ID: MRFR/CnM/6417-CR | May 2019 | Region: Global | 246 pages
Market Research Future (MRFR) reveals that the Silicon Dioxide Market could potentially record a decent CAGR of 6.60% between 2016 and 2030 (appraisal period). Silicon dioxide market analysis by MRFR also expect the value to be USD 13,725.3 Million by 2030-end.
The COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent worldwide lockdown have been quite detrimental for the silicon dioxide industry. There a number of challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, including huge revenue loss, weakened product demand and economic downfall.
However, silicon dioxide manufacturers have been trying to boost their production capacity, while exploring new ways to maintain their market positions, such as forming alliance with companies outside the industry and open-source designing of equipment. Such initiatives in the face of the novel coronavirus and rising efforts by players could be favorable for the silicon dioxide market in the forthcoming years.
Drivers
High Functionality and Expansive Application Scope to Foster Product Demand
Plenty of functionality along with the high availability of silicon dioxide has been a major growth booster. Silicon dioxide has a number of use-cases across various industries. Silicon dioxide in food industry is used as an anti-caking agent since it helps absorb extra moisture, which prevents the ingredients from sticking together. In view of this, its predominant use is in the manufacturing of salt, chili powder and spices, to prevent clumping. Silicon dioxide gluten-free products also find extensive applications in the food sector. Apart from this, it acts as an anti-forming agent during the production of wine and beer to remove protein and yeast.
The anti-caking property of silicon dioxide also ensures its use in the production of various health supplements, since it prevents the ingredients from sticking to each other and lowers their scope to interfere with other active ingredients. Considering the broad application scope of silicon dioxide, experts believe that the market growth in the coming years is inevitable. Certain properties of silicon dioxide such as removing impurities, preventing dopants from diffusing and impressive temperature resistance also bolster the demand. These properties enhance the product’s use in the formation of circuit boards, semiconductor, refractory materials and piezoelectric.
Opportunities
Micro-Optical Coherence Tomography to Emerge as a Profitable Opportunity
The rapid expansion of the tire manufacturing sector in Asia Pacific can present lucrative opportunities to silicon dioxide market players. The tire demand has escalated in the region owing to the robust sales of passenger vehicles, increase in domestic manufacturing and opportunities arising in the aftermarket. As a result, the heightened demand for tires in APAC could be a huge opportunity, since by extension; it also fosters the demand for silicon dioxide.
Restraints
Availability of Alternatives to be a Threat to Market Growth
End-users increasingly opting for lower-priced substitutes over silicon dioxide can hamper the market growth over the conjectured period.
Challenges
Occupational Hazards Associated with Silicon dioxide to be a Challenge
Several occupational hazards are associated with silicon dioxide, as constant exposure to it can lead to silicosis, a lung disorder that is caused when crystalline silica particles are inhaled for an extended period of time. Therefore, in view of these silicon dioxide side effects, mining and glass manufacture sectors opt for alternatives, which can be a major challenge for the players in the ensuing years.
Silicon Dioxide with Less than 99% Purity Notes Highest Demand
The forms in which SiO2 (silicon dioxide formula) is generally available in the market include coesite, keatite, cristobalite, quartz, tridymite, amorphous, and more. In the lead is the amorphous segment, as it grabbed the biggest share of over 45% in the year 2018 and has widespread use in various industries, including food & beverages, medical, glass & ceramics and paints & coatings. Meanwhile, volume-wise, the quartz segment accounted for the highest share in the global market in 2018.
Silicon Dioxide with Less than 99% Purity Notes Highest Demand
Purity-wise, the top segments are (2N (99%), 2N5 (99.5%), 3N (99.9%), 3N5 (99.95%), 4N (99.99%), 5N (99.999%) and Less Than 99% Purity). The less than 99% purity segment grabbed the highest share in 2018, as they are extensively used in various building and construction applications. The segment is also anticipated to obtain an approximate CAGR of 6% in the coming years.
Building Material Segment to be the Top Application
Applications mentioned in the report are adhesives & sealants, glass & ceramics, silicon wafers, building materials, paints & coatings, food & pharmaceutical additives, and more. Building material remains the leading segment since 2018 and can record a growth rate of close to 5.5% over the review period. Some of the most common building materials have silica such as brick, asphalt, concrete, cement, grout, drywall, stone, mortar, tile and sand. The impressive physical properties of silicon dioxide ensure lower water permeability, better sulfate resistance, higher abrasion resistance and more, which is why it is largely used as a building material in construction activities. Silicon dioxide coating and paints are also witnessing substantial demand in the global market.
Building & Construction to be the Highest Gaining End-User
The key end-use industries are chemical, electrical & electronics, building & construction, food & beverages, healthcare and more. The building & construction segment has taken the lead with the highest share of roughly 35% procured in 2018, owing to the rise in construction activities in developing countries with the increase in disposable income and urbanization.
Asia Pacific Clinches the Top Position
In 2018, Asia Pacific captured the highest share of nearly 48% in the global market, in view of the striking growth in urbanization and industrialization in the region. In addition to this, the APAC market size is expected to soar at the fastest rate of more than 7%, with China assumed to take the lead as the biggest consumer of silicon dioxide. India and Japan will be other strong contenders in the APAC market, given the escalating rubber applications of the product, backed by the robust demand from several tire manufacturers. Aggressive business expansion tactics adopted by the tire manufacturers is expected to leave a positive impact on the silicon dioxide market. Surging use of silicon dioxide in supplements and their rising consumption among health-conscious people can be another key growth rendering factor.
Europe Lands the Second Lead in the Global Market
Since 2018, Europe has remained the second most bankable market, on account of the extensive silicon dioxide applications in end-use industries like electrical and electronics and building & construction. Accelerated growth of building renovation activities as well as microelectronics sector contributes majorly to the market growth in the region. The European market is touted to procure a growth rate of more than 5% over the forecast period, while France and Germany are projected to be the top performers in the region in the following years. The significant consumption of health supplements containing silica also enhances the market size in the region.
Firms Focus on R&D Activities to Introduce Innovative Products
The silicon dioxide industry is rife with a number of players that indulge in vigorous R&D activities, and also introduce new innovative products to capture the interest of more end-users while aiming to bolster their positions. Most of the silicon dioxide manufacturers also enter into collaborations, agreements and partnerships to combine their respective expertise and gain a competitive advantage.
Solvay is a renowned firm specializing in Highly Dispersible Silica for tires. Focused on achieving breakthroughs in silicon dioxide, the company’s tires boast of high productivity and have considerable adoption potential. The company also invests significantly on capacity expansion to meet with surging opportunities in the market. Solvay has successfully expanded in France, China and the USA, while capacity projects in Brazil and Korea are in store.
Recent Developments
Report Overview
Global Silicon Dioxide Market, By Form
Global Silicon Dioxide Market, By Purity
Global Silicon Dioxide Market, By Application
Global Silicon Dioxide Market, By End-Use