A new report from Research and Markets predicts that the global scale inhibitor market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.03% between 2014 and 2019, reaching a value of $4.69 billion at the end of the forecast period.
Scale inhibitors, also known as antiscalants, are used in a wide range of industries, including power & construction, mining, oil & gas, water & wastewater treatment, food & beverage and environmental protection. Within the whole market, products can be classified as phosphonates, carboxylate/acrylic, sulfonates and others.
According to Research and Markets, sulfonate-based scale inhibitors are showing the highest rate of growth, with a CAGR of 4.13%. Driving the overall expansion of the market is the use of scale inhibitors in water & wastewater treatment, which accounts for the fastest growth in value and will continue on an upward trajectory in the coming years.
Companies operating in the scale inhibitor market have focused on new product innovations and expansions as they seek to consolidate their position in the market. Major market players have made significant investments in emerging countries, the research firm noted.
These factors, together with the increasing demand for scale inhibitors in water & wastewater treatment and in the oil & gas industry, will continue to drive demand.
However, the sector will have to overcome challenges in order to meet increasing demand. These challenges include the availability and price volatility of raw materials and changing health regulations, the report said.
