Environmental silica, also known as silica fume, is an ultrafine powder collected as a by-product of the silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production. It is an important mineral admixture that is commonly used in concrete in construction industry for its pozzolanic and cementitious properties which enhance the properties of concrete like strength, impermeability and durability. It makes the concrete more resistant to aggressive chemical environments and improves abrasion resistance and reduces permeability.
The global Environmental Silica Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 15 Billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 45% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market key trends:
Increased use in construction industries: Construction industry has been a major end-user for silica fume over the years owing to its property to enhance strength and durability of concrete when used as a supplementary cementitious material. It reduces permeability and increases resistance to chemicals in concrete. Rapid infrastructure development and growing construction activities globally especially in Asia Pacific region is propelling the demand for silica fume significantly. Its demand from construction of roads, bridges, buildings, tunnels and other construction works is expected to drive the environmental silica market size substantially over the forecast period. More use of silica fume concrete helps construction industry to meet sustainability goals through reduced use of cement and enhanced lifecycle of structures.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Environmental silica has a wide range of applications. It is used in purifying water and wastewater treatment, which are essential services.
Weakness: High manufacturing and transportation costs associated with environmental silica production can reduce profit margins.
Opportunity: Rising global concern over water sustainability presents an opportunity to increase adoption of water purification technologies that use environmental silica to deliver clean drinking water.
Threats: Stringent environmental regulations around silica sand mining pose challenges. Substitute materials can also threaten market share if they offer comparable performance at lower costs.
Key Takeaways
The global environmental silica market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period due to increasing freshwater scarcity and the critical need for wastewater treatment.
Regional analysis indicates Asia Pacific will dominate the market through 2031. Rapid industrialization and urbanization are driving demand for water treatment infrastructure in emerging economies like China and India. Stringent quality standards also propel the application of silica filtration products.
Key players operating in the environmental silica market are Evonik, Solvay, Quechen Silicon Chemical, PPG, OSC Group, Wacker Chemical, Tosoh Silica, Madhu Silica, Patsil, and Anten Chemical. These companies focus on expanding production capacity and developing advanced silica derivatives to strengthen market share.
*Note:
- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it