Calcium Carbonate Market Size, Share & Analysis Report By Application (Paper, Paints & Coatings, Plastics, Adhesives & Sealants), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA, CSA), And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global calcium carbonate market size was valued at USD 20.69 billion in 2016. Rising demand for calcium carbonate (CaCo3) from various end-use markets is triggering the need for establishment of new limestone quarries. However, presence of stringent regulations to set up these facilities is expected to hamper market growth. Moreover, these quarries are usually located on the outskirts of a town or city, increasing transportation expense and escalating the cost of the final product. 

Calcium carbonate is an inorganic mineral used as a commercial and industrial filler in the plastic and paper industries. It is also used to adjust pH levels in water through the neutralization process. In this process, untreated water is passed through filters loaded with CaCo3. Calcium carbonate dissolves in water, taking its pH value above 6. Soaring demand for clean and treated drinking water is expected to propel its usage as a water-treating agent in the coming years.

Rising demand for CaCo3 in metalloid minerals, dietary supplements, and as an additive in thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is anticipated to drive market growth. This key industrial filler is added to materials such as concrete, composite materials, and plastics to bring down cost of binder materials and enhance the final product.

The use of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) as a filler is witnessing growth at a phenomenal rate, especially in the uncoated papers segment. Using PCC in papers  results in better printing surfaces and brighter papers. Enhanced gloss and opacity are other significant attributes enabling a broader application scope of PCC in various segments.

Application Insights

Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) is obtained by grinding marble or limestone and the particles are mostly rhombohedral in shape. Purity and high brightness are significant characteristics exhibited by CaCo3, which enables it to be extensively used in the paper industry. It is also used as a filler material in the wood-free paper production process. Functional benefits that encourage the use of calcium carbonate in paint and coating applications include high brightness, weather resistance, ability to disperse, gloss level tweaks, sheen adjustment, and opacity.

Calcium carbonate is considered an essential raw material in adhesives and sealants and low cost is one of the prime reasons for its use in this industry. Use of CaCo3 fillers reduces dependency on polymer-based binder products in formulations, which also helps in bringing down carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. These fillers are also used as a replacement for mineral fillers and pigments with high oil absorption.

Regional Insights

The North America calcium carbonate market is expected to flourish over the forecast period thanks to rising use of paper in the production of several day-to-day utilities such as coffee cups, tissues, printing paper, and packing material. Large-scale consumption of high-quality alkaline paper, increased demand for coated paper, and growing agricultural sector in Mexico are expected to fuel demand for calcium carbonate. However, a slump in industrial production could hinder its growth over the coming years.

Asia Pacific is projected to emerge as the largest and fastest growing market for calcium carbonate in the global arena and this can be attributed to rapid growth of the plastics and paper industries. Demand is also higher in the region, owing to factors such as establishment of new paper mills, increase in paper production, and rise in mineral loadings of paper to reduce pulp usage. Paper loadings are relatively higher in China due to adoption of new manufacturing technologies. Low price and easy availability have encouraged the China Paper-Making Industry Association to opt for calcium carbonate over other filler materials.

Calcium Carbonate Market Share Insights

Active participation of market players across the value chain is essential for effective implementation of various policies. This can result in socioeconomic benefits and reduction in environmental impact, with primary focus on small and artisanal mining and the private sector. Additionally, equitable distribution of mining royalties and taxes on GCC among various government levels and sectors of the society is crucial amongst suppliers.

One of the key strategies adopted by market players is establishment of on-site production facilities, primarily to supply high-quality PCC to paper mills. Industry participants are also focusing on product development to stay ahead. Leading market players include Omya; Mineral Technologies Inc.; Imerys Pigments; and Parchem Specialty & Fine Chemicals.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis on industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global calcium carbonate market report on the basis of application and region:

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

  • Paper

  • Paints & Coatings

  • Plastics

  • Adhesives & Sealants

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • Italy

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

  • Middle East & Africa