PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1626653
PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1626653
The increasing demand of ground and precipitated calcium carbonate due to widespread use in a variety of industries such as paper, plastics, and construction. The rising in construction activity, as well as the growing emphasis on sustainable and high-quality materials, drives up demand for calcium carbonate as a filler and coating material.is surpassing USD 22.57 Billion in 2024 and reaching USD 36.03 Billion by 2031.
Manufacturing process technological advancements have also increased the efficiency and quality of calcium carbonate products, allowing them to be used in more applications. Furthermore, the shift toward environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials in industrial processes contributes to the market's growth is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 6.02% from 2024 to 2031.
Ground and Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market: Definition/ Overview
Ground and precipitated calcium carbonate (GCC and PCC) are two types of calcium carbonate that are widely used in many industries. GCC is made by grinding limestone into a fine powder, whereas PCC is created through a chemical process to produce pure, fine calcium carbonate. Both types are used as fillers and coatings in paper, plastics, paints, and rubber to improve product properties such as whiteness, opacity, and durability. The future prospects for these materials are promising, thanks to increased demand in the construction sector, advancements in manufacturing technologies, and a growing trend toward sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Application innovations and expanded industrial uses are expected to drive market growth even further.
Increasing construction activity is expected to propel the ground and precipitated calcium carbonate (GCC and PCC) market. As construction projects expand globally, particularly in emerging economies, the demand for GCC and PCC as raw materials in cement, concrete, and other building products rises. These materials are chosen for their ability to increase durability, improve performance, and reduce manufacturing costs. Furthermore, as governments implement infrastructure development projects, the construction sector's growth has a direct impact on the demand for GCC and PCC, particularly in roadways, bridges, and commercial buildings.
Ground and precipitated calcium carbonate (GCC and PCC) are commonly used in the construction industry for cement production, concrete additives, and fillers in a variety of building materials. The global construction industry is expanding rapidly, particularly in emerging economies, driving up demand for these materials. According to an Oxford Economics report, global construction output is expected to increase by 42% to USD 15.2 Trillion by 2030, with China, India, and the United States accounting for 57% of the increase. This surge in construction activity is expected to significantly increase demand for GCC and PCC, which are essential components in many construction materials that improve strength, durability, and workability.
Similarly, in June 2023, India's National Infrastructure Pipeline aims to boost large-scale construction, providing a significant opportunity for calcium carbonate producers to meet rising cement and concrete manufacturing demands. These government-led initiatives highlight the direct relationship between construction activity and the demand for GCC and PCC building materials.
Growing regulatory restrictions are expected to stymie the expansion of the ground and precipitated calcium carbonate (GCC and PCC) markets. Environmental regulations and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and minimizing industrial waste have increased scrutiny of calcium carbonate manufacturing processes. These regulations frequently result in stricter guidelines for quarrying and mining operations, as well as manufacturing plants, increasing compliance costs and reducing operational flexibility for producers. As a result, businesses may face higher production costs, slowing market growth in areas with strict environmental regulations.
Furthermore, more stringent waste disposal and pollution control measures may limit production capacities or necessitate expensive technological upgrades in manufacturing facilities. In regions with advanced regulatory frameworks, the industry may experience delays in obtaining permits, causing supply chain disruptions. This regulatory landscape may also encourage manufacturers to switch to eco-friendly alternatives, posing a challenge to the traditional GCC and PCC markets as they struggle to adapt to changing environmental standards.
The increasing demand for Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC) is expected to drive the Ground and Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (GCC and PCC) market. GCC, derived from natural limestone, is increasingly being used in industries such as paper, plastics, and construction due to its low cost and widespread availability. Its use in paper production as a filler and coating material lowers raw material costs while improving product properties such as brightness and opacity. Furthermore, the growing demand for GCC in plastic manufacturing, where it is used as a filler to improve product stiffness and durability, is driving the overall market.
In January 2024, Omya announced that it has expanded its production capacity in North America to meet growing demand from the paper and plastics industries. Similarly, government initiatives in countries such as India have boosted infrastructure development projects, increasing the use of GCC in construction. In March 2024, the Indian government announced new construction projects as part of its smart city initiative, increasing demand for calcium carbonate-based materials. This growing demand across multiple industries is expected to significantly drive the GCC market in the coming years.
Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) is the most rapidly growing segment. This growth is being driven by rising demand for high-purity and fine-particle calcium carbonate, particularly in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics, where PCC's superior properties, such as controlled particle size and purity, make it ideal for specialized applications.
The rising demand for paper is expected to significantly fuel the Ground and Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (GCC and PCC) market. Calcium carbonate, particularly in ground and precipitated forms, is commonly used in the paper industry as a filler and coating pigment to improve paper brightness, opacity, and printability. The growing demand for high-quality, low-cost paper products in the packaging, printing, and stationery industries is driving the increased use of GCC and PCC. With the rise of e-commerce and the resulting increase in packaging materials, particularly in countries such as China and India, the demand for calcium carbonate, a key component in paper production, is increasing significantly.
In April 2023 Imerys announced that it would expand its precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) production in Vietnam to meet rising demand from the local and regional paper industry. Furthermore, In November 2023, the European Union's efforts to promote sustainable packaging practices announced the use of paper-based materials instead of plastics, increasing the use of calcium carbonate in paper manufacturing. As global sustainability initiatives and e-commerce grow, demand for paper and calcium carbonate is expected to drive the market in the coming years.
However, paints and coatings are the fastest-growing application. As industries demand eco-friendly, high-performance materials, the use of PCC in paints and coatings is increasing due to superior properties such as controlled particle size, high brightness, and improved dispersion, all of which improve end product quality.
Country/Region-wise
The well-established manufacturing industries in North America are expected to drive the growth of the Ground and Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (GCC and PCC) market. Calcium carbonate is in high demand in industries such as paper, plastics, paints, and coatings because it is a low-cost filler and coating material. North America, led by the United States and Canada, has a strong industrial base that seeks high-performance, cost-effective materials. The region's strong manufacturing capabilities, combined with advancements in product development, are expected to drive up demand for GCC and PCC.
According to a National Association of Manufacturers report, the manufacturing sector in the United States alone will account for USD 2.3 Trillion in GDP in 2022, demonstrating the industry's size and importance. The current trend of reshoring manufacturing activities to North America is expected to increase domestic demand for industrial minerals such as calcium carbonate. For instance, in August 2022, the US CHIPS and Science Act, passed, seeks to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing, potentially increasing demand for high-purity PCC used in electronic applications.
The rapid industrialization of the Asia-Pacific region is expected to drive the Ground and Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (GCC and PCC) market. Countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are experiencing an increase in manufacturing activity across a variety of industries, including paper, plastics, construction, and automotive. As these industries grow, so does the demand for calcium carbonate, a low-cost, versatile material used in fillers, coatings, and additives. The paper and packaging industry, in particular, is booming as demand for packaged goods and e-commerce grows, driving the need for GCC and PCC.
According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), despite global economic challenges, developing Asian economies are expected to grow by 4.8% in 2023 and 4.9% in 2024. This economic expansion is closely related to industrial output, which drives demand for industrial minerals such as calcium carbonate. For instance, the China Paper Association reports that China, the world's largest paper producer, will consume approximately 8 million tons of PCC in 2022 for paper production alone. The region's growing middle class and urbanization trends are driving up demand for consumer goods and construction materials, many of which use GCC and PCC in production.
The competitive landscape of the ground and precipitated calcium carbonate market is shaped by factors such as technological advancements, product innovation, and regional market dynamics. Smaller regional companies often focus on local production and specialized applications to meet the demand for specific industries, such as paper, plastics, and coatings. The market also sees collaboration between producers and end-users to develop tailored solutions for high-performance applications. Additionally, sustainability initiatives and the push for eco-friendly production processes have encouraged many companies to explore greener manufacturing methods to maintain a competitive edge.
Some of the prominent players operating in the ground and precipitated calcium carbonate market include:
Omya
Imerys
Nordkalk
Carmeuse
Lhoist
Minerals Technologies
Sibelco
Mississippi Lime Company
National Lime & Stone
Graymont
In June 2023, Minerals Technologies Inc. signed a new agreement to supply PCC to a leading global paper manufacturer in Europe, with a focus on sustainability. This partnership is consistent with the growing trend of sustainability in the paper industry.
In July 2023, Imerys, a major producer of industrial minerals, has acquired a calcium carbonate production facility in Southeast Asia to strengthen its position in the fast-growing construction and paints and coatings markets.
In April 2023, Huber has introduced a new line of ground calcium carbonate products specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. These products meet the growing demand for high-purity calcium carbonate in drug formulations.