Oxygen Scavengers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Metallic & Non-metallic), By End-use (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Chemicals, Oil & Gas), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global oxygen scavengers market size stood at USD 1.73 billion in 2016 and is anticipated to record a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period. The growing demand for fresh and quality packaged food among the consumers all over the world is expected to propel the market demand in the coming years. Increasing concerns regarding food wastage and safety concerns across the globe are projected to emerge as key drivers.  

The demand for oxygen scavengers has witnessed tremendous growth owing to their oxygen absorption ability, which prevents the spoilage of food items and other consumables. Consumers today demand ready-to-eat food items that can be stored for a longer period of time. Rising demand for active packaging techniques that protect the food from microorganisms and help in retaining the nutrient value, especially in North America and Asia Pacific is expected to positively impact the market.

Metallic oxygen scavengers currently dominate the market and the segment is expected to account for a significant share over the forecast period owing to better efficiency in providing extended shelf life to products in comparison to non-metallic absorbers.

Advanced packaging involves the use of oxygen absorbers to extend the shelf life of perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, beverages, processed food, nuts, and bakery items, which, in turn, is expected to boost the market growth. The growing popularity of oxygen scavengers due to their inherent distinct advantages is likely to fuel the demand over the next eight years.

Major players in the industry are constantly striving toward technological advancements in an attempt to manufacture quality products and increase efficiency. Increasing use of oxygen scavengers in the food and beverage industry is anticipated to further bolster their demand. In addition, manufacturers are required to conform to numerous standards and regulations set by authorities in different regions. 

However, there are few health hazards associated with the use of oxygen scavengers. Increased exposure or the consumption content of raw materials such as hydrazine, carbon, or iron oxide may pose threat to human health. In addition, it is likely to cause irritation in eyes, throat, and nose; dizziness; headache; pulmonary edema; pneumoconiosis; breathing problems; and elevated blood pressure in humans. Therefore, safety measures and precautions must be taken with regards to their packaging and instructions of use.

Type Insights

Iron powder, bisulfite ions, sodium bisulfite, and metal halides are some of the metallic oxygen scavengers, which possess metal content. The use of these scavengers to prevent spoilage, mold growth, and color change is expected to drive growth.  Additionally, these are easy to handle and provide faster reaction in comparison to non-metallic ones. Metallic oxygen absorbers accounted for the largest share of the global market in 2016.

Non-metallic oxygen scavengers segment was valued at USD 632.0 million in 2016 and is projected to emerge as the fastest growing over the next eight years.  The growth can be attributed to less toxic nature and the growing use of scavengers in the packaging of products where metal detection poses a problem. These include ascorbic acid, citrus, hydrazine, glucose oxidase, and activated carbon.  They are likely to be expensive in comparison to metallic ones.

End-use Insights

Food and beverage segment held the maximum share of the global oxygen scavengers market in 2016. This can be attributed to the increasing use of oxygen scavengers in food products to extend their shelf life and prevent rancidity and loss of nutritional value. Therefore, food and beverage segment is likely to be the fastest-growing end-use industry over the forecast period. 

Furthermore, expanding end-use industries, such as pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, and chemicals, are further expected to augment demand. The growing use of oxygen scavengers for boiler water treatment to remove dissolved oxygen and as corrosion inhibitors in oil & gas industry is anticipated to transform the market over the forecast period. They are also used in other industries such as power, sugar, electronics, and pulp & paper.  

Regional Insights

The U.S. market accounted for 75% of North American market revenue in 2016 on account of growing demand for quality packaged food. In addition, various food safety regulations and standards formulated by the EPA are likely to positively impact the market. The increasing use of oxygen scavengers in chemical and food & beverage sectors is also projected to spur market growth over the next eight years.

The demand for oxygen scavengers in North America was valued at USD 580.4 million in 2016. The growth can be attributed to extensive research & development undertaken to develop advanced packaging techniques to restore the wholesomeness of food items. North America is projected to be the largest market from 2017 to 2025.

High consumer preference for healthy and safe food that involves minimal amount of wastage in light of sustainability issues is expected to fuel market growth in Asia Pacific. The shifting of manufacturing facilities to emerging countries, such as China and India, and the expansion of end-use industries are the factors anticipated to augment demand for oxygen scavengers.

Oxygen Scavengers Market Share Insights

Key players in the market include BASF SE; Baker Hughes; Innospec Inc; Arkema Group; Accepta Ltd.; Clariant International Ltd.; and Sealed Air Corporation. In September 2017, BASF acquired Thermotek, a Mexican waterproofing systems supplier in order to strengthen its Construction Chemicals division.

The manufacturers of oxygen scavengers are continuously focusing on developing innovative products with technological advancements to make them less toxic. Such developments coupled with competitive pricing are likely to assist in triggering the market share of oxygen scavengers over the forecast period. A large number of companies are investing heavily in research & development to overcome bottlenecks faced while manufacturing oxygen scavengers. 

Report Scope

Segments covered in the report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global oxygen scavengers market on the basis of type, end use, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025)

  • Metallic

  • Non-metallic

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025)

  • Food & Beverage

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Chemicals

  • Oil & Gas

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Rest of North America

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • The U.K.

    • Italy

    • Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Rest of Asia Pacific

  • South & Central America

  • The Middle East and Africa