The Global Anhydrous Ferric Chloride Market Is Estimated To Witness More Demand in the Future Owing To the Mass Requirement of Water Treatment Substances Worldwide

 

Anhydrous ferric chloride is an inorganic compound of iron comprising a borate and chlorine-functionality system with oxygen. Also known as ferric chloride, it's an ordinary compound of iron in the -3 oxidation state having a molecular weight of about 7.5. In its most active form anhydrous ferric chloride is insoluble in air and water; however, in its inactive form anhydrous ferric chloride as salt can be found in most pharmaceuticals. In the past, the material was used for surgical scrubbing, but today it is used in industrial cleaners mainly due to its non-toxic nature. Anhydrous ferric chloride has several industrial uses, which include pigments manufacturing, process regulators, solids separation agents, plating agents, and surface treating agents.

In pharmaceutical labs, very few amounts of anhydrous ferric chloride solution are utilized for the colorimetric testing of phenols. Hence, the expansion of pharmaceutical labs worldwide is increasing the demand in the anhydrous ferric chloride market. For instance, according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), there are around 195 pharmaceutical companies in the U.K. Besides, the production cost of anhydrous ferric chloride is relatively low. As a result, many chlor-alkali producers are investing heavily in the production of anhydrous ferric chloride. Moreover, all over the world, there is a growing awareness related to wastewater treatment, along with the requirements of clean drinking water in developing nations. This is creating significant demand in the anhydrous ferric chloride market because when compared with other water treating chemicals such as poly aluminum chloride, ferrous sulfate, and alum, anhydrous ferric chloride is more effective and cost-efficient.

However, the acidic and corrosive properties of anhydrous ferric chloride can be proven hazardous to health and safety. When anhydrous ferric chloride is heated it emits poisonous fumes and intake of these gases can lead to morbidity and in some events it can also result in death. These factors are hindering the demand for the substance in the anhydrous ferric chloride market.

Urbanization and increases industrialization in the Asia Pacific regions has created a demand for treating wastewater, which has created the massive requirement of ferric chloride in the global anhydrous ferric chloride market. The growing presence of key players, water recycling in end-use industries such as food and beverages and pharmaceuticals, and the rising population in nations such as China and India, is propelling the demand in the anhydrous ferric chloride market. For instance, according to the Indian Census Board, in 2019, the population of India was approximately 1.366 billion. The industrial growth and expansion in North America, over the past few years are also contributing to the demand for water treatment substances such as ferric chloride in the global anhydrous ferric chloride market. Owing to all these factors, there have been some major industrial developments in the global anhydrous ferric chloride market that includes mergers and acquisitions. For instance, in June 2018, Feralco acquired Braia S.r.l, an Italian nonorganic chemical manufacturer to expand its product line in the European market.