Activated Bleaching Earth Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Edible Oil & Fats, Mineral Oil & Lubricants), By Region (North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Activated Bleaching Earth Market Trends

The global activated bleaching earth market size was estimated at USD 2.61 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2030. Activated bleaching earth is used to refine, purify, and decolorize edible and non-edible oils and fats. The increasing consumption of edible oils, driven by population growth, is a significant force in the industry.

The increasing demand for edible oils due to the growing global population is the main driver for the activated bleaching of the earth. Additionally, the market for activated bleaching earth is influenced by the recent rise in demand for biodiesels. Activated bleaching earth is a well-known absorbent with filtration and bleaching capabilities. It is commonly used in refining edible oils, including seed oil, vegetable oils, and oils derived from animals, like fish oils. The product is used to refine, cleanse, and decolorize oil to make it suitable for human consumption.

China is one of the major consumers of activated bleaching earth. The region's high oil production and consumption can be attributed to the growing population. This increase in production directly influences the demand for these products. Countries in the region refine soybean, rapeseed, and peanut oils and manufacture other edible oils such as maize and camellia seed oil.

Activated bleaching earth, often known as wash clay, possesses unique adsorbent properties that make it valuable in the market for activated bleaching clay. This material is used to refine, purify, and decolorize edible and non-edible oils and fats. It effectively removes impurities and toxic substances, ensuring the oils are safe for human consumption. The product eliminates color and absorbs phosphatides, metals, residual gums, and oxidized substances from the oils. As a result, it is widely utilized in the oil processing industry.

The expansion of land dedicated to oil-producing crops and technological advancements are the primary factors driving the global market. Additionally, the rising demand for biofuel derived from vegetable oil significantly contributes to market growth. Activated bleaching earth is available in powder and granule forms, in standardized packaging, or customized according to client specifications.

The growing consumption of edible oils and fats and the increasing production of vegetable and mineral oils used in various applications are driving the global activated bleaching earth market. Manufacturers prefer activated bleaching earth over natural and neutral bleaching earth due to its superior absorption properties. Refining oil requires less activated bleaching earth than standard bleaching earth. As a result, manufacturers worldwide favor activated bleaching earth for the bleaching and refining of edible oils and fats, mineral oils, and greases.

Application Insights

The edible oil and fats segment dominated the market in 2024, accounting for over 76.9% of the global revenue. The increase in usage of oils such as edible oil in developing economies is a major factor driving demand for activated bleaching earth. Key end-users typically use it for refining, purifying, and decolorizing oils. Advances in technology and an expanded cultivated area have increased oil-producing crops, further increasing the demand for activated bleaching earth.

Mineral oil and lubricant applications are growing during the forecast period. The product market is used for its absorbent properties for discoloring and refining mineral oils and lubricants. It is used in processing plants and refineries across the globe. Another primary reason driving this application segment growth is activated bleaching earth's use to recycle waste lubricants. Reprocessing and recycling waste lubricants is crucial and encouraged as they are environmentally sustainable.

Region Insights

Asia Pacific activated bleaching earth market held the largest revenue share of the overall market, over 64.6% in 2024. This is attributed to the presence of significant players in the region because of the high quantities of bentonite mineral deposits. Bentonite is the fundamental raw material required to produce activated bleaching earth. This region has an abundant supply of activated bleaching earth, as many small manufacturers are in the Asia Pacific.

Europe is projected to register a revenue growth rate of 5.5% from 2025 to 2030. The growth of the vegetable and mineral oil industry in Italy, Russia, Ukraine, and Germany significantly impacts the development of the activated bleaching earth market in these regions. The increased production of edible oils mainly drives the rising demand for activated bleaching earth. The edible oils and fats segment is particularly influential, as activated bleaching earth is used to produce vegetable oils and seed oils consumed by the general population.

Key Activated Bleaching Earth Company Insights

The market is highly fragmented, with several small players. However, it is expected to remain highly innovative, with companies engaging in technological collaborations and strategic alliances with mining and end-use companies. For instance, in September 2022, Clariant launched its TONSIL adsorbents at the Oils & Fats 2022 event, emphasizing its role in enhancing oil purification processes. The presentation highlighted the adsorbents' effectiveness in removing impurities from edible oils, thereby improving product quality and safety. Clariant's commitment to innovation in the oil refining sector aims to meet evolving industry standards and consumer demands. The event allowed industry professionals to explore advancements in oil purification technologies.

Activated Bleaching Earth Market Report Scope

Global Activated Bleaching Earth Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global activated bleaching earth market report on the basis of application and region:

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Edible Oil

  • Mineral Oil & Lubricants

  • Other Application

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa