Peracetic Acid in United States Trends and Forecast
The future of the peracetic acid market in United States looks promising with opportunities in the healthcare, food & beverage, water treatment, and pulp & paper markets. The global peracetic acid market is expected to reach an estimated $1.5 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 7.0% from 2025 to 2031. The peracetic acid market in United States is also forecasted to witness strong growth over the forecast period. The major drivers for this market are the increase in peracetic acid usage in the pharmaceutical sector, the growing use of peracetic acid for effective water treatment solutions, and the increasing need to sanitize surgical instruments.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the application category, disinfectant will remain the largest segment over the forecast period due to its efficiency, minimal toxicity, and environmental friendliness, along with the broad use in a variety of industries, such as agriculture, water purification, food & beverage, and healthcare.
Emerging Trends in the Peracetic Acid Market in United States
The peracetic acid market in United States is evolving rapidly, influenced by shifting environmental regulations, increased industrial adoption, and the growing need for effective, eco-friendly disinfectants. As industries seek safer and more sustainable alternatives to traditional chemicals, peracetic acid is gaining traction due to its high efficacy and minimal environmental impact. Applications in food safety, healthcare, water treatment, and agriculture are expanding, while technological innovations are improving product stability and shelf life. The following trends highlight key shifts shaping the direction and opportunities in the U.S. peracetic acid market.
• Rising Demand for Organic and Sustainable Food Processing Solutions: Increased consumer preference for organic and clean-label foods is pushing food processors to adopt safer, non-residual disinfectants like peracetic acid. Its ability to sanitize food-contact surfaces and produce without affecting taste or safety makes it ideal for natural product lines. This trend is being reinforced by USDA and FDA guidelines that support safer food sanitation methods. As a result, peracetic acid is becoming integral to sustainability-aligned processing operations across fruits, vegetables, and meat processing sectors.
• Growth in Wastewater and Industrial Water Treatment Applications: Municipalities and industrial operators in the U.S. are adopting peracetic acid for water disinfection due to its effectiveness and low environmental impact. As chlorine alternatives face stricter scrutiny, peracetic acid offers a compliant, eco-friendly solution with fast decomposition and reduced toxic byproducts. This shift is supported by increased infrastructure investments under initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which prioritizes advanced water treatment technologies. The trend supports expanding use in municipal wastewater, cooling towers, and paper mills.
• Increased Use in Healthcare Sterilization and Infection Control: Peracetic acid is becoming more prominent in U.S. hospitals and laboratories due to heightened infection control requirements and a move toward low-residue sterilants. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial effectiveness and compatibility with heat-sensitive equipment make it suitable for sterilizing surgical tools and endoscopes. This trend is driven by CDC recommendations and a growing emphasis on antimicrobial stewardship. As healthcare systems expand and upgrade sterilization protocols, demand for peracetic acid-based solutions is expected to rise significantly.
• Advancements in Formulation and Packaging Technology: Technological improvements in stabilizing peracetic acid formulations and extending shelf life are enhancing its commercial viability. Innovations in on-site generation systems and concentrated formulations are reducing transportation costs and improving user safety. Packaging advancements, such as smart dispensing systems, are also helping reduce waste and ensure precise dosing. These developments are lowering operational barriers for end-users in both large and small facilities, fostering broader adoption across sectors including agriculture, food, and industrial cleaning.
• Regulatory Support for Green Chemical Alternatives: U.S. environmental and public health agencies are actively promoting the use of safer, biodegradable disinfectants as part of broader sustainability goals. Peracetic acid, recognized by the EPA and FDA, fits these mandates due to its benign decomposition and minimal environmental footprint. Recent updates to chemical safety policies and increased funding for green innovation under the Inflation Reduction Act are accelerating this trend. Regulatory support is encouraging innovation and providing a stable framework for market growth across applications.
Emerging trends in the U.S. peracetic acid market reflect a clear shift toward sustainability, safety, and efficiency across diverse industries. Whether driven by consumer expectations, regulatory incentives, or technological breakthroughs, these developments are expanding the marketÄX%$%Xs scope and appeal. As peracetic acid becomes more integral to food safety, healthcare, and environmental applications, its role as a next-generation disinfectant is solidifying. The market is poised for continued expansion, fueled by its versatility and alignment with the United StatesÄX%$%X green transition goals.
Recent Developments in the Peracetic Acid Market in United States
The peracetic acid market in the United States has seen significant recent developments driven by rising demand for sustainable disinfectants, stricter regulatory standards, and technological innovation. Industries such as healthcare, food processing, water treatment, and agriculture are adopting peracetic acid to meet evolving safety and environmental requirements. These developments enhance product efficacy, safety, and application scope, reinforcing peracetic acid as a preferred alternative to traditional chemicals. The following sections detail five key recent developments shaping the market landscape.
• Introduction of On-Site Peracetic Acid Generation Systems: On-site generation technology for peracetic acid has become increasingly popular in the U.S. market, allowing industries to produce the chemical on demand rather than relying on transported concentrates. This development reduces transportation risks, storage hazards, and overall costs while ensuring fresh and highly potent solutions. On-site systems also support sustainability goals by minimizing packaging waste and carbon footprint. The technology is gaining traction in sectors like water treatment and food processing, where safety and operational efficiency are paramount, helping to expand market penetration and user confidence.
• Enhanced Formulations for Improved Stability and Shelf Life: Recent advances in formulation chemistry have led to peracetic acid products with improved stability and extended shelf life, addressing one of the key challenges of the chemicalÄX%$%Xs inherent reactivity. Stabilized formulations reduce degradation during storage and transportation, making them more practical for diverse industrial applications. These improvements enable manufacturers to reach wider markets, including small- and medium-sized enterprises that require longer product usability. Enhanced stability also boosts user safety and efficacy, thereby strengthening peracetic acidÄX%$%Xs competitive edge over alternative disinfectants.
• Expansion in Healthcare Sector Adoption: The U.S. healthcare sector has increasingly integrated peracetic acid into sterilization protocols due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and compatibility with sensitive medical instruments. Post-pandemic infection control priorities have accelerated demand in hospitals, dental clinics, and outpatient centers. Furthermore, peracetic acidÄX%$%Xs low residue and rapid decomposition align with stringent sterilization and environmental standards. The growing emphasis on infection prevention and antimicrobial resistance management is expected to sustain strong growth in healthcare applications, reinforcing the chemicalÄX%$%Xs critical role in modern medical practices.
• Regulatory Advancements Supporting Green Chemistry: Federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have updated guidelines to promote environmentally friendly disinfectants, placing peracetic acid in a favorable regulatory position. Initiatives encouraging the reduction of chlorine-based disinfectants and hazardous chemical usage have opened pathways for peracetic acid’s broader adoption. Funding and incentives under recent legislative acts also support green chemical innovations. This regulatory backing is driving investment in product development and market expansion, especially in food safety and water treatment sectors, where sustainability is increasingly mandated.
• Rising Adoption in Agricultural and Post-Harvest Applications: Agricultural use of peracetic acid has expanded in the United States as farmers and producers seek safer alternatives to traditional pesticides and fungicides. Peracetic acid is now more widely applied for soil disinfection, greenhouse sanitation, and post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables. Its biodegradability and effectiveness against pathogens make it attractive in organic and conventional farming systems. This development responds to growing consumer demand for residue-free produce and tighter export regulations. The trend is enhancing the chemical market scope while supporting sustainable agriculture practices.
Recent developments in the U.S. peracetic acid market reflect a clear movement towards safer, more sustainable, and efficient applications. Innovations such as on-site generation and stabilized formulations improve usability and safety, while regulatory support and expanding sector adoption reinforce market growth. Healthcare, agriculture, and water treatment are key beneficiaries of these advances. Collectively, these developments are accelerating the transition to greener chemical alternatives and broadening peracetic acid’s footprint across industries, securing its position as a vital disinfectant and sterilant in the United States.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Peracetic Acid Market in United States
The peracetic acid market in the United States is poised for significant expansion, fueled by increasing demand for effective, eco-friendly disinfectants across multiple industries. Regulatory pressure, consumer preferences for sustainability, and technological advancements are driving adoption in healthcare, food processing, water treatment, agriculture, and industrial cleaning. These sectors present key strategic growth opportunities as businesses seek safer alternatives to traditional chemicals. The following sections explore five primary application areas that are shaping the future growth trajectory of peracetic acid in the U.S. market.
• Food and Beverage Processing Sanitization: The food and beverage industry in the United States is a major growth driver for peracetic acid, owing to its strong antimicrobial properties and minimal residue impact. Increasing consumer demand for safe, preservative-free, and organic products is pushing processors to adopt greener sanitizers. Peracetic acid effectively sanitizes equipment, surfaces, and produce, ensuring compliance with stringent FDA and USDA food safety regulations. This trend is reinforced by growing export opportunities that require high standards of hygiene. Consequently, the food sector is expected to remain a core market for peracetic acid adoption and innovation.
