The global calcium sulfate market size is estimated to be worth US$ 266.84 billion in 2023 and is predicted to surpass US$ 338.54 billion by 2033. The sales of calcium sulfate are projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period.
Several factors have been causing the calcium sulfate market to rise substantially in recent years, supporting its expansion. Several factors are driving the growth of this market, including rising demand from end-use industries, increasing utilization in a wide range of applications, and growing awareness of the benefits of calcium sulfate.
The increasing demand for calcium sulfate in the construction industry is one of the main driving forces because of its superior binding and strengthening qualities. Calcium sulfate also has great fire resistance and sound insulation qualities, making it a perfect building material. The market is also expected to witness a surge in demand for calcium sulfate powder and anhydrous calcium sulfate in the manufacturing of ceramic and glass products.
One of the significant developments in the calcium sulfate market is the increasing popularity of food-grade calcium sulfate, which is a vital ingredient in many food products. This trend is driven by the growing demand for healthier and safer food products among consumers. Moreover, the growing trend of veganism has also led to an increase in the demand for food-grade calcium sulfate, as it is a common source of calcium in plant-based diets. Calcium sulfate is also used as a food additive, thickening agent, firming agent, flavor enhancer, and stabilizer in the food and beverage sector.
The market has also been fueled by the use of calcium sulfate in agriculture as a fertilizer and soil enhancer. The agricultural industry is seeing a rise in the use of calcium sulfate due to its ability to stimulate plant development, improve soil structure, and increase crop output. The market expansion has also been significantly aided by increasing the knowledge of consumers regarding the health advantages of calcium sulfate powder and how it helps to maintain bone health. The pharmaceutical sector’s increasing use of calcium sulfate crystals in the creation of several medication formulations has also contributed to market growth.
The market has also seen several trends that have aided in its expansion. The growing interest in environmentally friendly building techniques has sparked the creation of novel products that use calcium sulfate as a significant component. Also, the adoption of calcium sulfate in the production of such items has been prompted by the rising demand for gypsum-based goods such as plasters, ceiling tiles, and gypsum boards.
Another notable trend in the calcium sulfate market is the growing use of calcium sulfate beads in a variety of industrial processes, including the creation of cement, plaster, and other construction materials. Also, the application of calcium sulfate crystals is growing in acceptance in the medical field, where it is utilized to treat bone fractures and other orthopedic surgeries. The market is also witnessing the growing demand for anhydrous calcium sulfate, which is used in various applications, including as a filler in the paper industry, as a soil conditioner in agriculture, and as a desiccant in packaging materials.
The calcium sulfate market offers a variety of opportunities, which can be explained by many aspects. For instance, the booming construction industry in emerging nations like China and India has provided market participants with lucrative expansion potential. The demand for the substance is also anticipated to rise during the forecast period as people become more aware of the advantages of employing calcium sulfate in agricultural and animal feed applications.
How do the Calcium Sulfate Market Historic and Future Outlook Compare?
The global calcium sulfate market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.1% between 2023 and 2033. Historically, the market presented a similar growth trend from 2018 to 2022, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.0%. The market size was worth around US$ 217.97 billion in 2022.
From 2018 to 2022, the calcium sulfate market witnessed moderate growth owing to increasing demand from various end-use industries. The construction industry was one of the key consumers of calcium sulfate, with its application in gypsum board, plaster of Paris, and other building materials. The mounting construction industry in developing countries, such as China and India, contributed to the market growth during this period.
The demand for calcium sulfate in the food sector also increased significantly, principally as a result of its usage as a coagulant and firming agent in the manufacture of cheese and tofu. The demand for calcium sulfate in medicines and nutritional supplements has also grown as people become more aware of the health advantages of consuming calcium.
Yet, the calcium sulfate market also had to deal with issues, including varying raw material costs and concerns about the environment because of the mining and processing of calcium sulfate. These elements, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the world economy, had a detrimental effect on the market’s expansion during this time.
The calcium sulfate market, a critical component of the chemical industry, is likely to exhibit a steady growth trajectory during the forecast period, with a myriad of opportunities for market players.
Short Term (2023 to 2026): The market is anticipated to increase as a result of the expanding appetite for products based on calcium sulfate in the construction sector, where it is employed as a binder and filler in gypsum boards and plaster of Paris. Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable building techniques and the explosion in residential and commercial infrastructure projects all across the world are fueling demand for calcium sulfate-based products and opening up attractive potential prospects for market competitors.
Medium Term (2026 to 2029): As people become more aware of the negative impact that synthetic chemicals have on the environment and human health, the market is expected to move in preference of bio-based products. In order to provide inventive and sustainable substitutes for traditional calcium sulfate-based goods, market participants are engaging in research and development operations. For instance, the usage of bio-based calcium sulfate is expanding in the manufacturing of fertilizer and animal feed due to its non-toxic and ecologically favorable properties. Mid-term demand for bio-based calcium sulfate is anticipated to be driven by this trend, offering new potential for market participants to build their businesses.
Long Term (2029 to 2033): Given its expanding applications in the healthcare industry, the market is anticipated to see considerable development. For its biocompatibility and osteoconductivity, calcium sulfate is extensively applied in the manufacturing of orthopedic implants, where it serves as a bone void filler.
The demand for orthopedic implants is anticipated to soar in the approaching years as a result of the rising incidence of bone diseases like osteoporosis and the growing elderly population throughout the world, providing profitable growth prospects for market participants. Also, the market is anticipated to develop over time due to the rising usage of calcium sulfate in the manufacture of medicines and food additives.
These factors are anticipated to support a 1.5X increase in the calcium sulfate market between 2023 and 2033. The market is projected to be worth US$ 338.54 billion by the end of 2033, according to FMI analysts. However, market players need to focus on developing sustainable and bio-based alternatives to conventional calcium sulfate-based products to cater to changing consumer preferences and ensure long-term growth and profitability.
Growing Demand from End-Use Industries to Drive Global Calcium Sulfate Market
The global market witnesses significant demand from numerous end-use industries, such as food & beverages, paper and pulp, and paints & coatings, among other industries. In the pulp & paper industry, Calcium Sulfate is used as a surface sizing agent for papers in paperboard mills. Further, Calcium Sulfate acts as an economical source of calcium in bread, cereals, enriched flours, yeast foods, canned vegetables, baking powder, juices, jellies, and preservatives. Calcium Sulfate also acts as a buffering agent in the beer manufacturing process. Additionally, Calcium Sulfate is also used as an extender pigment in paints and coatings.
Rising investments in infrastructural activities in developing countries and increased demand from end-use sectors are the prime factors expected to drive demand for Calcium Sulfate during the forecast period. Rapidly growing population across the globe and increasing water consumption is expected to give a push to the water treatment industry, which in turn, is likely to cause the global Calcium Sulfate market to grow at a healthy growth rate during the forecast period.
North America’s Calcium Sulfate Industry Sees Steady Growth amidst Increasing Demand for Construction Materials
The North America calcium sulfate market is a significant segment of the global market. In North America, the construction industry is the key consumer of calcium sulfate, particularly in the production of plasterboards and cement. The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials has led to the growth of the calcium sulfate market in North America.
The United States calcium sulfate market is enormous, and numerous key competitors are vying for market dominance. The market in this country held a 10.7% share of the global market. Construction accounts for a sizable amount of market demand, over 60% of the total demand, making it one of the key factors driving the market in the United States. Plaster and drywall, two essential building materials in the construction industry, are produced using calcium sulfate.
Another prominent user of calcium sulfate is the food and beverage sector, where it is used as a brewing ingredient and as a food additive. Foods and beverages with better texture, taste, and stability often contain calcium sulfate. Calcium sulfate is commonly used as a food additive in the United States food and beverage industry. It is classified as a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substance by the FDA, meaning that it is considered safe for human consumption in small quantities. The need for calcium sulfate in the food and beverage sector is anticipated to rise in response to the rising demand for processed and packaged foods.
United States Gypsum Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, CertainTeed Corporation, and LafargeHolcim Ltd. are a few of the big corporations operating in the United States calcium sulfate industry. Gypsum board, plaster, and agricultural gypsum are just a few of the calcium sulfate goods that these businesses manufacture. In the United States, USG is a prominent producer of calcium sulfate products. A new line of weather-resistant gypsum sheathing materials for use in external wall systems was announced as being launched by the firm in 2020. The products are designed to endure the weather while yet performing well in high-moisture conditions.
A leader in construction materials worldwide, LafargeHolcim, makes various gypsum products, such as drywall and plaster. A new range of high-strength calcium sulfate board products intended for use in commercial building projects was announced by the business for release in 2021. The materials are designed to be more durable and impact-resistant than conventional gypsum board products while also being simpler to install and finish.
Key developments in the global Calcium Sulfate market
Key players are focusing on strategies, such as collaboration, expansion and introduction of innovative products, to cater to the high demand from rural markets. These kind of organic growth strategies across the competitive landscape have been one of the notable trends in the global Calcium Sulfate market. For instance,
In 2022, in Wheatland County, Alberta, USG Corporation’s Canadian subsidiary, CGC Inc., revealed intentions to build a brand-new, cutting-edge wallboard manufacturing facility. This investment is going to help CGC better serve its cherished consumers in Alberta and the West and affirms CGC’s dedication to the Canadian market.
In 2018, Jonoub Gypsum Co. began manufacturing its new product, “Mixed soil and gypsum (Soil Gypsum)”, to cover building walls in order to lower the cost of building construction and increase productivity and speed of implementation.
In 2018, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA (manufacture of calcium sulfate) announced to expand its Calcium Sulfate production plant in Ploiesti, Romania, to gain market share in South-East Europe. Further, in February’18, the company launched its fourth Saint-Gobain Gyproc plant in Jhagadia, India
In 2017, Yoshino Gypsum Co., Ltd. announced to expand its Calcium Sulfate production plant in Jakarta, Indonesia, to enhance its market share in the Asia Pacific region
In 2015, Yoshino Group established new manufacturing facilities by the names Sankei Yoshino Co., Ltd. and TigerEX Co., Ltd. in Tokyo for calcined gypsum and ceramic products