Silica Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Construction, Oral Care, Agrochemicals, Rubber, Food & Feed), By Region, Competitive Landscape, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2026

Industry Insights

The global silica market size was valued at USD 5.22 billion in 2018 and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period. The market scope includes silica forms including precipitated, fumed, gels and sols, and micro silica (fumes). Rising demand for the product from the rubber industry is the primary factor driving the market.

Silica provides higher abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and flex fatigue properties to rubber products. It is widely used in tire applications, owing to its ability to improve the bond and tear resistance between rubber tires and metallic reinforcements.

The increase in demand for tires is mainly driven by rising automotive production, especially in countries such as India, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mexico, U.S., and Germany. Rapid economic growth, increasing government spending, advancements in road infrastructure, and increasing inclination of consumers toward personal conveyance are expected to boost demand for automobiles, thereby propelling the market growth.

The growth of silica as a market is driven by its increasing application in paints and coatings. It is mainly utilized in this industry to control rheological characteristics and to aid in the deterrence of rust and corrosion. It is also used as an anti-settling agent and thixotroping agent in the sector. A developing paints and coatings industry in the emerging markets of Asia Pacific, driven by the growing construction and automotive sectors, is expected to drive product demand over the forecast period.

Silica fumes are majorly used in the concrete industry in order to impart strength and durability in concrete. The market is driven by the growth of the global construction sector. For instance, the construction market in Asia is expected to expand at a significant pace over the forecast period. High investment in the construction and infrastructure sectors across Southeast Asia is anticipated to positively affect product utilization through 2026.

Carbon black is one of the major substitutes of silica and acts as a restraint for market growth. Carbon black is used as a reinforcing agent in belts, tires, hoses, gaskets, diaphragms, air springs, bushings, chassis bumpers, and multiple types of boots, pads, wiper blades, and conveyor wheels. However, green tire manufacturers are replacing carbon black with silica on account of its eco-friendly benefits and stronger performance as opposed to carbon black. This is expected to have a positive impact on the market.

Application Insights

The rubber segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 33.1% in 2018. Precipitated silica is extensively used in the rubber industry, particularly as a reinforcement filler in the manufacturing of tires. The specialized rubber compound, which is used in tires, is composed of various materials including natural as well as synthetic rubber.

Silica, when blended with tire rubber, helps reduce rolling resistance while simultaneously increasing the grip of tires. As a result, the adoption of silica in tires can reduce fuel consumption of a vehicle by about 7.0%. The share of low rolling-resistance tires reached 45.0% in 2018 from 15.0% in 2011. This trend is expected to continue on account of favorable government regulations in the tire industry.

The oral care application is estimated to register a CAGR of 7.7%, in terms of revenue, during the forecast period. Silica gels and sols are commonly used as a thickening additive in toothpaste. They are also used to provide cleaning properties to toothpaste. Increasing global demand for whitening toothpaste is likely to fuel product demand in oral care.

In agrochemicals, the product is used in liquid as well as solid formulations. It is used to deliver visco-elastic properties to the liquid formulation. It is also used as an anti-settling additive and a rheology modifier to prevent agglomeration of active ingredients, thereby avoiding sedimentation in liquid agrochemicals. As a result, it is suited to stabilize even highly acidic liquid formulations.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the global market in 2018, accounting for 49.2% of the total volume owing to massive industrialization, increased construction spending, and increasing consumption of automobiles in the region. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), Asia Pacific is the largest producer of motor vehicles. The region is projected to exhibit the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

The growing automotive industry, coupled with the recovery of the construction sector in Central and South America, is predicted to have a positive impact on the silica market. Significant new investments by governments in the housing and public sector are predicted to propel the production of paints and coatings and sealants. This is estimated to drive the regional market.

North America acquired a revenue share of 22.7% in 2018. The expanding construction sector in the region is expected to drive demand for silica in applications such as concrete, paints and coatings, and adhesives and sealants. Rising demand for tires is significantly driving rubber applications in the U.S. For instance, according to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), tire shipments for passenger cars and trucks in the U.S. are poised to register significant growth over the next few years. This is anticipated to propel product demand in North America over the forecast period.

In Europe, the Paints Directive 2004/42/EC, framed by the European Commission, is aimed at limiting VOC emissions due to the use of organic solvents in architectural paints and varnishes as well as vehicle refinishing products. Hence, various initiatives are being taken to promote the use of eco-friendly materials in paints and coatings, thereby augmenting product demand. Moreover, Europe is one of the largest consumers of agrochemicals due to the high production and export of food grains. These factors are anticipated to boost demand for silica in the European agrochemical industry.

Global Silica Market Share Insights

The global market is highly competitive in nature. Evonik Industries, PPG Industries, Wacker Chemie AG, AkzoNobel N.V., Tosoh Corporation, Cabot Corporation, and Solvay SA are among the top manufacturers in the market. Recent trends indicate that key players like Evonik Industries and Wacker Chemie AG are expanding their manufacturing capacities in order to meet rising demand from tire, paints, and coatings, and adhesives and sealants industries. Top companies, such as Evonik Industries, Wacker Chemie AG, PPG Industries, and AkzoNobel N.V., have adopted capacity expansion initiatives to sustain the competition and increase their market share.

Increasing awareness regarding the negative impact of chemically derived products is likely to pose a challenge for several manufacturers. Numerous end-use industries have started adopting sustainable methods and practices as a part of their corporate plans. The tire industry, which accounts for a major share in the market, has been witnessing an increasing adoption of silica derived from rice husk. For instance, in 2015, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company entered into a supply agreement with Yihai Food and Oil Industry (China) for silica derived from rice husk ash, which offers enhanced tire performance and aids in reducing energy consumption and landfill waste.

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 2026. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global silica market report on the basis of application and region:

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2026)

  • Rubber

  • Construction

  • Agrochemicals

  • Oral Care

  • Food & feed

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2026)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa