The kaolin market is projected to reach USD 5.52 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2017 and 2022. The growth of the kaolin market can be attributed to the increasing demand for kaolin from various end-use industries, such as paper, ceramics & sanitary wares, fiberglass, paints & coatings, rubber, and plastics. Imerys (France), BASF (Germany), SCR-Sibelco (Belgium), Thiele Kaolin Company (US), and KaMin LLC (US) are leading companies operating in the kaolin market.
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Imerys, a key player in the kaolin market, is engaged in the processing of industrial minerals. The company transforms a large variety of minerals into high-value specialty products for industries using sophisticated technical processes. Founded in 1880 and headquartered in Paris, (France), Imerys operates through 4 business segments, namely, energy solutions & specialties, filtration & performance additives, ceramic materials, and high resistance minerals. Products offered by the company are used in various applications, such as functional additives, mineral components, and process enablers. The company has its operations in 50 countries worldwide and has 270 industrial sites. Imerys has entered into joint ventures with key market players to enhance its presence in the paper and packaging industries. For instance, in February 2016, Imerys signed a 50:50 technology joint venture agreement with Omya AG (Switzerland) to promote research & development of Micro Fibrillated Cellulose (MFC).
BASF is another key player in the kaolin market. The company has its presence in more than 80 countries worldwide, with 13 operating divisions and 86 strategic business units. In February 2018, BASF announced an investment of USD 200 million to develop its kaolin business over the next 10 years. The company aims to strengthen its geographic presence, enhance asset reliability, and increase operational sustainability. Through its long-term investment strategy, BASF plans to improve its supply, service, and innovative solutions for customers in the paints & coatings, plastics, and rubber industries. Major end-use markets for the company’s products and services are automotive & transportation, chemicals, electricals & electronics, power & energy, paints & coatings, plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, pulp & paper, and packaging. As part of its key growth strategy, the company plans to invest in R&D activities to enhance its existing line of products offerings and strengthen its foothold in the kaolin market.
The kaolin market is projected to reach USD 5.52 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2017 and 2022. The increased demand for kaolin from various end-use industries, such as paper, ceramics & sanitary wares, fiberglass, paints & coatings, rubber, and plastics, is one of the most significant factors projected to drive the growth of the kaolin market.
The airfloat process segment of the kaolin market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, in terms of value. Airfloat kaolin, also called as dry processed kaolin is used in various applications, such as manufacturing of rubber, fiberglass and paper fillers owing to its excellent properties. The paper end-use industry is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to increasing demand for paper packaging products. Thus, the growth of the paper industry and expansion of the rubber and fiberglass industries is projected to drive the demand for airfloat kaolin.
Based on end-use industry, the paper segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, in terms of value. Kaolin is used as a filler and coating pigment in the production of paper. The demand for paper-based packaging products from the food & beverage industry is projected to drive the increased consumption of kaolin in the paper industry.
Kaolin is also used in the ceramics & sanitary wares industry for manufacturing of whiteware and porcelain products. The increase in demand for ceramics & sanitary wares product from the building & construction industry and rise in government spending towards infrastructural development are key factors expected to drive the growth of the ceramics & sanitary wares end-use industry segment.
The kaolin market in the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, in terms of value. China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Rest of Asia Pacific are considered for market analysis in the Asia Pacific region. The rise in demand for paper coating materials in emerging markets and increased use of bio-based packaging products are key factors contributing to the growth of the paper industry in this region. As kaolin is used in the processing of high-quality coated papers, the growth of the paper industry is projected to drive the demand for kaolin in the Asia Pacific region.
