Top 10 Companies in the Water-based Cleaner Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Sustainable Cleaning Solutions

In Business Insights
September 11, 2025

The Global Water-based Cleaner Market was valued at USD 12.8 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 18.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is driven by increasing environmental regulations, rising demand for non-toxic cleaning solutions, and expanding applications across automotive, aerospace, electronics, and healthcare sectors.

As industries transition toward eco-friendly alternatives, water-based cleaners have emerged as the preferred choice for industrial and commercial applications. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Water-based Cleaner Industry—innovators driving formulation advancements and sustainable cleaning technologies worldwide.


🔟 1. International Products Corporation

Headquarters: Burlington, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: Industrial water-based cleaners and specialty formulations

IPC is a pioneer in aqueous cleaning technologies, developing high-performance solutions for metalworking, electronics, and precision cleaning applications. Their patented formulations combine effectiveness with environmental responsibility.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • USDA BioPreferred certified formulations
  • Closed-loop wastewater recycling systems
  • 75% reduction in hazardous chemicals since 2015

Download FREE Sample Report: Water-based Cleaner Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Hubbard-Hall

Headquarters: Waterbury, Connecticut, USA
Key Offering: Metal surface treatment and cleaning solutions

Hubbard-Hall has over 160 years of chemical manufacturing experience, offering advanced water-based cleaners for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications with technical support services.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% REACH-compliant product portfolio
  • Waste-to-energy conversion programs

8️⃣ 3. Quaker Houghton

Headquarters: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Industrial process fluids and cleaners

As a global leader in industrial fluids, Quaker Houghton provides innovative water-based cleaning technologies serving steel, automotive, and aerospace manufacturers across 25 countries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 25% renewable content in all new formulations
  • Zero-waste-to-landfill at manufacturing facilities

7️⃣ 4. Zestron

Headquarters: Ingolstadt, Germany
Key Offering: High-precision electronic cleaners

Zestron specializes in cleaning solutions for semiconductor, PCB, and medical device manufacturing, with scientific cleaning validation services and global technical support.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Halogen-free and phosphate-free chemistries
  • 90% reduction in DI water usage

Download FREE Sample Report: Water-based Cleaner Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. KYZEN

Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Precision cleaning solutions

KYZEN’s MICRONOX technology leads the industry in cleaning performance for electronics assembly and medical device manufacturing, supported by 30+ years of innovation.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Zero ozone-depleting chemicals
  • 90%+ recycling rate for cleaning solutions

5️⃣ 6. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
Key Offering: Industrial cleaning and surface treatments

Henkel’s industrial division applies materials science expertise to develop water-based cleaning solutions serving over 10,000 manufacturers worldwide across multiple industries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Carbon-neutral production by 2030
  • 100% recyclable packaging

4️⃣ 7. Kao Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Institutional and industrial cleaners

Kao’s chemical division leverages 130+ years of surfactant science to formulate high-performance, eco-friendly cleaning solutions for Asian and global markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% biodegradable formulations
  • Plastic-free packaging initiatives

3️⃣ 8. Ecolab

Headquarters: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Food processing and healthcare sanitation

Ecolab provides science-based cleaning solutions to 40,000 customers across foodservice, healthcare, and industrial sectors, with strong focus on water conservation.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 3 billion gallons of water saved annually
  • Zero hazardous chemical emissions

2️⃣ 9. Chemische Werke Kluthe

Headquarters: Heidelberg, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty metal cleaning solutions

This century-old German chemical company develops advanced water-based cleaners for challenging metal surface preparation applications in automotive and aerospace.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Blue Angel certified products
  • 90% water savings vs traditional processes

1️⃣ 10. Arakawa Chemical Industries

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Electronics manufacturing cleaners

Arakawa serves semiconductor and display manufacturers with ultra-pure water-based formulations that meet stringent industry contamination standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Bio-based surfactant development
  • 50% reduction in energy-intensive processes

Get Full Report Here: Water-based Cleaner Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Water-based Cleaning Revolution

The water-based cleaner industry is transforming industrial hygiene with safer, more sustainable alternatives that don’t compromise performance. Regulatory pressures and corporate sustainability goals continue to drive technological advancements.

📈 Key Market Trends:

  • Development of bio-derived surfactants and solvents
  • Smart cleaning systems with IoT monitoring
  • Nano-technology enhanced formulations
  • Rising demand in emerging Asian markets

Get Full Report Here: Water-based Cleaner Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are leading the charge in sustainable industrial cleaning – delivering environmental benefits without compromising on cleaning power or operational efficiency.