The global peracetic acid market is estimated to be valued at USD 1,180.7 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2,024.8 Mn by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2025 to 2032.
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The peracetic acid market is poised for robust growth over the forecast period, driven by expanding applications across healthcare, food & beverages, and water treatment sectors. One of the primary factors fueling peracetic acid market demand is its strong efficacy as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent. In the healthcare industry, peracetic acid is widely used for sterilizing medical instruments and equipment, especially in surgical and critical care settings where microbial control is essential.
In the food and beverage sector, growing emphasis on food safety and hygiene is further accelerating adoption. The chemical is commonly used to disinfect meat, poultry, seafood, and processing surfaces, ensuring compliance with stringent food safety regulations. Meanwhile, the water treatment industry is experiencing a surge in demand for peracetic acid as a powerful oxidizing agent. Rising concerns over potable water access, driven by rapid urbanization and growing population, are increasing the need for efficient, residue-free disinfectants like peracetic acid in municipal and industrial water systems.
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The pricing analysis of the Peracetic Acid market is influenced by several factors, including raw material costs, concentration levels, production technology, regional regulations, and end-use demand.
Prices vary significantly depending on product concentration of 5% and 15% peracetic acid solutions are among the most commercially traded forms, with higher concentrations typically commanding premium prices due to enhanced efficacy and broader industrial usage. Raw material costs, especially hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, directly impact the final pricing.
In 2024–2025, global prices have witnessed moderate fluctuations, with average bulk prices ranging from USD 1.50 to USD 3.50 per liter, depending on grade and region. North America and Europe tend to have higher prices due to stringent regulatory standards and demand from high-end applications like healthcare and water treatment.
Between October 2023 and September 2024, the world imported a total of 321 shipments of Peracetic Acid, showing a 1% increase compared to the previous 12-month period. These shipments came from 64 different exporters and were delivered to 88 buyers worldwide. In September 2024 alone, there were 11 shipments of Peracetic Acid imported globally.
The majority of global Peracetic Acid imports originate from Germany, the United States, and France.
On the import side, the top three countries bringing in the most Peracetic Acid are Vietnam, Peru, and India. Vietnam is the largest importer, accounting for 211 shipments, followed by Peru with 118 shipments, and India in third place with 90 shipments.
In terms of grade, 5-15% grade is expected to contribute 43.2% of the market share in 2025 owing to its suitability for disinfectant and sanitization applications. Peracetic acid in the 5-15% concentration range is highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores while being safer for equipment and surfaces compared to higher concentrations. It is a workhorse sterilant used widely across food processing, healthcare, agricultural, and other industries for surface disinfection of equipment and facilities. Being an environment friendly alternative to chlorine-based chemicals, 5-15% peracetic acid is increasingly replacing traditional disinfectants. Its properties of leaving no toxic residues and breaking down into acetic acid, oxygen, and water post use are favorable in food processing where worker and product safety is imperative. Successful certification for food contact surface disinfection further augments its replacement of chlorine across dairies, breweries, beverage plants, and packaged food manufacturers.
In August 2024, RX Marine International expanded its global antimicrobial offerings with stabilized Peracetic Acid (PAA) solutions at 12 % and 15 % concentrations. Designed for broad industrial use, RX Marine’s PAA supports wastewater treatment, food and beverage sanitation, healthcare laundry and institutional cleanup, and agricultural irrigation without affecting product quality. Such innovations are accelerating the peracetic acid market demand.
In terms of application, disinfectant is expected to contribute 41.7% of the market share in 2025. This is owing to peracetic acid's increased use for industrial wastewater treatment across various end-use sectors. As an environment friendly biocide and disinfectant, it is effective in killing microorganisms present in wastewater from food processing, healthcare, agriculture, and other industries. Stringent regulations mandate the proper treatment of industrial effluents before their discharge into municipal sewers or the environment. Peracetic acid helps meet discharge standards by eliminating bacteria, viruses, algae, mold, and other microbes from wastewater in an economically viable way.
In March 2025, Enviro Tech, part of Arxada, has secured a significant EPA label amendment for its dry peracetic acid formulation, PeraGuard® AH (EPA Reg. No. 63838‑32), now officially approved for surface disinfection against Avian Influenza and other animal viruses. The granular, odorless, dustless product activates upon contact with water and adheres to boots and high-traffic surfaces, creating a protective “zone of protection” in barns and entry areas. This is further proliferating the peracetic acid market revenue.
In terms of end user, healthcare is expected to contribute 34.8% of the market share in 2025. This can be attributed to the increased usage of peracetic acid for disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning applications across diverse healthcare facilities. Changing disease dynamics and outbreaks have strengthened the demand for stringent infection control. Peracetic acid effectively eliminates viruses, bacteria, spores, and other pathogens on surfaces and equipment. It is deployed for sterilizing dental units, endoscopes, surgical instruments as well as disinfecting rooms and ICUs. Peracetic acid offers a pragmatic and safer alternative to traditionally used glutaraldehyde in the healthcare industry. As a cold sterilant, it provides high level disinfection without heat exposure risks.
In December 2024, GAMA Healthcare expanded its Clinell portfolio with a Peracetic Acid Range, featuring patented oxidative‑release wipes and drain disinfectants for healthcare use. The Clinell Peracetic Acid Wipes, made from plant‑based fibres, activate on contact with water to generate 3,500 ppm peracetic acid and kill 99.9999 % of spores and dry surface biofilms within as little as ten seconds, all at a near‑neutral pH and with minimal surface damage.
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North America has dominated the global peracetic acid market for many years owing to a strong presence of end-use industries such as healthcare and food & beverage processing in the region. North America is expected to account for over 39.1% of the market share in 2025 of the total PAA demand due to stringent regulatory standards for disinfection and sterilization applications in healthcare and food processing industries. Major PAA producers have well established manufacturing facilities as well as supply chains across the region to effectively cater to local demand. Moreover, the growing awareness about superior characteristics of PAA such as low toxicity and fast action over other chemical disinfectants has propelled its consumption in hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture sectors.
For instance, in November 2024, webinar hosted by NAPSO (North America Potato Storage Organization), Dr. Vijay K. Choppakatla, BioSafe Systems’ R&D Director, outlined the efficacy of peracetic acid (PAA) in managing major storage diseases including Fusarium dry rot, pink rot, silver scurf, and Pythium leak. He recommended PAA applications via spray on tubers prior to storage and monthly fogging inside facilities for pathogen control. Concentrations from 230‑1,000 ppm with at least 10-minute contact times were advised. As a broad‑spectrum, fast‑acting disinfectant compatible with organic standards, PAA offers a valuable addition to integrated disease prevention protocols.
The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest expanding market for peracetic acid globally. China represents the largest PAA market in Asia Pacific due to the concentration of the manufacturing capacity of downstream industries including pulp & paper and wastewater treatment. Rising environmental concerns have led the Chinese government to promote the use of green chemicals in place of conventional hazardous disinfectants. This has significantly boosted the adoption of peracetic acid in the country. India and Southeast Asian countries have also witnessed a spike in PAA consumption from water treatment plants to meet strict effluent discharge norms.
For instance, in December 2023, Evonik Industries completed its full takeover of Thai Peroxide Company Limited (TPL) in Saraburi, Thailand, by acquiring the remaining 50 % stake from Aditya Birla Group and other shareholders. The acquisition enhances Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line, expanding its specialty-grade hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid offerings across the Asia‑Pacific region. TPL, a key supplier to sectors including microchip fabrication, solar cell production, water treatment, and food safety, generates annual revenues in the mid‑double‑digit million-euro range.
The United States is one of the leading countries driving demand in the peracetic acid market due to its stringent food safety and sanitation regulations enforced by agencies such as the FDA and USDA. These regulations mandate the use of effective disinfectants like peracetic acid for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and seafood during processing. Additionally, the healthcare sector in the U.S. extensively utilizes peracetic acid for sterilizing surgical instruments and pharmaceutical equipment, owing to its high efficacy and low toxicity. The country’s well-established and advanced wastewater treatment infrastructure also contributes significantly to peracetic acid consumption, as it is widely used for disinfecting municipal and industrial water. With strong regulatory oversight and high standards for hygiene, the U.S. market continues to show robust peracetic acid market growth across food & beverage sanitation, hospital sterilization, and water treatment applications.
China is a key contributor to peracetic acid market demand due to its large food processing industry, expanding healthcare sector, and rising urban population. Peracetic acid is widely used for disinfecting food products, sterilizing medical equipment, and treating wastewater. Additionally, growth in the pulp & paper and chemical manufacturing sectors further drives demand, as these industries require effective cleaning and sanitizing agents.
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| Report Coverage | Details | ||
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| Base Year: | 2024 | Market Size in 2025: | USD 1,180.7 Mn |
| Historical Data for: | 2020 To 2024 | Forecast Period: | 2025 To 2032 |
| Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: | 8.0% | 2032 Value Projection: | USD 2,024.8 Mn |
| Geographies covered: |
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| Companies covered: |
Kemira Oyj, Solvay S.A., Promox S.p.A., Evonik Industries, Ecolab Inc., Thai Peroxide Limited, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., PeroxyChem LLC, Diversey Inc., Aditya Birla Chemicals Ltd., Christeyns NV, Acuro Organics Limited, RX CHEMICALS, Swiss Chemi Pvt. Ltd, and Brainerd Chemical Company |
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Technological advancements in peracetic acid production methods promise to unlock new opportunities in the global peracetic market in the coming years. Traditionally, peracetic acid has been produced through chemical synthesis which involves multi-step reactions and use of hazardous chemicals. However, newer bio-based production methods are now emerging that uses benign feedstocks and simpler reactions to produce peracetic acid. For instance, some studies have shown that certain bacteria found in wetlands can produce peracetic acid as a byproduct when fed simple carbon sources like ethanol or acetic acid. Similarly, certain species of algae have also been found to produce peracetic acid when their metabolism is stimulated under controlled conditions. These bio-based approaches offer a more sustainable and environment-friendly alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. They help reduce dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels and eliminate use of toxic intermediates in the production process. Advances are also being made in development of more effective heterogeneous catalysts that can carry out the critical esterification and perhydrolysis reactions involved in peracetic acid production with higher selectivity, lower energy requirements and fewer side products.
Apart from the food sector, peracetic acid market research indicates rising applications across healthcare, agriculture, and water treatment industries. In healthcare, peracetic acid is extensively used for sterilizing medical devices, surgical instruments, and facility surfaces, driven by stringent hygiene regulations in hospitals and clinics. In agriculture, it serves as an effective disinfectant for livestock farming—used to sanitize barns, equipment, and animal transport vehicles. Its role in the water treatment industry is also growing, where it functions as a biocide and bleaching agent. Peracetic acid offers a potent and fast-acting alternative to chlorine, making it highly suitable for treating wastewater and industrial process water.
Stringent regulatory norms regarding the use and transportation of peracetic acid will significantly increase compliance costs for manufacturers, impacting overall peracetic acid market price dynamics. Additionally, peracetic acid is considered hazardous if mishandled and can cause harm to human health and the environment. Substitutes such as hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide have gained considerable traction lately, threatening the existing market share of peracetic acid. Fluctuating raw material prices also impact the overall production costs. Developing economies may switch to cost-effective alternatives due to higher product and production costs.
Technological advancements in peracetic acid production methods are expected to unlock new growth avenues in the peracetic acid market forecast. Traditionally, peracetic acid has been produced through chemical synthesis, which involves multi-step reactions and the use of hazardous chemicals. However, newer bio-based production methods are now emerging that use benign feedstocks and simpler reactions to produce peracetic acid. For instance, some studies have shown that certain bacteria found in wetlands can produce peracetic acid as a byproduct when fed simple carbon sources like ethanol or acetic acid. Similarly, certain species of algae have also been found to produce peracetic acid when their metabolism is stimulated under controlled conditions. These bio-based approaches offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. They help reduce dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels and eliminate the use of toxic intermediates in the production process. Advances are also being made in the development of more effective heterogeneous catalysts that can carry out the critical esterification and perhydrolysis reactions involved in peracetic acid production with higher selectivity, lower energy requirements, and fewer side products.
The peracetic acid market value is at a pivotal inflection point, transitioning from niche disinfection applications to a broader role as a next-generation oxidizing agent across high-compliance industries. Its superior oxidation potential (1.81V, higher than chlorine or hydrogen peroxide) is being increasingly recognized as a critical differentiator, particularly in segments where microbial resistance and regulatory scrutiny have intensified.
The food and beverage industry is arguably the most transformative user of peracetic acid today. Leading poultry and meat processors in the U.S. and Europe have shifted toward peracetic acid-based antimicrobial rinses, not just for efficacy but to meet evolving residue and organic labeling standards. According to USDA FSIS data, over 65% of inspected poultry facilities in the U.S. now utilize peracetic acid as their primary carcass wash agent, up from less than 30% in 2015, a strong indicator of its entrenchment in high-throughput, regulation-heavy environments.
In the water treatment sector, municipal bodies in developed economies are phasing out chlorine-based disinfection in favor of safer, non-toxic alternatives. Scandinavian countries, for instance, have included peracetic acid in public water treatment protocols due to its lower formation of chlorinated byproducts. Similarly, select U.S. municipalities such as Portland and Seattle are trialing peracetic acid systems in decentralized treatment setups, particularly in low-flow or environmentally sensitive zones.
Equally noteworthy is the compound’s increasing penetration in pharmaceutical and medical device sterilization. Major sterilization service providers have begun integrating vaporized peracetic acid in combination systems, citing its compatibility with heat-sensitive instruments. The launch of cold sterilization cabinets in hospital setups, especially in Germany and South Korea, reflects the compound's growing favor in enclosed-space disinfection protocols.
However, a critical limitation remains in the logistics and safe handling of concentrated formulations, particularly in regions with underdeveloped chemical safety frameworks. The industry is witnessing a growing shift toward on-site generation systems, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, where cost-sensitive operations demand fresh generation without large-scale transport.
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About Author
Vidyesh Swar is a seasoned Consultant with a diverse background in market research and business consulting. With over 6 years of experience, Vidyesh has established a strong reputation for his proficiency in market estimations, supplier landscape analysis, and market share assessments for tailored research solution. Using his deep industry knowledge and analytical skills, he provides valuable insights and strategic recommendations, enabling clients to make informed decisions and navigate complex business landscapes.
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