Bleaching Agents Market
By Form;
Powder and LiquidBy Product;
Azodicarbonamide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Ascorbic Acid, Acetone Acid, Acetone Peroxide, Chlorine Dioxide, and OthersBy Application;
Food & Beverages, Pulp & Paper, Textile, Household Laundering, and OthersBy End User;
Industrial, Commercial, and ResidentialBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Bleaching Agents Market Overview
Bleaching Agents Market (USD Million)
Bleaching Agents Market was valued at USD 805.27 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 1,094.39 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.5%.
Bleaching Agents Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 4.5 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
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Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 4.5 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 805.27 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 1,094.39 Million |
Market Concentration | High |
Report Pages | 311 |
Major Players
- Aditya Birla Chemicals
- AkzoNobel
- Arkema
- Ashland
- BASF
- Christeyns
- Clariant
- Colgate-Palmolive Company
- Dow Chemicals
- DuPont
- Evonik
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company
- Novozymes
- C. JOHNSON & SON INC.
- Shandong Huatai Interox Chemical
- Solvay
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Bleaching Agents Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The bleaching agents market is witnessing robust growth, largely fueled by the rising use of whitening and cleaning compounds in industrial and household settings. A notable share—around 40%—of total consumption stems from industrial sectors such as pulp & paper, textiles, and water treatment, underscoring the product’s broad functionality in large-scale operations. This expanding demand highlights the crucial role of bleaching agents in enhancing material appearance and hygiene standards.
Shift Toward Sustainable Formulations
Mounting environmental awareness and regulatory pressures are accelerating the transition to sustainable bleaching solutions. Alternatives like oxygen-based and peroxide-based agents have gained strong traction, accounting for approximately 35% of current market usage. These eco-conscious formulations are helping manufacturers align with evolving compliance standards while addressing consumer preferences for greener, less toxic chemical products.
Expanding Role in Hygiene and Personal Care
The role of bleaching agents in everyday hygiene is growing, especially in household cleaning and personal care segments. Products such as disinfectants, detergents, and hygiene enhancers now contribute to over 30% of total usage. This increase is driven by greater public emphasis on cleanliness and health protection, particularly in post-pandemic markets. Demand continues to rise for formulations that ensure both safety and efficacy in regular use.
Innovation Enhancing Performance and Affordability
Technological advancements in bleaching agent production are yielding higher efficiency and lower costs, making these solutions more accessible across diverse end-use sectors. Modern chemical innovations are enabling better stain removal, faster reaction times, and safer handling characteristics. These enhancements not only elevate product performance but also strengthen the market’s competitive edge by supporting scalable and reliable supply chains.
Bleaching Agents Market Recent Developments
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In September 2022, Solenis finalized the acquisition of Clearon Corp, enhancing its water‐treatment offering for both residential and commercial sectors, and reinforcing its market position in sustainable bleaching solutions.
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In November 2022, Clariant purchased BASF’s U.S. attapulgite business for USD 60 million, broadening its mineral‑based bleaching agent portfolio and strengthening its foothold in North American markets.
Bleaching Agents Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by Form, Product, Application, End User, and Geography.
Bleaching Agents Market, Segmentation by Form
The Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by Form into Powder and Liquid.
Powder
Powder-based bleaching agents are widely utilized across industries due to their longer shelf life and stability in storage and transport. These agents are typically used in textile, paper, and water treatment applications, offering effective whitening and oxidizing properties. Around 60% of the bleaching agents in industrial applications are used in powder form, highlighting their broad utility and cost-effectiveness.
Liquid
Liquid bleaching agents are favored in household and hygiene-related applications due to their ease of use and rapid solubility. These agents are extensively used in surface cleaning, disinfection, and laundry care. Approximately 40% of the market share is held by liquid formulations, particularly in regions where hygiene and sanitation practices are highly prioritized.
Bleaching Agents Market, Segmentation by Product
The Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by Product into Azodicarbonamide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Ascorbic Acid, Acetone Acid, Acetone Peroxide, Chlorine Dioxide, and Others
Azodicarbonamide
Azodicarbonamide is commonly used as a bleaching agent in flour processing and plastics manufacturing. Known for its effectiveness as an oxidizing agent, it helps improve dough quality and texture. It accounts for approximately 10% of the total product usage in the market due to its dual functionality in food and industrial applications.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide dominates the bleaching agents market, holding over 35% share, due to its strong oxidizing properties and environmentally friendly nature. It is widely used across textiles, pulp & paper, and wastewater treatment industries. Its decomposition into water and oxygen makes it a preferred choice for sustainable operations.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, serves as a mild and natural bleaching agent. It is primarily used in the food and beverage industry to maintain color and extend shelf life. With a market share of around 8%, it appeals to clean-label and health-conscious product formulations.
Acetone Acid
Acetone acid is applied in niche industrial processes where selective bleaching is needed. Though it represents a smaller portion of the market, at about 5%, its effectiveness in controlled oxidation processes supports its continued use in specialty chemical applications.
Acetone Peroxide
Acetone peroxide is a powerful bleaching agent but is limited to highly controlled industrial uses due to its explosive nature. It contributes to less than 3% of the total market but remains essential in certain chemical synthesis and laboratory applications.
Chlorine Dioxide
Chlorine dioxide is a fast-acting bleaching agent used extensively in water treatment and the pulp & paper industry. It commands roughly 20% of the market share due to its strong antimicrobial and oxidizing characteristics, particularly in large-scale industrial applications.
Others
This segment includes various niche and specialty bleaching agents tailored for specific applications, such as sodium percarbonate and calcium hypochlorite. Collectively, they make up around 19% of the market, offering flexibility for customized solutions across industries.
Bleaching Agents Market, Segmentation by Application
The Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by Application into Food & Beverages, Pulp & Paper, Textile, Household Laundering, and Others
Food & Beverages
Bleaching agents in the food & beverage sector are primarily used to improve the appearance and texture of flour, sugar, and processed food items. These agents ensure color uniformity and enhance product shelf life. The segment holds nearly 18% of the overall market due to growing demand for high-quality and appealing food products.
Pulp & Paper
The pulp & paper industry remains one of the largest consumers of bleaching agents, accounting for around 30% of the market. These agents are essential for whitening paper, removing lignin, and improving brightness. Hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide are widely used due to their strong oxidizing properties and environmental compliance.
Textile
In the textile industry, bleaching agents are vital for preparing fabrics by removing natural colorants and impurities. Representing approximately 22% of the market, this segment is driven by increasing production of cotton and synthetic fibers, particularly in Asia-Pacific.
Household Laundering
Bleaching agents used in household laundering improve fabric whiteness and hygiene by eliminating stains and pathogens. This segment accounts for close to 15% of the market, with demand fueled by rising consumer awareness around sanitation and product convenience.
Others
The 'Others' category includes applications such as water treatment, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These niche uses collectively represent about 15% of the market, benefiting from the multi-functionality and customizable nature of various bleaching agents.
Bleaching Agents Market, Segmentation by End User
The Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by End User into Industrial, Commercial, and Residential
Industrial
The industrial sector dominates the bleaching agents market, accounting for nearly 55% of the total demand. These agents are extensively used in large-scale operations such as textile processing, pulp & paper manufacturing, and wastewater treatment. The preference for high-concentration formulations and bulk usage drives consistent demand in this segment.
Commercial
Commercial usage of bleaching agents includes laundromats, hotels, restaurants, and food processing facilities. This segment holds approximately 25% of the market share, driven by the need for effective cleaning, whitening, and sanitation solutions in service-based environments.
Residential
The residential segment comprises household applications, primarily for laundry care, surface cleaning, and disinfection. Holding around 20% of the market, this segment is supported by increasing awareness of hygiene, particularly post-pandemic, and the widespread availability of consumer-grade bleaching products.
Bleaching Agents Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Bleaching Agents Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Bleaching Agents Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America holds a significant share of the bleaching agents market, supported by high consumption in the food processing, household cleaning, and pulp & paper sectors. The presence of stringent hygiene standards and industrial-scale manufacturing contributes to strong regional demand, with the U.S. being a key contributor.
Europe
Europe commands a steady share in the global market due to its emphasis on eco-friendly, sustainable chemicals, and regulated industrial usage. The region sees consistent demand from the textile, water treatment, and pharmaceutical industries, particularly in Germany, France, and the UK.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific leads the bleaching agents market, accounting for the largest regional share at over 35%. Rapid industrialization, increasing textile production, and growing urban populations drive demand in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region also benefits from cost-effective raw material availability.
Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa region is an emerging market for bleaching agents, driven by expanding infrastructure, rising urban sanitation efforts, and increasing industrial output. While currently holding a smaller market share, the region offers significant growth potential, especially in Gulf countries and South Africa.
Latin America
Latin America shows steady demand for bleaching agents in sectors like pulp & paper, textiles, and consumer goods. Brazil and Mexico are key contributors due to the presence of large-scale manufacturing facilities and growing demand for hygiene-related products.
Bleaching Agents Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Bleaching Agents Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
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Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Growing demand from textile industry
- Rising use in water treatment
- Expanding food and beverage applications
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Increased focus on hygiene standards - There is a growing emphasis on hygiene and sanitation standards across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. This demand is strongly fueling the adoption of bleaching agents in applications ranging from surface disinfection to sanitary product manufacturing. With heightened awareness of disease transmission, especially after recent global health crises, the need for effective sterilization agents has increased significantly.
Bleaching agents play a crucial role in the formulation of cleaning products, including laundry detergents, disinfectants, and surface cleaners. These products are now being used more frequently and in higher volumes, particularly in healthcare environments, educational institutions, and food processing areas where sanitation compliance is non-negotiable.
