Glutaraldehyde Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Glutaraldehyde 25%, Glutaraldehyde 50%), By Application (Disinfection & Sterilization, Pesticide, Electron & Light Microscopy), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Glutaraldehyde Market Size & Trends

The global glutaraldehyde market size was valued at USD 698.4 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2024 to 2030. The growth of this market across the world can be attributed to a significant surge in the demand for high-level disinfectants and chemical sterilants from the global healthcare industry amid growing awareness about hygiene and sanitation among consumers. Glutaraldehyde is widely used as a cold sterilant to disinfect different heat-sensitive healthcare instruments, such as endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and dialysis equipment.

Glutaraldehyde (C5H8O2) is an active ingredient used in the form of aqueous solution, which is activated by an alkaline buffer like sodium bicarbonate. Different companies like ACURO ORGANICS LIMITED; ASP; BASF SE; Fengchen Group Co., Ltd.; and Hebei Guanlang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., are involved in the production of different grades of the product for the disinfection of healthcare equipment.

C5H8O2 is used in the oil & gas industry for the inhibition of surface-reducing bacteria. It is also used as a corrosion control solution. North America is one of the prominent producers of crude oil in the world. As per the U.S. Energy Information Administration, crude oil production in the country grew from 11.3 million barrels in 2021 to 11.9 million barrels in 2022. The growth in crude oil production in the U.S. is anticipated to trigger the demand for C5H8O2 in the coming years, thereby acting as an opportunity for the growth of glutaraldehyde industry in the country.

In addition to the application of the product in healthcare, it is also used as a biocide in water treatment to control the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and algae in cold water systems, pulp and paper mills, and oil and gas wells. As per the International Trade Administration, wastewater treatment market in India is projected to grow from USD 1.31 billion in 2020 to USD 2.08 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 9.7%. This further provides the opportunity for the C5H8O2 market in the country. Other industrial applications of the product are in leather tanning to improve the quality and durability of leather.

Two different processes are employed for the synthesis of the product, depending on the type of raw materials used. The traditional process involves the production using methyl vinyl ether, acrolein, nitrogen, and 2-methoxy 3,4 dihydropyran while the other method involves the synthesis of glutaral using cyclopentane. C5H8O2 is supplied in different percentages, mainly 4%, 15%, 25%, and 45% as per its application in different industries. It is also available in its bis (sodium bisulfate) adduct form. In addition, the anhydrous form of glutaraldehyde is not available owing to its unstable nature.

Product Insights

Based on product, 50% C5H8O2 dominated the market with a revenue share of 47.5% in 2023, as the product is effective against a wide range of microorganisms and is used in various applications including healthcare equipment sterilization, leather fixatives, and chemical intermediates. It is the most commonly used cross-linking agent in processes where enhanced material strength and durability are required. Many companies produce 50% glutaraldehyde for various applications such as medical device disinfection and biocide in the oil field. The microbial solution containing 50% C5H8O2 is used to remove bacteria for increasing operational efficiency in EOR (enhanced oil recovery) and water flooding applications.

Other percentages of glutaraldehyde include 2.45%, 24%, 2.0%, 5%, 8%, and 2.2±0.2%, among others. These percentages of glutaraldehyde are not specific or bound to any application but are used in different end-use applications including water treatment, adhesive, preservative, and medical device disinfectant. A few companies like Neon Corporation and others provide a mixture of glutaraldehyde and quaternary ammonium as an active ingredient for disinfectant purposes. Moreover, CIDEX Activated Glutaraldehyde Solution is a 2.45% glutaraldehyde brand manufactured and supplied by ASP. Other brands of 2.45% glutaraldehyde include Endokleena and Endox.

Application Insights

Disinfection and sterilization segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 73.3% in 2023. Glutaraldehyde is a cold sterilant, used for the disinfection of heat-resistant hospital equipment such as endoscopes, bronchoscopes, dental equipment, and other clinical instruments. Different companies like ACURO ORGANICS LIMITED; ASP; BASF SE; Fengchen Group Co., Ltd.; and Hebei Guanlang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., among others, are involved in the production of different grades of glutaraldehyde for the disinfection of healthcare equipment.

As a disinfection and sterilizing agent, the product is used in water treatment plants. Its solution is added to kill pathogens like viruses, bacteria and fungi. The aqueous product solution at 45%-50% w/w is used as a microbicide as it inhibits the growth of algae deposits and other microorganisms. In some cases, the product used in water treatment is more diluted (less than 10%). In addition, the product is also used as a biocide in metalworking fluids and in oil and gas pipelines.

Glutaraldehyde is used as a crosslinking agent in the leather tanning process to increase the durability and quality of leather. In addition, it increases the resistance to heat, water, and microorganisms, which makes it suitable for the manufacture of footwear and accessories in the fashion industry. The cross-linking of glutaraldehyde makes the leather more resistant to water absorption.

Regional Insights

Europe dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 45.2% in 2023. The flourishing healthcare industry in UK, France, Germany, and Spain is anticipated to drive the demand for glutaraldehyde in Europe in the coming years. As per the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, the region accounted for a share of 23.4% of global pharmaceutical sales in the same year. Notably, healthcare spending in Europe constituted a share of 9.3% of its GDP in 2021, underscoring the significance of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries in the region. Thus, the developing healthcare sector in the region is further expected to drive the demand for the product in the upcoming years.

However, countries such as Spain, Bulgaria, and Romania have also witnessed rapid growth in their agriculture industry, thereby leading to increased investments in this industry. It has resulted in the large-scale adoption of improved water preservation techniques. This trend of surging agricultural production amid limited farming land in the region further fuels the demand for agrochemicals, including pesticides, across Europe. Consequently, the progressive developments in the agrochemicals industries in the region are expected to fuel the demand for glutaraldehyde in Europe throughout the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Players in the market have adopted the strategy of new product launches to enhance their product portfolios and increase their consumer reach. For instance, in 2022, Neogene added COMPANION RTU (ready-to-use) disinfectant to its biosecurity portfolio. This product is formulated for use in animal care facilities, animal laboratories, and veterinary units. The newly introduced product is a combination of glutaraldehyde and quaternary ammonia.

Moreover, in 2022, BASF SE also unveiled its latest range of solutions – Tinopal (having glutaral as an active ingredient) to cater to the requirements of home care, industrial and institutional cleaning, and personal care product market. This product launch is expected to help the company strengthen its product portfolio of industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals. In the third quarter of 2023 the prices of glutaraldehyde in North America witnessed a slight decline owing to the decrease in the demand for the product from the end-use industries.

Glutaraldehyde Market Report Scope

Global Glutaraldehyde Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global glutaraldehyde market report based on product, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Glutaraldehyde 25%

  • Glutaraldehyde 50%

  • Other Products

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Disinfection & Sterilization

  • Leather Tanning

  • Pesticide

  • Electron & Light Microscopy

  • Other Applications

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Spain

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa