Global Carbonate Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application, By End Use, By Type (Glycerol, Dimethyl, Ethylene, Propylene, 1,2-Epoxydodecane, 1,2-Hexadecene, Styrene, Epichlorohydrin, and Others), By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2023 - 2

Global Carbonate Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application, By End Use, By Type (Glycerol, Dimethyl, Ethylene, Propylene, 1,2-Epoxydodecane, 1,2-Hexadecene, Styrene, Epichlorohydrin, and Others), By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2023 - 2030

The Global Carbonate Market size is expected to reach $6.4 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 6.9% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2022, the market attained a volume of 2,830.2 Kilo Tonnes, experiencing a growth of 5.5% (2019-2022).

Carbonates, such as ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC), exhibit good electrical conductivity. This property is essential for efficient ion transport within the electrolyte, enhancing the overall performance of batteries. Consequently, the electrolytes segment would generate approximately 18.77% share of the market by 2030. Carbonates generally have a high dielectric constant, which is favorable for creating electrolytes with high capacitance. This characteristic is crucial for the energy storage capacity of electrochemical devices.

Activities related to construction serve as significant drivers for the carbonate market due to the extensive use of carbonate compounds, primarily calcium carbonate, in various construction materials and industrial applications. Calcium carbonate, a widely used compound, has extensive applications in construction. It is a key ingredient in producing construction materials such as cement, concrete, mortar, and asphalt. Hence, the growing construction activities propel the market demand. Moreover, Carbonate compounds are used extensively in producing polymers and composite materials in automotive and electronics manufacturing. Carbonate compounds use automotive components, including interior trim, bumpers, body panels, dashboards, and under-the-hood parts. Therefore, the proliferation of carbonate-based products within the automotive industry is propelling the expansion of the market.

However, the market relies on specific raw materials such as limestone for calcium carbonate or ethylene for some carbonate derivatives. Any fluctuations in the availability of these primary raw materials, pricing, or supply chain disruptions directly impact carbonate compounds' production costs and overall economics. Uncertainty regarding raw material costs can hinder strategic decision-making and capital allocation. Thus, the volatile nature of raw materials is impeding the growth of the market.

By Application Analysis

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into solvents, catalysts, electrolytes, additives, cleaners, and others. The solvents segment recorded the largest revenue share in the market in 2022. Carbonates, particularly certain types like dimethyl carbonate (DMC), are considered environmentally friendly solvents. They have low toxicity, low volatility, and are biodegradable, making them more sustainable alternatives to traditional solvents with higher environmental impact. Furthermore, carbonates possess good solvency power, allowing them to dissolve a wide range of substances. This characteristic makes them effective solvents in various applications, including paint stripping, cleaning, and as carriers in formulations for coatings and adhesives.

By End Use Analysis

Based on end use, the market is categorized into cosmetics & personal care, paints & coatings, pharmaceuticals, textile, energy & power, polymer, and others. The polymer segment witnessed a considerable growth rate in the market in 2022. Carbonates, especially calcium carbonate, are widely used as fillers and reinforcing agents in polymer formulations. They enhance the mechanical properties of polymers, including tensile strength, modulus, and impact resistance, while simultaneously reducing costs. The incorporation of carbonates can improve the thermal conductivity of polymers. This is beneficial in applications where heat dissipation is crucial, such as in electronic components and packaging materials.

By Type Analysis

Based on type, the market is divided into dimethyl, propylene, ethylene, glycerol, 1,2-epoxydodecane, 1,2-hexadecene, styrene, epichlorohydrin, and others. In 2022, the glycerol segment garnered the highest revenue share in the market. The significant expansion of glycerol across diverse industries, with its increasing applications in renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and more, has notable implications for the carbonate market. Glycerol, with its multifaceted utility and sustainability attributes, plays a crucial role in the development of bioplastics and biodegradable materials.

By Regional Analysis

Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. The North America region generated a substantial revenue share in the market in 2022. The promising outlook of the carbonate market in North America is driven by economic stability, advanced infrastructure, growth in key industries, innovation, sustainability initiatives, and a supportive regulatory environment. These factors position North America as a region with considerable potential for further expansion and development in the carbonate market.

Recent Strategies Deployed in the Market

• Jan-2024: LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. has introduced eight novel product compounds within the CirculenRecover portfolio, aiming to assist clients in embracing circular practices for plastic packaging. These compounds facilitate the enhancement of recycled content utilization, effectively diverting more plastic from landfills or incineration.
• Dec-2023: Solvay S.A formed a partnership with Enowa, a subsidiary company of Neom, a energy and water company. Through this partnership Solvay aims to establish the world's first carbon-neutral soda ash production facility in NEOM, Saudi Arabia
• Jun-2023: Imerys S.A has successfully completed the acquisition of British Lithium Limited, a pioneering research and development company specializing in lithium exploration and the production of battery-grade lithium extracted from Cornish granite. This strategic move has led to the establishment of a joint venture between Imerys S.A and British Lithium, with the shared objective of establishing the United Kingdom's inaugural integrated producer of battery-grade lithium carbonate.
• Oct-2022: Solvay S.A entered into an agreement with Hastings Technology Metals Limited, an Australian rare earths company. The agreement involves a binding commercial offtake deal for 25,000 tonnes per annum of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) from Hastings' Yangibana rare earth project in Western Australia to Solvay's La Rochelle plant in France. This agreement aims to enable Solvay to enhance and upgrade its La Rochelle facility for producing separated rare earth oxides, catering to the permanent magnets market.
• Apr-2022: Imerys S.A has unveiled plans for the expansion and enhancement of its Sylacauga (AL) plant, with the primary goal of meeting the increasing demand for ground calcium carbonate products. The investment will focus on boosting manufacturing capacity and enhancing operational reliability, with the aim of nearly doubling the capabilities of existing equipment. The strategy involves the installation of new industrial machinery and the upgrading of plant automation systems to facilitate the alleviation of bottlenecks in crucial areas, ensuring alignment with the rising market demands.

List of Key Companies Profiled

• BASF SE
• Huntsman Corporation
• LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.
• Empower Materials (Axess Corporation)
• Anmol Chemicals Private Limited
• Kowa Company, Ltd.
• Shandong Lixing Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Imerys S.A
• SMC Global
• Solvay SA

Global Carbonate Market Report Segmentation

By Application (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Billion, 2019-2030)

• Solvents
• Catalysts
• Electrolytes
• Additives
• Cleaners & Others

By End Use (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Billion, 2019-2030)

• Paints & Coatings
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Energy & Power
• Polymer
• Textile
• Others

By Type (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Billion, 2019-2030)

• Glycerol
• Dimethyl
• Ethylene
• Propylene
• 1,2-Epoxydodecane
• 1,2-Hexadecene
• Styrene
• Epichlorohydrin
• Others

By Geography (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Billion, 2019-2030)

• North America
• US
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America
• Europe
• Germany
• UK
• France
• Russia
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• LAMEA
• Brazil
• Argentina
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Nigeria
• Rest of LAMEA