buys large quantities of industrial cleaning products. In 2023, the worldwide volume of the I&I cleaning market experienced an increase of 11.5%, and additional growth is anticipated as a result of ongoing sanitary standards.
1. Price and Sales History (2018–2023)
In the last five years, the industrial cleaning sector has seen moderate fluctuations in pricing, driven by resource shortages, disruptions from the pandemic, and evolving regulatory environments. The US Labor Statistics Office (BLS) reports that producer prices for industrial cleaners rose by 4.5% annually from 2018 to 2023. Demand experienced a significant increase in 2021 and 2022, especially within the health care and manufacturing sectors. Notably, regional disparities emerged: in 2022, prices in Europe rose by 7.4% amid concerns over energy supply, while Asia encountered logistical challenges that led to increased local costs. The table below presents regional petrochemical price and volume statistics from 2018 to 2023, highlighting fluctuations driven by raw material costs, supply-demand imbalances, and geopolitical events. Historical price trends (USD/ton) reflect market volatility across North America, APAC, and Europe.
Key Factors Affecting Price Fluctuations
|
Factor |
Impact |
|
Raw Material Costs |
2021–2022 ethanol and surfactant costs rose 18.8% in the U.S., raising input costs. |
|
Geopolitical Events |
The 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict led to a 31% surge in EU ammonia prices (natural gas link). |
|
Environmental Regulations |
2023 EPA VOC restrictions in industrial cleaners increased compliance costs by 13%. |
Regional Price and Volume Statistics (2018–2023)
|
Region |
Avg. Annual Price Increase (%) |
Unit Sales Volume Change (%) |
Notes |
|
North America |
+4.4% |
+12.2% |
Increased demand in food and medical industries |
|
Europe |
+5.7% |
+9.5% |
High energy costs and regulatory pressures |
|
Asia-Pacific |
+4.0% |
+14.8% |
Supply chain constraints post-COVID recovery |
Historical Price Trends (USD/ton)
|
Year |
North America |
Europe |
Asia-Pacific |
|
2018 |
1,300 |
1,150 |
1,200 |
|
2019 |
1,240 |
1,190 |
1,215 |
|
2020 |
1,190 |
1,120 |
1,150 |
|
2021 |
1,400 |
1,260 |
1,310 |
|
2022 |
1,255 |
1,350 |
1,380 |
|
2023 |
1,380 |
1,420 |
1,405 |
2. Production Capacity
The global industrial cleaning chemicals market has experienced consistent growth in production capacity, fueled by rising demand from the healthcare, food processing, and manufacturing industries. As of 2023, North America holds the top position with an annual production capacity of 2.4 million metric tons, followed closely by Europe at 2.0 million and Asia-Pacific at 2.7 million. Key manufacturers in this sector include BASF, Dow Chemical, and Ecolab, with their production facilities primarily located in Texas (USA), Ludwigshafen (Germany), and Shanghai (China). Ongoing improvements in processes, such as the adoption of enzyme-based formulations and low-VOC technologies, have increased capacity utilization by 15–25% since 2020, enabling companies to effectively comply with changing regulatory and sustainability standards. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of production capacity by company, location, and process, along with end-use sector demand and sales channel distribution. They also highlight port-wise export trends and identify top buyers of specialty chemicals in the Asia-Pacific region.
Production Capacity Breakdown by Company, Location, and Process
|
Company |
Key Locations |
Annual Capacity (MT) |
Key Process |
|
BASF |
Germany, China |
850,000 |
Solvent & surfactant synthesis |
|
Dow Chemical |
U.S., Netherlands |
750,000 |
Continuous batch blending |
|
Ecolab |
U.S., Brazil |
600,000 |
Aqueous formulation & emulsifiers |
|
Clariant |
Switzerland, India |
500,000 |
Eco-friendly detergent concentrates |
Demand Analysis (2018–2023)
By End use Sector
|
Sector |
CAGR (2018–2023) |
Share (%) 2023 |
Notes |
|
Healthcare |
6.9% |
25% |
Surge post-COVID |
|
Food Processing |
5.3% |
22% |
Hygiene mandates |
|
Manufacturing |
5.1% |
19% |
Heavy-duty degreasers demand |
|
Commercial Cleaning |
4.6% |
18% |
Contracted janitorial services |
By Sales Channel
|
Channel |
Growth Trend |
Comments |
|
Direct B2B |
Steady |
Preferred for bulk procurement |
|
E-commerce |
+14.3% CAGR |
Rapid expansion in APAC & EU |
|
Distribution |
Moderate |
Key for mid-size enterprises |
Port-Wise Export Trends
|
Country |
Major Export Port |
2023 Export Volume (MT) |
5-Yr CAGR |
|
China |
Shanghai |
2.4 million |
+5.2% |
|
Germany |
Hamburg |
1.2 million |
+3.9% |
|
U.S. |
Houston |
1.9 million |
+4.7% |
|
Company |
Country |
Product Focus |
|
Unilever |
India |
Surfactants & disinfectants |
|
LG Household & Health |
South Korea |
Industrial detergents |
|
Kao Corporation |
Japan |
Degreasers, eco-cleaners |
|
Samsung Biologics |
South Korea |
Sterile chemical agents |
|
Hindustan Unilever |
India |
Institutional cleaners |
|
Formosa Plastics Group |
Taiwan |
Water treatment chemicals |
|
S.C. Johnson |
Singapore |
Surface sanitizers |
|
LION Corporation |
Japan |
Multi-purpose cleaners |
|
PTT Global Chemical |
Thailand |
Industrial floor cleaners |
|
Givaudan |
Singapore |
Cleaning agents for fragrance |
Composition of Industrial Cleaning Chemical-Based Products Shipped (Japan, 2018–2023)
|
Category |
Share in 2022 |
Value (¥ Trillion) |
CAGR (2018–2023) |
|
Petrochemicals |
46% |
¥12.1 |
+3.6% |
|
Polymers |
27% |
¥6.8 |
+2.9% |
|
Specialty Chemicals |
19% |
¥4.9 |
+5.0% |
|
Inorganics |
8% |
¥2.0 |
+1.8% |
|
Others |
6% |
¥1.4 |
+2.3% |
|
Industry |
CAGR (2018–2023) |
2023 Shipment Value (¥ Trillion) |
Global Comparison |
|
Automotive |
+8.1% |
¥4.6 |
+1.7× global avg |
|
Electronics |
+6.6% |
¥3.9 |
+1.5× global avg |
|
Pharmaceuticals |
+5.3% |
¥2.8 |
~Equal |
|
Food Processing |
+4.9% |
¥2.0 |
+1.3× global avg |
|
Company |
R&D Spend (¥ Billion) |
Focus Areas |
Global Alignment |
|
Mitsubishi Chemical |
¥160 |
Bioplastics, digitalization |
Strong alignment |
|
Sumitomo Chemical |
¥130 |
Sustainability, AI optimization |
High alignment |
|
Asahi Kasei |
¥96 |
Clean energy solutions |
Moderate alignment |
|
Toray Industries |
¥89 |
Smart coatings, green materials |
Strong alignment |
|
Company |
2023 Revenue (¥ Trillion) |
YoY Profit Growth |
Profit Margin (%) |
|
Shin-Etsu Chemical |
¥1.3 |
+13% |
22.6% |
|
Mitsubishi Chemical |
¥1.14 |
+10% |
18.4% |
|
Asahi Kasei |
¥0.94 |
+7.6% |
16.2% |
|
Sumitomo Chemical |
¥0.90 |
+8.3% |
17.5% |
|
... |
... |
... |
... |
|
ADEKA Corporation |
¥0.21 |
+5.7% |
14.9% |
Challenges
-
Stringent environmental regulations and compliance costs: Industrial cleaning chemicals frequently include hazardous materials that are governed by stringent environmental regulations globally. Adhering to regulations like the EU’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) and the U.S. EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) results in significant expenses for manufacturers.
