Nepheline Syenite Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Application (Ceramic Manufacturing, Glass Manufacturing, Functional Fillers {Paint & Coatings, Adhesive & Sealants, and Plastic & Rubber}, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global nepheline syenite market size was valued at USD 79.7 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 87.6 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 1.3% during the forecast period.

This igneous rock is typically consisting of nepheline, Microline (potassium feldspar), and albite (sodium feldspar) with other raw material such as mica, magnetite & hornblende. In general, rocks with more than 30% of the nepheline are not considered as nepheline syenite. This mineral occurs in less quantity in the lithosphere but with a great variety of colors such as pale yellow, grey, pink & white. In general, feldspar and nepheline syenite are widely used in glass and ceramic manufacturing. Marketable products are crushed to different coarse sizes as per application and requirements.    

COVID-19 CONSIDERABLY IMPACTED SUPPLY CHAINS

To combat the COVID-19 outbreak, governments across every region declared lockdown for a few months to stabilize the situation. The lockdown led to supply chain disruption in most of the economies, which further impacted the demand for this syenite. Owing to the labor shortage, many glass and ceramic manufacturers stop their production for a few days. This considerably impacted consumption patterns in the first quarter. Besides, delays in pre-decided orders, capital management have significantly affected world trade. However, post lockdown, manufacturing operations are expected to revamp slowly.

LATEST TRENDS

Increasing use of ultrafine nepheline syenite as a functional filler is the key trend in the market

Paint & coating manufacturers are constantly engaged to improve performance of their products. Therefore, these manufacturers are constantly looking for advanced fillers. Over the years, it is used in all types of decorative, industrial, and OEM coating applications. However, use of ultrafine nepheline syenite has certain advantages. it has a refractive index and physical properties that enhance performance in coatings, inks, and adhesives. Ultrafine syenite offers lower formulating cost and ensures excellent UV-curing behaviors.

DRIVING FACTORS

Advantages of Nepheline Syenite is fueling the growth of the market

Nepheline syenite has a higher content of potassium and sodium oxide. It decreases the melting temperature while reacting with quartz in the glass furnace. It is rich in alumina. Commercial products made from this mineral are free from crystalline silica. Therefore, as compared to feldspar, it is consumed in lesser quantities. It also helps in the reduction of energy consumption and improving the quality of end products. Moreover, due to the low refractive index, it is used as a transparent filler in paints, coatings, plastics, rubber, adhesives and sealants products. In coatings, it offers better flatting efficiency, improved pellet flow, optimum particle shape, and ease in mixing.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Recycling of Glass Products is a key challenge for the growth of this market

To achieve sustainable goals and cost reduction in energy consumption, most of the glass products are recycled. Glass packaging can be recycled endlessly without affecting the quality. According to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, in 2017, around 39% of alcoholic and soft drink bottles were recycled in the U.S. As per The European Container Glass Federation, glass packaging recycling rate is around 74% in European Union. Glass industry is the leading consumer across the world. Hence, the recycling of used glass products is expected to increase resistance to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Growth of end-use industries in emerging economies is driving the growth of the market

Favorable growth of end-use industries in emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil among others, represents potential opportunities for the nepheline syenite market growth. Leading global companies are investing in these economies to expand their production capacities and to meet increasing demand from consumers. For instance, in November 2019, leading glass manufacturer, SCHOTT AG, inaugurated its new pharmaceutical glass manufacturing facility in India with an investment of US$ 23.5 million. Moreover, the company is aiming to invest an additional US$ 29.2 million in another facility by 2020. Also, in 2019, SCHOTT AG announced plans to invest US$ 9.7 million in Brazil for pharmaceutical tubing production.

SEGMENTATION

By Application Analysis

Glass Manufacturing Segment to Hold the Largest Share of the Global Market

It is extensively used in glass manufacturing for the preparation of container glass, flat glass, fiberglass, and other glass products. It provides necessary alumina and alkali to the glass manufacturing process. Lower silica contents and a favorable ratio of sodium oxide to potassium oxide enable it to be suitable for the glass industry. Also, it lowers the viscosity of glass batches and provides good workability. Owing to such benefits, glass manufacturers are adopting this mineral as a substitute for feldspar.

Ceramic manufacturing is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the global market during the forecast period. Ceramics possesses a variety of applications in household, commercial and industrial areas. Ceramic tiles and sanitary wares together account for the largest share in the market. Owing to their excellent physical and chemical properties, the demand for these ceramic products is increasing. Therefore, with the increasing ceramic industry, the demand for this syenite is expected to grow during the forecast period.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Owing to increasing demand from ceramic and glass manufacturers, in 2019, North America dominated the global market. The United States is the prime importer as well as a consumer in the world. Increasing demand for high-quality glass products from food & beverages, pharmaceutical and automotive industries led manufacturers to adopt high-quality alumina source for glass manufacturing. This in turn fueling demand for nepheline syenite in the United States. Canada is one of the largest producers and leading exporter of this in the world. Over the years, most of the produced quantity is exported to the United States.   

Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the fastest growth in the global market during the forecast period. The increasing production of glass and ceramics in China, India, and Southeast Asian countries is the key factor for market growth. In Asia Pacific, China is the main consumer and producer of nepheline syenite. China holds a major share in glass and ceramic manufacturing across the world. Therefore, China is expected to lead the market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period. Increasing construction activities led to increasing demand for ceramics and functional fillers in Asia Pacific, which further expected to aid in market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Surge in Production Capacity of Key Players to Cater to Growing demand

Efficient capacity utilization is a crucial aspect for companies to gain competitive edge in the global market. Belgium based SCR-Sibelco N.V. (Sibelco Nordic) through its subsidiaries is the leading producer in the world. The company offers different grades for different applications in glass, ceramics, and fillers in paints, coatings, adhesives, plastics, and other products. Moreover, the company is timely investing into its mining operations to modernize the facility and to achieve sustainable environmental goals. Moreover, entering long term contracts and collaboration with distributors, are some of the strategies adopted by players operating in the global market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• SCR-Sibelco N.V. (Belgium)


• FINETON Industrial Minerals Limited (China)


• The 3M Company (USA)


• PhosAgro Group of Companies (Russia)


• Anglo Pacific Minerals Ltd. (UK)


• RUSAL PLC (Russia)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2018: Unimin Corporation announced multi-million investment to modernize its nepheline facility in Canada. This investment was done to improve mining & manufacturing operations in the Kawartha Lakes Region and to reduce environmental impact.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides both qualitative & quantitative insights into the global market. Quantitative insights include in-depth analysis of the global market sizing in terms of value (USD Million) & Volume (Kilo Tons) across each segment, sub-segment, and region profiled in the scope of the study. Also, the report covers Nepheline Syenite market share analysis and growth rates of the segment, sub-segments, and key counties across each region. Qualitative insight covers an elaborative market analysis of drivers, restraints, growth opportunities, key trends related to the nepheline syenite. The competitive landscape section covers detailed company profiling and SWOT analysis of the key players operating in the global market.

Report Scope & Segmentation