Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Sales Channel (Direct, Indirect), By End Use (Water Treatment, Industrial Application, Food Additives, Dairy Products, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market was valued at USD 843.42 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1216.10 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.20% during the forecast period. Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP), a sodium phosphate polymer, is primarily valued for its ability to act as a dispersing agent, sequestrant, and water softener. These properties make it an essential additive in processes where scale prevention, metal ion control, or preservation is required.

One of the key growth drivers of the sodium hexametaphosphate market is the rising demand for water treatment solutions. With increasing concerns over industrial wastewater discharge and the need for clean, potable water, SHMP has gained prominence as a vital ingredient in municipal and industrial water treatment processes. It effectively prevents the build-up of scale and stabilizes heavy metal ions, thereby improving the efficiency of filtration systems and extending the lifespan of equipment. Despite its broad industrial utility, the market faces certain challenges. Health concerns associated with excessive phosphate intake in food, along with growing consumer preference for clean-label ingredients, may limit its growth in the food and beverage sector.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Use of Sodium Hexametaphosphate in Water Treatment

In 2022, approximately 42% of household wastewater worldwide was not adequately treated before being discharged, resulting in an estimated 113 billion cubic meters of untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater being released into the environment. The increasing utilization of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) in water treatment processes is emerging as a significant driver of growth in the global sodium hexametaphosphate market. As concerns over water quality, contamination, and infrastructure corrosion intensify, SHMP has gained traction as an effective solution in municipal and industrial water treatment applications. Its superior chelating and sequestering properties make it instrumental in controlling scale formation, softening water, and preventing the deposition of harmful metal ions in pipelines and treatment systems.

In many high-income nations, including Western Europe, the Americas, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East, over 80% of the population resides in urban areas. Similarly, in most upper-middle-income countries across Eastern Europe, East Asia, North and Southern Africa, and South America, between 50% and 80% of the population lives in urban regions. With urbanization and industrialization placing growing pressure on water resources, governments and private sectors are investing heavily in water purification and treatment infrastructure. SHMP is widely employed in pre-treatment and conditioning of both potable and industrial water to mitigate the effects of hard water and to extend the lifespan of equipment. Its ability to complex with calcium and magnesium ions makes it particularly effective in softening hard water and preventing scale buildup in boilers, cooling towers, and filtration units.

Growing Use of Sodium Hexametaphosphate in Food Additives

The rising use of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) as a food additive is playing a pivotal role in driving the growth of the global sodium hexametaphosphate market. Sodium hexametaphosphate P69 offers enhanced sequestration, emulsifying, and stabilizing capabilities, owing to its superior purity and extended chain length. These attributes make it especially well-suited for specialized applications in the food industry, ensuring optimal efficiency and product quality. Widely recognized for its functional versatility, SHMP is increasingly being incorporated into food formulations due to its superior sequestrant, preservative, and emulsifying properties. As the global food industry expands particularly in the areas of processed and convenience foods the demand for multifunctional additives such as SHMP continues to surge.

A primary factor contributing to the growing use of SHMP in food additives is its ability to enhance the shelf life and quality of processed food products. It acts as a stabilizing agent, preventing spoilage by inhibiting microbial growth and controlling pH levels, which is crucial for extending the freshness of items such as dairy products, meats, seafood, and baked goods. In an era where food safety and longevity are critical concerns for both producers and consumers, SHMP’s role as a reliable preservative is increasingly valued.

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Key Market Challenges

Fluctuating Raw Material Prices

Fluctuating raw material prices represent a significant challenge in the global sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) market, as they can directly impact production costs, profit margins, and market stability. Sodium hexametaphosphate is primarily produced from phosphate rock, which is processed into phosphoric acid and subsequently reacted with sodium compounds to form the final product. The price volatility of key raw materials, particularly phosphate rock and sodium hydroxide, can create uncertainties for manufacturers and disrupt the pricing structure of SHMP.

Phosphate rock, a finite and geographically concentrated resource, is subject to fluctuations driven by factors such as geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and varying demand from global industries, particularly the agricultural sector, which consumes a significant share of the global phosphate supply for fertilizer production. Changes in phosphate rock prices can therefore directly influence the production costs of sodium hexametaphosphate. When prices for phosphate rock rise, SHMP manufacturers are often forced to absorb the increased costs or pass them onto consumers, which can impact the competitiveness of their products in cost-sensitive markets.

Key Market Trends

Expanding Use in Pharmaceuticals

Over the past two decades, the global pharmaceutical industry has witnessed substantial growth, with revenues reaching approximately 1.6 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. This level of growth positions the industry alongside the gross domestic products (GDPs) of nations such as Spain, Mexico, and Australia. The expanding use of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) in the pharmaceutical industry is becoming a key trend influencing the global sodium hexametaphosphate market. Traditionally known for its role as a dispersing agent and water softener, SHMP has found increasing applications in the formulation of various pharmaceutical products, including oral medications, vaccines, and intravenous solutions. This trend is largely driven by the need for excipients that can enhance the stability, bioavailability, and efficacy of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly as the pharmaceutical industry continues to innovate with complex drug formulations.

