Sodium Borohydride Market Size & Forecast Report - 2025 to 2030

The global sodium borohydride market size was valued at around USD 2 billion in 2024 and estimated to register a significant CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2030. The high demand for the product from paper & pulp and the pharmaceutical industry is a major factor to drive the market growth. The increasing demand for paper in the packaging industry owing to its eco-friendly nature is further anticipated to boost the market growth over the forecast period. Furthermore, the increasing investment in the healthcare industry especially in vaccines and medical drugs is anticipated to increase the demand for sodium borohydride. However, the safety issues regarding chemical handling are expected to restrain the market growth.

Market Outlook:

Industry Trends Shaping the Sodium Borohydride Market Growth:

The global sodium borohydride market is witnessing key trends driven by its expanding use across multiple industrial applications, particularly in pharmaceuticals, paper and pulp, and textile processing. One of the major trends is the rising demand for high-purity sodium borohydride in pharmaceutical synthesis, where it is used for producing antibiotics and other specialty drugs. The increasing focus on efficient and environmentally friendly bleaching agents is also fueling adoption in the paper and pulp industry, as sodium borohydride enables chlorine-free bleaching processes. Furthermore, the ongoing research into sodium borohydride as a hydrogen storage material for fuel cells is gaining traction, aligning with the global push toward clean energy solutions.

Another significant trend is the technological advancement in production and storage processes to improve product efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers are investing in innovative synthesis methods to minimize waste and enhance sustainability, responding to growing environmental regulations. Additionally, the shift toward renewable energy and green chemistry is encouraging exploration of sodium borohydride’s potential in hydrogen generation technologies, which could become a major application area in the coming years. The market is also experiencing geographical diversification, with increasing production capacities in Asia-Pacific, particularly in China and India, to meet the growing demand from the region’s expanding industrial base.

Sodium Borohydride Market Key Drivers:

• Growing Demand in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Sodium borohydride is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for various applications, including the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It is used in the reduction of carbonyl compounds and as a reagent for selective reduction reactions. The increasing demand for pharmaceutical products, coupled with the need for efficient and cost-effective synthesis methods, drives the demand for sodium borohydride.
• Increasing Adoption in the Chemical Industry: Sodium borohydride is utilized as a versatile reducing agent in various chemical reactions. It is employed in organic synthesis for the reduction of aldehydes, ketones, and other functional groups. The chemical industry relies on sodium borohydride for the production of fine chemicals, specialty chemicals, and performance materials. The expanding chemical industry, driven by industrial growth and technological advancements, contributes to the demand for sodium borohydride.
• Demand for Clean and Efficient Energy Sources: Sodium borohydride has gained attention as a potential source of hydrogen for fuel cells and energy storage systems. It has a high hydrogen content and can release hydrogen gas upon hydrolysis. As the world focuses on transitioning to clean and sustainable energy sources, the demand for sodium borohydride as a hydrogen storage material is expected to increase, particularly in applications related to fuel cell technology.
• Increased Application in Metal Recovery: Sodium borohydride is used in the recovery of precious metals, such as gold and silver, from ores, electronic waste, and industrial effluents. It acts as a reducing agent, facilitating the extraction and separation of metals from complex matrices. The demand for precious metals, coupled with the need for efficient and environmentally friendly metal recovery processes, drives the application of sodium borohydride in this field.
• Technological Advancements in Sodium Borohydride Production: Continuous advancements in the production processes of sodium borohydride have led to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Innovations in catalysts, reactors, and process optimization have improved the yield and quality of sodium borohydride production. These technological advancements contribute to the growth of the sodium borohydride market by making it more accessible and economically viable.
• Growth in the Electronics and Electrical Industries: Sodium borohydride finds applications in the electronics and electrical industries, including the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electroplating processes. It is used as a reducing agent for the electroless deposition of metals onto surfaces, facilitating the formation of conductive layers. The expanding electronics and electrical industries, driven by technological advancements and increasing consumer demand for electronic devices, support the demand for sodium borohydride.
• Environmental Considerations and Sustainable Chemistry: Sodium borohydride is considered a relatively safe and environmentally friendly reducing agent compared to alternative chemicals. It has a lower toxicity profile and lower environmental impact, making it attractive for applications where sustainability and green chemistry are emphasized. The increasing focus on sustainable practices and environmental regulations drive the adoption of sodium borohydride in industries that prioritize eco-friendly processes and products.

Future Opportunities Reshaping the Sodium Borohydride Market’s Evolution:

The global sodium borohydride market presents substantial opportunities driven by the rising demand for sustainable and efficient chemical processes. One of the most promising opportunities lies in its increasing use as a hydrogen carrier for clean energy applications. As global efforts toward decarbonization intensify, sodium borohydride’s ability to release hydrogen in a controlled and safe manner makes it an attractive option for fuel cell technologies and portable hydrogen storage systems. Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry’s growing need for selective reducing agents in drug synthesis offers a lucrative avenue for market expansion. The compound’s versatility in producing high-value chemicals and intermediates also positions it as a key enabler in the shift toward greener and more efficient manufacturing processes.

Another major opportunity stems from the expansion of pulp & paper and textile industries in emerging economies, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, where sodium borohydride is used as an eco-friendly bleaching and desizing agent. Moreover, advancements in nanotechnology and catalyst development are opening new pathways for using sodium borohydride in fine chemical production and energy storage applications. Companies that focus on cost optimization, waste minimization, and customized formulations are likely to gain a competitive edge. Strategic collaborations between chemical producers and renewable energy technology developers could further unlock new revenue streams, positioning sodium borohydride as a vital material in both industrial and energy transformation sectors.

Market Insights:

The global sodium borohydride market is bifurcated into type, end-use, and geography. On the basis of end-use, the market is further segmented into pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, metal recovery, and others. The pharmaceuticals segment dominated the global market in 2020 and accounted to hold the largest revenue share of over one-fourth of the market by 2030. The increasing investment in healthcare industry to invent various medical drugs and vaccines to prevent various diseases is expected to drive the segment growth over the forecast period.

Global sodium borohydride market size and forecast were obtained by using “Bottom-up” and “Top-down” approaches. Extensive secondary research was conducted to understand the market insights and trends, followed by primary interviews to further validate the information sourced. The report provides both, qualitative and quantitative analyses of the market, the competitive landscape, and the preferred development strategies of key players which help to formulate competitive market strategies and make informed decisions.

Sodium Borohydride Market Segmentation:

By Type:

• Powder
• Pellets
• Solution
• Granules

By End-Use:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Pulp and Paper
• Metal Recovery
• Textiles
• Organic Chemical Purification
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Geographic Coverage: North America Dominated the Global Sodium Borohydride Market in 2024

Geographically, North America dominated the global sodium borohydride market in 2024 and is estimated to hold the largest revenue share of around one-third percent of the market. The increasing research and development activities in the healthcare industry are some major factors to drive market growth in the region. Furthermore, the growing paper and pulp industry is anticipated to boost the market growth in the region. The increasing demand for paper in the packaging sector is estimated to support the paper and pulp industry which is driving the market in North America.

Competition Assessment:

Some of the major market players operating in the global sodium borohydride market are Kemira, Montgomery Chemicals, Vertellus Specialty Materials, Nantong Hongzhi Chemical Co., Ltd., and Zhangjiagang City Jinyuan Biochemical Co., Ltd. Companies are exploring markets by expansion, new investment, the introduction of new services, and collaboration as their preferred strategies. Players are exploring new geography through expansion and acquisition to gain a competitive advantage through joint synergy.

Key Companies:

• Kemira
• Montgomery Chemicals
• Vertellus Specialty Materials
• Nantong Hongzhi Chemical Co., Ltd
• Zhangjiagang City Jinyuan Biochemical Co., Ltd.
• Shandong Guobang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
• Shaanxi Hanjiang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd
• Anhui Jin’ao Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Jiangsu Huachang Chemical Co., Ltd
• Ascensus, LLC.

Key Questions Answered by Sodium Borohydride Market Report

• Global sodium borohydride market forecasts from 2025-2030
• Regional sodium borohydride market forecasts from 2025-2030 covering Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America
• Country-level forecasts from 2025-2030 covering 15 major countries from the aforementioned regions
• Sodium borohydride submarket forecasts from 2025-2030 overing the market by type, by end-use, and geography
• Various industry models such as SWOT analysis, Value Chain Analysis pertaining to the market
• Analysis of the key factors driving and restraining the growth of the global, regional, and country-level markets from 2025-2030
• Competitive Landscape and market positioning of top 10 players operating in the market