PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1489351
PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1489351
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Rice Husk Ash Market is accounted for $1.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. The Rice Husk Ash (RHA) market encompasses the utilization and commercialization of ash generated from burning rice husks, a byproduct of rice milling. Its high silica content makes it valuable in construction materials, such as concrete, where it enhances strength and durability while reducing costs. Additionally, RHA finds use in the manufacturing of ceramics, refractories, and insulation materials. Its pozzolanic properties contribute to the sustainability of concrete production by reducing cement content and lowering carbon emissions.
According to the Association of General Contractors of America, the construction industry has more than 745,000 employers and generates nearly US$ 1.4 trillion worth of structures every year. According to Office for National Statistics, the monthly construction increased by 1.7% in terms of volume in March 2022 in the United Kingdom, this is a fifth consecutive monthly growth.
Growing demand for sustainable materials
Rice husk ash, a byproduct of rice milling, is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative in various industries due to its eco-friendly attributes. As industries strive to reduce their environmental footprint, RHA emerges as an attractive option for its abundance, low cost, and versatility. Its applications span diverse sectors such as construction, ceramics, agriculture, and waste management, where it serves as a substitute for traditional materials like cement and silica. Additionally, RHA offers advantages such as high silica content, thermal insulation properties, and pozzolanic characteristics, making it an ideal choice for enhancing the durability and sustainability of products.
Processing costs
The Rice Husk Ash (RHA) market faces significant challenges due to high processing costs, impeding its widespread adoption. Processing rice husk into ash involves several steps, including collection, transportation, and combustion, followed by rigorous processing to obtain the desired quality of ash. These processes demand substantial energy inputs and specialized equipment, resulting in elevated production expenses. However, the need for stringent quality control measures further escalates costs. High processing costs consequently inflate the price of RHA-based products, making them less competitive compared to alternatives.
Increased availability of rice husks
As rice production continues to rise globally, so does the volume of rice husks generated as a byproduct. Rice husk ash, obtained through controlled incineration of husks, is being recognized for its versatile utility across various industries. Its high silica content makes it valuable for applications in construction materials like concrete, where it enhances durability and strength. Moreover, RHA is being utilized in the manufacturing of ceramics, refractory materials, and even in wastewater treatment processes.
High dependency on the production of rice paddy
Rice paddy is the primary source of RHA, a byproduct of rice milling. However, fluctuations in rice production due to factors like climate change, land availability, and agricultural policies can directly impact RHA availability. In regions heavily reliant on rice farming, any disruption in paddy cultivation can lead to scarcity or uneven supply of RHA, affecting industries dependent on it. However, the focus on rice paddy cultivation may limit diversification efforts in agriculture, reducing the potential for alternative biomass sources for RHA production.
Disruptions in global supply chains and logistical challenges have hampered the transportation of rice husk ash, leading to delays and increased costs. Lockdown measures and economic slowdowns in key rice-producing regions have resulted in decreased production of rice husk ash. This reduced supply has put pressure on prices, affecting the profitability of businesses reliant on this material. However, the construction sector, a major consumer of rice husk ash due to its use in concrete production, experienced a downturn during the pandemic, further dampening demand.
The Pallets segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
Pallets segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period. With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, pallets made from RHA offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood or plastic pallets. These pallets leverage the unique properties of RHA, such as its lightweight nature, high strength, and resistance to moisture and pests, making them ideal for transportation and storage purposes. Additionally, RHA-based pallets contribute to reducing the carbon footprint by utilizing agricultural waste material that would otherwise be disposed of, thereby promoting circular economy principles.
The Refractory Bricks segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Refractory Bricks segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Rice husk ash, a byproduct of rice milling, contains high levels of amorphous silica, making it an ideal raw material for producing refractory bricks. These bricks, when incorporated into furnaces, kilns, and other high-temperature industrial applications, exhibit excellent thermal insulation, resistance to corrosion, and mechanical strength. By utilizing RHA in refractory brick manufacturing, companies are not only reducing the environmental impact by repurposing a waste material but also enhancing the performance and durability of their products.
Asia Pacific region is projected to hold largest share over the forecast period. Silica, a key component of rice husk ash, finds extensive applications in various industries such as construction, ceramics, and agriculture. With advancements in technology and increased focus on sustainability, manufacturers in the Asia Pacific region are now able to extract silica from rice husk ash more efficiently and at higher purity levels. This enhanced production of high-quality silica is meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional materials, particularly in the construction sector throughout the region.
Asia Pacific region is estimated to witness substantial growth during the extrapolated period. With an increasing focus on sustainable practices and environmental protection, governments are implementing policies that encourage the utilization of agricultural waste products like rice husk ash. These regulations often include incentives such as subsidies, tax benefits, and mandates for the use of environmentally friendly materials in construction and agriculture. The promotion of RHA not only reduces the environmental burden of rice husk disposal but also fosters the development of a thriving market for value-added products, contributing to economic growth and sustainability in the region.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Rice Husk Ash market include Usher Agro Ltd., Jasoriya Rice Mill, Rescon Manufacturing Co Private Limited, Guru Corporation, Yihai Kerry Investments Co., Ltd., Wadham Energy, LP, AgriSil Holdings Ltd., Refratechnik Holding GmbH, KRBL Limited and J M Biotech Pvt Ltd.
In November 2020, Chinese food producer Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings is putting the record sums raised last month from its initial public offering in Shenzhen to good use, and is to invest CNY8 billion (USD1.2 billion) in grain and oil processing plants and a logistics project in central Henan province, one of the country's top grain producing areas.
In April 2018, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization published that the total rice production equaled at 501.2 million tonnes in 2017 across the globe. Additionally, the association also projected the total output to a total of 510.6 million tonnes by 2019.