Global Bleaching Agents Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Form;
Powder and Liquid.By Product;
Azodicarbonamide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Ascorbic Acid, Acetone Acid, Acetone Peroxide, Chlorine Dioxide, and Others.By End User;
Food & Beverages, Pulp & Paper, Textile, Household Laundering, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Bleaching Agents Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Bleaching Agents Market was valued at USD 805.27 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 1,094.39 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.5%.
Bleaching agents play a crucial role in industries such as textiles, pulp and paper, water treatment, healthcare, and household cleaning products. These chemicals are instrumental in achieving desired brightness levels in textiles, paper products, and detergents, as well as ensuring the safety and cleanliness of water supplies and sanitation facilities.
One of the primary drivers fueling the growth of the global bleaching agents market is the increasing demand for whitened products across numerous end-user industries. In the textile industry, bleaching agents are extensively used to impart brightness to fabrics, enhancing their visual appeal and marketability. Additionally, in the pulp and paper sector, bleaching agents are indispensable for achieving the desired brightness levels in paper products, including printing papers, tissue papers, and packaging materials. With the rising demand for quality paper products across various applications, the demand for bleaching agents is expected to witness significant growth.
Moreover, the growing awareness regarding hygiene and sanitation in both residential and commercial sectors is driving the demand for bleaching agents in household cleaning products and water treatment applications. Bleaching agents such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide are widely employed in disinfecting surfaces, purifying water supplies, and sanitizing wastewater, thereby ensuring public health and safety. Furthermore, the evolving regulatory landscape pertaining to environmental protection and product safety is influencing the adoption of eco-friendly bleaching agents. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing sustainable and biodegradable bleaching agents to address environmental concerns and meet stringent regulatory requirements. These eco-friendly alternatives offer improved safety profiles and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional bleaching agents, driving their adoption across various industries.
In addition to the textile, pulp and paper, and water treatment sectors, the healthcare industry represents a lucrative market opportunity for bleaching agents. Overall, the global bleaching agents market is poised for substantial growth driven by the increasing demand for whitened products, growing emphasis on hygiene and sanitation, and the shift towards eco-friendly alternatives. However, challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and environmental concerns associated with certain bleaching agents may hinder market growth to some extent.
Global Bleaching Agents Market Recent Developments
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In January 2024, Solvay and INEOS Styrolution announced a cooperation to develop a more sustainable styrene monomer synthesis technique. This collaboration will focus on creating a novel bleaching technique that employs hydrogen peroxide instead of traditional chlorine-based methods.
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In December 2023, Arkema bolstered its foothold in the hydrogen peroxide market through the acquisition of PeroxyChem. Through this acquisition, Arkema will become the second-largest global manufacturer of hydrogen peroxide.
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In November 2023, DuPont de Nemours announced a $300 million investment in an additional hydrogen peroxide manufacturing facility. DuPont plans to use this investment to meet the increasing need for hydrogen peroxide in the bleaching product industry.
Segment Analysis
The global bleaching agents market is segmented by form, product, end user, and geography. In terms of form, bleaching agents are available in two primary forms: powder and liquid. Powdered bleaching agents are typically used in industrial applications where larger quantities are required, while liquid bleaching agents offer convenience and are commonly used in smaller-scale applications or where ease of use is important.
The product segment of the market includes a wide range of bleaching agents, such as azodicarbonamide, hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid, acetone acid, acetone peroxide, chlorine dioxide, and others. Azodicarbonamide is used primarily in the food industry for flour bleaching, while hydrogen peroxide is widely used across various industries for its strong bleaching properties. Ascorbic acid is commonly used in food applications, and chlorine dioxide is frequently employed in the pulp and paper industry due to its effectiveness in bleaching wood pulp.
In terms of end users, the market is driven by sectors such as food and beverages, pulp and paper, textiles, household laundering, and others. In food and beverage applications, bleaching agents are used to whiten flour, improve product quality, and extend shelf life. The pulp and paper industry utilizes bleaching agents to bleach wood pulp, while textiles use them for fabric whitening. Household laundering is another significant end user, where bleaching agents are used to remove stains and brighten fabrics. Geographically, the market spans North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America, with Asia Pacific expected to witness substantial growth due to expanding industrial activities and increasing demand for bleaching agents across various sectors.
Global Bleaching Agents Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by Form, Product, End User, and Geography.
Global Bleaching Agents Market, Segmentation by Form
The Global Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by Form into Powder and Liquid.
Powder bleaching agents are characterized by their solid-state composition, typically in the form of fine granules or particles. This form of bleaching agent is widely utilized in industries such as textiles, pulp and paper, and water treatment. Powder bleaching agents are valued for their ease of handling, storage, and transportation, making them preferred choices for bulk applications. They can be easily measured, mixed, and dispersed into aqueous solutions or processing streams, allowing for precise dosage control and uniform distribution. Additionally, powder bleaching agents often exhibit extended shelf life and stability, minimizing the risk of degradation or loss of efficacy over time. These attributes make powder bleaching agents suitable for a wide range of industrial processes, where consistent and reliable bleaching performance is essential for achieving desired outcomes.
Liquid bleaching agents are characterized by their fluid or aqueous-based formulations, offering distinct advantages in terms of versatility and ease of application. Liquid bleaching agents are commonly used in household cleaning products, laundry detergents, and personal care products due to their convenient pourable form and compatibility with liquid formulations. They can be readily incorporated into various product formulations, allowing manufacturers to customize product attributes such as viscosity, pH, and fragrance. Liquid bleaching agents also offer improved solubility and dispersibility compared to their powder counterparts, facilitating rapid dissolution and homogeneous distribution during usage. Moreover, liquid bleaching agents often feature enhanced stain removal and whitening capabilities, making them popular choices for consumer-oriented applications where aesthetic appeal and performance are paramount.
Global Bleaching Agents Market, Segmentation by Product
The Global Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by Product into Azodicarbonamide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Ascorbic Acid, Acetone Acid, Acetone Peroxide, Chlorine Dioxide, and Others.
These product segments include azodicarbonamide, hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid, acetone acid, acetone peroxide, chlorine dioxide, and others. Azodicarbonamide, commonly known as ADA, is a chemical compound used primarily as a bleaching agent in flour and dough conditioning. Hydrogen peroxide, a versatile oxidizing agent, finds extensive application in textile bleaching, pulp and paper production, and water treatment due to its strong oxidizing properties. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, serves as a bleaching agent in various food and beverage products, contributing to color retention and antioxidant preservation. Acetone acid, or citric acid, is utilized as a natural bleaching agent and pH adjuster in food processing and cosmetic formulations. Acetone peroxide, a highly reactive compound, is employed in specialty bleaching applications and as an explosive precursor in certain industries. Chlorine dioxide, a potent disinfectant and bleaching agent, is widely used in water purification, pulp bleaching, and textile processing. The others category encompasses additional bleaching agents such as peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and potassium permanganate, among others, which play significant roles in various industrial processes and applications. By segmenting the market based on product types, stakeholders can gain insights into the demand dynamics, technological advancements, regulatory landscape, and competitive trends within each product category. This segmentation approach enables market participants to tailor their strategies, product offerings, and marketing efforts to meet the specific requirements of target customers and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global bleaching agents market.
Global Bleaching Agents Market, Segmentation by End User
The Global Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by End User into Food & Beverages, Pulp & Paper, Textile, Household Laundering, and Others.
The food and beverages sector represents one of the largest end-user segments, driven by the need for food safety, preservation, and aesthetic appeal. Bleaching agents are commonly used in food processing to whiten and disinfect ingredients, enhance color stability, and extend shelf life. In the pulp and paper industry, bleaching agents play a critical role in the production of high-quality paper products. They are utilized to remove impurities, lignin, and colorants from pulp fibers, resulting in bright and uniform paper products suitable for printing, packaging, and other applications. The textile industry is another significant consumer of bleaching agents, employing them in the bleaching and whitening of fabrics and garments to achieve desired color and appearance. Household laundering represents a key application area for bleaching agents, where they are used in laundry detergents and bleaches to remove stains, brighten whites, and disinfect fabrics. With consumers increasingly focused on hygiene and cleanliness, the demand for effective household bleaching agents continues to grow. Additionally, bleaching agents find applications in other industries such as water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where they are utilized for disinfection, sterilization, and color correction purposes. Overall, the segmentation of the global bleaching agents market by end user reflects the diverse range of industries and applications that rely on these chemicals for their essential functions.
Global Bleaching Agents Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Global Bleaching Agents Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
By region, Bleaching Agents market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa. The Asia-Pacific dominated the global Bleaching Agents market in 2023 with a market share of 39.3% and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033.
The Asia Pacific region’s substantial textile, paper, and pulp industries require enormous volumes of bleaching chemicals for fabric and paper whitening operations. Furthermore, the expanding population and rising disposable incomes boost demand for bleached goods such as textiles, paper, and detergents. Furthermore, the Asia Pacific food and beverage industry, especially the thriving agricultural sector, requires bleaching agents for processing and preserving a variety of food items. Stringent food safety and hygiene laws also help to drive market expansion by mandating the use of bleaching chemicals in food processing. Furthermore, the region’s rapid industrialization and construction of infrastructure drive up demand for bleaching agents in building materials and wastewater treatment, cementing Asia Pacific’s position as a significant player in the worldwide bleaching agents market.
Europe holds a significant position in the global market, with countries like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands driving its growth. The water treatment operations in Europe act as a major end-user for bleaching agents. Chlorine-based compounds, such as sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide, are extensively used to disinfect drinking water supplies. In this region, 90% of urban wastewater is collected and treated to comply with the EU wastewater treatment directive. The increasing percentage of wastewater treatment is expected to drive market growth in the region.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Bleaching Agents Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Increase in Consumption of Bread and Related Bakery Products
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Advancements in Technology for Product Evaluation- As technological capabilities continue to evolve, manufacturers of bleaching agents are leveraging innovative techniques and methodologies for product evaluation and development. These advancements enable companies to conduct comprehensive analyses of bleaching agents' performance, efficacy, safety, and environmental impact. For example, sophisticated analytical instruments, such as spectrophotometers and chromatography systems, allow for precise measurement and characterization of bleaching agents' chemical properties and composition. Furthermore, advanced testing methodologies, including accelerated aging studies and simulation models, facilitate the assessment of bleaching agents' stability, durability, and compatibility with various substrates and applications. Technological advancements in material science and formulation chemistry have led to the development of novel bleaching agent formulations with enhanced performance characteristics. These formulations may offer improved bleaching efficiency, faster reaction kinetics, reduced environmental footprint, and greater versatility in application. Additionally, advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the synthesis of nano-sized bleaching agents with unique properties, such as increased surface area and reactivity, which can lead to more efficient bleaching processes and reduced consumption of chemicals.
The adoption of digitalization and automation technologies in manufacturing processes has streamlined production workflows, enhanced quality control measures, and improved overall operational efficiency in the bleaching agents industry. Automated systems for process monitoring, data analysis, and real-time feedback enable manufacturers to optimize production parameters, minimize wastage, and ensure product consistency and compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, digital platforms and software solutions facilitate communication and collaboration across the supply chain, enabling seamless exchange of information and faster decision-making.
Restraints:
- Environmental Concerns
- Health and Safety Issues
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Fluctuating Raw Material Prices- The prices of key raw materials used in the production of bleaching agents, such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorite, and sulfur dioxide, are subject to volatility due to various factors including supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and regulatory changes. Fluctuations in raw material prices can have a direct impact on the production costs of bleaching agents, affecting profit margins and pricing strategies for manufacturers. When raw material prices increase unexpectedly, manufacturers may face higher production costs, which can lead to reduced profitability unless these costs can be passed on to customers through price adjustments.
Conversely, if raw material prices decrease, manufacturers may experience margin pressures as they seek to maintain competitive pricing in the market. Moreover, volatile raw material prices can disrupt supply chains and inventory management, making it challenging for manufacturers to plan and optimize production schedules. This uncertainty in raw material costs can also hinder investment decisions and long-term planning for capacity expansion or new product development initiatives within the bleaching agents market. Additionally, fluctuating raw material prices can impact the competitiveness of bleaching agents relative to alternative products or technologies, potentially influencing purchasing decisions by end-users. To mitigate the impact of fluctuating raw material prices, companies in the bleaching agents market may implement various strategies such as entering into long-term supply agreements, diversifying their supplier base, hedging against commodity price risks through financial instruments, optimizing production processes to reduce raw material consumption, and investing in research and development efforts to explore alternative raw materials or production methods.
Opportunities:
- Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Alternatives
- Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
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Diversification of Application Areas- Historically, bleaching agents have primarily been associated with industries such as pulp and paper, textiles, and household laundering. However, there is a growing trend of diversification in application areas, driven by factors such as technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements. One significant opportunity lies in the food and beverage industry, where bleaching agents are increasingly being utilized for purposes such as food preservation, color enhancement, and disinfection. With consumers demanding safer and more aesthetically appealing food products, manufacturers are turning to bleaching agents to achieve desired attributes such as whiteness, brightness, and microbial control. Bleaching agents play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of various food items, including flour, sugar, edible oils, and dairy products.
Another emerging application area for bleaching agents is in the water treatment sector. As concerns over water pollution and contamination continue to rise, there is a growing need for effective water treatment solutions to purify and disinfect water sources. Bleaching agents, such as chlorine-based compounds, are widely used for water disinfection purposes due to their strong oxidizing properties and ability to neutralize harmful pathogens and contaminants. The adoption of bleaching agents in water treatment applications presents a significant opportunity for market growth, particularly in regions facing water scarcity or poor water quality. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries are increasingly incorporating bleaching agents into their product formulations for purposes such as sterilization, color correction, and skin lightening. Bleaching agents are utilized in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to ensure product purity and sterility, while in the cosmetics industry, they are employed in products such as skin creams, lotions, and hair dyes to achieve desired aesthetic effects.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Bleaching Agents Market include:
- Aditya Birla Chemicals
- AkzoNobel
- Arkema
- Ashland
- BASF
- Christeyns
- Clariant
- Colgate-Palmolive Company
- Dow Chemicals
- DuPont
- Evonik
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company
- Novozymes
- C. JOHNSON & SON INC.
- Shandong Huatai Interox Chemical
- Solvay
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Form
- Market Snapshot, By Product
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Bleaching Agents Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Increase in Consumption of Bread and Related Bakery Products
- Advancements in Technology for Product Evaluation
- Restraints
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Environmental Concerns
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Health and Safety Issues
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Fluctuating Raw Material Prices
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- Opportunities
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Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Alternatives
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Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
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Diversification of Application Areas
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Bleaching Agents Market, By Form, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Powder
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Liquid
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- Global Bleaching Agents Market, By Product, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Azodicarbonamide
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Hydrogen Peroxide
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Ascorbic Acid
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Acetone Acid
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Acetone Peroxide
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Chlorine Dioxide
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Others
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- Global Bleaching Agents Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Food & Beverages
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Pulp & Paper
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Textile
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Household Laundering
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Others
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- Global Bleaching Agents Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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North America
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United States
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Canada
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Europe
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Germany
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United Kingdom
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France
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Italy
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Spain
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Nordic
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Benelux
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Rest of Europe
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Asia Pacific
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Japan
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China
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India
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Australia & New Zealand
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South Korea
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ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
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Rest of Asia Pacific
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Middle East & Africa
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GCC
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Israel
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South Africa
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Rest of Middle East & Africa
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Latin America
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Brazil
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Mexico
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Argentina
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Rest of Latin America
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- Global Bleaching Agents Market, By Form, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
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Aditya Birla Chemicals
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AkzoNobel
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Arkema
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Ashland
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BASF
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Christeyns
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Clariant
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Colgate-Palmolive Company
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Dow Chemicals
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DuPont
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Evonik
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Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company
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Novozymes
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C. JOHNSON & SON INC.
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Shandong Huatai Interox Chemical
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Solvay
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- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market