Zeolites Market Analysis

Global Zeolites Market Overview

Zeolites Market Size was valued at USD 1,750.69 million in 2022. The Zeolites industry is projected to grow from USD 1,807.82 million in 2023 to USD 2,946.76 million by 2033, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.01% during the forecast period (2023 - 2033) The Strict regulations on the use of phosphate in detergents is projected to boost the demand for zeolites during the forecast period. The rising demand for zeolites in various applications is expected to create opportunities for the Zeolites Market in the coming years. The major use for zeolites is as a builder in-home laundry detergent. Catalysts, primarily fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts, are the second-largest synthetic zeolite use. Zeolites are also used in consumption for adsorbent/desiccant applications in the construction industry it is used as a desiccant in insulated multi-glazed windows, the natural gas market for as a drying agent, and environmental applications for trapping volatile organic compounds [VOCs] to prevent release into the environment.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Zeolites Market Trends

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  Strict regulations on the use of phosphate in detergents will fuel the growth of the Zeolites Market.

  
  

Phosphates have historically been used in several detergents in high concentrations. Phosphates are nutrients that help animals and plants thrive, therefore their abundance in water bodies as a result of detergents being washed off can upset the equilibrium of the aquatic environment and lead to the fast growth of aquatic plants like water algae. This may also result in water contamination, as some areas limit the flow of phosphates into sewage systems and wastewater. Phosphate is a water softener that is used in cleaning products; however, it may be toxic to the environment and human health.

Detergents' cleaning ability is improved by phosphate, which is particularly beneficial for marketing and increasing demand for them. However, Phosphates cause health problems and major environmental hazards. The dish's surface may include phosphate residues that might irritate the skin and induce nausea and diarrhea. As a result, several countries all over the world are enacting stringent restrictions to forbid or regulate the quantity of phosphates contained in cleansers and detergents used in home and industrial settings. For instance, phosphate has been prohibited in US laundry detergents since 1994.

In addition, UK regulations such as (EU) No 259/2012 limit the amount of phosphate that may be used in dishwashing and laundry detergents. It is a registered pesticide in the state of California that is suspected of being a neurotoxin and is known to contaminate the air. These laws and guidelines are impeding the market's expansion for sodium tripolyphosphate. Regarding the usage of synthetic detergents, several nations have highly tight laws and restrictions. Thus, as a substitute for phosphate, zeolites are being used which is driving the demand, especially for synthetic zeolite.

Minerals called zeolites, which also include silicon and aluminum compounds, are employed as drying agents, water and air purifiers, and detergents. By substituting the Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions present in hard water with the Na+ ions in zeolite, water becomes softer. Better sudsing action is the outcome of this. Zeolites have replaced phosphates in the majority of powdered laundry detergents since they soften water without having a negative impact on the environment. Zeolites come in a variety of varieties and pore diameters. The kind of zeolite most frequently found in powdered detergents is sodium zeolite A. An environmentally acceptable alternative to often employed phosphate builders in the detergent industry is zeolite-A powder. This growth of zeolites is hampering the growth of the sodium tripolyphosphate market and thus driving the global zeolite market.

Zeolites Market Segment Insights

Zeolites by Product Insights

The Zeolites Market segmentation, based on Product has been segmented as natural and synthetic. Among these, the Synthetic product is projected to dominate the Zeolites Market revenue through the projected period. Synthetic zeolites, also known as molecular sieves, are crystalline aluminosilicates produced using a thermal process. These are sub-categorized into Zeolite A (3A, 4A, 5A), Type X (NaX, Low Silica-X, LiX), and others. These are widely used for various applications such as adsorbents, catalysts, air separation, and detergents. Also, it is used as an additive in the manufacturing process of warm-mix asphalt concrete. The rise in the growth of the end-use industry will eventually flourish the demand for the synthetic zeolites market.

Zeolites by Application Insights

Based on Application, the Zeolites Market is segmented as detergents, air separations, and others. Out of which the Detergents segment dominated base year market and is also projected to be holding a dominating share in the forecasted period as well. Three major types of zeolites are used in detergents: zeolite A, zeolite P, and zeolite X. Zeolites in detergents are characterized by a high aluminum content and are used as binding agents. The rise in demand for detergent for cleanliness across industries owing to the rise in population along with growing disposable income of the people will drive the detergent grade zeolites market during the forecast period.

Zeolites Regional Insights

Based on Region, the Zeolites market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The Asia Pacific Zeolites market held the maximum market share and is also expected to account for the significant revenue share during the forecast period. The zeolite market demand in the Asia Pacific region is majorly driven by the easy availability of the raw materials and the increasing zeolite demand from applications such as air separation, detergents, and others. The large population and increased disposable income of the customers, will boost the demand for zeolite-based products such as detergents. For instance, according to international trade administrations, the cosmetic and toiletries market of china is valued at US$52.3 billion in 2020. The split of the market is as follows: skincare 51%, make up 12%, hair care 12%, oral care 10%, baby care 6%, fragrances 2%, and others 7%. Europe is expected to show healthy growth in the market for zeolites during the forecast period due to major zeolites product manufacturers and the rapid industrialization in these regions. North America is also expected to show lucrative growth in the forecast period, further categorized into US and Canada.

