Specialty Silica Market Size, Share, Growth Report 2032

Industry Perspective:

The Global Specialty Silica Market Size accounted for USD 4.78 Billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 11.60 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2020 to 2028.

Electronics, aerospace, personal care devices, latex, paints, cosmetics, healthcare, inks, coatings, and other industries use specialty silica as an additive in the formulation process of different materials and components. The interaction of alkaline silicate with hydrochloric or sulphuric acid produces it as a by-product. In the next step of the reaction, sulphuric acid solution and sodium silicate are both added to the bath. It comes in the shape of gritty circular pebbles.

Since specialty silica has a low rolling resistance, it is used in the tyre industry as a performance additive. The use of specialty silica as a matting agent will eliminate the glossy effect on the skin caused by the application of cosmetics. It may also be used as a clarifying agent, polishing agent, and abrasive. Anti-blocking agents, such as specialty silica, may be used to keep polymer layers from binding together during polymerization.

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COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Manufacturing activity has decreased as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The global development of the silica industry is currently being hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the closure of production plants, and the uncertain demand and availability of electrical, industrial materials, and rubber products. The supply of building materials and rubber goods has drastically decreased, resulting in increased market volatility. Because of the lower supply, demand for silica has decreased all over the world, resulting in a negative effect on consumer growth.

However, they are predicted to improve as the economy recovers and the current pandemic stabilizes. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant ramifications on the global economy and the specialty silica industry at different stages.

In 2019, the automotive industry, a major consumer of synthetic silica, announced lower prices. During the pandemic, the COVID-19 epidemic slowed the growth of the car industry, reducing the supply of premium silica.

Growth Factors

One of the major growth drivers for the Global Specialty Silica Market is Focus on Energy-efficiency. A major development in the global specialty silica industry is an increased emphasis on green and energy-friendly tires, which is expected to boost the specialty silica market. The development of green processes for processing high-grade silica is receiving a lot of attention. Deriving silica from rice husk ash, for example, will help businesses achieve a strategic advantage in terms of end product while also attracting government funding.

Another factor for the growth in this market is the Regulatory Impact on the Usage and Sales of Specialty Silica. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which was enacted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, established a number of requirements for the production, storage, and use of specialty silica (OSHA). This organization established guidelines for safe working conditions for employees who handle silica. Furthermore, specialist silica is used as a performance additive in the manufacture of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient tyres. The demand for specialized silica is expected to grow in the near future as controls on tyres and carbon emissions become more stringent.

Specialty Silica Market Report Scope :

Product Segment Analysis Preview

The specialty silica demand was dominated by precipitated silica. In green tires, the amount of product consumed is twice that of regular tires. Due to the demand for car manufacturers to meet rising fuel-economy goals and reduce automotive emissions, the latest trend shows that manufacturers are focused on increasing green tire production. For example, Evonik Industries invested around USD 120 million in October 2018 to start a precipitated silica plant for the tyre industry in South Carolina, United States.

Silica gel has a very high affinity for water and outperforms other liquids in terms of adsorption. As a result, it's widely used in a variety of industries for applications requiring a high-capacity desiccant or selective adsorbent. The market is expected to be driven by increased use as a thickening agent and cleaning ingredient in the oral care industry.

Product Segment Analysis Preview

The specialty silica demand was dominated by precipitated silica. In green tires, the amount of product consumed is twice that of regular tires. Due to the demand for car manufacturers to meet rising fuel-economy goals and reduce automotive emissions, the latest trend shows that manufacturers are focused on increasing green tire production. For example, Evonik Industries invested around USD 120 million in October 2018 to start a precipitated silica plant for the tire industry in South Carolina, United States.

Silica gel has a very high affinity for water and outperforms other liquids in terms of adsorption. As a result, it's widely used in a variety of industries for applications requiring a high-capacity desiccant or selective adsorbent. The market is expected to be driven by increased use as a thickening agent and cleaning ingredient in the oral care industry.

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Application Segment Analysis Preview

Rubber had the highest market share of 29.2% in 2020 in terms of sales. The global rubber industry has grown rapidly over the last decade, and this situation is likely over the forecast era, thanks to rising customer satisfaction with increased gas mileage. Rubber's use in non-tire applications is expected to grow at a modest rate in the near future. Silicone rubber, footwear soles, and synthetic rubber are examples of non-tire applications. Over the projected era, these applications are predicted to continue to drive the market. To resist rust and corrosion, fumed silica is mainly used in coatings as a thixotropic and anti-settling agent. The major factors driving the growth of the coatings industry are widespread urbanization, major infrastructure improvements, and a growing population combined with disposable income. This is expected to boost commodity demand in the coatings industry.

Regional Segment Analysis Preview

The Global Specialty Silica Market is divided into five regions, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East Africa. Asia Pacific dominated the industry with 35% CAGR. Furthermore, over the projection period, it is expected to be the fastest-growing regional sector. The main countries China, Japan, and India that is driving the growth. Rubber was the most common application in Asia Pacific, owing to increased demand from tyre manufacturers. Tire manufacturers' aggressive expansion is expected to have a positive impact on regional development.

Over the projected timeframe, European regulations aimed at reducing VOC emissions in the paints and coatings industry are likely to boost demand for environmentally friendly specialty silica. Because of the increased construction products in the country, the paints and coatings industry is expected to expand at a moderate pace. Furthermore, Germany's large automotive industry is a major growth engine for the European economy.

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Key Market Players and Competitive Landscape

Some of the key players in the Global Specialty Silica Market include 

• AkzoNobel
• PPG Industries
• Solvay
• Cabot Corporation
• Madhu Silica Private Limited
• Huber Engineered Materials
• Tokuyama Corporation
• Evonik Industries
• W. R Grace & Company 
• Nalco Holding Company
   

The world leader is Evonik Industries, led by Solvay, PPG Industries, and Cabot Corporation. Evonik has embarked on a number of strategic expansion initiatives in order to capitalise on increased product demand, especially from tyre manufacturers. For example, the company announced in September 2018 that it intends to increase capacity for the development of hydrophobic fumed silica in Rheinfelden, Germany, in order to expand its silica market for specialty applications.

The Global Specialty Silica Market is segmented as follows:-

Product

• Precipitated
• Silica Gel
• Colloidal
• Fumed
• Others

Application

• Rubber
• Agrochemicals
• Oral care
• Food
• Desiccants
• Paints & coatings
• Others

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