One of the primary reasons for the growing use of SHMP in pharmaceuticals is its excellent ability to sequester metal ions, which can otherwise affect the stability of sensitive pharmaceutical formulations. By preventing the formation of precipitates and ensuring the solubility of certain drugs, SHMP plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and shelf life of medicines, especially in injectable and oral dosage forms. Its ability to act as a stabilizer helps to optimize drug delivery systems, ensuring more predictable and effective therapeutic outcomes.

Segmental Insights

Sales Channel Insights

Based on Sales Channel, Direct have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market in 2024. One of the primary factors contributing to the rapid growth of direct sales is the increasing demand for customization and tailored formulations. Companies in industries such as food processing and water treatment are looking for specific grades or variations of SHMP that meet their unique requirements. Direct sales enable suppliers to offer more personalized service and greater flexibility, ensuring that customers receive exactly the type and quantity of SHMP needed for their applications. This customization is often difficult to achieve through traditional distribution networks, making direct sales a more attractive option for manufacturers.

End Use Insights

Based on End Use, Dairy Products have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market during the forecast period. The increasing consumption of processed dairy products such as cheese, milk-based beverages, yogurt, and butter is a significant driver behind the rising demand for sodium hexametaphosphate. SHMP is commonly used as a sequestrant, dispersing agent, and emulsifier in dairy products to improve product consistency, texture, and stability. The rising popularity of ready-to-consume, convenient dairy products, particularly in emerging markets, contributes to the accelerated growth of this segment.

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Regional Insights

Based on Region, Asia Pacific have emerged as the dominating region in the Global Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market in 2024. The region has witnessed rapid industrial growth, particularly in emerging economies such as China, India, and Indonesia. This growth is driving the demand for SHMP across various industries, including food processing, water treatment, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. The industrialization of these nations has created a significant need for chemical agents like SHMP to support manufacturing and water purification processes, positioning Asia Pacific as a hub for market dominance.

Recent Development

• In March 2025, a team of researchers led by Takuzo Aida at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan developed an innovative, durable, and recyclable plastic that completely dissolves in seawater. This material does not contribute to microplastic pollution, as it naturally degrades over time in aquatic environments. The researchers utilized supramolecular polymers, which are held together by reversible interactions, creating a structure that allows for breakdown in water. The plastic is synthesized by combining two ionic monomers: sodium hexametaphosphate, a widely used food additive, and guanidinium ion-based monomers, which form strong yet flexible bonds.
• In 2024, Pet Honesty, a leading brand in vet-recommended natural pet supplements, launched its latest product innovation: Fresh Breath Dental Powder. This supplement is designed as a meal-time topper to support oral health in dogs. Fresh Breath Dental Powder combines natural herbal ingredients, such as decaffeinated green tea and parsley, with a postbiotic to enhance the oral microbiome, reduce gum inflammation, and freshen breath. The unique postbiotic in the formula targets harmful bacteria and helps reduce plaque buildup. Additionally, the supplement contains sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) to slow tartar formation, kelp to disrupt biofilm development, and a mint flavor that is enjoyable for dogs.
• In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture introduced a new NPS fertilizer as a substitute for DAP, containing 18.7% nitrogen (N), 37.7% phosphorus (P2O5), and 6.95% sulfur (S). This balanced nutrient mix supports vegetative growth and enhances photosynthesis, with application rates of 80, 160, and 240 kg ha-1 significantly improving tomato growth and yield. However, local farmers in Jimma have yet to adopt this mixed fertilizer. While Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is not part of the NPS fertilizer, it can improve fertilizer efficiency. As a dispersing agent, SHMP helps stabilize fertilizers and reduce nutrient loss, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of the NPS blend in boosting tomato yields.

Key Market Players

• Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group Co., Ltd
• Chongqing Chuandong Chemical (Group) Co., Ltd.
• Sichuan Ronghong Technology Development Co., Ltd.
• Guiyang Guizhou Kaiyang Qingli Tianmeng Chemical Co.
• Jinguan Chemical Company
• Guizhou Kaiyang Chuandong Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Blue Sword Chemical (Group) Co., Ltd.
• Henan Zhenglin New Material Co.,Ltd
• Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V.
• Anhui Fitech Materials Co., Ltd

Report Scope

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

• Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Direct

o   Indirect

• Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market, By End Use:

o   Water Treatment

o   Industrial Application

o   Food Additives

o   Dairy Products

o   Others

• Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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