Zeolites Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Key market players are emphasizing significantly on R&D for increasing their product offerings, which will further help the Zeolites Market to grow considerably. Market players are adopting several business development strategies such as acquisitions, mergers, collaborations, and partnerships to enhance their market presence and acquire larger customer base. To survive in the competitive market, industry players must provide cost effective products.

The Zeolites market is very competitive with market players trying to develop unique and innovative products and solutions, which could render the competitors’ offerings obsolete. The competitive environment is likely to grow further owing to rising technological advancements. Some of the key players operating in the Zeolites Market are BASF SE, Clariant, Tosoh Corporation, W. R. Grace & Co., Union Showa K.K., Albemarle Corporation, Zeochem AG, National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO), PQ Corporation, and Huiying Chemical Industry (Xiamen) Co., Ltd (China). To increase their global reach and client base, key firms are concentrating on acquisitions and product innovation.

BASF SE: BASF SE (BASF) is one of the leading chemical manufacturers in the world. The company operates its business through five segments: chemicals, performance products, functional materials and solutions, agricultural solutions, and others. However, as of January 2019, the company has divided its business into six divisions: materials, industrial solutions, chemicals, surface technologies, agricultural solutions, and nutrition & care. The company operates through 12 divisions that manage 54 global and regional business units and develop strategies for 86 strategic businesses. BASF marks its presence in 90 countries and operates through six Verbund sites and 232 additional production sites which interlink the working of production plants, energy flows, and infrastructure in different regions. The company operates in Europe and has a strong active presence in the Asia-Pacific, the Americas, the Middle East & Africa.

Clariant: Clariant is a leading specialty chemical company in the world. It operates through three business segments: care chemicals, catalysis, and natural resources. The operations of the company are categorized into seven business units: catalysts, additives, industrial & consumer specialties, functional minerals, masterbatches, oil & mining services, and pigments. The additives business segment of the company is a leading provider of flame retardants, performance additives, and advanced surface solutions for functional effects in plastics, coatings, inks, and consumer applications. Also, the company is the world’s largest producer of specialty zeolite powders with two production units in Germany & South Africa. It offers synthetic zeolites for various applications from chemical production to refining, and from odor removal to off-gas purification. It has 67 manufacturing facilities that produce and sell across several regions, including Europe, the Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America, and Latin America.

United States Antimony Corporation declared in 2024 that it will formally introduce its zeolite cattle feed ingredient under the "CattleMaxTM" brand through its fully owned subsidiary, Bear River Zeolite Company. The brand will be nested within Zeo-True Naturals, BRZ's current product line. CattleMaxTM will first be available in large "super sacks," but different package options are being developed for clients on a smaller scale.

ZeoDAC, Inc., a promising new player in the direct air capture of carbon dioxide market, announced the establishment of the company in 2024. In order to fulfill its purpose of "Capturing Carbon Dioxide from Air to Create a Better Tomorrow," ZeoDAC uses best-in-class zeolites and other advantaged solid materials to quickly scale up their carbon-capturing technology for direct air carbon capture (DAC).

Key Companies in the Zeolites Market includes

• BASF SE (Germany)


• Clariant (Switzerland)


• Tosoh Corporation (Japan)


• R. Grace & Co. (US)


• Union Showa K.K. (Japan)


• Albemarle Corporation (US)


• Zeochem AG (Switzerland)


• National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO) (India)


• PQ Corporation (US)


• Huiying Chemical Industry (Xiamen) Co., Ltd (China)

Zeolites Industry Developments

January 2023: Albemarle Corporation has announced the brand for advanced catalyst solutions as Ketjen, a wholly owned subsidiary that deals with catalyst solutions for the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries.

March 2022: BASF SE launched new Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalyst that maximizes butylenes. It helps to improve performance for refiners by employing a specialty zeolite, more effective at cracking small olefins to butylene.

Zeolites Market Segmentation

Zeolites Product Outlook

• Natural


• Synthetic
  
  
  
  • Zeolite A
    
    
    
    • 3A
    
    
    • 4A
    
    
    • 5A
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Type X
    
    
    
    • NaX
    
    
    • Low Silica-X
    
    
    • LiX
    
    
    • Others
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Zeolites Application Outlook

• Detergents


• Air Separation


• Others

Zeolites Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Russia
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Latin America
  
  
  
  • Brazil
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  • Argentina
  
  
  • Rest of Latin America
  
  
  
  


• Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  • GCC Countries
  
  
  • South Africa
  
  
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa