Kaolin Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Grade (Raw, Hydrous, Calcined, Pulverized, Delaminated, Surface Treated) By Application(Building & Construction, Industrial, Inks & Coatings, Rubber & Plastics, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Paper & Packaging, Others) Others and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Kaolin is a crystalline hydrated aluminum silicate mineral (kaolinite), formed via hydrothermal decomposition of feldspathic rocks. It has an elemental composition of Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄ and is also known as china clay. The soft white clay is one of the common minerals and can be easily recognized owing to its plate-like structure and fine particle sizing. The physical properties of kaolin include high brightness, low abrasiveness, weak conductivity, hydrophilicity, and refractory properties. It is essential for the production of china and porcelain ceramics. Additionally, it finds application in architectural & industrial coatings, construction, rubbers, plastics, and papers & packaging.

The key factor driving the growth of the kaolin market is the growth in demand for paper packaging products. The regulations limiting usage of plastics for packaging have led to packaging products manufacturers to consider alternatives such as paper. As kaolin is essential for the manufacture of packaging paper due to its ability to be a filler and plasticizer, the demand for kaolin is expected to grow in the future.

Key Market Driver -

Surge in demand for paper packaging

Key Market Restraint -

Regulations on aggressive mining of resources

However, many governments and environmental activists have called for regulations against the aggressive mining of resources, which reduces the production quantities of kaolin, leading to the increased cost of the product. This factor is a crucial restraint for the growth of the kaolin market.

Market Segmentation:

By grade, the market is segmented into raw, hydrous, calcined, pulverized, delaminated, and surface treated. Based on application, the market is categorized into building & construction, industrial, inks & coatings, rubber & plastics, cosmetics & personal care, paper & packaging, and others.

From a geographical standpoint, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

Key Players Covered:

The major companies in the global kaolin market report include American Elements, Imerys Group, Turbov Kaolin Company, BASF S.E., Kamin LLC. / CADAM, Thiele Kaolin Company, Sibelco N.V., LB Minerals, Ltd., EICL Limited, Kaolin Techniques Private Limited., Active Minerals International LLC, Ashapura China Clay Pvt. Ltd., and Shree Ram Minerals

Key Insights

• Key Emerging Trends – For Major Countries


• Key Industrial Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc.


• Latest Technological Advancement


• Insights on Regulatory Scenario


• Porters Five Forces Analysis

Regional Analysis:

The global kaolin market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the largest market, owing to China, the largest consumer of kaolin. The improving construction industry in the Asia Pacific is expected to boost the market. The market in North America will be driven by the growth in demand from industrial and plastics applications. On the other hand, Europe is expected to witness steady growth owing to the rising demand for kaolin from the cosmetics & personal care products manufacturers in the region.

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The market in Latin America will be helmed by the consumption of kaolin for paper & packaging applications. Similar growth trends will be observed in the Middle East and Africa, which will be supported by the shifting focus of key industries towards the rich natural resources of these regions.

Segmentation

Kaolin Industry Developments

• In March 2019, Active Minerals International LLC announced expansion at its AMI’s Gordon facility by the construction of the fifth mill. The move is to meet the demand for the company’s kaolin from the fiberglass manufacturers.


• In February 2018, BASF announced an investment of USD 200 Mn in its kaolin business to attain the set growth potential via sustainable mining, and innovation to meet its customer demand. The investment is used in infrastructure and process improvement projects in BASF’s Middle Georgia sites.