The global consumption of biocides in Petroleum was $ 81 million at active manufacture level in 2006, 40 % growth on 1996. This performance reflects not only end industry growth, regulatory and technological changes. The market for Biocides will continue to grow due to the usage of more biocides as fields are getting older and the replacement of traditional Biocides by more expensive environmentally friendly Biocides.
Specialty biocides includes bactericides. North America accounted for approximately 40% of this total. But several factors are combining to bring the total market value up and the North American percentage down, according to the author.
"Growth in the North American biocides market has slowed down, but competition for market share among the leaders has only accelerated. Consolidation in the industry has really raised the stakes for companies like Akzo Nobel, Arch, Baker Petrolite, Basf, Dow, Lonza, Rohm & Haas and Thor, and they're looking to Countries in developing regions."
Countries such as China, Eastern Europe, India and South America continue to offer growth opportunities as per capita income rises and human health issues are accorded more importance.
In addition, basic biocide producers will rely more on specialty niches i.e hygiene sector for growth. "With mature markets in the large consuming regions and generic products starting to affect the market environment, specialty niches will offer a profitable outlet for active ingredient manufacturers," according to the author.
With increased attention to specialty market sectors and growing regional markets, Biocide companies are expected to introduce new formulations to address shifts in demand. And these companies must also examine the specific needs of each regional market to adjust their strategies for growth accordingly.
