Innovative and Eco-Friendly: The Expanding Demand for Calcium Carbonate in Green Technologies

The global calcium carbonate market was valued at approximately USD 47.53 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by a number of key factors, including the increasing demand for paper and packaging materials, as well as the expanding use of calcium carbonate in various industries such as construction, plastics, paint and coatings, and personal care products.

The U.S. has long been a prominent market for calcium carbonate, primarily driven by high demand from industries such as paints coatings, adhesives sealants, and paper manufacturing. Among these sectors, paper production remains the largest application segment, with the U.S. being one of the world's largest paper manufacturers. The extensive use of calcium carbonate in paper production—both as a filler and a coating material—has supported sustained demand for the product in the U.S. market.

Despite the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for calcium carbonate in the U.S. has remained resilient. The paper industry, in particular, has continued to be a key contributor to this steady demand. This can be attributed to the growing emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene, which has driven a rise in the production of products like tissue paper, paper towels, and sanitary wipes. The pandemic increased the consumption of these hygiene-related paper products, sustaining demand for calcium carbonate as a critical component in the manufacturing process.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific:

Asia Pacific dominated the global calcium carbonate market, accounting for the largest revenue share of more than 37.34% in 2023. The region is expected to continue its steady growth trajectory through 2030, driven primarily by substantial investments in infrastructure development and the manufacturing sector. The expansion of industries such as paper, automotive, and construction in countries like China, India, and Japan is a key driver of this growth.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted manufacturing operations and global supply chains across Asia. While China experienced a relatively quick recovery and remained one of the few economies to post positive growth, many other Asian nations faced negative GDP growth during the second quarter of 2020. Despite these setbacks, countries are gradually resuming operations with appropriate health and safety protocols in place. India, for instance, saw a rise in automotive sales as restrictions eased, and as the demand for paints coatings and vehicles picks up, it is expected to drive the need for calcium carbonate in the region.

India:

India stands out as a significant player in the calcium carbonate market, benefiting from a favorable demographic structure with a large and growing working-age population, constituting about two-thirds of the total population. This, combined with government initiatives to attract foreign investments, creates a strong foundation for market growth. The rising demand from key end-use industries such as paper, plastics, paints coatings, and construction is fueling the rapid growth of calcium carbonate consumption in India.

North America:

North America was the second-largest regional market for calcium carbonate in 2023, and it is expected to maintain its strong position throughout the forecast period. Although the region experienced significant disruptions due to the pandemic, there has been a noticeable rebound in industrial operations, driven by a surge in consumer demand. Key sectors, including medical, packaging, and DIY industries, have boosted the demand for products such as adhesives, paper, and paints coatings, all of which rely on calcium carbonate. This recovery is seen as a positive indicator for the future growth of the calcium carbonate market in the region.

US:

The U.S. holds the largest share of the North American market and is projected to continue dominating the sector over the forecast period. Several factors contribute to this trend, including the ongoing demand for industrial materials and the expansion of calcium carbonate production. Companies are responding to this demand by boosting their production capacities and expanding their operational presence within the country. For example, in March 2020, Anglo Pacific Group PLC entered into a financing agreement with Incoa Performance Minerals LLC to fund the construction of calcium carbonate-associated infrastructure in the Dominican Republic, which will contribute to the U.S. market's supply chain.

Additionally, the acquisition of Gabriel Performance Products by Huntsman Corporation in January 2021 further emphasizes the growing strategic interest in expanding the presence in key industries, such as adhesives, sealants, coatings, and composites, which require significant amounts of calcium carbonate.

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Key Companies Market Share Insights

Leading companies in the global calcium carbonate market are actively adopting a mix of organic and inorganic growth strategies to maintain and expand their market presence. These strategies include capacity expansion, mergers acquisitions (MA), joint ventures, and strategic investments. The following highlights some notable developments by key players in the industry:

Cimbar Resources Inc.: In August 2022, Cimbar Resources Inc. strengthened its position in the North American calcium carbonate market by acquiring the S.-based Imerys Carbonate Inc. manufacturing assets located in Arizona, U.S. This strategic acquisition allowed Cimbar to significantly expand its product portfolio and enhance its production capabilities. By bringing in Imerys Carbonate’s assets, Cimbar could offer a wider range of products from multiple locations, which helps the company better serve its customers in various industries, including paper, plastics, and paints coatings. The move also aligns with Cimbar’s objective to increase its market share by expanding its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. and broadening its product offerings.
Omya India: In April 2023, Omya India, one of the leading producers of calcium carbonate in the country, announced a USD 25 million investment to expand and upgrade its advanced calcium carbonate plant in Gujarat, India. This significant investment is aimed at increasing the plant's capacity and operational efficiency, ensuring that the company can meet the rising demand for high-quality calcium carbonate in both domestic and international markets. The move underscores Omya India’s commitment to supporting the growing demand from industries such as paper, plastics, rubber, and paints coatings. By improving its production capabilities, Omya is positioning itself to take advantage of the strong demand across multiple sectors, particularly in the fast-growing Indian market.

Key Calcium Carbonate Companies:

The following are the leading companies in the calcium carbonate market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends. Financials, strategy maps products of these calcium carbonate companies are analyzed to map the supply network.