• Healthcare Sterilization and Infection Control: The healthcare sector is rapidly expanding its use of peracetic acid for the sterilization of surgical instruments and medical devices. Post-pandemic emphasis on infection prevention and the need for residue-free sterilants are driving this trend. Peracetic acid offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial action and is compatible with delicate medical equipment. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and laboratories are integrating it into their sterilization protocols, supported by CDC guidelines. As healthcare infrastructure grows and infection control protocols become more rigorous, peracetic acid’s role as a safe, efficient sterilant will continue to strengthen.
• Municipal and Industrial Water Treatment: Water treatment is a critical growth area for peracetic acid in the United States, as utilities and industries seek alternatives to chlorine-based disinfectants. Peracetic acid’s rapid action, low formation of harmful by-products, and environmental safety align with tightening EPA regulations. Investments from infrastructure bills are enhancing water treatment capacity and upgrading technologies. This shift is prominent in wastewater treatment plants, cooling towers, and industrial water systems. The demand for sustainable water disinfection solutions positions peracetic acid as a preferred chemical, driving substantial market growth in this sector.
• Agricultural and Horticultural Applications: The agricultural sector is adopting peracetic acid for soil treatment, greenhouse sanitation, and post-harvest produce treatment to meet rising demands for chemical-free and organic food. Its effectiveness against pathogens and biodegradability support sustainable farming practices while complying with USDA organic standards. The increasing export of U.S. agricultural products also necessitates strict phytosanitary measures, boosting peracetic acid use. This application not only improves crop quality but also helps reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability and expanding the market for peracetic acid.
• Industrial and Institutional Cleaning: Industrial and institutional cleaning markets represent a growing opportunity for peracetic acid, especially in food manufacturing, hospitality, and transportation sectors. The chemical is valued for its fast-acting disinfection and compatibility with various surfaces. Regulatory focus on reducing toxic chemical exposure in workplaces enhances demand for safer cleaning agents like peracetic acid. Innovations in concentrated and stabilized formulations facilitate easier handling and effective usage. As businesses prioritize health, safety, and sustainability, peracetic acid’s adoption in cleaning protocols is expected to rise, supporting market expansion.
Strategic growth opportunities in food processing, healthcare, water treatment, agriculture, and industrial cleaning are collectively propelling the peracetic acid market in the United States. Regulatory frameworks, sustainability goals, and evolving consumer preferences are driving adoption across these sectors. As industries seek safer, more effective disinfectants, peracetic acid’s versatility and environmental benefits position it as a critical solution. These opportunities are expanding the market scope and accelerating innovation, paving the way for sustained growth and deeper integration into U.S. industrial and institutional applications.
Peracetic Acid Market in United States Driver and Challenges
The peracetic acid market in the United States is influenced by a range of technological, economic, and regulatory factors that act as drivers or challenges. Innovations in formulation and application technologies improve product efficacy and safety, driving market growth. Economic factors such as raw material costs and infrastructure investments also shape demand. Meanwhile, evolving regulatory standards for environmental protection and chemical safety create both opportunities and compliance challenges. Understanding these dynamics is essential for stakeholders to navigate the market successfully. The following outlines five main drivers and three key challenges affecting the market landscape.
The factors responsible for driving the peracetic acid market in United States include:
• Increasing Demand for Sustainable Disinfectants: Growing environmental awareness and regulatory emphasis on green chemistry drive demand for eco-friendly disinfectants like peracetic acid. It decomposes into harmless by-products, making it a preferred alternative to chlorine-based chemicals. Sustainability initiatives in food processing, water treatment, and healthcare support widespread adoption. This driver encourages manufacturers and end-users to prioritize safer, biodegradable chemicals, expanding market potential and fostering innovation in product development.
• Strict Regulatory Standards for Hygiene and Safety: Federal and state regulations, including those from the EPA, FDA, and CDC, mandate rigorous sanitation standards in healthcare, food processing, and water treatment sectors. Peracetic acid meets these standards due to its strong antimicrobial properties and minimal residue. Regulatory pressure ensures consistent demand while encouraging replacement of traditional disinfectants with safer alternatives. Compliance requirements also drive product innovation to meet evolving safety and efficacy benchmarks.
• Technological Advancements in Formulation and Delivery: Advances in stabilizing peracetic acid formulations and developing on-site generation systems reduce storage risks and improve shelf life. Innovations in delivery mechanisms enable precise dosing and safer handling. These technological improvements make peracetic acid more accessible to diverse industries, lowering barriers to adoption. Enhanced product performance and user convenience contribute to market expansion and competitive advantage.
• Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure: The growing healthcare sector, driven by increasing population and rising demand for medical services, requires effective sterilization and disinfection solutions. Peracetic acid offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity suitable for sterilizing sensitive instruments and environments. Heightened infection control awareness post-pandemic further fuels demand. This driver ensures steady market growth linked to healthcare infrastructure development and modernization.
• Investment in Water Treatment and Environmental Protection: Increasing investments in water treatment infrastructure, supported by government funding and public-private partnerships, create opportunities for peracetic acid usage. Its effectiveness in wastewater and industrial water disinfection aligns with environmental protection goals. The push to reduce harmful chemical by-products and improve water quality drives utilities and industries toward adopting peracetic acid-based solutions.
Challenges in the peracetic acid market in United States are:
• High Production and Operational Costs: Peracetic acid production involves expensive raw materials and complex processes, contributing to higher costs compared to conventional disinfectants. Additionally, its reactive nature requires specialized storage and handling, increasing operational expenses. These costs may limit adoption among price-sensitive customers or smaller enterprises. Economic fluctuations affecting raw material prices further complicate cost management, posing a challenge to wider market penetration.
• Health and Safety Risks in Handling: Despite environmental benefits, peracetic acid is a potent oxidizer and can pose risks such as skin irritation, respiratory issues, and eye damage if improperly handled. Strict safety protocols, training, and protective equipment are necessary to mitigate these risks. Industries with limited safety infrastructure or awareness may hesitate to adopt it, restricting market growth in certain segments.
• Complex Regulatory Compliance Landscape: The regulatory environment for chemicals in the United States is multifaceted and continuously evolving. Compliance with REACH-like standards, labeling, transportation, and workplace safety regulations demands significant administrative effort and cost. Post-Brexit regulatory divergence and state-level variations add complexity for multinational and domestic players. These challenges can slow market entry and expansion, especially for smaller manufacturers.
The peracetic acid market in the United States is shaped by strong drivers such as sustainability demand, regulatory support, technological innovation, healthcare growth, and water treatment investments. However, high costs, safety concerns, and regulatory complexities present significant challenges. Together, these factors create a dynamic market environment where companies must innovate and adapt to thrive. The balance between these drivers and challenges will determine the pace of market growth and the broader adoption of peracetic acid as a key disinfectant solution.
List of Peracetic Acid Market in United States Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies, peracetic acid companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the peracetic acid companies profiled in this report include:
• Company 1
• Company 2
• Company 3
• Company 4
• Company 5
• Company 6
• Company 7
• Company 8
• Company 9
• Company 10
Peracetic Acid Market in United States by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the peracetic acid market in United States by grade, application, and end use.
Peracetic Acid Market in United States by Grade [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• <5% Grade
• 5-15% Grade
• >15% Grade
Peracetic Acid Market in United States by Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Disinfectant
• Sterilant
• Sanitizer
• Others
Peracetic Acid Market in United States by End Use [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Healthcare
• Food & Beverage
• Water Treatment
• Pulp & Paper
• Others
Features of the Peracetic Acid Market in United States
Market Size Estimates: Peracetic acid in United States market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Peracetic acid in United States market size by grade, application, and end use in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different grade, application, and end use for the peracetic acid in United States.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the peracetic acid in United States.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
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FAQ
Q1. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the peracetic acid market in United States?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the increase in peracetic acid usage in the pharmaceutical sector, the growing use of peracetic acid for effective water treatment solutions, and the increasing need to sanitize surgical instruments.
Q2. What are the major segments for peracetic acid market in United States?
Answer: The future of the peracetic acid market in United States looks promising with opportunities in the healthcare, food & beverage, water treatment, and pulp & paper markets.
Q3. Which peracetic acid market segment in United States will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that disinfectant will remain the largest segment over the forecast period due to its efficiency, minimal toxicity, and environmental friendliness, along with the broad use in a variety of industries, such as agriculture, water purification, food & beverage, and healthcare.
Q4. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 10 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the peracetic acid market in United States by grade (<5% grade, 5-15% grade, and >15% grade), application (disinfectant, sterilant, sanitizer, and others), and end use (healthcare, food & beverage, water treatment, pulp & paper, and others)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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