Precipitated silica is a form of synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide obtained by artificial means from alkali metal silicate. It has various advantages over naturally occurring silica like higher purity, controlled particle size, and porous structure that makes it suitable for use in various applications. The growing rubber industries, where precipitated silica is used as a reinforcing filler and thickening agent, is driving higher demand.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the precipitated silica market are Evonik Industries AG, Oriental Silicas Corporation, Huber Engineered Materials, PPG Industries, Inc, MLA Group, Solvay S.A, Anmol Chemicals Group, Supersil Chemicals (I) Pvt. Ltd, Anten Chemical Co. Ltd., PQ Corporation, W.R. Grace Co., Madhu Silica Pvt. Ltd., QUECHEN, AMS Applied Material Solutions, Covia Holdings LLC., Denka Company Limited. Evonik Industries AG and PPG Industries Inc. hold a significant market share owing to their large production capacity and global sales network.
The precipitated silica market offers various growth opportunities such as expansion in applications from rubber to oral care, food, healthcare, and others. Global players are investing in expanding capacities in Asian countries such as India and China to leverage cheap labor and cater to the growing demand in the region. Expanding manufacturing base in Asian countries assists in reducing transportation cost and improving access to large consumer base.
Market Drivers and Restraint:
The major market driver for Precipitated Silica Market Demand is the growing rubber industries. Precipitated silica is increasingly used as a reinforcing filler and thickening agent in rubber products like tires, hoses, belts, seals etc. due to its superior properties over other alternatives. As global automotive production is rising supported by higher vehicle ownership, especially in developing countries, the demand for tires and other rubber components are rising globally, thereby driving precipitated silica consumption.
On the other hand, availability of substitutes like fumed silica, silica gel, diatomaceous earth etc. in some applications can replace precipitated silica, subject to economic feasibility. This poses as a market challenge for precipitated silica producers. These alternatives have their own advantages, depending on property and performance requirements, which can discourage precipitated silica's adoption in a few applications.
Segment Analysis
The precipitated silica market is dominated by the rubber segment which constitutes over 70% share. Precipitated silica is extensively used as a reinforcing filler and thickening agent in the rubber industry for tire manufacturing. It imparts benefits like improved wear resistance, strength and rolling resistance to tires which makes it an essential additive. The growing automotive industry coupled with rising vehicle ownership in developing nations has augmented the demand for tires which in turn has driven the rubber segment growth.
The personal care segment is another fast emerging sub-segment in the overall precipitated silica market. It is utilized as an anti-caking agent, thickening agent and opacifying agent in toothpastes, hair care products and skin care items. The heightened consciousness regarding oral hygiene and personal grooming among masses has boosted the sales of various personal care goods containing precipitated silica.
Global Analysis
The Asia Pacific region accounts for the largest as well as the fastest share of the global precipitated silica market. Presence of major automobile manufacturing hubs and rising disposable incomes in rapidly developing countries like India and China has augmented the demand for tires in the region. In addition, personal care products consumption is escalating at a swift pace in the Asia Pacific on account of improving living standards. This has provided a fillip to the precipitated silica market growth. Europe and North America are other prominent markets owing to well-established automobile sectors and high per-capita spends on personal grooming products.
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