Growth for water treatment
21 Apr 2004
The worldwide market for water treatment chemicals is set to grow by almost 7% in the coming years, reaching a value of $35billion by 2007, according to a report from the Freedonia Group.
The Ohio-based market research organisation says that both developed and developing nations will see growth in the market.
The most promising regions are those where other industries are experiencing growth spurts. Latin America and the Pacific Rim are particular growth areas, the report says, as increasing activity in the electronic components, chemicals, pulp and paper and metal manufacturing sectors are leading to demand for water treatment services.
As with many sectors, China is leading the field: growth here is likely to exceed 17% annually.
In the developing world, demand is being driven by the need for clean drinking water. Increasing power generation capacity, to supply growing populations, is also helping the market, as water treatment chemicals are needed for steam cooling.
In developed nations, however, the main driver is environmental regulations: in Europe, for example, the Urban Wastewater Directive sets new limits on contaminants which must be met by 2005.
