Diatomite market: The growing demand for diatomite in filtration application is expected to drive growth

The demand for diatomite in filtration and aggregates application is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The growing demand for premium quality craft beer in the U.S. is expected to drive the market as diatomite improves the filtration efficiency of the filters that improves the taste and clarity of the beer and with low haze.

The U.S. diatomite market is expected to grow substantially on account of high demand for diatomite in filtration application, which is widely utilized in the filtration process of alcoholic drinks including beer, wine, and lager among others. Diatomite is a porous mineral with fine pores, which is a key aspect for the application of the product in breweries and other filtration processes.

U.S. brewery count, 2015

                                            

According to the Brewers Association, the U.S. crossed the count of 4,000 breweries in 2015 and the demand for beer is increasing significantly resulting in increased production. As a result, the demand for filtration processes is expected to grow leading to the growth of diatomite over the forecast period.

Furthermore, the growing preference for minerals in aggregates market in manufacturing concrete is expected to have a positive impact on the market growth over the forecast period. The growing construction industry in the country is expected to drive the demand for concrete resulting in the market growth of the mineral.

The growing demand for beverages in the country is expected to drive the food & beverage processing industry over the forecast period. The growing use of diatomite filter-aids for improved taste of the drink is expected to have a resultant effect on the diatomite market over the next nine years.

In addition, diatomite has several health benefits associated with it such as diatomite acts an anti-oxidant and is beneficial for lipid metabolism and maintaining the cholesterol levels. As a result, it is widely used in pharmaceutical applications, which in turn is expected to drive the market demand.

The market is segmented on the basis of application into absorbents, fillers, filtration, aggregates, and others. Absorbents are widely used in the animal feed industry. The high absorbing capacity of the mineral helps in application in animal feed and in barn & stall applications, which in turn is expected to have a positive impact on the demand for diatomite absorbents.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) or diatomite absorbents are used in storing grains and legumes including wheat, maize, beans, and barley to prevent spoilage as it keeps the food dry, prevents mold, and provides protection against pests like weevils and beetles. In addition, absorbents are used in the oil & chemical industry to absorb the substance in case of spillage.

Functional additives utilized in the paints & coatings industry is expected to drive the demand for diatomite in the end-use industry. Functional additives enhance the characteristics of paints & coating. In addition, the paints & coating industry is growing significantly on account of high demand in commercial as well as residential sector. As a result, the demand for functional additives in the industry is likely to grow in the country.

The diatomite market is oligopolistic in nature with presence of few producers. Imerys and EP Minerals, LLC are the two major players in the U.S. accounting for over 90% of the total market share. Imerys is a public company and operates in three out of the eleven mines in the U.S., one of which is the largest mine in the country located in Lompoc, California.

  In-depth report on U.S. diatomite market by Grand View Research:

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-diatomite-market