KONSTANZ, Germany - Biocides are used to prevent damages caused by microbes or other organisms. They protect industrial products and consumer goods as well as animals and human beings. In contrast to the closely related crop protection products that are utilized in the agricultural sector only, biocides may be used in a wide array of application areas. Among these are disinfectants, water treatment, wood preservation, paper, coatings and plastics.
Although biocides are usually added in comparatively low quantities to the final product, market research institute Ceresana forecasts global revenues of almost $7.3 billion in 2019. The prices of biocides vary considerably depending on the type of product, thus constituting a crucial factor in revenues generated in the various fields of application. Coatings, disinfectants and smaller niche applications utilize biocides that are substantially more expensive than products applied in other markets such as water treatment. In quantitative terms, as far as consumption of biocides is concerned, the dominating area on the market for biocides is industrial and public water treatment.