Activated Alumina Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End Use (Oil & Gas, Water Treatment, Plastics, Healthcare), By Application (Catalyst, Desiccant, Fluoride Adsorbent, Bio Ceramics), And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global activated alumina market size was valued at USD 909.2 million in 2018 and is estimated to witness a CAGR of 5.4% from 2019 to 2025. The market is majorly driven by factors, such as rising demand for clean water, shrinking water reserves, and the implementation of new water treatment facilities. Activated alumina is formed by dihydroxylation of aluminum hydroxide to produce highly porous material. It is used in various applications including catalyst, desiccant, fluoride adsorbent, bioceramics, and others.

It can adsorb harmful contaminants in both aquifers and wastewater. It is used in various water purification techniques, such as the removal and adsorption of PCB, lead, fluoride, copper, arsenic, and other heavy metals from water. PCBs have a risk of spillage and can contaminate the surface and groundwater.

Increasing population coupled with rapid economic growth is expected to boost the market growth in Asia Pacific. Government initiatives, such as the launch of various projects for the regular supply and treatment of water, are likely to propel the product demand over the forecast period. Product usage in the purification of lithium is gaining popularity. Lithium finds use in ceramics, glass, batteries, lubricating greases, and air treatment applications.

It is used to power cell phones, digital cameras, and laptops and is becoming a prime energy source for powering electric and hybrid motor vehicles. The product utilizes adsorption process for the removal of impurities, which involves high capital and operational costs. Thus, the end-users are shifting toward its substitutes despite their efficiency and effectiveness. This is likely to restrain market growth over the coming years.

End-Use Insights

In the oil & gas industry, the product is used in the adsorption of water from natural gas streams. Natural gas is regarded as the fastest-growing source of domestic energy production. The establishment of new refinery projects is anticipated to be the key driver for segment growth. The plastic segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.7% from 2019 to 2025. Polyethylene is the most common plastic and is used in a wide range of applications. Rising demand for polythene is expected to propel product usage over the forecast period.

The healthcare segment is also expected to register a healthy growth rate from 2019 to 2025. Activated alumina bioceramics were developed as an alternative to surgical metal alloys and for use in tooth implants and hip prosthesis due to their anti-corrosion properties, low friction, and hardness. The other application segment includes chemical, food & beverage, and nuclear industries. It is also used in high vacuum applications, such as a charge material in fore-line traps to prevent oil generated from the rotary pumps from streaming back into the system.

Application Insights

Fluoride adsorbent was the largest application in 2018. The product is used for fluoride removal during the purification of drinking water. The growing need for water purification is expected to drive the product demand over the forecast period. It is used as a catalyst in the Claus reaction. Expansion and new construction of refineries are likely to augment its demand over the coming years. For instance, in 2019, the Saudi Arabia government signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of India to build a refinery in India.

The product is also used in gas and liquid drying applications. It is capable of drying almost all liquids and gases due to its high surface area. Its properties including resistance to abrasion and thermal shock are likely to drive the demand in the chemical & pharmaceutical industries. Bioceramics application is expected to witness strong growth from 2019 to 2025. Activated alumina-based ceramics can survive adverse conditions, such as acidic or alkaline environments and high temperatures. These properties promote product usage in bone and dental applications.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of the global market in 2018. The key countries including India and China are expected to observe steady growth in their refining capacities, thereby augmenting the product demand. Rising demand for freshwater supply due to the growing population in the region will drive the market over the coming years.

North America was the second-largest regional market in 2018. As per the International Energy Agency (IEA) publication in 2018, refinery expansion in the U.S. and steady production volume of crude are likely to solidify the country’s position as a key exporter of crude across the globe.

Brazil also registered a healthy growth rate in 2018 due to the rebound in investments in various sectors. The political and economic reforms in the country are expected to drive the key end-use sectors, such as pharmaceutical, oil & gas, and water treatment, thereby supporting market development.

Activated Alumina Market Share Insights

The global activated alumina market is highly competitive owing to the presence of major players like BASF SE; Sumitomo Chemical Co.; Honeywell International Inc.; Porocel Industries LLC; and Dynamic Adsorbents Inc. The competition is primarily driven by the application scope and use of activated alumina in different types of products.

The majority of companies are heavily investing in research & development in an attempt to expand their product portfolios & production capacities and sustain their market position. The development in technology coupled with increased investments in research is expected to drive the growth of this market and attract new entrants over the forecast period.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global activated alumina market report based on application, end-use, and region:

• Application Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Catalyst

  • Desiccant

  • Fluoride Adsorbent

  • Bio Ceramics

  • Others

• End-Use Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Water Treatment

  • Oil & Gas

  • Plastics

  • Healthcare

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America 

    • The U.S. 

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • The U.K. 

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan 

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil 

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia