Ground Calcium Carbonate Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Automotive, Building & Construction, Pharmaceutical, Agriculture), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global ground calcium carbonate market size was valued at USD 30.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2023 to 2030. This is attributable to the increasing utilization of ground calcium carbonate (GCC) as a filler in the plastic, rubber, paper, paint, and ink industries. It is most commonly used in polymer composites to enhance physical properties and improve workability. Additionally, the cost of polymer composites can be reduced significantly by replacing expensive resins with affordable ground calcium carbonate fillers. The paper sector is one of the largest consumers of ground calcium carbonate products. Kaolin is a key substitute for calcium carbonate filler in paper applications. Calcium carbonate filler is gaining importance in the paper sector owing to the growing demand for brighter and bulkier papers.

The growing demand for calcium carbonate in the paper sector can be attributed to the particle size of GCC which helps in better water drainage compared to kaolin fillers. GCC filler material is used in the wood-free papermaking process. The advantages of the product such as cheap price and high brightness are contributing to the growth of GCC-based fillers.

GCC is widely used in adhesive and sealant applications. It is used to control shrinkage and reduce costs during production activity. In various formulations, it helps the product maintain physical strength, viscosity, and other properties. One of the key applications is in the hygiene industry. It comprises of feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, and adult incontinence products. In addition, it is also used in dietary supplements for maintaining the strength of bones, muscles, heart, and nervous system.

Ground calcium carbonate is manufactured by crushing and processing limestone to obtain the powder form of the product, which is classified based on specifications and properties. During the extraction of limestone from reserves, criteria such as color, purity, homogeneity, and thickness are taken into account to further process them. Processes involved in the production of GCC include removal of contamination, washing, classification based on particle size, and possibly drying. In the last stage, the calcium carbonate products are packed and delivered through various modes of transport.

Application Insights

The pulp & paper segment dominated the market with a revenue share of over 36% in 2022. This is attributed to the growing e-commerce industry that has increased demand for hygiene, food, and lightweight packaging products. Although calcium carbonate has various other mineral substitutes in pulp & paper applications, the product outperforms the rest. Ground calcium carbonate is used as a filler for manufacturing paper. Some factors favoring the usage of ground calcium carbonate for applications in the paper industry are high brightness and relatively low price, attainment of a porous surface of the paper sheet due to the rhombohedral particle shape.

The building & construction segment held the second-largest market share and is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the high demand for better public infrastructure including rail transport systems, airports, roadways, and harbors. Thus, driving the demand for calcium carbonate over the forecast period. Calcium carbonate is extensively used in the construction industry, both as a standalone building material and a cement additive. It is used in making mortar, joining bricks, roofing shingles, concrete blocks, stones, and tiles. Calcium carbonate decomposes to produce carbon dioxide and lime, both of which are used in the production of paper, glass, and steel. It is used in pipes and cables, roofing & flooring, siding & fencing, window profiling, and flooring, among others.

The product can be used as an additive or filler for several other applications, such as polymer, carpet backing, fiber cement, stucco, asphalt sealers, joint compounds, rubber, citric acid production, water treatment, and rock dust. It can also be used in textured plasters requiring coarse particles with high brightness to match the optical needs of end-use applications.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region dominated the market with a revenue share of over 40% in 2022. The growth is attributed to the growing product demand owing to various factors such as economic growth, urbanization, and infrastructure development which has led to the growth of various industries such as building & construction, pulp & paper, and others. The Asia Pacific region with its diverse and growing industrial base has a significant demand for ground calcium carbonate across various sectors. The increasing population, rising health awareness, and growing pharmaceutical markets in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations drive the demand for GCC in this sector.

China is considered a global manufacturing hub owing to favorable government regulations. The country has the advantage of easy availability of advanced manufacturing facilities and a skilled workforce, which are essential for the growth of the manufacturing sector. The growth of various end-use industries such as construction, automotive, and electronics in the country is anticipated to drive the demand for ground calcium carbonate-based products in China in the coming years.

North America accounted for a revenue share of over 31% in 2022 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% over the predicted years. The North American region has a thriving paints and coatings industry. GCC is used as a functional filler and pigment extender in the production of paints and coatings, improving durability, opacity, and rheological properties. The demand for architectural coatings, industrial coatings, and other surface finishing applications in the United States and Canada drives the consumption of GCC in this sector.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key market players are investing in the onsite production of the product for large-scale production. For instance, Omya announced an investment for the manufacturing of calcium carbonate in Asia Pacific at 7 locations to produce filler grade GCC & PCC, high-end GCC, and coating grade GCC. All seven plants are under construction and will be commissioned in 2023 and 2024. The organizations in the sector are focusing on the development of new products with various properties to cater to industry demands. Some of the market participants own limestone quarries and have adopted an integration across the value chain integration by supplying natural & unprocessed limestone, processing the raw materials according to customer demand, and distributing the product. Some prominent players in the global ground calcium carbonate market include:

• Carmeuse

• GCCP Resources Limited

• Imerys

• GLC Minerals

• Gulshan Polyols Limited

• US Aggregates

• J.M. Huber Corporation

• Omya AG

• Mississippi Lime Company

Ground Calcium Carbonate Market Report Scope

Global Ground Calcium Carbonate Market Report Segmentation

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

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

  • Automotive

  • Building & Construction

  • Pharmaceutical

  • Agriculture

  • Pulp & Paper

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa