Bleaching Agents Market

Market Definition

The market encompasses chemical formulations used to remove color, stains, and impurities through oxidation or reduction. Key agents include hydrogen peroxide, chlorine-based compounds, and peracetic acid, commonly applied across textiles, pulp and paper, water treatment, and food processing industries.

Formulations vary by application, from high-temperature industrial use to mild fabric treatments. The market also includes applications in healthcare for disinfecting medical equipment and in cosmetics for skin and hair lightening treatments.

The report outlines major factors driving market expansion, along with key drivers, regional analysis, and regulatory frameworks that are set to influence the growth trajectory over the forecast period.

Bleaching Agents Market Overview

The global bleaching agents market size was valued at USD 868.4 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 913.4 million in 2024 to USD 1367.5 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.93% during the forecast period.

The expanding textile industry is creating a demand for advanced bleaching agents to enhance fabric quality and whiteness, particularly in regions with strong apparel and home textile production. Rising consumer preference for personal and home care products, including detergents and skincare formulations, is further fueling this growth.

Additionally, the adoption of eco-friendly bleaching alternatives, such as oxygen-based and enzymatic agents, is gaining traction as industries shift toward sustainable manufacturing practices.

Major companies operating in the bleaching agents industry are Solvay S.A., Akzo Nobel N.V., BASF, Evonik, Clariant AG, Dow, Ecolab Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Olin Corporation, Arkema, Ashland Inc., Hawkins, Inc., Aditya Birla Chemicals Limited, SNF Floerger, Shanxi QingShan Chemical Industry, and others.

The market is mainly influenced by the expansion of the textile industry. Textile manufacturing requires effective bleaching to remove natural color impurities and prepare fabrics for dyeing and finishing.

Increased production of apparel, home textiles, and industrial fabrics is leading to the increased consumption of bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and optical brighteners.

Emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific, are experiencing a surge in textile exports, fueling demand for advanced bleaching solutions. Innovations in eco-friendly bleaching technologies and enzymatic treatments are reshaping the market by reducing energy consumption and improving fabric quality.

• In October 2024, Punjab University introduced an innovative biobleaching technique for the textile industry, offering an eco-frinedly alternative to the conventional stone-washing for denim. The process utilizes enzymes from a sustainable bacterium,  eliminating chemical use and the need for enzymatic mediators. Optimized enzyme production further enhances cost efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale industrial applications.

Key Highlights:

1. The bleaching agents industry size was recorded at USD 868.4 million in 2023.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.93% from 2024 to 2031.
3. Asia Pacific held a share of 33.82% in 2023, valued at USD 293.7 million.
4. The powder segment garnered USD 539.7 million in revenue in 2023.
5. The hydrogen peroxide segment is expected to reach USD 409.4 million by 2031.
6. The pulp & paper segment is likely to grow at a CAGR of 6.50% through the forecast period.
7. Europe is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.31% through the projection period.

Market Driver

"Rising Demand for Personal & Home Care Products"

The bleaching agents market is growing due to increasing consumption of personal and home care products. These agents are widely used in laundry detergents, fabric whiteners, disinfectants, and skincare items for stain removal, brightening, and hygiene.

Rising consumer awareness regarding hygiene and cleanliness is boosting the demand for effective bleaching formulations. Market expansion is further supported by the introduction of mild, skin-safe, and eco-friendly bleaching ingredients in cosmetic and household products.

Shifts in consumer lifestyles, coupled with increasing disposable incomes, are boosting the adoption of premium and multifunctional bleaching agents in the personal and home care industry.

• In November 2024, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved Isobutylamido Thiazolyl Resorcinol (Thiamidol 630), a chemical synthesized bleaching agent. Following rigorous safety and efficacy assessments, it is authorized for use as a whitening agent in leave-on products. This approval supports advancements in freckle removal and skin-whitening cosmetics, creating new opportunities for the China's beauty industry.

Market Challenge

"Stringent Environmental Regulations"

Regulatory restrictions on chemical-based bleaching agents, particularly chlorine and peroxide compounds, pose a significant challenge to market growth due to their environmental impact and health concerns. Compliance with evolving safety standards increases operational costs for manufacturers.

To address this challenge, companies are investing in research to develop eco-friendly alternatives, such as oxygen-based and enzymatic bleaching agents. Advanced wastewater treatment technologies are also being integrated to minimize chemical discharge.

Additionally, manufacturers are reformulating products with biodegradable ingredients to align with sustainability goals, ensuring continued market acceptance while reducing environmental impact.

Market Trend

"Adoption of Eco-Friendly Alternatives"

Sustainability trends are reshaping the bleaching agents market, with increasing adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. Hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and ozone are gaining preference due to their lower environmental impact compared to traditional chlorine-based agents.

Regulatory restrictions on harmful bleaching chemicals are prompting industries to shift toward biodegradable and non-toxic solutions. Companies are investing heavily in green chemistry and sustainable bleaching technologies are gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Consumer demand for eco-conscious products in industries such as textiles, paper, and home care is further accelerating the transition towards environmentally friendly bleaching agents.

• In March 2025, researchers at the S. N. Bose National Centre, Kolkata, developed a sustainable and energy-efficient technique for producing hydrogen peroxide using sunlight and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). This method also prevents the degradation of H₂O₂. The study found that hydrazone-linked COFs offer numerous docking sites for water and oxygen, facilitating the water oxidation reaction (WOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)—the two key pathways involved in photocatalytic H₂O₂ generation.

Bleaching Agents Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Form	Powder, Liquid
By Product	Hydrogen Peroxide, Azodicarbonamide, Ascorbic Acid, Acetone Peroxide, Chlorine, Others
By End Use	Food & Beverages, Pulp & Paper, Textile, Household Laundering, Others
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation

• By Form (Powder and Liquid): The powder segment earned USD 539.7 million in 2023 due to its higher stability, extended shelf life, and cost-effectiveness, making it the preferred choice for industrial applications such as textiles, water treatment, and household cleaning.
• By Product (Hydrogen Peroxide, Azodicarbonamide, Ascorbic Acid, and Acetone Peroxide, Chlorine,  and Others): The hydrogen peroxide segment held a share of 29.90% of the market in 2023, fueled by its broad industrial applications, strong oxidative properties, and increasing preference for eco-friendly and chlorine-free bleaching solutions in textiles, pulp and paper, and water treatment industries.
• By End Use (Food & Beverages, Pulp & Paper, Textile, Household Laundering, and Others): The pulp & paper segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.50% through the forecast period, attributed to high demand for chemical bleaching processes in paper production to improve whiteness, printability, and meet quality standards in packaging and publishing.

Bleaching Agents Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

The Asia Pacific bleaching agents market share stood at around 33.82% in 2023, valued at USD 293.7 million. Asia Pacific is the major hub for largest textile manufacturing hub, with China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam boosting global production.

The region’s strong presence in textile exports propels demand for bleaching agents used in fabric whitening and dyeing preparation. The rise of fast fashion, coupled with increasing investments in textile processing facilities, is accelerating the adoption of advanced and eco-friendly bleaching solutions.

Additionally, expanding beauty and personal care market, particularly in China, Japan, South Korea, and India, is supporting regional market expansion. The demand for skin-whitening and brightening products is spurring the use of bleaching agents in cosmetic formulations.

Regulatory approvals for new whitening agents, such as Thiamidol 630 in China, are expanding market opportunities. Rising consumer awareness of skincare and the influence of K-beauty and J-beauty trends are fostering the development of innovative bleaching formulations for cosmetic applications.

Europe bleaching agents industry is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.31% over the forecast period. Europe’s strong focus on water conservation and purification is boosting the demand for bleaching agents in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.

Countries such as Germany, the UK, and France enforce strict water quality standards, highlighting the need for efficient disinfection and decontamination solutions. Hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid are widely used fortheir pathogen control efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

Furthermore, Europe is a major producer of high-quality paper, with Germany, Finland, and Sweden leading in pulp and paper manufacturing. The transition to sustainable paper production methods, including elemental chlorine-free (ECF) and totally chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching, is generating a strong demand for alternatives such as oxygen-based bleaching agents, bolatering regional market growth.

Regulatory Frameworks

• The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), enacted in December 2022, represents a significant update to U.S. cosmetics law. MoCRA introduces federal standards for cosmetic business registration, product listing, recordkeeping, adverse event reporting, safety substantiation, good manufacturing practices (GMP), and recalls. Both U.S. and foreign cosmetic facilities are required to register with the FDA.
• The EU enforces stringent regulations on bleaching agents, particularly in cosmetics. Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used in teeth whitening products, is subject to specific restrictions. Products containing up to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide are available directly to consumers. However, products with concentrations between 0.1% and 6% are restricted to dental practitioners, and those exceeding 6% are prohibited.
• China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) oversees the regulation of cosmetic ingredients, including bleaching agents. The Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR), implemented in 2021, introduced a classified management approach for new cosmetic ingredients based on their risk levels.

Competitive Landscape

The bleaching agents industry is characterized by several market players that are actively adopting strategies focused on technological advancements, including the development of high-efficiency bleaching powder production lines. These innovations enhance product quality, increase chlorine content, and improve overall efficiency, strengthening their competitive position.

By investing in advanced production capabilities, companies are meeting the rising demand for high-performance bleaching agents across various industries. This strategic shift is is enhancing operational excellence but significantly contributing to market growth.

• In July 2024, Asia Chemical introduced a state-of-the-art Bleaching Powder Production Line, designed for the manufacturing of high-efficiency calcium hypochlorite, commonly referred to as concentrated bleaching powder or high-efficiency chlorinated lime. This advanced system ensures the production of a superior-grade product with an available chlorine content exceeding 70%, establishing a new industry standard for performance and quality in the chemical sector.

List of Key Companies in Bleaching Agents Market:

• Solvay S.A.
• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• BASF
• Evonik
• Clariant AG
• Dow
• Ecolab Inc.
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
• Olin Corporation
• Arkema
• Ashland Inc.
• Hawkins, Inc.
• Aditya Birla Chemicals Limited
• SNF Floerger
• Shanxi QingShan Chemical Industry

Recent Developments (Joint Venture)

• In January 2025, Evonik and Fuhua Tongda Chemicals Company (Fuhua) formed a joint venture in Leshan, Sichuan Province, to manufacture and market hydrogen peroxide in China. Utilizing Fuhua’s industrial-grade H₂O₂ supply, the venture aims to produce specialty-grade hydrogen peroxide for applications in solar panels, semiconductors, and food packaging. Initial production is anticipated in the first half of 2026.