Activated Alumina Market: Industry Analysis and Forecast (2024-2030)

Activated Alumina Market Overview:

Activated Alumina is produced by aluminum hydroxide to form porous material with a definite surface area. It is used as desiccants, absorbent, filter for macromolecules in water, and other applications. Activated alumina during the phase composition can only be represented in metastable form gamma-Al O. Activated alumina is widely used as adsorbent in removing fluorine from water and as catalyst in polyethylene and hydrogen peroxide production. It is also employed as charging material in fore line traps in high vacuum applications.

 

 

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Activated Alumina Market Dynamics:

The deployment of new water treatment facilities, increased demand for clean water, and declining water reserves are some of the factors driving the market. Aluminum hydroxide is dihydroxylated to create the very porous substance known as activated alumina. It is employed in many different applications, such as bioceramics, desiccant, fluoride adsorbent, and catalyst.

 

It can absorb harmful toxins from wastewater and aquifers. The removal and adsorption of PCB, lead, fluoride, copper, arsenic, and other heavy metals from water are only a few of the processes that use it. Surface and groundwater may become contaminated by PCBs in the event of a spill.

 

Population growth and economic growth are predicted to accelerate market growth in Asia Pacific. Over the projected period, government initiatives like the start of several projects for the regular supply and treatment of water are likely to fuel product demand. Utilizing products to purify lithium is becoming more common. Batteries, ceramics, glass, lubricating greases, and air treatment applications all employ lithium.

 

It is used to power computers, digital cameras, cell phones, and other electronic devices. It is also a primary energy source for hybrid and electric cars. The product uses the adsorption method to remove pollutants, which has high startup and running expenses. Thus, despite their efficiency and efficacy, end customers are moving toward its substitutes. The market expansion over the ensuing years will probably be constrained by this.

 

Oil and gas production and supply will increase during the next ten years as a result of increasing fuel demand from important end-use industries. Activated alumina may absorb liquids and gases without changing its physical structure. By using optional molecule adsorption, it is utilised to purify gas mixtures. It can also be used as a desiccant to absorb water. Additionally, it is applied as a catalyst in the Claus process, primarily for the desulfurization of natural gas.

 

The amount of oil produced worldwide in 2019 was 95.2 Mb/d (million barrels per day), up more than 4% from 2016. Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait are among the nations that, according to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), have raised their production output. The total amount of oil consumed worldwide in 2019 was 98.3 Mb/d, up almost 0.95 percent over the previous year.

 

According to the SMR findings, the U.S. produced 12.23 Mb/d of crude oil annually in 2019, up around 11% or 1.24 Mb/d from production levels in 2018. Since 2010, Texas's crude oil production has climbed by almost 333%, or 3.9 Mb/d.

 

North America will lead the production of unconventional onshore oil, accounting for more than half of world production by the year 2030, reorienting attention to the recovery of shale oil and gas as the primary driver of regional unconventional onshore oil production in the U.S. In 2019, the United States produced more than 2.5 billion barrels of crude oil from tight (shale) oil resources, accounting for more than 60% of all oil produced in the country.

 

Shale oil and gas operations also make it possible to store crude oil, which further helps to keep the price of crude oil stable at a high level. By the end of the forecast period, these developments are anticipated to enhance unconventional onshore and offshore oil and gas production capacity, which will further boost the market share for activated alumina.

 

However, volatility in raw material prices might hinder the activated alumina market growth during the forecast period. The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has seriously impacted the industry's supply chain. As preventive steps to lessen the pandemic's outbreak, the governments of numerous nations chose to implement a state of lockdown, the temporary suspension of production facilities and manufacturing plants, the restriction of civilian mobility, etc. This has had a significant impact on both the market and the demand for activated alumina from important end-user industries.

 

Activated Alumina Market Trends:

Demand for activated alumina will increase with increased use of gas as an alternative fuel

 

The amount of gas (CNG, LNG, etc.) used as a fuel has multiplied by 1.5 over the past ten years. In order to prevent corrosion and pipeline clogging from water condensation, these gases must be free of pollutants and moisture.

 

Activated alumina is used to filter out moisture and pollutants like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide from the aforementioned gases. These contaminants are successfully removed by activated alumina, which also withstands heat and shock without breaking down.

 

The fastest-growing source of domestic energy output is thought to be natural gas. Thus, it is projected that rising use of CNG and LNG as alternative fuels will enhance demand for activated alumina.

 

Increased Investment in Water Treatment Infrastructure Will Fuel the Market for Activated Alumina

 

Water scarcity is one of the major issues the world is facing. Due to the global increase of population, the need for water is growing significantly. In accordance with a projection issued by the UN, by the year 2050, 1.8 billion people are anticipated to reside in areas with a complete lack of water. This projection confirms a finding made public by The International Food Policy Research Institute, which predicts a 40% disparity between global water supply and demand during the forecast period.

 

To address these problems, governments around the world are investing in infrastructure and technologies for water treatment. On example, the Chinese government budgets over US$ 110 billion annually for environmental protection and pollution management, which includes wastewater treatment.

 

As a point-of-use or point-of-entry water treatment device, activated alumina is preferable. Some of the main contaminants found in water streams are arsenic, lead, and sodium fluoride. Effective removal of these impurities is made possible by activated alumina. Treatment of source water, which frequently has high levels of sulphate content, is another application for activated alumina.

 

Numerous variables, including as the quality of the water, the specific pollutants, and the physical properties of the alumina itself, affect the efficiency and degree of adsorption. The demand for activated alumina is therefore expected to be driven by an increase in investments in wastewater treatment and water recycling during the projected period.

 

Extensive Use of Beads Activated Alumina to Drive Market

The global market for activated alumina has been divided into two categories based on form: powder and beads. In 2023, the beads category controlled more than 55% of the worldwide activated alumina market. Because of their high surface area to mass ratio and great pourability, activated alumina beads are an extremely effective absorbent in a variety of applications.

 

These beads are widely used in water purification processes to eliminate pollutants like fluoride. They are used in oil and gas applications to dehydrate gases including compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as compressed air (CNG). During the projection period, the segment is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 5.5%.

 

Form Segment Market Insights

Based on form, the global activated alumina market is segmented into beads and powder. In 2023, the beads segment is held largest share of the activated alumina market. The increasing demand for alumina beads (for water treatment) among emerging countries and growing government attempts to address water concerns are responsible for the segment's sizable market share.

 

Because of their high surface area-to-mass ratio and high porosity, activated alumina beads are a highly effective absorbent for a variety of applications. Additionally, the beads are utilised in oil and gas applications to dehydrate gases including compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as compressed air (CNG).

 

End-Use Segment Market Insights

The product is used to adsorb water from natural gas streams in the oil and gas industry. The fastest-growing source of domestic energy output is thought to be natural gas. It is projected that the development of new refinery projects will be the main factor in segment growth. From 2024 to 2030, the plastics market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.9%. The most prevalent plastic is polyethylene, which has a wide range of uses. Over the projection period, increased demand for polythene is anticipated to increase product utilisation.

 

From 2024 to 2030, the healthcare segment is anticipated to grow at a strong rate. Due to their anti-corrosion qualities, low friction, and hardness, activated alumina bioceramics were developed as an alternative to surgical metal alloys and for use in tooth implants and hip prostheses. The chemical, food and beverage, and nuclear sectors are included in the other application segment. As a charge material in fore-line traps to stop oil produced by rotary pumps from streaming back into the system, it is also employed in high vacuum applications.

 

The water treatment segment held over 30% share in activated alumina market in 2023. For the purpose of removing fluoride and other impurities, the product is widely utilised in the water treatment industry. It may serve as a point of entry or point of usage for the treatment of water. Instead of screening the impurities, it absorbs them. The water source with a relatively high sulphate concentration or total dissolved solids level is treated effectively using this method. Product consumption in this industry will be driven by the rising demand for clean water, strict requirements for wastewater treatment, and supporting government initiatives to increase water treatment operations.

 

By 2030, the chemical segment is expected to reach USD xx million. A variety of bulk and specialty chemicals are produced using the product as a catalyst. As a desiccant for compounds like fluoride and arsenic, activated alumina is gaining popularity. It adheres to the adsorption process while serving as a desiccant and can be heated to a temperature of 110 to 150 degrees Celsius to regenerate to its original adsorption effectiveness.

 

Application Segment Market Insights

 

In 2023, the largest application was for fluoride adsorbent. The product is used to remove fluoride from drinking water during its purification. Over the projected period, the demand for the product is anticipated to be driven by the expanding requirement for water filtration. During the Claus reaction, it serves as a catalyst. Over the projection period, refinery expansion and new building are likely to increase demand.

 

The substance is also employed in applications for drying gases and liquids. Due to its large surface area, it can dry practically all liquids and gases. The chemical and pharmaceutical industries are projected to see a rise in demand due to its qualities, such as resistance to abrasion and thermal stress. The use of bioceramics is anticipated to rise rapidly between 2024- 2030. Ceramics made from activated alumina can withstand harsh circumstances like hot temperatures and acidic or alkaline environments. These characteristics encourage the use of the product in dental and bone applications.

 

Over 34 kilo tonnes of adsorbent were applied in the market for activated alumina in 2023. With reference to both liquid and gas applications, the product is regarded as a highly effective adsorbent. Various industries use the product as an adsorbent, primarily for separating components from other media. Activated alumina is frequently utilised as an adsorbent in water filtration systems. The item works as a reasonably priced adsorbent to remove fluoride from water. During water treatment, it is also employed to get rid of additional impurities including lead, sulphur, and arsenic.

 

By 2030, the catalyst market is expected to reach USD xx million as a result of its use in the production of several chemicals. The production of substances like polyethylene and hydrogen peroxide uses activated alumina. It serves as an inert carrier in a variety of processes and is mostly employed in the oil and gas industry's sulphur recovery process.

 

 

Activated Alumina Market Regional Insights

In terms of revenue, Asia Pacific dominated the global market with 33% share in 2023. India and China, two important countries, are anticipated to see consistent rise in their refining capacities, which would increase the demand for their products. Over forecast period the market is expected to driven by an increase in demand for freshwater supply as a result of the region’s expanding population.

 

Oil and gas production is growing, and the local water treatment and chemical industries are developing quickly. Between 2018 and 2019, the regional oil output climbed by around 33 thousand barrels per day, while oil consumption increased by over 720 thousand barrels per day during the same period.

 

Several factors are promoting the growth of local industries, including the accessibility of raw materials, the affordability of labour, increased urbanisation, and rising governmental and private investments. Increased demand for activated alumina in the region will be aided by factors like a growing population, strict government regulations, and assistance programmes to boost water treatment activities in the area.

 

Due to increased investments in water treatment facilities, which are linked to a growth in industrialization and urbanisation in major economies like China, India, and Japan, the Asia Pacific region currently dominates the global activated alumina market in terms of volume. The demand for activated alumina in the area has increased as a result of increased government investment in water treatment infrastructure and technologies as well as an increase in the demand for gases like LPG and CNG.

 

In 2023, North America ranked as the second-largest regional market. According to a report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2018, the United States' refinery expansion and consistent crude output volume are projected to strengthen the nation's position as a major crude exporter throughout the world.

 

Brazil also registered a healthy growth rate in 2023, due to the rebound in investments in various sectors. The political and economic reforms in the country are expected to drive the key end-use indsutry, such as pharmaceutical, oil & gas, and water treatment, thereby supporting market growth.

Activated Alumina Market Competitive Landscape:

The global activated alumina market is highly competitive owing to the presence of major players like BASF SE; Honeywell International Inc.; Sumitomo Chemical Co.; Dynamic Adsorbents Inc. and Porocel Industries LLC. The competition is primarily driven by the application scope and use of activated alumina in different types of products.

 

The majority of companies are heavily investing in research & development in an attempt to expand their product portfolios & production capacities and sustain their market position. The development in technology coupled with increased investments in research is expected to drive the growth of this market and attract new entrants over the forecast period.

 

Activated Alumina Market
Market Size in 2023	USD 1.26 Bn.
Market Size in 2030	USD 1.91 Bn.
CAGR (2024-2030)	6.1%
Historic Data	2018-2022
Base Year	2023
Forecast Period	2024-2030
Segment Scope	By Form Beads Powder
	By Application Desiccants Catalyst Absorbent Others
	By End User Oil & Gas Water Treatment Chemical Pharmaceutical Textile Others
Regional Scope	North America- United States, Canada, and Mexico Europe – UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria, and Rest of Europe Asia Pacific – China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, ASEAN, Rest of APAC Middle East and Africa - South Africa, GCC, Egypt, Nigeria, Rest of the Middle East and Africa South America – Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

 

Activated Alumina Market Key Players

• BASF SE (Germany)
• Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. (Japan)
• Honeywell International, Inc. (USA)
• J.M. Huber Corporation (USA)
• Porocel Corporation (USA)
• AGC Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. (India)
• Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (USA)
• Shandong Zhongxing New Material Technology Co.,Ltd (China)
• Luoyang Xinghua Chemical Co.,Ltd (China)
• Hengye Inc. (USA)
• Garg Chemical Company (India)
• Baltimore Innovations Ltd (UK)
• Axens SA (France)
• Dynamic Adsorbents, Inc. (USA)
• Sorbead India (India)
• Camfil Group (Sweden)

 

Regional Breakdown:

Europe Activated Alumina Market: Industry Analysis and Forecast (2024-2030)

 

North America Activated Alumina Market: Industry Analysis and Forecast (2024-2030) Trends, Segmentation