Zeolites Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Increased Demand for Synthetic Zeolites from the Detergent Industry – Synthetic materials have excellent ionizing properties, making them ideal for use as water exchangers to remove magnesium, calcium, and other ions. However, zeolite 4A was substituted for other phosphate builders in some detergent industries because of the various environmental regulations. The increasing awareness of the harmful effect of phosphate construction on detergents is the major reason for the expanding use of zeolite. Also, manufacturers are shifting toward the use of zeolite 4A which is accelerating the market growth. For instance, Huiying Chemical Industry (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. introduced ADVAN Synthetic detergent grade zeolites, which are the main substitute for phosphate-type builders in domestic detergents and softening washing water through calcium ion exchange. Zeolite is used as a builder in most phosphate-free household detergent formulations.
• Surge in the Demand for Absorbents for the Removal of VOCs - By-products of petrochemical operations, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose a risk to human health and the environment. These are mostly released by the petrochemical and chemical industries and can be found in solvent-based paints, adhesives & sealants, printing inks, and various consumer goods. Breathing becomes difficult and the central nervous system is harmed by VOC emissions. As a result, there is a growing need for materials with minimal volatile organic compounds. Zeolites are effective adsorbents for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because of their range of characteristics, which include hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and nonflammability.
• Increased Adoption in the Agriculture Sector - There is an increased need for soil restoration and agriculture. According to a report in 2022, up to 40% of all soils globally are moderately or severely degraded; if deforestation, overgrazing, intensive cultivation, urbanization, and other detrimental practices continue, this percentage might increase to 90% by 2050. Synthetic zeolites are generally used in fertilizers because of their ability to retain nutrients in the soil and release them progressively over time. Because of their great porosity, synthetic zeolites can hold more water. Synthetic zeolites can thus control soil water levels by hydrating and dehydrating the soil, reducing soil drying during dry spells and times of water shortage. Synthetic zeolites have superior hydrothermal stability and the ability to be synthesized using pore diameters and chemical properties. Therefore, these properties of the zeolite are escalating the market growth.

Challenges

• Toxic Nature of Synthetic Zeolites - Because some zeolite dusts are poisonous, they are regarded as nuisance dusts. Concerns about zeolites' possible toxicity are being raised about their use in personal care products. There are safety and health risks even when these dust particles are accidentally inhaled. If inhaled, zeolites, a complex collection of silicates, can result in lung conditions. When utilized as catalysts, synthetic zeolites can clog easily and become hazardous. Therefore, one of the main drawbacks to using synthesized zeolites is their toxicity.
• Environmental Degradation Caused by Zeolites may Hinder Market Growth
• The growth of the zeolites market may be hampered by the inability to use their microporosity as a catalyst for the synthesis of large molecules.