Precipitated silica is a fine, white, porous, non-crystalline form of silicone dioxide obtained by artificial means from silicon tetrachloride. It has widespread applications in tire production due to its ability to reinforce rubber. It also finds use in oral care products, food products and additives to improve flow ability and prevent caking. The growing demand from rubber, oral care and food industries is driving the precipitated silica market.
The Global precipitated silica market is estimated to be valued at US$ 4.56 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the precipitated silica market are Evonik Industries AG, Oriental Silicas Corporation, Huber Engineered Materials, PPG Industries, Inc, MLA Group, Solvay S.A, Anmol Chemicals Group, Supersil Chemicals (I) Pvt. Ltd, Anten Chemical Co. Ltd., PQ Corporation, W.R. Grace & Co., Madhu Silica Pvt. Ltd., QUECHEN, AMS Applied Material Solutions, Covia Holdings LLC., Denka Company Limited. The growing demand for low rolling resistance tires from automotive industry is a key opportunity. Technological advancements like development of precipitated silica with customized properties is driving growth.
Market Drivers
The major market driver is the expanding automotive industry. Precipitated Silica Market Demand is a key additive for tires as it enhances the strength and durability of tires while also reducing rolling resistance. This leads to improved fuel efficiency of vehicles. The growing vehicle fleet across regions is propelling the demand. Secondly, thriving oral care industry is augmenting market growth. Precipitated silica is used as an abrasive in toothpastes and tooth powders due to its effective cleaning and polishing properties.
Current challenges in the precipitated silica industry
The precipitated silica industry is facing some challenges currently including volatile raw material prices, growing environmental concerns, and increasing competition from synthetic alternatives. Silica manufacturers are struggling with uncertainties in the prices of key raw materials like sodium silicate due to supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions. There are also growing environmental regulations worldwide restricting the usage of precipitated silica in certain end-use industries like rubber and requiring lower carbon emissions in production. Synthetic precipitated silica alternatives like silica fume and fumed silica are also gaining traction due to their comparable performance.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths: Wide applications in rubber, oral care, food, and other industries. Dominant market position of leading producers.
Weaknesses: Highly dependent on raw material prices. Energy-intensive manufacturing process increases carbon footprint.
Opportunities: Demand from developing markets in Asia Pacific and South America. Growth in usage as reinforcing filler in green tires.
Threats: Tougher environmental regulations restricting usage. Increasing potential of synthetic alternatives.
Geographical Regions
North America currently holds the largest share of the global precipitated silica market due to sizable demand from the rubber and oral care industries in the region. However, the Asia Pacific region is projected to surpass North America to become the fastest growing regional market during the forecast period. This can be attributed to rapidly expanding automobile and tire manufacturing sectors in China and India along with growing rubber production capacities in Southeast Asian countries.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
