Zeolite Molecular Sieve Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Detergents, Catalysts, Others), By Region (Europe, APAC, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Zeolite Molecular Sieve Market Trends

The global zeolite molecular sieve market size was valued at USD 3.42 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2030. Factors such as increasing environmental regulations, increasing demand in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries for advanced drug delivery systems, and expansion in product usage, and their cost-effectiveness in industrial and chemical processes are driving the market growth.

The growing demand in the petrochemical industry is one of the key drivers for the market, as these sieves are crucial for catalytic cracking, hydrocracking, and isomerization processes. The increasing need for efficient catalysts to meet the rising demand for petrochemical products underscores their importance. For instance, a study was conducted in January 2024 that demonstrated the preparation of cost-effective Y-type molecular sieves from bentonite. These sieves exhibit excellent catalytic cracking performance for shale oil, comparable to commercial catalysts. This aligns with the growing petrochemical industry's demand, as these sieves are vital for enhancing efficiency in catalytic cracking, hydrocracking, and isomerization processes.

The increase in industrialization and residential areas has led to increased wastewater. For the treatment of this wastewater, zeolites are being used as they have activated carbon, which acts as an adsorbent. They consist of natural and synthetic hydrated alumina silicate and other minerals that help remove dyes, inks, and organic waste, further propelling the market growth. According to the Journal Ecological Engineering, a study was conducted in 2024; the study investigated using Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and zeolite to reduce phosphate, COD, and TSS in laundry wastewater through adsorption, which is relevant to wastewater treatment as zeolites with activated carbon efficiently adsorb contaminants, highlighting their role in improving water quality by removing pollutants from laundry effluents.

Application Insights

The detergents segment dominated the market and accounted for a share of 72.8% in 2023. The growth of the zeolite market is propelled by its ability to soften hard water, enhance production efficiency, and reduce chemical exposure, making it safer. In addition, zeolites stabilize detergent formulations, maintaining their effectiveness and contributing to market expansion. According to Focus Technology Co., Ltd., zeolite molecular sieves in detergents offer distinct benefits: they separate particles by size and selectively absorb or reject molecules due to their unique adsorption properties. They also excel in ion exchange, particularly 4A zeolite's strong calcium ion exchange capacity. In addition, their catalytic performance makes them effective as purifiers and catalysts, enhancing detergent efficiency.

The catalysts segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.0% over the forecast period. Factors such as high surface area, which allows for the interaction between the catalyst and reactants, shape selectivity, acid-base properties, and the eco-friendly nature, which decreases waste generation and energy consumption compared to traditional catalysts, are driving the market growth. In addition, the thermal stability that zeolites offer, which enables them to withstand high temperatures commonly encountered in industrial processes without major degradation, positively impacts the market growth.

Regional Insights

North America zeolite molecular sieves market held a significant market share in 2023. The region's expanding healthcare and pharmaceutical industries significantly boost demand for zeolites, which are essential in drug delivery systems and medical devices. This increased utilization underscores the importance of zeolites in improving healthcare outcomes. For instance, in July 2022, OMRON Healthcare, Inc. introduced a portable oxygen concentrator. This device, which operates on a medical molecular sieve, provides a steady flow of high-purity oxygen at a rate of 5 liters per minute, maintaining a concentration above 90%.

The zeolite molecular sieve market in U.S. is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to factors such as oil and natural gas industries, where zeolites are used for purification and refining, and heavy investments by major players.

Canada zeolite molecular sieve market held a significant market share in 2023 due to the increasing demand for detergents and increasing government regulations for usage of cleaner technologies have helped in the growth of the market.

Europe Zeolite Molecular Sieve Market Trends

Europe zeolite molecular sieve market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. Factors such as the increasing demand in various sectors such as petroleum refining, air separation, and natural gas processing, increasing environmental regulations driving the adoption of cleaner technologies, and increasing awareness among consumers and businesses about sustainability have driven the market growth. Heavy research, regional expansion of the players and development investments have resulted in enhanced product offerings, further propelling the market growth. For instance, in May 2024, Zeochem acquired Sorbead India and Swambe Chemicals, advancing its global expansion, particularly in the Indian market. This acquisition allows Zeochem to enhance its presence in the chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors. In addition, it diversifies its product offerings, including molecular sieves, packaging materials, and chromatography gels.

The zeolite molecular sieve market in UK is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to heavy investments in research and development, which have led to innovations in the products and the increasing need for wastewater treatment.

Germany zeolite molecular sieve market held a substantial market share in 2023 owing to increasing government regulations and technological advancements, which have led to a wide range of usage in various sectors and helped the market grow.

Asia Pacific Zeolite Molecular Sieve Market Trends

The Asia Pacific zeolite molecular service market held the largest market revenue share in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Rapid industrialization, increasing demand for oil and gas, environmental regulations, and technological advancements played vital roles in market growth. In addition, the presence of countries such as China, India, and Japan and their expanding healthcare sector, where zeolite molecular sieves are used more often for drug purification processes, and their expanding infrastructure development, where zeolites are used for producing lightweight construction materials and improving concrete materials. According to Invest India, the Indian healthcare industry, including sectors such as hospitals and telemedicine, is rapidly expanding. The National Digital Health Blueprint could contribute over USD 200 billion in economic value over the next decade. In addition, India invested USD 2.11 billion in establishing 157 new Medical Colleges since 2014.

China zeolite molecular sieve market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period; the rapid industrialization in the country in various sectors such as petrochemicals, water treatment, and air purification are driving the market growth. In addition, the innovations and developments have led to new synthesis and application techniques. Moreover, the increasing demand for detergents and cost-effectiveness compared to its alternatives further boost the market.

Key Zeolite Molecular Sieve Company Insights

Some of the key players in the market are Albemarle Corporation, KNT Group, Tosoh India Pvt. Ltd., Union Showa K.K. (Resonac Holdings Corporation), BASF, CLARIANT, Huiying Chemical Industry (Xiamen) Co., Ltd, Arkema, Zeox Corporation, and W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Organizations are focusing on increasing customer base to gain a competitive edge in the industry. Therefore, key players are taking several strategic initiatives, such as mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships with other major companies.

• Albemarle Corporation produces specialty chemicals, including zeolite molecular sieves, which are known for their exceptional catalytic properties in petrochemical and refining processes. The company's innovations and extensive product portfolio cater to diverse industrial applications, driving its market presence.

• BASF is a zeolite molecular sieve technology provider and offers a diverse range of high-performance products. Their expertise lies in creating innovative aluminosilicate structures with precise pore sizes for selective adsorption, enabling gas drying, purification, and separation applications.

Recent Developments

• In October 2022, PALMER HOLLAND entered a distribution partnership with Zeochem, which authorized PALMER HOLLAND to distribute Zeochem's Purmol molecular sieve range across the U.S. and Canada.

Zeolite Molecular Sieve Market Report Scope

Global Zeolite Molecular Sieve Market Report Segmentation

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

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

  • Detergents

  • Catalysts

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Russia

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE