SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE MARKET ANALYSIS

Sodium Hexametaphosphate Market Size and Trends

The sodium hexametaphosphate market is estimated to be valued at USD 704.6 Mn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 933.4 Mn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2031.

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The market is expected to witness positive growth over the forecast period. Sodium hexametaphosphate is used as a sequestrant in various end-use industries such as food & beverage, water treatment, and pharmaceutical which is driving the market growth. It inhibits corrosion in boilers by sequestering ions that cause corrosion. Also, the growing demand for processed and packaged food has increased the use of sodium hexametaphosphate as an additive. However, stringent regulations regarding the use of phosphates in food products and availability of substitute products can hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

Increasing Demand from Food Industry

The use of sodium hexametaphosphate in food processing applications has been continuously rising over the past few years. As a sequestrant, it is widely used in meat processing to prevent the oxidation and discoloration of meat. It maintains the red color of fresh meat for a longer period by preventing oxidative rancidity. Sodium hexametaphosphate helps improving water-holding capacity and texture of processed meats. This gives processed meats a juicier mouthfeel and tenderness. The compound is also beneficial in preventing fat separation in ground meat. With growing consumption of processed meat products across major markets, the demand for sodium hexametaphosphate from the food industry has increased substantially. Sodium hexametaphosphate also finds application as a processing aid and stabilization agent in canned foods. It helps control the formation of insoluble calcium compounds and prevents sediment formation in canned foods. This allows for maintaining clarity and stability of contents. The compound is approved by various food safety authorities around the world for use in food applications. With rising health consciousness, many consumers prefer canned and packaged foods over frozen variants due to convenience. This has driven the demand from food cans and ready-to-eat meal manufacturers. Sodium hexametaphosphate further acts as a sequestrant in dairy applications, preventing precipitation of calcium ions. Its usage in cheese production and ultra-high temperature processed milk has increased in recent years.

Expanding Application Scope in other Industries

Apart from the food industry, sodium hexametaphosphate is increasingly finding new applications in other sectors as well. In pulp and paper industry, it is used as a dispersing agent and sequestrant in paper manufacturing. Sodium hexametaphosphate prevents precipitation of calcium, magnesium, and heavy metal ions during different stages such as pulp processing, bleaching, and production. This enhances brightness and quality of finished paper products. It also aids in improving drainage properties and increasing production rates. Significant investments in pulp, paper, and paperboard manufacturing primarily across Asia Pacific is driving its adoption. Sodium hexametaphosphate is also utilized as a water softener and scale inhibitor in industrial water treatment applications. By forming complexes with calcium, magnesium and heavy metal ions, it prevents the formation of insoluble precipitates that cause scaling.