Zeolite Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Natural [By Application {Construction & Building Materials, Animal Feed, Wastewater Treatment, Soil Remediation, and Others}], Synthetic [By Application {Detergents, Catalysts, and Adsorbents}]), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global zeolite market size was USD 4,326.2 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 6,190.0 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.

These are aluminosilicates containing alumina and silica. It occurs naturally as minerals are made synthetically. In December 2018, about 245 unique structures were recognized and about 40 naturally occurring molecular sieve frameworks were identified. Increasing consumer consciousness towards health and hygiene has augmented the production of high quality and environment-friendly detergents, thus boosting the overall market growth.

Outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic to Affect Growth Backed by Supply Chain Disruptions

Most of the manufacturers are spending extensively in sustaining the manufacturing capacities in the available markets to endure growth and development through and after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak has impacted product demand globally. The consequent supply chain disruptions and lockdown orders are likely to create a fall in the market. End-use industry verticals such as construction, petroleum, and detergent will hinder the growth during the forecast period.

The detergent industry is experiencing a huge shortage of workforce due to the nationwide lockdown, thereby impacting the overall production capacity. Also, the pandemic is driving consumers to purchase laundry products online on account of the fear of contracting the disease at physical shops. However, increasing consumers’ hygiene and health awareness, a shift in the retail business, and a rise in disposable incomes are the key factors for the growth of the detergent market.

LATEST TRENDS

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Rising Demand from Detergent Industry is a Prominent Trend

Laundry detergents are formulated from six groups of substances including surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, enzymes, fillers, and other minor additives. Zeolite A is a synthetic builder that is used in phosphate-free detergents. As molecular sieves are an alternative to phosphate detergent builders, the demand for the product is increasing globally. However, it is found to be a suitable alternative to sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) for use as a detergent builder. Also, these are non-toxic to humans and aquatic fauna and produce less poisonous waste by-products when mined from bauxite.

DRIVING FACTORS

 Increasing Demand from Construction Industry to Propel Growth

Natural zeolite is widely used in the cement and concrete industry and the production of construction materials as it helps to improve the mechanical strength and increase the durability of cement & concrete composites. It strengthens the concrete harness for a longer duration and prevents crack formation. It also decreases the chromium level in concrete and cement. Also, it is a cheap and eco-friendly solution that makes it preferable in the construction industry, thereby driving the market growth.

The global construction market is poised to surpass USD 8 trillion by 2030. Rapid industrialization, high infrastructure spending, and increasing government investment in new projects shall foster the demand growth of the construction market.

The market is also gaining momentum in detergent applications owing to the several economic, environmental, and performance benefits that the product offers. Fierce competition between the detergent manufacturers is compelling them to adopt favorably priced raw materials and production processes. For example, in June 2018, AMCOL signed an agreement with NCD Ingredients GmbH for the distribution of all detergent raw materials. The sales area is based in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. This has created lucrative growth opportunities for the manufacturers in recent years and it is further expected to drive the market over the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Availability of Substitutes May Restrain Growth

The product is used in various application industries. However, the availability of its substitutes may restrict the market growth. The rising water treatment activities for handling water purification and wastewater are expected to drive the demand for the product as adsorbents. But, the presence of chemical compounds such as metals, enzymes, and others as an alternative to molecular sieves catalysts may hinder the industry growth. Also, fluctuating fuel prices may increase the transportation cost which would act as a restraining factor in the market.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Synthetic Zeolite Segment to Generate Highest Revenue Owing to Usage in Detergent Production

The market is segmented into natural and synthetic, on the basis of type. Amongst these, the synthetic segment accounts for the largest market share owing to the increasing consumer awareness towards hygiene. It has augmented high-quality environment-friendly detergent production which, in turn, may accelerate the overall market growth. Detergent builders have high efficiency in dirt removal and they can prevent foreign particle deposition, thereby driving the market growth.

Natural zeolite is used as a concrete stabilizing agent in various building mixes, such as plasters and adhesive compounds, as well as mixes for making roof and floor coverings. As per the European standard EN 197-1, a natural molecular sieve is well-defined as a natural pozzolanic material which improves the quality of concrete and building products.

By Application Analysis

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Construction & Building Materials Segment to Exhibit Significant CAGR during the Forecast Period

In terms of application, the natural segment consists of wastewater treatment, soil remediation, animal feed, construction & building materials, and others. The synthetic segment also consists of sub-segments, such as detergents, absorbents, and catalysts.

Amongst these above-mentioned applications, the construction & building materials sub-segment is expected to remain dominant in terms of zeolite market share during the forecast period. The growing demand for lightweight concrete in the construction sector will further lead to an increasing demand for natural products. Concrete is widely used in the construction industry because of its low price, mechanical properties. It can also be easily found in various sizes & shapes. Natural molecular sieve is used in the production of lightweight concrete owing to its ability to increase the concrete durability, improve chemical resistance in saltwater applications, resist underwater corrosion, increase the compressive strength of the concrete, and lower greenhouse gases (GHG) during cement production.

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The synthetic molecular sieve segment has exhibited high demand in the detergent industry owing to its low abrasiveness and good dispersibility. It has further resulted in increasing product utilization for manufacturing detergents. They are alternatives to phosphate type builders which are used in the household detergents and are also utilized for softening the washing water through calcium ion exchange. Increasing demand for builders in detergent on account of its enhanced cleaning properties may stimulate the market share.

The natural molecular sieve segment has showcased an average growth in the animal feed industry as it is used by the livestock farmers as animal feed additives for swine, dairy cows, cattle, sheep, and poultry. It improves the growth and weight gain of animals by increasing the efficiency of food conversion rate, improving feed ration ingredients dispersion by reducing agglomeration, utilizing phosphate better, reducing acidosis, increasing NPN for ruminants which, thereby improves rumen microbial activity, enhances bone strength, and reduces mortality.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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Asia Pacific market size accounted for the highest share in terms of revenue owing to the increasing infrastructure spending in China, India, and South Korea along with the rising number of public infrastructure projects in the region. South Korea’s construction business is the major source of export earnings for the national economy. The country is expected to grow during the forecast period owing to the rising government expenditure in the public infrastructure, as well as industrial or commercial projects, which will contribute to the regional market growth.

Europe may exhibit significant gains during the forecast period. Most of the manufacturers and producers are joining hands with various non-profit organizations to promote product adoption for industrial and household purposes. The presence of heavy metals in wastewater may have an adverse effect on the environment which, in turn, would increase the product demand. Strict regulations regarding urban and industrial wastewater treatment on account of the rising environmental concerns may boost the industry growth in this region.

On the other hand, North America is expected to showcase significant growth in the global molecular sieves market. Strict FDA regulations on product usage would drive market growth in this region. Besides, the expansion of the animal feed businesses by companies to increase animal productivity, reduce mortality rates, decrease animals’ intestinal diseases, and utilize more phosphate are set to propel growth in this region.

In South America, an increasing product demand for laundry detergents is one of the major factors influencing growth. Most of the government bodies are focusing on providing incentives to increase the adoption of synthetic zeolite over phosphates in detergents on account of its harmful environmental effects. It will accelerate the growth of the market in this region.

The Middle East & Africa is expected to observe substantial growth in the market mainly driven by the increasing investments in the refineries. Refining catalysts are used by the oil & gas refineries to improvise the output quantity by enhancing the overall operational efficiency during the refining procedure, which is responsible for the market growth in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players to Strengthen their Positions by Offering Molecular Sieve to Construction and Gas Processing Industries

The major producers are present in North America and Europe. Some of the key market players include Honeywell International, W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn, Arkema Group, BASF SE, Tosoh Corporation, and Zeochem AG.

W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn provides technologies and services in specialty chemicals and materials. They are distributed and manufactured by Grace and are available in bead and powder forms. The company operates in the zeolites business by offering its products for usage as molecular sieves and adsorbents. SYLOBEAD, PHONOSORB, CRYOSIV, and SYLOSIV are some of the trademarks under which the company operates its business. 

On the other hand, BASF SE has a strong brand presence in Europe. The company’s catalyst division is headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, and has over 30 manufacturing facilities across the globe. The company’s catalyst products are extensively used as environmental and process catalysts. In 2017, the company invested in its third specialty zeolites plant which would double the production capacity. This increased capacity will further fulfill the rising demand from the automotive and heavy-duty diesel.

Similarly, the other key players operating have developed strong distribution channels, wide product offerings, and strong regional presence.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)


• Arkema Group (France)


• Tosoh Corporation (Japan)


• BASF SE (Germany)


• W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn (U.S.)


• Clariant AG (Switzerland)


• Zeochem AG (Switzerland)


• Zeolyst International (U.S.)


• Bear River Zeolite Co. (U.S.)


• Blue Pacific Minerals Ltd. (New Zealand)


• St. Cloud Mining (U.S.)


• Zeotech Corporation (U.S.)


• Hengye Inc. (U.S.)


• Shijiazhuang Jianda High-Tech Chemical Co., Ltd. (China)


• KNT Group (Russia)


• Canadian Zeolite Corp (Canada)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2020 – Metalsearch, an Australian compound and mineral producer company, is set to commercialize its novel synthetic zeolite production from kaolin feedstock.


• May 2020 – Metalsearch signed an agreement with the University of Queensland for the research and development of synthetic zeolites.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The market research report provides a detailed zeolite market analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as the leading companies, applications, and products. Also, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

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