North America Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Pharmaceutical Grade and Industrial Grade), By Application (Plastics, Paper, Rubber, Paints & Coatings, Pharmaceuticals, Adhesives & Sealants, Inks, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2024-2032

North America precipitated calcium carbonate market size was valued at USD 2.36 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 2.50 billion in 2024 to USD 3.63 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.8% during the 2024-2032 forecast period.

Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) is one of the major types of calcium carbonate produced through a chemical precipitation process. It is made by reacting calcium hydroxide with carbon dioxide gas. This process is often carried out in a controlled environment, such as a reactor, to ensure the desired particle size and purity of the final product. It is a chemical compound primarily used in various industrial applications, including paper manufacturing, plastics, paints, and pharmaceuticals. Increasing product demand from industrial applications will surge the market’s growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the market in various ways. Initially, the pandemic caused disruptions in production and supply chains due to lockdowns and safety measures, resulting in reduced production and even shutdown of manufacturing facilities. The economic downturn reduced the demand for PCC-based products, such as paper and plastics, further impacting manufacturers’ revenues. However, amidst these challenges, there were opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector, where the product acted as an excipient and binder in drug manufacturing.

North America Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market Trends

Rising Adoption of Sustainable Production Practices to Create New Market Opportunities

Sustainability initiatives in the manufacturing processes are gaining traction as companies respond to environmental concerns. These initiatives include undertaking various strategies with a focus on reducing the industry's carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability throughout the production process. Optimizing manufacturing processes involves improving efficiency, minimizing water & energy consumption, and reducing waste generation through the adoption of advanced technologies and processes. In addition, exploring alternative sources of calcium carbonate, such as waste materials or by-products from other industries, can help reduce reliance on traditional mining operations and mitigate the environmental impact. Thus, aligning with broader environmental goals and reducing resource consumption will likely benefit the environment and simultaneously position precipitated calcium carbonate manufacturers for sustained growth.

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North America Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market Growth Factors

Rising Demand from Paper Industry Due to Its Versatility Will Drive Market Growth

Despite the digitalization trend, the demand for paper products remains significant in the region, particularly in industries, such as packaging, printing, and specialty papers for various applications. The region’s paper industry is a major consumer of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), employing it as both a filler and coating pigment in the paper making process. PCC enhances properties, such as opacity, brightness, and smoothness while reducing production costs by substituting more expensive filler materials in the paper industry. As a coating pigment, the product provides a glossy surface that improves printability, making it crucial for high-quality printing applications, such as magazines and catalogs. In addition, paper manufacturers in the region are prioritizing environmentally friendly materials, and PCC aligns well with these objectives. The region’s paper sector relies on the product to enhance the paper’s quality, reduce costs, and meet sustainability goals. Thus, these factors will create demand and drive the North America precipitated calcium carbonate market growth during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices to Hamper Market Growth

Fluctuations in raw material prices will significantly impact the growth and stability of the precipitated calcium carbonate market, influencing production costs, pricing strategies, and profitability of manufacturers and suppliers. Several factors are contributing to these fluctuations, including changes in supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, currency fluctuations, and regulatory developments. A key raw material for PCC production is calcium hydroxide, obtained through the hydration of lime (calcium oxide). The cost of lime production is influenced by factors, such as energy prices, labor costs, and regulatory compliance. Fluctuations in energy prices, particularly those of fossil fuels used in the lime kilns, can significantly impact production costs and overall profitability. These factors, if not managed actively, can hamper market growth.

North America Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Diverse Applications of Industrial Grade PCC across Different Industries Boosted Their Demand

Based on type, the market is segmented into pharmaceutical grade and industrial grade. The industrial grade segment held the largest market share in 2023. Industrial grade refers to a broader product category intended for various industrial applications beyond applications that cannot tolerate impurities. Industrial grade products may vary in purity, particle size, and other characteristics depending on the specific requirements of the intended industrial application. This grade primarily serves as a filler and coating pigment in paper production, contributing to improved print quality, brightness, and opacity. The demand for paper products will increase the adoption of industrial grade precipitated calcium carbonate, driving the segment’s growth. In addition, this grade of PCC serves diverse applications in the paints, coatings, plastics, and rubber industries, reflecting the varied industrial landscape and creating growth opportunities.

Pharmaceutical grade refers to a high-purity form of PCC specifically manufactured and processed to meet the stringent standards set by regulatory agencies for food, drug, or medicinal applications. The growing focus on health and wellness is increasing the demand for dietary supplements globally. This is creating high product demand for various dietary supplements. Drug delivery systems, such as tablets and capsules rely on pharmaceutical grade PCC for its functionality as a binder, disintegrant, and filler. As drug companies innovate and develop new drug formulations, the product’s demand as an excipient is expected to grow, driving the segment’s growth significantly.

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By Application

PCC Widely Used in Paper Industry Due to Its Diverse Functionalities

Based on application, the market is segmented into plastics, paper, rubber, paints & coatings, pharmaceuticals, adhesives & sealants, inks, and others. The paper segment held the largest North America precipitated calcium carbonate market share in 2023. Even though digitalization has reduced the demand for graphic paper, the overall demand for paper and paperboard in North America has remained strong. PCC is used in the paper industry to enhance the paper's whiteness, opacity, and consistency. This industry is a significant consumer of PCC in both the U.S. and Canada, where it is used as a filler and coating pigment in paper production. The rise in e-commerce has increased the demand for packaging materials. This rise in demand for packaging materials and printing papers is anticipated to fuel the product’s demand, driving the segment’s growth.

The U.S. is a hub for pharmaceutical innovation, with extensive research and development activities leading to the discovery of new drugs and treatments. PCC serves multiple functions in pharmaceutical formulations, acting as an excipient and binder in tablet manufacturing to ensure uniformity and effective drug release. High-quality pharmaceutical products will drive the product demand as it is an essential raw material in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, PCC’s use as calcium supplements addresses the customers’ need for a safe and readily available source of essential nutrients, further reinforcing the product’s demand.

COUNTRY INSIGHTS

In the U.S., several factors are driving the product demand. Primarily, the paper industry relies heavily on precipitated calcium carbonate to keep up with the increasing demand for packaging materials and printing papers as it acts as a coating pigment and filler in paper production. Stringent environmental regulations are favoring the use of sustainable materials, such as precipitated calcium carbonate, especially in industries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, the plastics industry utilizes the product as a functional filler, meeting the demand for lightweight and durable plastic products across various sectors. Lastly, in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, the product is essential in producing dietary supplements and medications, catering to the health needs of young consumers and the aging population.

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Canada strongly emphasizes environmental sustainability, which will drive the adoption of eco-friendly materials, such as PCC across various industries. The product’s renewable sourcing and lower carbon footprint make it an attractive option for industries seeking to comply with environmental regulations and reduce their environmental impact.

List of Key Companies in North America Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market

Leading Players Focus on Creating Diversified Product Portfolio to Cement Market Position

In certain market segments, such as the paper & pulp industry, precipitated calcium carbonate is considered a commodity chemical. In these market segments, key market players, such as Mineral Technologies Inc., Imerys S.A., and Omya International AG are dominating the market share. These companies have extensive global operations and offer diversified product portfolios, including commodity and specialty product grades. They have already achieved economies of scale, making it difficult for new entrants to compete.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Mineral Technologies (U.S.)


• Imerys S.A. (France)


• Mississippi Lime (U.S.)


• CANADA Chemical (Canada)


• J.M. Huber Corporation (U.S.)


• Omya International AG (Switzerland)


• ILC Resources (U.S.)


• GLC Minerals (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2023 – Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTI) made an agreement with a leading global paper company to upgrade one of its existing precipitated calcium carbonate plants in Brazil by integrating MTI’s NewYield LO PCC technology.


• April 2021 – Minerals Technologies Inc. made an agreement with Zhumadianshi Baiyun Paper Co., LTD to build a 50,000 metric ton per year satellite precipitated calcium carbonate plant at its paper mill in Suiping County, Zhumadian City, Henan Province, China. The facility will be wholly owned by MTI.


• April 2021– Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), through its subsidiary, J.M. Huber Micropowders Inc., announced that it had acquired the Nutri Granulations business assets of IMCD U.S., LLC in La Mirada, California.


• August 2019 – Mississippi Lime Company Inc. completed the acquisition of the Calera, Alabama lime business of Covia, which has historically operated as Southern Lime. The business has operated for over 60 years and expanded Mississippi Lime’s operations to nine locations.

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The market report provides a detailed market analysis and focuses on key aspects, such as leading companies, product types, and end-use industries. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

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