Nepheline Market - Global Industry Analysis

Industry Perspective:

The global nepheline market was valued at $176 million in 2021 and is anticipated to surpass $198 million by the end of 2028. The market is projected to grow with a considerable CAGR of 2.3 % during the forecast period. The report is an in-depth study of growth factors, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market. It offers both quantitative and qualitative insights into the global market dynamics.

Nepheline Market: Overview

Nepheline is also referred to as nephelite or eleoite, which is extracted from rock associated with the feldspathoid group. It showcases the same structure as of tridymite mineral comprising two polymorph groups and aluminosilicate of potassium & sodium. It is adopted as an alternative in the process of manufacturing ceramic and glass. Nepheline syenite, nephelinites, and nepheline monzonite are different kinds in the market. Nepheline syenite is a plutonic rock, and if the amount of sodic plagioclase leads to the amount of feldspar, then it is known as nepheline monzonite. Nephelinite is a fine aphanitic igneous rock made of pyroxene and nepheline. Nepheline syenite is massively utilized in making inks, plastics, adhesives, paints, and coatings due to its capability to enhance performance. Weatherability, tint retention, and brightness are some of the crucial parameters in exterior paints that are well satisfied by the nephron cyanide. Additionally, the wide adoption of nepheline syenite assists in achieving chemical & stain resistance, sheen uniformity, and color. Furthermore, it offers prolonged durability in interior paints.

COVID-19 Impact:

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected the growth of the global nepheline market as governments all around the globe declared worldwide lockdowns to contain the spread of the contagious virus. Laborers have migrated to their homes, leaving manufacturing units. Production and manufacturing units were shut down, and there were restrictions on transportation. These factors have negatively impacted the consumption pattern, particularly in the first and second quarters, but the lift of lockdowns and stabilizing situation will help the global market to foresee the growth prospects in the forthcoming years.

Nepheline Market: Growth Drivers

High demand for ceramics from the end-user sector is a key factor fueling the growth of the global market.

The demand for ceramics from major end-user sectors like medical, construction, electrical & electronics is surging with time. Nepheline is widely used in manufacturing specialty glass, fiberglass, dinnerware, and other kinds of glass, which in turn is fueling the growth of the global nepheline market exponentially. Furthermore, the high demand for nepheline as a major raw material in the manufacturing of ceramics, particularly in floor tiles, kitchen fixtures, and bathroom fixtures, is expected to propel the requirement of ceramics from end-sectors. Nepheline syenite holds a high content of sodium oxide and potassium. It lowers the melting temperature while reacting in a glass furnace with quartz. It is also rich in alumina. Commercial products made from nepheline syenite are crystalline silica free. Therefore, it is consumed in lower quantities when compared to feldspar. Furthermore, it helps in improving the quality of end products and reducing energy consumption. Also, it is used as transparent filler in adhesives & sealants, plastics, and paint coatings due to its low refractive index. It also facilitates ease of maxing, optimum particle shape, improved palate flow, and better flatting efficiency in the coating process.

Nepheline Market: Restraints

Recycling glass products is a big restraining factor in the global market.

Sustainability principles are hampering the growth of the global market. Recycling glass products are quite expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, it is expected to be a huge restraining factor for the growth of the global market.

Nepheline Market: Opportunities

The fast proliferation of the end-users sector in emerging economies will offer growth opportunities in the global market.

The end-user sector like ceramics, glass, paints & coatings, and others are growing fast in the present economies. Additionally, the market players engaging in these sectors are moving strategically in the global nepheline market, thereby trying hard to expand the market base and generate huge revenue in the market. Therefore, such initiatives are likely to create huge growth opportunities in the global market in the forthcoming years.

Nepheline Market: Challenges

Growing prices of raw materials are a huge challenge faced by the global market.

Constantly growing prices of fuel oil, propane, and natural gas are likely to hinder the growth of the global market in the forthcoming years. Surging transportation costs is another major challenge impacting the growth of the global market.

Nepheline Market: Segmentation

The global nepheline market can be segmented into product, application, and region.

By product type, the market can be segmented into nephelinites, nepheline monzonite, and nepheline syenite.

By application, the market can be segmented into refractories, glass products, ceramic products, and others.

Recent Developments

• Unimin Corporation, in January 2018, invested million-dollar to modernize its Canadian nepheline operations. The modernization led to the optimization of innovative technologies and practices to lower lighting, noise, dust, electricity, and use of water and will offer improved capabilities to serve ceramics, glass, coatings, and polymers markets.

Nepheline market: Regional Landscape

Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share in the global nepheline market due to the presence of leading economies like India and China. These regions are considered to be the largest manufacturers of ceramic tiles in the region. Additionally, the surge in the consumption and production of ceramic tiles, particularly in Vietnam, is another factor in maintaining the demand for nepheline.

However, North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global market due to the presence of a number of nepheline syenite deposits in the region.

Report Scope:

Nepheline market: Competitive Landscape

Some of the significant players in the global nepheline market include North Cape Minerals AS, Fineton Industrial Minerals Ltd., The 3M Company, SCR Sibelco, Anyang Country Mining Co. Ltd., Anglo Pacific Minerals Ltd., Phos Agro Group of Companies Unimin Corp. (COVIA), and AGSCO Corporation.

Global nepheline market is segmented as follows:

By Product Type

• Nepheline Syenite
• Nepheline Monzonite
• Nephelinites

By Application

• Ceramic Product
• Glass Product
• Refractories

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa