Bleaching Powder Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Others), By Application (Water Treatment, Textile, Pulp and Paper, Household Cleaning, Others), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.93 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.61%
Fastest Growing Segment	Calcium Hypochlorite
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 2.53 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Bleaching Powder Market will grow from USD 1.93 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.53 Billion by 2031 at a 4.61% CAGR. Bleaching powder, technically known as calcium hypochlorite, is an inorganic chemical compound widely utilized for its strong oxidizing and disinfecting properties. The market is fundamentally supported by sustained demand from the municipal water treatment sector, where it serves as a critical agent for sanitizing drinking water and treating wastewater to ensure public safety. Furthermore, the textile and pulp and paper industries rely heavily on this product for effective whitening applications, creating a consistent industrial consumption base that functions independently of temporary market sentiments.

However, a significant challenge hindering market expansion is the volatility of raw material supply, particularly chlorine, which is energy-intensive to manufacture and subject to fluctuating production cycles. This dependency creates potential bottlenecks in the supply chain for downstream derivatives. According to Euro Chlor, in 2024, European chlorine production for the month of March stood at 690,555 tonnes, indicating the variable availability of the primary feedstock required for global bleaching powder production.

Key Market Drivers

The rising demand for municipal water treatment and disinfection acts as a primary catalyst for the global bleaching powder market, driven by intensifying efforts to upgrade public sanitation infrastructure. Governments worldwide are prioritizing water safety to combat waterborne diseases, necessitating the large-scale procurement of calcium hypochlorite for its stability and cost-efficiency in sanitizing drinking water reservoirs. This trend is heavily supported by substantial federal investments aimed at modernizing aging systems. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, February 2024, in the 'EPA Announces Over $5.8 Billion for Water Infrastructure' press release, the agency allocated significant funding to states for upgrading essential water infrastructure, which directly correlates to an increased requirement for disinfection chemicals.

Concurrently, the expansion of the textile industry in emerging economies significantly propels market growth, as bleaching powder remains a fundamental agent for whitening cotton and finishing fabrics. The resurgence of garment manufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region has created a sustained demand for industrial-grade bleaching agents to meet export targets. According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, June 2024, in the 'Socio-economic situation in the second quarter and first six months of 2024' report, the export turnover of textiles and garments reached 16.5 billion USD, reflecting robust industrial activity that drives chemical consumption. To support such industrial needs, major manufacturers are maintaining high production volumes of the necessary chlor-alkali precursors. According to Grasim Industries Limited, May 2024, in the 'Q4 FY24 Investor Presentation', the company reported that its caustic soda sales volume, which dictates the co-production of chlorine for bleaching powder, stood at 308 KT for the quarter.

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Key Market Challenges

The primary impediment hindering the expansion of the global bleaching powder market is the inherent volatility associated with raw material procurement, specifically chlorine. Since chlorine manufacturing is highly energy-intensive, it is susceptible to fluctuations in energy costs and operational production cycles. This dependency creates a fragile supply chain where disruptions in feedstock availability immediately impact the production capabilities of calcium hypochlorite manufacturers. Consequently, these supply bottlenecks prevent producers from maintaining consistent output levels, directly affecting their ability to meet the steady requirements of essential sectors such as municipal water treatment and textile bleaching.

This instability in raw material availability is evidenced by recent industrial data which highlights significant monthly variances in output. According to Euro Chlor, in September 2024, European chlorine production reached 606,690 tonnes. This volume underscores the unpredictable nature of chlorine supply, particularly when compared to higher production figures recorded earlier in the same year. Such fluctuations force bleaching powder manufacturers to operate in an uncertain environment, often leading to reduced capacity utilization or delayed deliveries. Ultimately, the inability to secure a stable and predictable stream of chlorine constrains the overall growth potential of the market, as manufacturers struggle to align production schedules with demand.

Key Market Trends

The expansion into specialized aquaculture applications is creating a robust alternative revenue stream for bleaching powder manufacturers. As shrimp and fish cultivation intensifies globally, producers are increasingly utilizing calcium hypochlorite for pond mineralization and effective pathogen control to prevent disease outbreaks. This reliance is particularly evident in major seafood-exporting nations where maintaining strict hygiene standards is mandatory for trade compliance. According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, June 2024, in the 'India's seafood exports touch an all-time high' press release, India shipped 17,81,602 MT of seafood during the fiscal year 2023-24, highlighting the massive scale of aquaculture operations necessitating consistent chemical disinfection.

A concurrent shift toward high-purity concentrated formulations is reshaping product development, driven by the need for efficiency in sanitation. End-users are transitioning toward high-strength calcium hypochlorite variants that offer reduced insoluble residue, which is essential for compatibility with modern filtration systems. This preference is reflected in the financial performance of distributors catering to the recreational water sector, where water clarity and chemical balance are paramount. According to Pool Corporation, April 2024, in the 'Pool Corporation Reports First Quarter 2024 Results' press release, the company recorded net sales of $1.1 billion for the quarter, confirming the sustained demand for premium chemical maintenance products.

Segmental Insights

The Calcium Hypochlorite segment is identified as the fastest-growing category in the global bleaching powder market, driven by its critical role in water disinfection and sanitation. Its high available chlorine content and chemical stability render it more effective than traditional liquid bleaching agents for municipal water treatment and industrial applications. This demand is further bolstered by rigorous mandates from environmental protection agencies requiring effective wastewater management and safe drinking water standards. Consequently, industries and public utility sectors increasingly adopt calcium hypochlorite to ensure compliance with these stringent global health and safety regulations.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific leads the Global Bleaching Powder Market, supported by extensive industrial activities in China and India. The region's dominance is largely attributed to the high volume of textile and pulp and paper manufacturing, which relies heavily on bleaching agents for production. Furthermore, the pressing requirement for effective water treatment to sustain a large population drives significant product consumption. Increasing government focus on public health and sanitation standards continues to strengthen demand, positioning Asia Pacific as the central hub for global market growth and revenue generation.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Aditya Birla Chemicals officially launched its latest "Vikram" brand Stable Bleaching Powder during the Chem Expo India 2025 trade event. The new product offering, which was introduced in a specialized 5 kg packaging format, was developed to address specific consumer requirements in the water treatment and sanitation sectors. This launch was part of the company's broader strategic initiative to expand its portfolio of high-quality chlorine derivatives and reinforce its leadership position in the global bleaching powder market. The product is positioned to offer enhanced stability and effectiveness for various residential and industrial disinfection applications.
• In August 2024, Olin Corporation officially lifted the system-wide force majeure on its chlor-alkali products, which had been declared in July following the operational disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl. The company resumed the production of calcium hypochlorite and other related derivatives at its Freeport, Texas facility after successfully restoring the plant's manufacturing capabilities. This resumption was a critical development for ensuring a stable and consistent supply of essential sanitization and water treatment chemicals to the market. The restoration of operations allowed the company to fulfill pending customer orders and stabilize the supply chain for these vital products.
• In July 2024, Hangzhou ASIA Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. announced the launch of a new bleaching powder production line designed to manufacture high-efficiency calcium hypochlorite. This modern facility is capable of producing concentrated bleaching powder with an effective chlorine content exceeding 70%, which aligns with international quality standards. The expansion was implemented to improve production efficiency and reduce operational costs while meeting the increasing global demand for effective disinfectants. The new line supports the company's objective to strengthen its market position and provide reliable water treatment solutions to its diverse client base.
• In May 2024, DCM Shriram Ltd. entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, to foster innovation in the chemical manufacturing sector. This collaboration focuses on undertaking specialized research and development projects in critical areas such as water treatment chemicals, epoxy polymers, and chemical engineering. By leveraging the academic and technical expertise of ICT Mumbai, the company aims to enhance its product development capabilities and deliver advanced solutions for the chlor-alkali and bleaching powder markets. The partnership underscores the company's commitment to integrating sustainable practices and technological advancements into its operations.

Key Market Players

• OxyChem
• Tata Chemicals
• Solvay
• Kemira
• Nouryon
• Clorox
• BASF
• AkzoNobel
• Zhejiang Longsheng
• Nirma

By Product Type	By Application	By Region
Calcium Hypochlorite Sodium Hypochlorite Others	Water Treatment Textile Pulp and Paper Household Cleaning Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Bleaching Powder Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Bleaching Powder Market, By Product Type:

• Calcium Hypochlorite
• Sodium Hypochlorite
• Others

• Bleaching Powder Market, By Application:

• Water Treatment
• Textile
• Pulp and Paper
• Household Cleaning
• Others

• Bleaching Powder Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE