World of Chemicals - latest chemistry news, articles, research, jobs, academics: June 2017

Friday, 30 June 2017

Frutarom buys SDFLC in Brazil, its 4th acquisition this year

HERZLIYA, ISRAEL: Frutarom Industries Ltd (Frutarom) has acquired 80 percent shares of SDFLC Brasil Indústria E Comércio Ltda (SDFLC), a leading Brazilian producer of taste solutions for ice creams and desserts, for approximately $33 million.

The purchase agreement includes an option for the purchase of the balance of shares beginning about two and a half years after the date of completion of the transaction at a price based on SDFLC’s business performance during this period.

SDFLC was founded in 2001 and employs about 90 workers and serves around 2,250 customers in Brazil.

The activity of SDFLC is synergetic to a large degree with Frutarom's taste solutions activity. This is Frutarom's third acquisition in Brazil since 2012 and its fourth acquisition this year.

SDFLC is currently in the process of building a new, modern 20 thousand square meter site that will include state-of-the-art R&D laboratories and an advanced automatic production platform.

“The acquisition of SDFLC is the continuation of the implementation of Frutarom Group's rapid profitable growth strategy and the realisation of its vision 'to be the preferred partner for tasty and healthy success.' This is an important strategic acquisition that provides Frutarom with significant reinforcement of its position in the Brazilian market,” said Ori Yehudai, president and CEO of Frutarom Group.

“Completion of construction on the modern new site will permit the doubling of SDFLC’s production capacity while supporting the further rapid growth in activity and exploitation of the abundant operational synergies with our existing activity in Brazil,” added Yehudai.

Lanxess to stop chrome chemicals production in Zarate, Argentina

COLOGNE, GERMANY: Lanxess AG said that is streamlining the chrome value chain of its leather business by concentrating production in South Africa, where chemicals for tanning agents are processed. Here, chrome ore is processed into the intermediate sodium dichromate and ultimately to chrome specialities, predominantly chrome tanning salts for use in tanneries worldwide.

In addition, the company said that it will stop production at the Zarate site, Argentina in the fourth quarter of 2017. Lanxess currently operates production facilities for sodium dichromate and chrome tanning salts in both countries: in Argentina at its site in Zarate, and at its sites in Newcastle and Merebank, South Africa.

The site closure in Zarate will affect 170 employees. Lanxess will continue its other operations in Argentina at its production sites in Burzaco and Merlo (Province of San Luis), from where the company offers comprehensive solutions for the rubber industry. Lanxess currently has some 400 employees in Argentina, the company said.

"This strategic measure enables us to further strengthen our competitiveness in the chrome chemicals business. Moreover, it allows us to focus even more on our business with organic leather chemicals and thus bolster our leading position as a provider of innovative, service-intensive specialities for the leather production,” said Luis Lopez-Remon, head of the Lanxess leather business unit.

“It is our intention to enter into talks with employee representatives without delay in order to find responsible solutions for all affected employees,” concluded Lopez-Remon.

Aiming for global MCA leadership

In a candid interview with Chemical Today Magazine, Knut Schwalenberg, MD, Industrial Chemicals business, AkzoNobel, talks at length about his Asian ambitions and vision behind the Indian MCA production plant.

By Debarati Das

AkzoNobel’s chemical business overview.

The chemical business of AkzoNobel has about 5 billion turnovers. We have 5 business areas- namely Industrial Chemicals producing salt and chemicals like chlorines, caustic soda, monochloroacetic acid, etc; Polymer Chemicals which produce catalysts for polymer and plastic industry; Surfactants; Pulp & Performance Chemicals and Ethylene & Sulphur derivate production units.

Vision behind ANAVEN

We are the global market and technology leader of MCA and we are trying to expand the position further as the demand for MCA is growing in the emerging countries. We have factories in China, Europe, Japan, and in the US. Our next aim was to enter the Indian market which offers an excellent opportunity for further growth. But MCA production needs chlorine which is not easy to transport. So we were looking for a local chlorine production plant which can easily supply chlorine. Atul was an ideal partner for us as they have an established chlorine plant, they incorporate sustainability in their process and they are also involved in community programmes and social responsibility activities which made them a clear fit into the values of our company. Atul is also the largest consumer of MCA. So while we will get chlorine from Atul, 1/3rd of the initial MCA production will go to Atul for the production of herbicide 2,4-D.

We are the first company to install the best available technology for the MCA production. With this initiative, we will hold nearly 50 percent of the Indian market share and become the market leader of MCA in India. We are solely aiming for global leadership.

Technologies to be used in the Indian MCA plant

We are aiming for technologies which can use smaller MCA plants with highest resource efficiency. We will be using the proprietary technology of AkzoNobel which has the highest efficiency. Once installed it will be the most modern plant in the world.

Key growth drivers of MCA market.

MCA is used in a lot of applications like agriculture, cosmetics, surfactants, pharmaceuticals, food, etc. In all areas, MCA is used as an intermediate. It is very reactive and that is the strength of MCA and the reason why it is used in so many applications.

The key drivers for this industry are GDP and population. We assume that the growth of MCA in India is about 8 percent, while globally it is less than 3-4 percent.

Challenges with MCA

MCA is not an easy chemical. Safety in handling MCA is of key importance. You have to have experience and safe equipment in handling these chemicals. It also requires working processes that ensure safe production. For this, we only partner with companies having a strong technological and manufacturing background.

Regions with growth potential for MCA markets

Since MCA needs chlorine and acetic acid, you can’t produce it everywhere. China is the largest market for MCA followed by Europe and that is where the manufacturing is predominantly based. US is a smaller market, India is growing very fast.

Innovation in MCA

At AkzoNobel, a lot of research is happening in the area of MCA mainly to further improve efficiency and use of resources and maximise the yield so that we need less resources and smaller factories to produce high volume.

Implement sustainability

Sustainability for us is the key license to operate in the future. We see sustainability as a given and as an opportunity. That is the reason why AkzoNobel is very strong in sustainability. We have a clear target to reduce our carbon footprint. We aim to be a carbon neutral company by 2050 and all our activities are geared up towards this goal. Our electricity consumption has been reduced significantly. We invest in the technologies to produce acetic acid from renewable resources and chlorine CO2 neutral. We have also brought community programmes for developments.

Strategic plan to tap the potential in Asia Pacific

The Indian market supports our growth plan significantly with larger growth potential than the European and US market. We are already established in Asia with our paint and coatings activity. We also have polymer activity in India. We are now looking for other opportunities to strengthen our base in India.

Albemarle elects former Newmont CFO to its board

CHARLOTTE, US: Albemarle Corporation (ALB) said that has appointed former executive VP and chief financial officer (CFO) of Newmont Mining Corporation, Laurie Brlas to its board of directors.

Brlas will also serve as a member of the board's audit & finance committee and nominating & governance committee.

Before working in Newmont, she previously served in various leadership roles at Cliffs Natural Resources Inc, an iron ore producer, from 2006 to 2013, including executive vice president (VP) and president of global operations.

"Laurie brings extensive operations, strategy and financial experience to our strong board of directors. She has over 20 years of experience as a leader in various industries including natural resources, which will serve Albemarle and our shareholders well,” said Luke Kissam, Albemarle chairman, president and CEO.

"In addition to her industry experience, her financial background and prior experience as a director complement the diverse skills of our board and make her an excellent addition to the committees on which she will serve," added Jim Nokes, Albemarle's lead independent director.

Sartorius new software solution for pharma industry

GOETTINGEN, GERMANY/ MALMO SWEDEN: Sartorius Stedim Biotech (SSB), a leading global supplier to the biopharmaceutical industry, announced the launch of Active Dashboard 2, an advanced software solution.

Offered by its subsidiary, Sartorius Stedim Data Analytics, the release features significant improvements for applications in biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and other manufacturing industries. Delivering in-depth insights into process performance across the manufacturing network, managerial staff can take evidence-based proactive actions that will help to achieve better timely decisions, ensuring superior manufacturing success.

Active Dashboard 2 provides real-time process information from multivariate SIMCA-online data analysis systems — part of the Umetrics Suite of Data Analytics Solutions. The Active Dashboard 2 software now offers innovative data visualisation options, such as easy self-service visual analytics with cross-filtering to reduce the involvement of data analysis experts; role-based display of relevant information; and the ability to connect to other data sources.

“The improvements in Active Dashboard 2 will help our customers to enhance their competitive advantage – both globally and locally. With in-depth insights into data of their manufacturing processes, they can significantly improve the decision-making process,” said Jonas Elfving, product manager at Sartorius Stedim Data Analytics.

IFF launches new brand to serve customers in North America

NEW YORK, US: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc (IFF) has officially launched Tastepoint by IFF – a new brand company designed to service the dynamic middle-market customer in North America.

Tastepoint by IFF represents the merger of David Michael & Co and Ottens Flavors, two esteemed companies with long histories in the industry and reputations for outstanding service and products.

Tastepoint by IFF brand platform is based on “the perfect blend of heart and science” with a focus on servicing customers with the “can-do” approach of a smaller company and backed by expertise traditionally reserved for companies with more global reach.

“We created Tastepoint by IFF specifically to leverage both companies’ extensive expertise in the market. This new and innovative go-to-market approach targets the unique needs and expectations of these customers – the speed, agility, and resourcefulness that David Michael and Ottens Flavors have long-provided – powered with technologies for differentiation,” said Matthias Haeni, group president, flavours for IFF.

“The creation of Tastepoint by IFF marks the achievement of another milestone in our Vision 2020 strategy– to win where we compete as we grow market share in North America. Tastepoint’s employees are truly passionate and committed to serving their customers in this exciting space, where I expect them to continue to provide industry-leading service to our customers,” added Andreas Fibig, CEO, IFF.

PI Industries, Kumiai to form 50-50 agrochemicals JV in India

TOKYO, JAPAN/ GURGAON, INDIA: PI Industries Limited (PI), one of the leading players in Indian agrochemical market has entered into an agreement with Japan’s major chemical company, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co Ltd (Kumiai), to establish a joint venture company in India.

The JV with the name PI Kumiai Private Ltd, to be headquartered at Gurgaon, Haryana (India), is expected to start its operations in year 2018.

PI Life Sciences Research Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of PI and Kumiai will own 50 percent each in the JV.

This JV is being set up initially to manufacture and distribute Bispyribac Sodium, one of the flagship agrochemical product of Kumiai, in India to achieve operational efficiencies and further growth.

Kumiai and PI may also add more products to JV portfolio in future for evaluation, manufacture, registration and distribution in India to leverage PI’s deep understanding of Indian agriculture, brand and reach with the Indian farmers and Kumiai’s robust research and development capabilities for new products.

Koike, president of Kumiai and Mayank Singhal, MD and CEO of PI said that “both the companies are associated with more than forty years and this joint venture will further strengthen our relationship and help us bring superior innovative solutions in India to enhance farm productivity and also leverage manufacturing efficiencies of India under “Make in India” initiative.

Lighting up the world with Jamuns

In an interview, Soumitra Satapathi, assistant professor at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in Uttarakhand with Chemical Today Magazine speaks about the research – on making dye sensitised solar cells from jamuns which are cost effective and eco-friendly.

Jamun is a purple coloured fruit, known as Java Plum. It is native to India and adjoining regions of Southeast Asia.

By Debarati Das

Research insight.

In our research, we are trying to replace costly Ru-based sensitiser with low-cost natural products ie. dye sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) or Gratzel cells. Jamun based DSSC is one step towards that goal. The ease of availability of Jamun fruits and their cost-effectiveness is the scoring point here. Anthocyanin in Jamun is a coloured pigment and is therefore suitable for light absorption. Apart from being cost effective, they also have large extinction coefficient.

For our research, we plucked fresh jamuns from the trees of IIT Roorkee. The skin and flesh were separated from the seeds. Fresh plums, Blackcurrant pulp and mixed berry juice were purchased from the local market. Dyes were extracted from jamun, plum, black currant, and mixed berry juice by ethanol. The mixture was then centrifuged and decanted. The extracted anthocyanin was used as a sensitiser in the titanium-di-oxide layer. The key here is to optimise a lot of parameters to extract maximum anthocyanin and confirm the existence of anthocyanin analytically.

DSSCs or Gratzel cells v/s Conventional solar cells

A Gratzel cell is composed of a porous layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) coated photoanode, a monolayer of dye molecules that absorbs sunlight, an electrolyte for dye regeneration, and a cathode. They form a sandwich-like structure with the dye molecule or photosensitizer playing a pivotal role through its ability to absorb visible light photons. The constituents in DSSC make them cost effective and ease of fabrication in comparison to conventional solar cells.

DSSC - a scientific solution for global warming

The increasing pressure on fossil fuels and concern about global warming has inspired a continuous search for alternate energy. Uncertainty over the pace at which new large dams or nuclear plants can be built means strong reliance on solar power (areas where India has high potential and equally high ambition) to deliver on the pledge to build up a 40 percent share of non-fossil fuel capacity in the power sector by 2030. In principle, we have a large social need for renewable energy especially solar energy. For quite some time, our lab is actively engaged in low-cost high-efficiency solar cells production. Natural dye based DSSC is a result of that initiative. I hope lot other things will come along the way to solve the global problem.

Future research and growth of the project.

We are trying now to take this technology to the next level by optimising several factors. We are also expanding our area and started working on indoor lighting and zero energy building. We are also in talks with few industries for the commercialisation of this product.

Apart from DSSC, we also work on Perovskite Solar cells and Organic Solar Cells to provide solutions to industry in energy and materials science.

Potential for higher research in India

India has huge potential for higher research. During the past few years, infrastructures and facilities have improved and a lot of new research institutes came into place. The funding sources are generous if one has a novel and creative idea. Moreover, we have a strong pool of young researchers who are actively participating in groundbreaking works.

One important guideline for young researchers will be if you have creative ideas, do not hesitate to pursue them. It is also important to work in cluster research form and be interdisciplinary.

Braskem to build polypropylene plant in US; invests $675 mn

LA PORTE/ PHILADELPHIA, US: Braskem said that its board of directors has officially approved the final investment decision to proceed with the largest polypropylene (PP) production line in US.

Braskem will commit up to $675 million in investment capital towards the design and construction of the new facility which will be named Delta and will be located next to Braskem's existing production facilities in La Porte, Texas, US.

Construction is expected to begin mid-summer, with the final phase of main construction targeted for the first quarter of 2020.

With the engineering design phase well underway, the new production line will have a manufacturing capacity of 450 kilotons (kt), or the equivalent of approximately 1 billion pounds, per year.

The new line will represent additional production capacity of homopolymers, random copolymers, impact copolymers, and reactor TPOs, building upon Braskem's current polypropylene production plant in La Porte which has a production capacity of 354 kt annually and will continue operations. Today's announcement also builds upon the momentum of Braskem's recent launch of its new UTEC Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) production plant located at the same La Porte site.

The construction of Braskem's new Delta PP production line is expected to positively impact economic activity in the region, employing approximately 1,000 development and construction workers to fully construct the facility. Upon final completion, the company expects the new line to bring an additional 50 Braskem permanent full-time jobs to the La Porte community.

“This new world-class petrochemical facility will bring important new North American production capacity to help us meet the growing demand from our clients, reaffirming our position as the leading producer of polypropylene in the Americas and the third largest in the world,” said Fernando Musa, CEO, Braskem.

“By increasing our production capacity in close proximity to customer demand, attractive feedstock as well as established export channels, we believe Delta will serve our clients well and offer an attractive return on our investment for our shareholders. This investment is a true vote of confidence in the future of Braskem and a testament to our commitment to meeting our clients' needs," added Musa.

Total launches second Plant 4.0 incubator with five new partners

PARIS, FRANCE: Total SA said that is launching its second Plant 4.0 start-up incubator, joined this year by Air Liquide, AREVA, Eiffage, Solvay and VINCI Energies. This is the very first multicorporate Plant 4.0 start-up incubator in the world. The partners’ common goal is to accelerate the deployment of digital technology in the industry.

Buoyed by the success of the Plant 4.0 start-up incubator launched by Total in 2016, the group decided to repeat the experience, this time opening up the project to include other industry partners, on the narrower theme of innovative solutions offered by the industrial Internet of Things (IoT).

This open innovation approach aims to identify the start-ups that offer practical, relatively mature industrial solutions to meet specialised operational requirements. Total and the other partners will also share their expertise with the successful candidates.

This international call for projects focuses on connected objects in industry in four areas:

Acoustic detection of leaks or anomalies.

Corrosion monitoring.

Non-invasive flow measurement.

Manual valve position displays.

“Total works in an open innovation process with start-ups and manufacturing partners because we all face the same challenges. Building digital solutions together speed up their deployment in our plants and industrial facilities, Digital tech improves safety and efficiency while reducing costs. It offers a world of opportunities and could increase competitiveness in industry and for start-ups,” said Gilles Cochevelou, chief digital officer, Total.

"Our involvement in the Plant 4.0 incubator reflects our Digital Transformation strategy, whose management of ecosystems is a major axis. It is a long-term, partnership-based approach aiming at accelerating innovation and our Digital Transformation, focused on usages and design, serving the customer experience,” said Olivier Delabroy, VP digital transformation, Air Liquide.

“Industry 4.0 concepts, ‎including IoT, are the first pillar of our digital transformation program. We have over three years of experience with Open Innovation and are very pleased with the results. For New AREVA, joining the Plant 4.0 incubator is in line with this and reflects our willingness to enhance our involvement in industrial collaboration programs,” commented Jean-Luc Delcuvellerie, digital transformation program manager, New AREVA.

“The participation in Total's Plant 4.0 incubator with key industrial players is a way for Eiffage to work within a strong dynamic of open innovation, on the issues already identified. The pool of qualified start-ups and the identified uses will allow us to support the deployment of digital technologies in our industrial activities to improve our performance, also accompanying the Group itself in the digital transformation” stated Valerie David, sustainable development and transversal innovation director, Eiffage.

"The cutting-edge solutions these start-up companies can bring will accelerate the digital revolution that will transform our industrial sites," said Alain Faessler, Solvay Group general manager industrial.

"Partnering with startups and niche experts allows agility, creativity and a degree of solutions customization that accelerate our capacity to design innovative offers for the industry of the future. Our contribution to the Total incubator, one of our major industrial partners, will allow us to go even further in this operational approach of co-innovation, improving the industrial performance of our client,” concluded Olivier Albessard, Brand director of Actemium, the VINCI Energies.

Novotech signs central lab services agreement with Sonic

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: CRO Novotech said that it has expanded its business offering to include central lab services through a preferred partnership agreement with Sonic Clinical Trials, an affiliate of an international healthcare company, Sonic Healthcare.

Novotech is a multi-award winning, leading regional contract research organisation (CRO) in Australia.

Sonic Clinical Trials is also a registered Research Service Provider (RSP) with AusIndustry, a division of the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.

Through this unique partnership, Novotech clients will be able to select from a wide menu of assays or biomarkers, access a trial-specific kit assembly service and use a single clinical trial-dedicated laboratory with a global reach, for priority processing of clinical trial samples.

“Novotech has always focused on offering flexible and cost effective clinical trial solutions. Through our partnership with Sonic Clinical Trials, our clients will experience a seamless integration of laboratory services and clinical trial data management by Novotech. From the start to finish, our clients are supported by a team of dedicated project managers,” said Dr John Moller, CEO of Novotech.

Park Electrochemical introduces new synthetic resin for radio frequency

MELVILLE, US: Park Electrochemical Corp (PKE) has introduced a new prepreg designed specifically for radio frequency (RF)/digital hybrid bonding – M-Ply.

M-ply is the newest member of the Meteorwave Family of materials, as well as the newest addition to Park’s line of very low loss and ultra-low loss electronic materials.

M-Ply is available globally in multiple fibreglass styles and resin contents. M-Ply is designed to perform very well in multi-layer RF, multifunction antennae, 5G antennae and multi-layer PTFE applications.

M-Ply prepreg is very well suited for hybrid RF/digital constructions, including bonding PTFE to PTFE and PTFE to digital substrates. It enables combinations of RF circuitry and high-speed digital circuitry on the same circuit board.

M-Ply provides excellent bonding to PTFE substrates, has a T300 of greater than 120 minutes and offers very tight thickness control. M-Ply also meets NASA outgassing requirements.

M-Ply is a member of the UL-designated Meteorwave Family of materials. It has a UL 94V-0 designation and a 130°C MOT Rating. M-Ply meets IPC-4101/91 and /102 specifications and is a restriction of hazardous substances directive (RoHS) compliant.

Total acquires OnTruck, a platform for road transportation

PARIS, FRANCE: Total Energy Ventures (TEV), the venture capital arm of Total SA, has acquired an interest in OnTruck, a platform that optimises road freight shipping.

Medium-haul road freight shipping (less than 150 kilometres) is a significant and growing market. However, it is extremely fragmented, with a low level of digitalization and 30 percent of trucks travelling half-empty. Pooling shipments mean more competitive freight rates can be offered to the market, improving energy efficiency along the transportation chain optimising fuel consumption and reducing emissions.

Founded in Madrid in 2016, OnTruck is developing a marketplace that puts businesses in touch with freight carriers and also optimises trucks’ fill rates by pooling shipments. Its founder and CEO, Inigo Juantegui, started out with a regional operation around Madrid, then Barcelona, before linking the two.

“OnTruck has developed a product that enables road freight bookings to be made virtually in real time, compared to several hours for similar companies. It's highly promising approach to pooling means empty truck space can be filled, thereby optimising costs, fuel consumption and emissions,” said Philippe Sauquet, executive vice president, strategy & innovation, Total.

“We are extremely happy to support the development of OnTruck. Another way for Total to go further in terms of energy efficiency and explore the potential of new forms of connected mobility,” added Sauquet.

Silica flour market & forecast 2016-2024

Industry Trends

Silica Flour Market size was worth over $350 million in 2015 and is expected to grow at over 7 percent between 2016 and 2024, according to a report by Global Market Insights Inc.

Increasing glass demand and thriving construction industry are the major factors spurring the growth of silica flour market globally. Improved living standards, enhanced lifestyles and variations in climates have extended the innovations in glass sector on a regular basis as per the consumer demand. The rise of new commercial and residential projects in developing countries will steam up the demand for the product.

Increasing usage for glass in downstream commercial enterprises and packaging applications will boost the consumption of silica flour. In next couple of years, the product will have wide-scale applications in the oil-well industry.

There is a minor risk associated with prolonged exposure to the product, which was observed by some regulatory bodies globally. Hence, manufacturers need to comply with frequently amended workplace safety guidelines, which might reduce their profit margins. These factors can slow down the silica flour market in the near future.

Market - By Application

Fibreglass accounts for a significant share in applications of silica flour market. Fibreglass is used in new buildings in developing and developed regions to comply with environmental norms. It helps in maintaining the temperature of buildings by minimising the heat exchange from the building interior to its surrounding and vice versa.

Fibreglass is also used extensively in vehicles to restrict the outside atmosphere from interfering with vehicle comfort. Increasing fibreglass usage in multiple and diverse industries will bolster the product market.

Sodium silicate is next substantial application for silica flour. Sodium silicate possesses many properties, which makes it more beneficial than other alkaline salt and is used in a wide spectrum of applications owing to its low cost. It is used as zeolites, chemicals, deflocculates, catalyst bases, anticorrosive, coagulant aids, binders, cement, detergents, and adhesives in industries.

Various functional characteristics and properties of soluble silicates are used economically and efficiently to solve wide problems in chemical and industrial processes. The positive outlook of all these industries in future will foster the Silica Flour market growth.

Silica flour is extensively consumed for fibreglass manufacturing in the construction and renovation industry. Increasing adoption of fibreglass in the construction industry can be attributed to its distinguished insulation properties. Further, fibreglass application is growing in automotive manufacturing and transportation sector for aesthetic and security applications. The rise in construction activities and automotive industry due to the increase in global population will push the Silica Flour market during the forecast period.

The glass is a crucial component in plenty of products that are used in daily life. It is used to produce renewable energy in wind turbines and solar panels, fibre optic cables, and for life cycle engineering, biotechnology, medical technology, electronics appliances, housing, tableware, and packaging. Escalating glass consumption in all these applications has bolstered the product market in the last decade and will continue in future.

Carbon black and amorphous silica is used as reinforcing fillers in the rubber industry. Silica flour is an essential reinforcing filler to increase tire’s longevity and strength and achieve longer lasting products. These reinforced filler tires reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, especially due to silica. Increasing penetration of vehicles has flourished the tire industry and augmented the usage of silica flour.

Market - By Region

Asia Pacific has been spearheading in terms of consumption in silica flour market. China and India witnessed a rise in construction spending on residential & industrial projects in the recent years. Food & beverages, personal care products and electronics sectors are growing at a rapid pace in this region and in turn increased the glass consumption.

North America had witnessed a substantial upsurge in tire industry due to automobile giants such as “General Motors” and “Ford Company.” The flourishing tire industry has increased the product consumption as a reinforcing filler in this region. Moreover, the US is always recognised globally, for its renewable energy resources such as solar cells, wind turbine etc, leading to increased glass usage for these applications. Multiple and diverse industries in North America have spurred the growth of silica flour market in this region.

Europe, especially Germany is recognised all over the world for its outstanding automotive industry, providing a base to pioneers such as BMW AG, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche AG, Volkswagen AG, and Audi AG etc. These producers are implementing fibreglass in their vehicles to achieve a competitive edge.

Further, these companies have grown industrial construction leading to the consumption of sodium silicate in the form of cement, binders, chemicals, adhesives, and detergents. All these have translated into a flourished silica flour market in recent years and will continue to ramp up during the forecast period.

Competitive Market Share

The silica flour market is majorly concentrated in the US with companies such as Silica Holdings Inc, Premier Silica LLC, and SCR-Sibelco NV. Prominent producers are AGSCO Corp, Delmon Group of Co, FINETON Industrial Minerals Ltd, Saudi Emirates Pulverization Industries Co, Sil Industrial Minerals Inc and Opta Minerals Inc.

Other key industry players in silica flour market include Hoben International Limited, International Silica Industries Company PLC, Premier Silica LLC and Adwan Chemical Industries Co Ltd.

Market Background

Silica flour is used as a filler in mortar and plastics to enhance its quality and to reduce the quantity of tar required to fill the mould. The product is used as a rough substance in paints, toothpaste, skin products, and cleansers and as a filler for pharmaceutical products. It is produced by granulating silica sand into a fine powder. It is also used for earth, tile, porcelain, fired and glass creation, and in foundry work. Rapid industrialisation coupled with urbanisation will drive growth.

Silica flour market will accelerate at a moderate pace over the forecast period owing to its wide and multiple applications. These applications are pertaining to the end-user industries such as construction, automotive, personal care products, energy generation, chemical, and adhesives.

Major companies manufacturing the product are involved in mergers and acquisitions. Silica flour manufacturers are trying to tap and improve their footprint in multiple product lines serving different applications. Rising income levels and changing lifestyles are likely to strengthen silica flour market. Increasing adoption of the product in oil-well cement, reinforcing filler and cultured marble will provide an opportunity for manufacturers.

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