Bentonite Market

Increasing demand for pharmaceuticals & cosmetics to boost the market growth

As the high-purity Bentonite meets the standards of the National Formula, Bentonite are widely used in cosmetic preparations as pigments binders and suspending agents and is thus driving Bentonite use in the pharmaceutical segment. Comparatively speaking, sodium bentonite expands more than calcium bentonite. Some of the main factors that are anticipated to fuel the need for sodium bentonite in the foundry and construction industry are expanding infrastructure development and rising demand for steel and iron ore across various industries.

The market for bentonite is expected to expand at a faster rate due to rising demand for crude oil and natural gas.

The Global Bentonite Market Industry sees substantial growth due to its applications in the agriculture sector. Bentonite is employed as a soil conditioner and pesticide carrier, enhancing soil quality and crop yield. As global food demand rises, farmers are increasingly turning to bentonite to improve agricultural productivity. This trend is particularly evident in regions where soil quality is compromised. The market is projected to expand, with estimates suggesting it could reach 2.52 USD Billion by 2035. The agricultural sector's reliance on bentonite for sustainable farming practices indicates its vital role in addressing food security challenges.

The Global Bentonite Market Industry is characterized by various trends and projections that highlight its growth potential. In 2024, the market is expected to reach 1.61 USD Billion, with a projected increase to 2.52 USD Billion by 2035. The compound annual growth rate of 4.15% from 2025 to 2035 suggests a steady upward trajectory. Key factors driving this growth include rising demand in construction, environmental regulations favoring natural materials, and expansion in oil and gas exploration. These trends indicate a robust future for the bentonite market, reflecting its adaptability and relevance across multiple sectors.

The Global Bentonite Market Industry is significantly influenced by the oil and gas sector, where bentonite is utilized as a drilling fluid. The expansion of oil and gas exploration activities globally drives the demand for bentonite, particularly in regions with rich natural resources. As companies invest in new drilling technologies and techniques, the need for high-quality bentonite increases. This trend is expected to contribute to the market's growth, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of 4.15% from 2025 to 2035. The oil and gas industry's reliance on bentonite underscores its importance in the global market.

The Global Bentonite Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand driven by the construction sector. Bentonite is widely utilized in various applications, including drilling fluids, cement, and as a sealant for landfills. As urbanization accelerates globally, the need for infrastructure development increases, thereby enhancing the consumption of bentonite. In 2024, the market is projected to reach 1.61 USD Billion, reflecting the material's essential role in construction projects. This trend is expected to continue, with the market anticipated to grow significantly, indicating a robust growth trajectory as construction activities expand.

The Global Bentonite Market Industry is poised for growth due to advancements in processing techniques. Innovations in the extraction and processing of bentonite enhance its quality and application range, making it more appealing to various industries. Improved processing methods lead to better performance characteristics, such as increased viscosity and enhanced adsorption properties. These advancements may attract new applications in sectors like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, further diversifying the market. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for bentonite to penetrate new markets appears promising, indicating a dynamic future for the industry.

The Global Bentonite Market Industry benefits from stringent environmental regulations that promote the use of natural materials. Bentonite, being a naturally occurring clay, aligns well with sustainability goals, making it a preferred choice in various applications. Industries are increasingly adopting bentonite for its eco-friendly properties, particularly in waste management and remediation projects. This shift towards sustainable practices is likely to bolster the market, as companies seek to comply with regulations while minimizing their environmental footprint. The growing emphasis on sustainability may lead to an increase in bentonite's market share in the coming years.

By Region, the study segments the market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America Bentonite market accounted for USD 0.50 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a 4.14% CAGR during the study period. This is attributed to the shift in demand towards its viscosity and plasticity, bentonite is used in cement and mortars, and the region's expanding construction and building activities are driving up demand for cement and mortars and are anticipated to further propel market revenue growth.

The OPEC+ alliance is still committed to its resolve to progressively expand Crude Oil output, which has kept market sentiment positive in the US domestic market.

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

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

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

Europe Bentonite market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the growing demand for the product from various applications, including the pharmaceutical and foundry sands industry. Further, the Germany Bentonite market held the largest market share, and the UK Bentonite market was the fastest growing market in the European region

The Asia-Pacific Bentonite Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.15% from 2022 to 2030. This is because of the region's increased emphasis on beauty and personal care routines, as well as the expanding demand for bentonite clay from the construction and agriculture industries in developing nations like China and India. Moreover, China Bentonite market held the largest market share, and the India Bentonite market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region

For instance, India Bentonite market is the favored destination for bentonite manufacturers due to the infrastructure projects. On the other hand, Japan is famous for the civil engineering industry. Hence, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to register the highest growth rate over the forecast period from 2022–2030.

Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Bentonite market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Bentonite industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.

One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the  Bentonite industry to benefit clients and expand the Bentonite market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, Bentonite has provided products with some of the most significant benefits.

Minerals Technologies Inc. (US) (MTI) is a  resource- and technology-based company that develops, produces, and markets a broad range of specialty mineral, mineral-based and synthetic mineral products and related systems and services. MTI serves the paper, foundry, steel, construction, environmental, energy, polymer, and consumer products industries. In July 2021, Minerals Technologies Inc. acquired Normerica Inc. (“Normerica”), a leading supplier of premium pet care products in North America. Normerica, a privately held company, was established in 1992 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Normerica has grown significantly since its inception, becoming a leading North American producer and supplier of branded and private label pet care products to a large customer base. Its product portfolio consists primarily of bentonite-based cat litter products which are supplied from a network of strategically located manufacturing facilities in Canada and the United States.

Also, Wyo Ben Inc (Montana) is a developer and manufacturer of bentonite clay other established markets. Eikos' three bentonite processing facilities are in the Big Horn Basin region of North Central Wyoming and South-Central Montana. Company’s employees are focused on quality and continually look for new and innovative solutions to customers’ needs in the market.