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Based on product type, the chlor-alkali market is segmented into chlorine, caustic soda, and soda ash. In 2022, the caustic soda segment acquired a high market share owing to its advantages and extensive applications in various industries such as chemicals, pulp & paper, textiles, and water treatment. Caustic soda is also employed in the alumina refining process to separate aluminum from bauxite. The global aluminum production and consumption trends influence the caustic soda demand in this sector. Chlorine is an essential element in the manufacturing of PVC, a extensively utilized plastic.
The demand for chlorine, a chlor-alkali product, is also closely associated with the construction & building materials industry growth as PVC is extensively used in pipes, window profiles, and other construction applications. These applications of caustic soda will propel its adoption rate and boost the market growth.
Based on technology, the chlor-alkali market is segmented into mercury cell process, diaphragm cell process, and membrane cell process. The membrane cell process segment held approximately 45% of the market share in 2022. It has become the most favored method for chlor-alkali production as it uses a specially designed ion-selective membrane that permits the selective passage of ions while preventing the mixing of the anolyte and catholyte. This process offers numerous advantages including higher energy efficiency, enhanced product purity, diminished environmental impacts, and lower operational costs.
Based on purity, the chlor-alkali market is segmented into high, standard, and low. The high purity segment dominated the market in 2022 and is anticipated to expand at over 5.5% CAGR through 2032. High-purity chlor-alkali products are used in industries, such as electronics, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, where strict purity standards are critical to manufacturing. Some advanced water treatment applications require high-purity chlor-alkali to effectively remove contaminants. Standard-purity chlor-alkali is generally used in municipal water treatment facilities to disinfect and remove contaminants.
Based on end use, the chlor-alkali market is segmented into chemical, water treatment, pulp & paper, textiles, and soaps & detergents industries. Chlor-alkali products are used as raw materials to produce various chemicals including chlorine-based compounds, solvents, PVC, and caustic soda. They also have applications in wastewater treatment. Economic growth, industrialization, population surge, regulations, and technological breakthroughs are a few factors driving chlor-alkali demand. Market variables and specialized industry needs also impact the chlor-alkali product demand across different sectors.
U.S. led the North American region with a high market value of USD 24 billion in 2022 and is set to grow at a lucrative rate by 2032. The manufacturing sector in North America including chemicals, pulp & paper, textiles, and metals is augmenting the chlor-alkali product demand. Chlorine-based products including sodium hypochlorite are widely used for water treatment in North America. The growing infrastructure projects and urban growth in the region are leading to an increased demand for chlor-alkali products, further propelling market growth in North America.