Kaolin Market

Rising kaolin demand in the paper sector and expanding kaolin application in pharmaceutical will boost the market growth

As a coating ingredient that offers excellent whiteness and enhances the look of finished paper products, kaolin is used more often in the paper industry. Around 1.9 million tonnes of kaolin were estimated to have been exported from the United States in 2021, with substantial amounts going to Mexico, Japan, and China. This kaolin was mostly used for paper coating and filling. Among the top nations that produce paper are China and Japan. Kaolin is used as a paper filler to lengthen the fiber and increases the printability of paper in addition to gloss, smoothness, and brightness.

These are a few main variables fueling the anticipated expansion of the kaolin market's revenue.

Kaolin is utilized in PET and polyethylene films as an infrared absorber, allowing for the use of an additive for laser-mark molded packaging. By eliminating harmful ions from the polymer matrix, meta kaolinite can increase the resistivity of PVC cables. In coupling processes, hydroxyl groups on the calcined kaolin surface enhance the heat resistance and impact strength of polyamide. The electrical and polymer sectors are predicted to employ chemicals more often. Kaolin is a filler used in fiberglass to reinforce interwoven fibers.

Additionally, it makes it possible to incorporate fibers into goods that need their plastic to be strengthened, such as boats, cars, aerospace, and aviation products, sporting and recreational goods, insulation made of fiberglass, tanks, and pipes made of fiberglass, circuit board manufacturing, fiberglass air filters, and fiberglass building. The chemical makeup of the fiber, the makeup and characteristics of its surface, and the textile structure of the reinforcing system all affect the kaolin concentration in the binder.

KaMin was established by I-Minerals Partners (an owner). In November, BASF entered into an agreement with the company. The deal entailed the purchase by KaMin of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division’s segment, which is dealing with kaolin minerals presently.

In India, Nirma Ltd. has announced its plans to increase investment in capacity expansion in the production of kaolin in 2023. It was meant to help meet the rising demand from the different industries as well as strengthen its position across them.

Hawkins, Inc., a leading specialty chemical provider, diversified its kaolin product mix in 2023 by introducing new formulations tailored to meet industry-specific needs. The firm concentrated on improving the performance characteristics of its high-quality kaolins so as to broaden its market offerings.

Tata Chemicals Ltd. said it will expand its Kerala facility’s kaolin production capacity in 2021. This followed increased demand for kaolin across various sectors, such as ceramics, paints, and coatings.

Kaolin's usage as a pesticide in suspension form in agriculture has grown due to its anti-microbial and insecticidal characteristics. Kaolin and Kaolin-pectin formulations used to treat small animals for diarrhea and blood loss are classified by the US EPA under inert materials and livestock medications manufactured from these substances. Kaolin is used as a processing aid in the apiculture industry to extract propolis, a substance resembling resin with therapeutic and anti-microbial qualities. In the upcoming years, stable expansion in the agriculture and apiculture industries would significantly raise demand for kaolin.

The clay mineral has several uses in the pharmaceutical business, where it is a vital component of toothpaste, surgical pads, mouthwash, and other pharmaceutical goods. People with mouth sores use mouthwashes with kaolin as the ingredient because they offer a protective covering within the mouth. It is a widely utilized blood coagulant activator for reducing inflammation and avoiding thrombosis. Additionally, it is utilized as a hemostatic agent in gauzes and surgical pads and clinical laboratory tests to assess Activated Clotting Time (ACT).

Between 2022 and 2030, an increase in incidents involving blood loss is anticipated to enhance the use of kaolin-based dressing materials in hospitals and clinics and propel the Kaolin market revenue.

The Global Kaolin Market Industry experiences a surge in demand driven by the construction sector. Kaolin is utilized in the production of ceramics, tiles, and paints, which are essential materials in construction projects. As urbanization accelerates globally, the need for high-quality building materials increases. This trend is reflected in the projected market value of 4.48 USD Billion in 2024, with expectations to reach 7.21 USD Billion by 2035. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.43% from 2025 to 2035 suggests a robust growth trajectory, indicating that kaolin will play a crucial role in meeting the demands of the expanding construction industry.

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The Asia-Pacific Kaolin market accounted for USD 1.80 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period. This is attributed to the growing incidence of spine abnormalities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, as well as an aging population across the Region. The kaolin market is expanding in the Asia Pacific due to economic expansion and fast industrialization. During the projected period, the area is anticipated to increase at the quickest rate.

The primary drivers of the regional market expansion are expected to be China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 3:  KAOLIN MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database, and Analyst Review

In 2021, the Europe kaolin market was predicted to overtake North America as the second-largest regional space. The introduction of the coronavirus in 2020 has had a substantial influence on the area's economy's growth. In the fiscal year 2020, major regional economies saw reduced industrial production, including the U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, and others. The slow development immediately impacted the dynamics of the product in industrial production. In 2021, the regional growth showed hints of improvement.

However, regional conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and rising energy costs are predicted to impede regional growth throughout the anticipated time frame. Further, the Germany Kaolin market held the largest market share, and the U.K. Kaolin market was the fastest-growing market in the European Region.

In 2021, the North American kaolin market region's revenue share was close to 13.4%. It is anticipated that the current U.S. administration's efforts to encourage the growth of green energy industries would significantly increase demand for kaolin-related goods. The regional solar sector's increased use of ceramic and ceramic-based fused materials will probably open up new business prospects for suppliers in the North American area. Further, the Canada Kaolin market held the largest market share, and the U.S. Kaolin market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

Major market players are investing a lot of money in R&D to expand their product portfolios, which will spur further market growth for cervical fusion. With significant industry changes, including new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their presence. Kaolin industry competitors must provide affordable products to grow and remain in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive.

Manufacturing locally to cut operational costs is one of the main business tactics used by the Kaolin industry to serve customers and increase the market sector. The Kaolin industry has recently given medicine some of the most important advantages. The Kaolin market major player such as Imerys S.A. (France), Ashapura Group (India),  BASF SE (Germany),  EICL Limited (India), SCR-Sibelco N.V. (Belgium),  KaMin LLC (U.S.), Thiele Kaolin Company (U.S.), LASSELSBERGER Group (Hungary), Quarzwerke GmbH (Germany), minerals inc. (Canada), 20 Microns Limited (India), R.

Grace & Co. (U.S.),   Shree Ram Group (India), and others are working on expanding the market demand by investing in research and development activities.

KaMin LLC offers mineral goods. The company offers a broad variety of kaolin clay for building and construction, industrial specialties, coatings, rubber and plastic, and beauty and health industries. Karin serves worldwide clients. Beginning January 1, 2021, or as markets and contracts permit, KaMin LLC and CADAM SA announced that they would increase the pricing for their performance minerals in their worldwide markets by 4 to 9%. These increases will change depending on the goods, packing, and shipping circumstances.

This price rise is necessary to cover rising operations and mining costs, logistical costs, rising environmental costs, and requirements related to international product conformity.

The biggest manufacturer of white minerals in India, 20 Microns Ltd. offers cutting-edge goods in Functional fillers, Extenders and Specialty chemicals. The main business of the company is dealing in calcium carbonate. For selling kaolin goods in Europe, 20 Microns Limited teamed up with Dorfner GmbH (Germany) in February 2019. The plan will assist the firm in growing its kaolin operations in the European market.