ACH and PAC Market Size, Share Global Analysis Report, 2026-2034

Industry Insights

[238+ Pages Report] According to Facts & Factors, the global ACH and PAC market size was estimated at USD 1.83 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 4.09 billion by the end of 2034. The ACH and PAC industry is anticipated to grow by a CAGR of 9.5% between 2026 and 2034. The ACH and PAC Market is driven by increasing global water scarcity and treatment demand.

Market Overview

The ACH and PAC market encompasses aluminum-based coagulants used primarily in water treatment processes. Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH) and Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) are chemical compounds that facilitate the aggregation of suspended particles in water, aiding in purification and clarification. These products are essential in municipal water treatment, industrial wastewater management, and various manufacturing sectors where water quality is critical. The market includes various formulations designed to address specific water conditions, from drinking water purification to complex industrial effluents.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global ACH and PAC market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 9.5% over the forecast period (2026-2034).
• In terms of revenue, the global ACH and PAC market size was valued at around USD 1.83 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 4.09 Billion by 2034.
• The market is driven by increasing global water scarcity and treatment demand.
• Based on the Product Type, Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) dominated with 70% share due to its widespread use in water treatment applications for its efficiency in coagulation and lower sludge production.
• Based on the Form, Liquid PAC dominated with 60% share owing to its ease of handling, quick dissolution, and precise dosing in treatment processes.
• Based on the End-User Industry, Water Treatment dominated with 66% share because of stringent regulations on water quality and rising demand for clean water globally.
• Asia Pacific dominated the global market with 43.5% share attributed to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and significant investments in water infrastructure in countries like China and India.

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Global Water Scarcity and Treatment Demand

The escalating global water crisis, driven by population growth, climate change, and industrial expansion, has heightened the need for effective water treatment solutions. ACH and PAC play a crucial role in addressing this by providing efficient coagulation for removing contaminants from water sources.

These coagulants offer advantages over traditional alternatives, including broader pH tolerance and reduced chemical dosage requirements, making them cost-effective for large-scale water treatment operations. As governments worldwide implement stricter water quality standards, the adoption of ACH and PAC continues to rise in both municipal and industrial sectors.

Restraints

• Residual Aluminum Concerns in Treated Water

Health and environmental concerns regarding residual aluminum in treated water pose a significant challenge to market growth. Regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing aluminum levels in drinking water due to potential links to neurological disorders.

This has led to hesitancy in adoption in some regions and increased R&D costs for manufacturers to develop low-residual formulations. Additionally, the need for precise dosing and monitoring adds operational complexity for end-users.

Opportunities

• Nano-PAC Technology Development

Advancements in nanotechnology are opening new avenues for enhanced PAC formulations with superior performance characteristics. Nano-PAC offers improved coagulation efficiency, reduced dosage requirements, and better removal of emerging contaminants.

This innovation presents opportunities for market expansion in high-tech water treatment applications, particularly in pharmaceutical and electronics industries where ultra-pure water is essential. Collaborations between research institutions and manufacturers are accelerating the commercialization of these advanced products.

Challenges

• Supply Chain Bottlenecks and Currency Fluctuations

The market faces ongoing challenges from raw material supply disruptions and currency volatility, particularly affecting international trade. Dependence on aluminum sources and hydrochloric acid makes the industry susceptible to mining disruptions and energy price fluctuations.

Global economic uncertainties and trade tensions further complicate supply chains, leading to price instability and potential shortages in key markets. Manufacturers must navigate these issues while maintaining product quality and competitive pricing.

Report Scope

Market Segmentation

The ACH and PAC market is segmented by product type, form, end-user industry, and region.

Based on Product Type Segment, the ACH and PAC market is divided into Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC), Polyaluminum Chlorosulfate (PACS), Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH), Composite PAC, Nano-PAC, and others.

The most dominant segment is Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC), holding approximately 70% market share, due to its versatile application in various water conditions and superior performance in turbidity removal. It drives the market by offering cost-effective solutions for large-scale water treatment, reducing operational costs for municipalities and industries. The second most dominant is Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH), valued for its high basicity and effectiveness in cold water treatment, contributing to market growth through specialized applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals where purity is paramount.

Based on Form Segment, the ACH and PAC market is divided into Liquid PAC, Powder PAC (Spray-Dried), Granular PAC, Flaky PAC (Drum-Dried), and others.

The most dominant segment is Liquid PAC, with about 60% share, as it allows for easy integration into existing treatment systems and precise automated dosing. This form drives market expansion by enabling efficient handling in high-volume operations, particularly in municipal water plants. The second dominant is Powder PAC, preferred for its longer shelf life and lower transportation costs, supporting market growth in regions with logistical challenges by providing flexible storage and application options.

Based on End-User Industry Segment, the ACH and PAC market is divided into Water Treatment, Pulp & Paper Industry, Textiles Industry, Oil & Gas Industry, Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics, and others.

Water Treatment is the most dominant segment, capturing around 66% share, driven by global emphasis on clean water access and wastewater management. It propels the market through mandatory use in purification processes, addressing environmental regulations. The second dominant is Pulp & Paper Industry, where these coagulants aid in process water clarification and effluent treatment, contributing to market growth by enabling sustainable manufacturing practices in this resource-intensive sector.

Recent Developments

• January 15, 2026: Kemira and Hazer Group Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding to develop methane pyrolysis technology deployment and test Hazer carbon application in water treatment, potentially impacting the ACH and PAC market with complementary materials for effluent treatment.
• January 9, 2026: Kemira Oyj acquired AquaBlue, Inc., enhancing its position in industrial water and wastewater treatment in North America through combined services and solutions.

Regional Analysis

• Asia Pacific to Dominate the Global Market

The Asia Pacific region dominates the ACH and PAC market, driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China and India. Massive investments in water infrastructure, coupled with stringent environmental regulations, fuel demand for efficient coagulants. China, as the leading country, benefits from its vast manufacturing base and government initiatives for water conservation, while India's growing population and industrial sector contribute significantly to regional growth.

North America maintains a strong position in the market, supported by advanced water treatment technologies and strict EPA regulations. The United States leads with its extensive municipal water systems and industrial applications, particularly in oil and gas. Canada's focus on sustainable resource management further bolsters the market, with emphasis on reducing environmental impact in mining and forestry sectors.

Europe's market is characterized by high adoption of innovative water treatment solutions and EU-wide water quality directives. Germany dominates with its chemical industry expertise and commitment to circular economy principles. The United Kingdom and France contribute through investments in upgrading aging water infrastructure and addressing climate-related water challenges.

Latin America shows promising growth, led by Brazil's efforts to improve sanitation and water access in urban areas. Mexico's industrial expansion, particularly in manufacturing and mining, drives demand for effective wastewater treatment. The region's focus on sustainable development and international funding for water projects support market expansion.

The Middle East & Africa region experiences rapid growth due to acute water scarcity issues. Saudi Arabia leads with ambitious desalination and wastewater reuse projects under Vision 2030. South Africa's industrial sector and Egypt's Nile River management initiatives contribute to demand for advanced coagulants in water treatment.

Competitive Analysis

The global ACH and PAC market is dominated by players:

• Kemira Oyj
• CHALCO Advanced Material Co., Ltd.
• USALCO
• GEO Specialty Chemicals
• Henan Yuanbo Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.
• And Others

The global ACH and PAC market is segmented as follows:

By Product Type

• Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC)
• Polyaluminum Chlorosulfate (PACS)
• Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH)
• Composite PAC
• Nano-PAC
• Others

By Form

• Liquid PAC
• Powder PAC (Spray-Dried)
• Granular PAC
• Flaky PAC (Drum-Dried)
• Others

By End-User Industry

• Water Treatment
• Pulp & Paper Industry
• Textiles Industry
• Oil & Gas Industry
• Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America