Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Grade (Food Grade and Technical Grade), Form, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market is accounted for $763.91 million in 2025 and is expected to reach $1171.59 million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period. Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a versatile inorganic compound widely used in various industries for its sequestrant, dispersing, and emulsifying properties. Because it is made up of repeating units of metaphosphate, it effectively binds metal ions, enhancing the stability of processed foods and preventing scale formation in water treatment. In the food industry, SHMP is frequently utilized as an emulsifier, texture enhancer, and preservative in goods like meat, dairy, and seafood. In industrial cleaning and ceramics, it aids in particle dispersion and improves the effectiveness of cleaning solutions. Many commercial and industrial applications require it as a necessary ingredient due to its multipurpose qualities.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is approved for use as an emulsifying agent in pasteurized process cheese spread, with the total weight of emulsifying agents not exceeding 3% of the final product's weight.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing water treatment demand

One of the main factors propelling the sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) market is the growing demand for efficient water treatment solutions in the commercial, residential, and municipal sectors. In cooling towers, boilers, and pipelines, SHMP works as a sequestrant to stop metal ions from forming scale. A vital component of water purification systems, it can also soften hard water by binding calcium and magnesium ions. Moreover, the demand for SHMP is being further increased by governments around the world enforcing strict wastewater treatment regulations in response to growing concerns about pollution and water scarcity. It is also anticipated that the expansion of water recycling programs and desalination projects will open up new market growth prospects.

Restraint:

Alternative chemicals and substitutes' availability

The development and uptake of SHMP substitutes in a number of industries can be attributed to the increased focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable chemicals. Non-phosphate-based chelating agents, like citric acid and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), are becoming more and more popular in the water treatment industry because of their less detrimental effects on the environment. Additionally, biodegradable surfactants and enzymes are taking the place of phosphate-based substances in detergents and cleaning solutions. As consumers demand clean-label ingredients, the food industry is also seeing a shift toward natural stabilizers and preservatives.

Opportunity:

Growing utilization in cleaning products and detergents

Due to strict sanitation laws and increased awareness of hygiene, the market for household and industrial cleaning products is expanding steadily on a global scale. An essential component of detergents, surface cleaners, and dishwashing liquids, SHMP serves as a dispersing agent and water softener to increase cleaning effectiveness. Research into sustainable SHMP formulations with a lower environmental impact has been prompted by the growing demand for phosphate-free and environmentally friendly detergents. Moreover, SHMP manufacturers have the chance to create high-performance cleaning solutions that are suited to particular industry demands as institutional and commercial cleaning services in hotels, hospitals, and food processing facilities grow.

Threat:

Issues with health and shifting customer preferences

The demand for SHMP is at risk due to growing awareness of the possible health hazards linked to excessive phosphate consumption, especially in the food and beverage sector. High phosphate intake has been related in studies to cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis, and kidney disease. Food manufacturers are looking into natural and organic substitutes for synthetic additives like SHMP as consumers grow more aware of food additives and demand cleaner labels. Additionally, the use of SHMP in the food industry may be adversely affected by any future restrictions on phosphate consumption, as regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are constantly assessing the health risks associated with phosphate.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) market in a number of ways, including supply chain disruptions, industry-specific demand fluctuations, and regulatory issues that affected market dynamics as a whole. Reduced production capacities and delays in the procurement of raw materials were caused by lockdowns and restrictions on industrial operations, which primarily affected the manufacturing and chemical industries. One important end-user of SHMP, the food and beverage sector, saw a brief increase in demand for packaged and processed foods during lockdowns, which had a favourable effect on SHMP consumption. However, the market for detergents and cleaning supplies saw both opportunities and difficulties, with supply chain limitations and rising demand for products related to hygiene.

The technical grade segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The technical grade segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Its widespread use in industrial processes like paper production, industrial cleaning, and water treatment is what accounts for its dominance. Technical grade SHMP is used in water treatment to increase the longevity and efficiency of water systems by preventing corrosion and scale formation. By increasing brightness and smoothness, the paper industry uses it to improve the quality of paper. Moreover, the technical grade segment of the SHMP market continues to be widely recognized due to the increasing demand for high-quality paper products and efficient water treatment solutions, especially in Asia Pacific and North America.

The powder segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the powder segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. This expected growth is fueled by the powder form's quick solubility and strong binding qualities, which make it ideal for use in pharmaceuticals, food additives, and water treatment formulations. Powdered SHMP is becoming more and more popular due to the rising demand for pharmaceuticals, processed foods, and effective water treatment systems. Furthermore, accelerating its adoption across numerous sectors is the powder form's fine-mesh nature, which improves its performance in a variety of industrial processes.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Europe region is expected to hold the largest market share. The region's strict environmental laws and sophisticated industries, such as metallurgy, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals, which heavily rely on SHMP as a dispersing and sequestering agent, are primarily responsible for this presence. Moreover, the need for high-purity SHMP in municipal and industrial water treatment applications has also been strengthened by Europe's emphasis on sustainable water treatment methods. The market has been further reinforced by rising investments in research and development for novel SHMP formulations as well as rising demand for processed foods.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. Rapid industrialization, rising processed food demand, and the development of water treatment facilities in nations like China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia are some of the factors driving this growth. The demand for SHMP as a food additive has increased as a result of the region's expanding population and rising disposable incomes, which have increased consumption of packaged foods and beverages. Additionally, the growing use of SHMP in municipal and industrial water treatment applications is also a result of growing worries about water pollution and the demand for efficient water treatment solutions.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market include Aditya Birla Chemicals, Israel Chemicals Limited (ICL), Solvay, Recochem Inc., Chongqing Chuandong Chemical (Group) Co., Ltd., Kraft Chemical Company, Inc, Mexichem, Weifang Huabo Chemical Co., Ltd., Akash Purochem Private Limited, Innophos Inc, Prayon S.A., Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group Co., Ltd., Acuro Organics Limited, Vinipul Inorganics Private Limited and PK Chem Industries Ltd.

Key Developments:

In January 2025, Solvay and Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd. have entered into a strategic partnership to advance sustainability in tire manufacturing. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-develop circular silica, a sustainable material for tire production.

In November 2023, Recochem, a global leader in aftermarket transportation and household fluids, was acquired by CapVest from H.I.G. Capital. H.I.G. Capital, which had owned Recochem, will remain a minority investor in the company. This acquisition marks a new phase of growth for Recochem, with CapVest aiming to expand the company's reach both organically and through strategic mergers and acquisitions.

In July 2022, Specialty minerals company ICL Group Ltd. said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Aleees, a Taiwanese manufacturer of lithium iron phosphate battery cathode materials. Aleees will grant licensed technology on lithium iron phosphate to ICL, and will provide the company with technical information and support services to accelerate the development of cathode material production in the U.S.

Grades Covered:

• Food Grade
• Technical Grade

Forms Covered:

• Granular or Flaky
• Glass Plates
• Powder

Applications Covered:

• Food & Beverages
• Water Treatment & Softening
• Detergents & Cleaning Agents
• Industrial
• Titanium Dioxide Production
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

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• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
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• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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