Chlorine Dioxide Powder: A Powerful Solution for Safe and Effective Disinfection

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The polymer-based wall material of microcapsules serves to encapsulate, protect, and enable the controlled release of the active core substance. In this study, a sodium alginate (SA) and NaClO₂ solution was encapsulated within ethylcellulose (EC) microcapsules using an emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. These EC/SA-NaClO₂ microcapsules were then incorporated into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution containing hydrochloric acid (HCl), and an antimicrobial film was created through a solution casting process. Water vapor facilitates the penetration of HCl into the microcapsules, where it reacts with NaClO₂ to generate ClO₂ gas, providing antimicrobial effects. The released ClO₂ gas effectively inhibits the growth and spread of bacteria and mold on the surface of strawberries. The antimicrobial film achieved a 99.9% inhibition rate of E. coli and limited the spread of Botrytis cinerea to less than 10%. Storage bags made from this antimicrobial film extended the shelf life of strawberries and helped preserve their sensory qualities, including color, firmness, and moisture content.

Regulatory Developments Driving Sodium Chlorite Use in the Healthcare Sector

Recent regulatory updates have significantly accelerated the adoption of sodium chlorite in healthcare settings. The FDA’s revised guidelines on the use of sodium chlorite for sterilizing medical surfaces have led to increased usage in hospitals. Similarly, the EPA’s approval of sodium chlorite for disinfecting hospital water systems has further encouraged its implementation in healthcare facilities. In the European Union, the European Chemicals Agency has endorsed sodium chlorite under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), supporting its widespread application for disinfection across medical institutions. On a global scale, the World Health Organization has recommended chlorine dioxide—generated from sodium chlorite—as a hospital disinfectant, further boosting international demand. Additionally, new sanitation certification standards for U.S. healthcare facilities are fueling demand for EPA-approved disinfectants like sodium chlorite.

Disinfectant Applications Led the Sodium Chlorite Market in 2023, Capturing 42% Market Share

In 2023, sodium chlorite saw dominant use in disinfectant applications, especially for generating chlorine dioxide—a key agent in municipal water treatment, surface sterilization in medical environments, and sanitation in public spaces. With rising concerns over hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), U.S. hospitals have increasingly turned to sodium chlorite-based disinfectants, as reported by the CDC. Water utilities in states like California and Texas have also adopted sodium chlorite for its superior ability to eliminate pathogens. Beyond healthcare, food processing facilities use sodium chlorite solutions to maintain hygiene standards. Companies such as Evoqua Water Technologies reported growing demand for their sodium chlorite-based systems throughout North America in 2023, reinforcing the disinfectant segment’s leading market position across municipal, healthcare, and industrial sectors.

Water Treatment Remained the Largest End-Use Segment in 2023 with a 52% Market Share

The water treatment segment maintained its dominance in 2023, driven by increasing global concerns over waterborne diseases and the need for clean drinking water. In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires strict disinfection standards, which has led to widespread use of sodium chlorite for producing chlorine dioxide. Moreover, industrial sectors such as oil & gas, mining, and textiles are increasingly relying on sodium chlorite for effective wastewater treatment. Companies like Dow Chemical and Chemtrade Logistics expanded supply agreements with municipal water authorities in 2023 to meet this growing demand. Sodium chlorite’s ability to efficiently oxidize impurities such as iron and manganese—while producing fewer harmful byproducts—has made it a top choice. Its compatibility with automated dosing systems further supports its adoption in large-scale water treatment facilities.