The hospitality and public transport sectors are placing greater reliance on bleaching-based disinfectants to maintain cleanliness and safety protocols. This shift in consumer behavior and industrial protocols is driving a sustained need for powerful, fast-acting, and residue-free agents that ensure microbial elimination and odor neutralization.
As global health and cleanliness consciousness continues to rise, the role of bleaching agents in upholding public hygiene infrastructure will remain vital, contributing positively to the market’s growth outlook.
Restraints
- Health hazards and toxicity concerns
- Stringent environmental regulations globally
- Volatility in raw material pricing
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Handling and storage complexities - The substantial challenge to manufacturers, distributors, and end-users. Many chemical bleaching agents, such as chlorine-based compounds, are highly reactive and pose risks including corrosiveness, flammability, and toxic fume release. These properties require stringent control measures and increase the cost of safe operation.
Facilities must invest in specialized storage infrastructure, such as corrosion-resistant containers and ventilated storage areas, which leads to higher capital and operational expenditure. Additionally, regulatory bodies mandate detailed safety data sheets (SDS) and training for personnel involved in handling these substances, further adding to operational burdens.
In the logistics chain, transport and warehousing of hazardous bleaching materials must comply with international chemical transport regulations. These requirements may limit the use of certain potent agents in smaller businesses or in remote regions lacking infrastructure, thereby constraining broader adoption.
Such challenges, combined with increasing scrutiny from environmental and occupational safety agencies, make it difficult for companies to manage regulatory risks and operational complexity, ultimately impacting market penetration and profitability.
Opportunities
- Development of eco-friendly bleaching agents
- Adoption in emerging industrial sectors
- Innovation in peroxide-based solutions
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Rising demand from paper industry - The paper and pulp industry represents a promising growth avenue for the bleaching agents market. As demand grows for high-quality white paper in printing, packaging, and publishing sectors, manufacturers are increasingly adopting chemical bleaching processes to enhance brightness and whiteness levels. This trend is particularly strong in developing regions undergoing rapid industrialization and education expansion.
Bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, and ozone are extensively used in paper processing to remove lignin and improve fiber quality. Innovations in environmentally safe and non-chlorine bleaching technologies are further boosting adoption among manufacturers committed to sustainability goals and eco-label certifications.
The rise of e-commerce and digital packaging solutions has fueled a surge in demand for corrugated and high-performance paper, indirectly driving the consumption of bleaching agents. Moreover, government incentives for domestic paper production and recycling initiatives offer long-term potential for market expansion.
This steady push toward clean, biodegradable paper products coupled with the growing emphasis on supply chain circularity makes the paper industry a key frontier for the future application of advanced bleaching technologies.
Bleaching Agents Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Bleaching Agents Market include:
- Aditya Birla Chemicals
- AkzoNobel
- Arkema
- Ashland
- BASF
- Christeyns
- Clariant
- Colgate-Palmolive Company
- Dow Chemicals
- DuPont
- Evonik
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company
- Novozymes
- C. JOHNSON & SON INC.
- Shandong Huatai Interox Chemical
- Solvay
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Form
- Market Snapshot, By Product
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Bleaching Agents Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Growing demand from textile industry
- Rising use in water treatment
- Expanding food and beverage applications
- Increased focus on hygiene standards
- Restraints
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Health hazards and toxicity concerns
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Stringent environmental regulations globally
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Volatility in raw material pricing
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Handling and storage complexities
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- Opportunities
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Development of eco-friendly bleaching agents
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Adoption in emerging industrial sectors
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Innovation in peroxide-based solutions
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Rising demand from paper industry
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Bleaching Agents Market, By Form, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Powder
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Liquid
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- Bleaching Agents Market, By Product, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Azodicarbonamide
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Hydrogen Peroxide
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Ascorbic Acid
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Acetone Acid
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Acetone Peroxide
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Chlorine Dioxide
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Others
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- Bleaching Agents Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Food & Beverages
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Pulp & Paper
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Textile
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Household Laundering
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Others
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Bleaching Agents Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Industrial
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Commercial
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Residential
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- Bleaching Agents Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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North America
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United States
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Canada
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Europe
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Germany
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United Kingdom
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France
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Italy
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Spain
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Nordic
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Benelux
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Rest of Europe
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Asia Pacific
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Japan
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China
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India
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Australia & New Zealand
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South Korea
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ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
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Rest of Asia Pacific
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Middle East & Africa
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GCC
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Israel
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South Africa
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Rest of Middle East & Africa
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Latin America
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Brazil
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Mexico
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Argentina
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Rest of Latin America
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- Bleaching Agents Market, By Form, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
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Aditya Birla Chemicals
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AkzoNobel
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Arkema
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Ashland
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BASF
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Christeyns
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Clariant
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Colgate-Palmolive Company
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Dow Chemicals
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DuPont
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Evonik
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Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company
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Novozymes
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C. JOHNSON & SON INC.
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Shandong Huatai Interox Chemical
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Solvay
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- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market