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, 2022-2029

The global zeolite market size was valued at USD 4.12 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 4.28 billion in 2022 to USD 5.71 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with zeolite experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of -7.8% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Zeolite is a solid crystalline structure made of aluminosilicates containing alumina and silica. This mineral has different dimensional channels and pores responsible for its chemical and physical properties. Molecular sieves mainly occur naturally and as minerals are made synthetically. In December 2018, about 245 unique product frameworks were recognized, among which 40 are naturally occurring. Every molecular sieve thus obtained is inspected by the International Zeolite Association (IZA) Structure Commission and given a three-letter designation. Increasing consumer consciousness toward health and hygiene has augmented the production of high-quality and environment-friendly detergents, thus boosting the overall market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Disruption in Supply Chain Owing to Complete Lockdown to Affect Manufacturing Sector Amid COVID-19

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

The detergents industry experienced a huge shortage of workforce due to nationwide lockdown, thereby impacting the overall production capacity. Also, the pandemic shifted 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 rise in disposable incomes will support the growth of the detergent market.

LATEST TRENDS

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Rising Demand for Phosphate-free Detergents from End-users is a Prominent Trend

Laundry detergents contain six substances, surfactants, bleaching agents, builders, fillers, enzymes, and other minor additives. Zeolite A is a synthetic builder used in phosphate-free detergents. Molecular sieves are an alternative to phosphate detergent builders; hence, their demand is increasing globally. They are found to be an ideal alternative to Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) for use as a detergent builder. These minerals are non-toxic to humans and aquatic fauna and produce less poisonous waste by-products when mined from bauxite.

Furthermore, the market is gaining momentum in detergent applications owing to the product's several environmental, economic, and performance benefits. Fierce competition between the detergent manufacturers is leading them to adopt lower-priced raw materials and production processes. This is expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for product manufacturers over the forecast period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Construction Industry will Propel the Natural Zeolite Segment Growth

Natural zeolite is extensively used in the production of construction materials, including cement and concrete, as it helps to improve the mechanical strength and increase the durability of cement & concrete composites. It is highly used in manufacturing lightweight concrete. It strengthens the concrete harness for a longer duration and prevents crack formation. Further, it is a low-cost and eco-friendly solution that is preferable in the construction industry, thereby driving market growth.

The global construction market is poised to surpass USD 8 trillion by 2030. High infrastructure spending, rapid industrialization, and growing government investment in new projects are the factors driving the construction market. Moreover, the economic development in China, India, and South Korea is anticipated to raise the investment for infrastructural development in Asia Pacific. The rapid growth in the construction industry and the rising demand for lightweight concrete will aid the natural zeolites segment.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Threat of Substitution as a Catalyst May Restrain the Product Adoption in Various Applications

The product is used in various application industries, however, the availability of substitutes may restrict the market growth. Rising water treatment activities for handling water purification and wastewater are expected to surge the product demand for adsorbents. However, the presence of chemical compounds such as enzymes and metals as an alternative to molecular sieves catalysts may hinder the industry growth. Moreover, fluctuating fuel prices may increase transportation costs, which acts as a restraining factor in the market.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Synthetic Segment to Generate the 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 holds the largest market share due to increasing consumer awareness of 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 can prevent foreign particle deposition, thereby driving market growth.

Natural zeolite is used as a concrete stabilizing agent in various building mixes, such as plasters and adhesive compounds, and mixes for making the roof and floor coverings. As per the European standard EN 197-1, a natural molecular sieve is well-defined as a natural pozzolanic material that improves the quality of concrete and building products. Increasing application in construction, animal feed, agriculture, soil remediation, and wastewater treatment industries would propel market revenue. 

By Application Analysis

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Construction & Building Materials Segment to Exhibit a Significant CAGR Due to Rising Demand for Lightweight concrete

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

Amongst the above-mentioned applications, the construction & building materials sub-segment is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period. The surging demand for lightweight concrete in the construction industry will increase natural product adoption. Concrete is widely used in construction due to its low price and mechanical properties. It can be easily found in various sizes & shapes. Natural molecular sieve is used in the production of lightweight concrete as it can increase the durability and strength, resist underwater corrosion, improve chemical resistance in saltwater applications, and lower greenhouse gases (GHG) during cement production.

The synthetic segment has exhibited high demand in the detergents industry owing to its good dispersibility and low abrasiveness. It has resulted in increased product utilization for manufacturing detergents. They are alternatives to phosphate-type builders used in household detergents and are 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.

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The natural segment has showcased an average growth in the animal feed industry. Livestock farmers use it as an animal feed additive for swine, dairy cows, cattle, sheep, and poultry. It improves animal growth and weight gain by increasing food conversion rate efficiency and feed ration ingredients dispersion. Further, these minerals reduce agglomeration and acidosis, offer better phosphate utilization, increase NPN for ruminants, improve rumen microbial activity, enhance bone strength, and reduce mortality.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market size in Asia Pacific stood at USD 1.44 million in 2021. This region accounted for the highest zeolite market share owing to increasing infrastructure spending in China, India, and South Korea and the rising number of public infrastructure projects. South Korea’s construction business is the major source of export earnings for the national economy. The country’s market is expected to grow during the forecast period due to rising government spending on public infrastructure and industrial or commercial projects.

Europe may exhibit substantial gains during the forecast period. Most of the 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 create an adverse effect on the environment that is expected to increase product demand. Strict regulations regarding urban and industrial wastewater treatment on account of the rising environmental concerns may boost industry growth in this region.

On the other hand, North America is expected to grow at a significant CAGR in the global market due to the companies' expansion of the animal feed businesses. Strict FDA regulations on product usage will boost the zeolite market growth in this region. Further, increasing animal productivity, decreasing animals’ intestinal diseases, reducing mortality rates, and use of more phosphate are market trends propelling the growth in this region.

The increasing demand from detergent manufacturers is a leading factor influencing the market growth in South America. Most government bodies are offering incentives to increase the synthetic zeolite adoption 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 have significant market growth driven by increased investments in refineries. Refining catalysts are used by oil & gas refineries to improve the overall operational efficiency during the refining procedure and raise the output quantity. This is anticipated to drive market growth in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players to Strengthen their Position by Offering Products to the Construction and Gas Processing Industries

The foremost producers, including Honeywell International, Arkema, W. R. Grace & Co., and BASF have a strong presence in North America and Europe. W. R. Grace & Co. provides technologies and services in specialty chemicals and materials. The company manufactures and distributes synthetic non-fibrous zeolite in powder and bead forms. SYLOBEAD, CRYOSIV, PHONOSORB, and SYLOSIV are company trademarks for the zeolite business. 

On the other hand, BASF has a strong presence in Europe and manufactures specialty and synthetic zeolites. The company has over 30 manufacturing facilities around the globe. The company’s catalyst products are extensively used as environmental and process catalysts. Similarly, the other key market players have established a strong regional presence, robust distribution channels, and varied product offerings.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)


• Arkema S.A. (France)


• Tosoh Corporation (Japan)


• BASF SE (Germany)


• W. R. Grace & Co. (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)


• International Zeolite Corp (Canada)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2022- International Zeolite Corp announced results from independent studies of its new flagship manufacturing plant validating that NEREA, a groundbreaking innovation in agricultural technology and crop science, presented significant benefits associated with conventional commercial grow methods.


• August 2018- From April to June 2017, KNT Group Company supplied nearly 1,100 tons of adsorbent and molecular sieves of various brands to the enterprises of the SUBUR Group. From May to July 2017, the spent adsorbent at all manufacturing facilities was replaced with fresh adsorbent.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global zeolite market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as types, applications, and leading companies. It provides quantitative data in terms of volume and value, research methodology for market size estimation, and insights into market trends. It highlights vital industry developments and the competitive landscape. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation