Zeolite Market Report

The environment and human health are severely impacted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), by-products of petrochemical reactions. These are mostly released by the chemical and petrochemical industries and are found in solvent-based paints, sealants, adhesives, printing inks, and other consumer items. VOC emissions harm the central nervous system and make breathing difficult. For instance, the VOC formaldehyde is naturally carcinogenic. In order to restrict VOC emissions, organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and Registration, Authorization, Evaluation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) have developed strict laws. This contributes to the growing demand for low-VOC materials. Zeolites have qualities including hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and non-flammability that make them effective adsorbents for the removal of VOCs. When it comes to the removal of VOCs, zeolites have proven to be superior to activated carbon. Zeolite manufacturers thus benefit from lucrative growth opportunities due to the increasing need for absorbents for the removal of VOCs.

The major zeolites industry companies are focused on providing customized products to several end use sectors and are concentrating on expanding the zeolites product range. To be used in industries like detergents, building & construction, agriculture, etc., zeolite formulations are being customized. For instance, IQE Group provides speciality zeolites to detergent producers that aid in reducing energy consumption and the environmental effect of detergent production. Leading manufacturers now have a competitive advantage over other zeolite manufacturers, which is helping them to strengthen their market position.

Due to their toxicity, some zeolite dusts are recognized as nuisance dusts. Concerns about zeolites' potential toxicity are being raised since they are utilised in personal care products. These dust particles even unintentionally inhaling them raises safety and health issues. Inhaling zeolites, a complex group of silicates, can result in pulmonary diseases. When utilized as catalysts, synthetic zeolites are prone to clogging, which may result in toxicity. Toxicology is a major downside to the usage of synthetic zeolites. Moreover, the extraction and processing of natural zeolites are expensive, with advanced synthetic zeolites also incurring high production costs due to their intricate synthesis.

The uneven global distribution of natural zeolite deposits poses supply challenges, while geographical and regulatory constraints further affect raw material availability. Environmental impacts from mining, such as land degradation and water contamination, drive up compliance costs. Additionally, zeolites compete with alternatives like activated carbon and synthetic adsorbents, which may offer better performance or cost advantages. Integrating zeolite-based solutions into existing systems is often complex, impacting widespread adoption.

In March 2023, International Zeolite Corp. (IZ), a prominent player in zeolite-infused products for agriculture, launched operations at its new facility in Jordan, Ontario. This cutting-edge plant, equipped with the patented NEREA technology, is set to revolutionize nutrient infusion in agriculture. With an ambitious production capacity of up to 25,000 kilograms of agricultural nutrient products daily, IZ’s facility benefits from its proximity to the Niagara College Horticultural & Environmental Research Innovation Centre (HEISC). This strategic location enhances synergy with ongoing R&D efforts, underscoring IZ’s commitment to advancing agricultural solutions. Furthermore, in January 2023, Albemarle Corporation, a global specialty chemicals leader, announced the formal brand launch of Ketjen, its wholly owned subsidiary that creates specialised, innovative catalyst solutions for the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals sectors.

The market share in the Asia-Pacific region was dominated by China. Although the country's growth rate remains high, it is steadily slowing down as the population becomes older and the economy shifts from manufacturing to services, investment to consumption, and external to internal demand. According to the International Trade Administration of the United States Department of Commerce, China is the world's largest construction industry. The government planned to focus on enhancing the infrastructure in small and medium-sized cities, and it was anticipated that the construction sector would continue to develop. As a result, zeolites are anticipated to be used more often in construction-related applications. China's most recent environmental assessment is still negative, suggesting that major rivers and groundwater are "not suitable for human contact”. China needs advanced wastewater treatment technology to reverse the state of severe water pollution, which raises the demand for zeolites in the nation. Similar to this, China accounts for around 7% of the world's total agricultural land, feeding 22% of the world's population. The nation is the top producer of several different crops, such as rice, cotton, potatoes, and a wide variety of other veggies. As a result, it is anticipated that over the forecast period, the market for zeolites would grow. To meet increasing demand for different chemicals and petrochemicals, the nation's refineries have also planned to expand their capacity over the following years. During the forecast period, there is expected to be an increase in demand for zeolites from this industry due to the rising demand for different chemicals on a global scale.