Anti-Caking Agent Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Technological advancements in production methods: New developments in production technologies are enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the manufacturing process for anti-caking agents. The implementation of advanced catalytic processes and automation has resulted in a 21% decrease in energy consumption in certain facilities. These developments not only reduce operational expenses but also correspond with environmental sustainability objectives, rendering products more appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Furthermore, according to U.S. statistics in the Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey, the chemical industries in the total manufacturing sector energy usage contribute approximately 29% of the total manufacturing sector energy usage, and energy savings through equipment upgrading and process optimization in the areas of separation, compression, and feedstock handling are highly possible.
  Further adopting combined heat and power (cogeneration) in the chemical and plastics manufacturing sectors can provide up to 45% of energy savings in greenhouse gases per plant. Measurable reductions in fuel consumption and operating downtime are being realized at facilities that are upgrading furnace/cracking tube material, enhancing the use of better absorption, lower temperature distillation, or more effective process control.
• Shift towards sustainable and green alternatives: There is an increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable anti-caking agents, influenced by consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. The European Union's Green Deal highlights the importance of utilizing renewable chemicals and minimizing carbon footprints. This transition is prompting manufacturers to create bio-based and biodegradable anti-caking agents, thereby broadening their market presence and adhering to environmental standards. The EU, under its revised Renewable Energy Directive and policies, has set the target of renewable energy in EU consumption to 42.5% by 2030, a significant increase on the current 23% in 2022. The further requirement of the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability is that new chemicals should be designed to be safe and sustainable, where manufacturers should decrease the use of fossil feeds and focus on renewable or bio-derived materials. Also, the Green Deal Industrial Plan and Clean Industrial Deal combine fiscal incentives, trade policy assistance, and regulatory easing to produce low-carbon chemicals. The manufacturers who are complying with these structures are accessing funds, market favor, and regulatory leeway.
• Regulatory pressure & health/safety standards: The regulatory pressure in relation to health, safety, and environmental impact is another potent force that is propelling the market of anti-caking agents. Governments and agencies are placing more and more regulations on the use of some of the additives or certain chemicals that are considered dangerous (e.g., PFAS, heavy metals), and this requires them to resort to more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as anti-caking agents. There is also pressure of regulation through stricter EU regulations on food additives and specifications. The Union list under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 contains all food additives (including anti-caking agents) and must meet safety and purity standards (as established under Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012).
  Under the re-evaluation program, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has now issued 135 scientific opinions on 243 additives, 72 of which are still under review as of mid-2025. The EU, in its turn, states in its report on the Transition Pathway of the Chemical Industry that approximately 80% of the measures that have been identified to mitigate the adverse effects of chemicals production on the environment and human health have already started being put in place. Safety of chemicals is not only a cost burden to current materials but also puts obstacles to entry in non-compliant suppliers, hence the favorable strategy to innovation and investment in green R&D.

Trade Dynamics

Silicon dioxide is one of the most widely used anti-caking additives in food, feed, and industrial applications, as it prevents clumping, improves flow properties, and enhances product shelf life. Rising imports ensure a consistent supply to domestic processors and food manufacturers, particularly in regions where local production is limited. This steady availability supports large-scale adoption across industries such as bakery, powdered foods, seasonings, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, growing trade volumes of silicon dioxide lower input costs, expand product variety, and encourage formulators to integrate it more extensively. Overall, increasing imports of silicon dioxide directly strengthens the anti-caking agents’ market by meeting demand for high-purity, reliable, and cost-effective raw materials.

U.S. Silicon Dioxide Imports by Country, 2022

(Source: worldbank.org)

U.S. Natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite) imports by country, 2022

(Source: worldbank.org)

Challenges

• Pricing pressures and cost sensitivity: The ongoing fluctuations in raw material costs and fierce price competition are exerting continuous pressure on profit margins. Pricing strategies need to consider the increasing compliance costs while still being competitive in the marketplace. For example, in 2022, there was a 13% increase in global production costs attributed to the price volatility of essential inputs such as silica and calcium carbonate.
• Market access barriers and trade restrictions: Tariffs, import quotas, and non-tariff barriers hinder the efficiency of supply chains, resulting in extended lead times and higher costs. As per data from the WTO, trade tensions led to an 8% decline in chemical trade flows between China and the U.S. in 2021. Additionally, customs delays and regulatory challenges further complicate global supply operations.