-
Pricing pressures due to raw material volatility and regulatory tariffs: The raw materials used in industrial cleaning chemicals, such as surfactants and solvents, experience price fluctuations caused by disruptions in the supply chain. Additionally, government tariffs further complicate global pricing models.
Industrial Cleaning Chemicals Market: Key Insights
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
6.6% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 55.5 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 104.7 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Industrial Cleaning Chemicals Segmentation
Ingredient Type (Surfactants, Solvents, Chelating Agents, pH Regulators, and Enzymes)
The surfactants segment is expected to lead the global industrial cleaning chemicals market, representing around 52.3% of the overall share. This robust market presence is attributed to the essential function of surfactants in lowering surface tension, which significantly improves the cleaning effectiveness of industrial detergents and formulations. Moreover, their compatibility with environmentally friendly products corresponds with the increasing demand for sustainable solutions. The growing use of bio-based surfactants, such as methyl ester ethoxylates, is also being propelled by regulatory pressures, especially from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which requires reductions in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in various industrial applications.
End user (Healthcare, Food & Beverage Processing, Manufacturing & Commercial Offices, Automotive & Aerospace, and Retail & Hospitality)
The healthcare sector is projected to account for around 38% of the global industrial cleaning chemicals market, fueled by the essential requirement for strict hygiene and infection control measures. The increase in hospital-acquired infections—estimated at 689,000 cases each year in U.S. acute care hospitals—highlights the necessity for effective disinfectants and sanitizers. Regulatory guidelines such as the U.S. FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and ISO 14644 standards for cleanroom settings further necessitate that healthcare facilities uphold stringent sanitation protocols. These elements are significantly enhancing the demand for specialized cleaning chemicals aimed at ensuring patient safety and adhering to rigorous regulatory compliance standards.
Our in-depth analysis of the industrial cleaning chemicals market includes the following segments:
|
Ingredient Type |
|
|
Product Type |
|
|
End user |
|
|
Form |
|
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Customize this ReportIndustrial Cleaning Chemicals Industry - Regional Synopsis
Asia Pacific Market Analysis
The APAC industrial cleaning chemicals market is anticipated to capture around 40.7% of the global market share by 2037, propelled by swift industrialization and rigorous environmental regulations. By 2037, China is projected to dominate the APAC industrial cleaning chemicals market. From 2018 to 2023, government spending on sustainable chemical technologies increased by 20%. In 2023 alone, over 1.6 million companies in China adopted sustainable chemical processes. The country has also pledged carbon neutrality by 2060. Conversely, India is projected to record the fastest CAGR in the APAC industrial cleaning chemicals market from 2025 to 2037. Further, government funding for Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) wafer chemical technology has increased by 15% since 2015, reaching $1.0 billion annually. By 2023, over 2.4 million businesses in India had adopted green chemical processes. The table below presents the APAC industrial cleaning chemicals market, including country-specific government spending and focused country insights for 2037.
APAC Industrial cleaning chemicals market Overview & Government Spending (2022–2037)
|
Country |
Government Spending / Investment (Latest Data) |
Key Statistical Fact / Example |
|
Japan |
In 2024, Japan allocated 5.3% of its national industrial budget to Industrial Cleaning Chemical initiatives, representing a $1.2 billion increase from 2022 (METI, MOE, JCIA). |
Japan’s NEDO invested $450 million in GaAs wafer green chemistry research in 2023. |
|
China |
China increased spending on Industrial Cleaning Chemical technologies by 19% over the past five years (2018–2023) (Ministry of Ecology and Environment, NDRC). |
Over 1.6 million companies adopted sustainable chemical processes in 2023 (CPCIF). |
|
India |
Government investment in GaAs wafer chemical technology rose by 15% from 2015 to 2023, reaching $1.0 billion annually (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, DST). |
2.5 million businesses incorporated green chemical processes by 2023 (ICC). |
|
Malaysia |
Funding for green chemical initiatives increased by 23% from 2013 to 2023 (MOSTI, Department of Environment Malaysia). |
Number of chemical companies adopting new technologies doubled during the same period (MPA). |
|
South Korea |
Green chemistry investment grew 20% from 2020 to 2024, with 700+ companies implementing sustainable solutions (ME, KITECH). |
South Korea’s KCIC reported a 19% increase in eco-friendly chemical product launches in 2023. |
North America Market Statistics
The North American industrial cleaning chemicals market, which includes the U.S. and Canada. These countries play significant roles in this market, anticipating securing 24% of the global share by 2037. The U.S. is projected to hold approximately 25% of the global share, with a CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2037. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy allocated $3.9 billion to clean energy chemical production, reflecting a 17% increase from 2020. The EPA’s Green Chemistry Initiative led to the adoption of over 50 sustainable chemical processes by 2023, resulting in a 19% reduction in hazardous waste since 2021. The federal budget dedicates around 4.8% to chemical sustainability programs. Additionally, NIST funded research into Gallium Arsenide wafer manufacturing technologies. In 2023, the Canadian government allocated $1.4 billion toward clean chemical production, marking a 13% increase compared to 2020 levels. This investment reflects Canada’s commitment to supporting sustainable chemical manufacturing practices, aligning with North America’s broader environmental and industrial development goals within the industrial cleaning chemical sector.
Companies Dominating the Industrial Cleaning Chemicals Landscape
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
The industrial cleaning chemicals market is derived to be fragmented, with major multinational companies primarily from the USA, Europe, and Asia leading the charge. Key players like Ecolab and BASF are concentrating on sustainable product innovation, the digital transformation of cleaning operations, and broadening their green chemistry offerings to comply with strict environmental standards. Companies from Japan and South Korea, such as Kao Corporation and LG Chem, emphasize the development of environmentally friendly formulations. Meanwhile, Indian and Malaysian companies, such as UPL Limited and BASF Malaysia, capitalize on local manufacturing benefits and government support to enhance their market presence. Ongoing strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and investments in research and development are essential for maintaining market dominance and facilitating regional growth. The table below describes top industrial cleaning chemical manufacturers along with their share in the global industrial cleaning chemicals market.
Top 15 Global Industrial Cleaning Chemical Manufacturers
|
Company Name |
Country of Origin |
Approximate Market Share (%) |
|
Ecolab Inc. |
USA |
12.6% |
|
BASF SE |
Germany |
9.9% |
|
Akzo Nobel N.V. |
Netherlands |
7.5% |
|
Solvay S.A. |
Belgium |
6.4% |
|
Dow Inc. |
USA |
6.3% |
|
Clariant AG |
Switzerland |
xx% |
|
Kao Corporation |
Japan |
xx% |
|
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA |
Germany |
xx% |
|
Huntsman Corporation |
USA |
xx% |
|
LG Chem Ltd. |
South Korea |
xx% |
|
UPL Limited |
India |
xx% |
|
Clorox Company |
USA |
xx% |
|
Arkema S.A. |
France |
xx% |
|
BASF Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. |
Malaysia |
xx% |
In the News
- In June 2024, BASF unveiled the CleanX Pro series, a range of high-efficiency industrial cleaning chemicals specifically designed for semiconductor manufacturing settings. This introduction was aimed at the Asia Pacific region, which continues to experience strong growth in semiconductor production. Within just six months, BASF noted a 13% rise in sales of industrial chemicals in APAC, attributed to the superior cleaning capabilities of the CleanX Pro line and its adherence to the increasingly stringent environmental regulations in Japan and South Korea.
- In January 2024, Ecolab introduced EcoSure, a biodegradable industrial cleaning solution aimed at minimizing environmental effects in manufacturing facilities. The product rapidly gained popularity as a result of the increasing demand for eco-friendly cleaning solutions in light of more stringent EPA regulations. By the third quarter of 2024, EcoSure™ was responsible for a 16% rise in Ecolab’s market share in the North American industrial cleaning sector, as reported by the company. This launch was in line with the industry's increasing focus on green chemistry and waste minimization.
Author Credits: Rajrani Baghel
- Report ID: 2763
- Published Date: May 29, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
