Global Activated Alumina Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2024-2032)

The growth of the market is driven primarily by its rising demand in the water treatment sector owing to the shrinking water reserves and the increased implementation of water treatment facilities across the globe. With the increasing concerns regarding the environment and the depletion of natural resources, the demand to adopt sustainable methods has increased. The global market is being driven by its rising demand to treat water, particularly in the industrial sector.

Some other factors driving the growth of the activated alumina market include increasing demand for water treatment solutions and the rising application of activated alumina in the oil and gas industry for desiccation and purification processes.  Effective removal of contaminants like fluoride and arsenic drives its use in clean water initiatives.

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Activated Alumina Market Trends

Increased Deployment of Activated Alumina in Oil and Gas Sector

The rising usage of activated alumina in the oil and gas sector for the adsorption of water from natural gas streams is a crucial trend of activated alumina market. With the growing establishment of new refinery projects, the demand for activated alumina is also expected to increase.

As per the Enerdata, in 2022, North America led global natural gas production with 28.7%, followed by Middle East Africa at 23.9%, and CIS countries at 21.4%, which boosts the growth of the activated alumina industry. Asia Pacific contributed 16.4%, while Europe and Latin America had lower shares at 5.0% and 4.6%, respectively. The significant production in North America and the Middle East Africa drove demand for activated alumina in gas purification processes, particularly for removing moisture and contaminants. High production regions like CIS countries and Asia Pacific also required substantial activated alumina for efficient gas treatment.

Advancements in the Activated Alumina

Improved porosity and surface area increase the effectiveness in removing contaminants like fluoride, arsenic, and phosphates, making it ideal for water treatment and boosting activated alumina market value. Thermal regeneration extends the lifespan and cost-effectiveness of activated alumina, beneficial for repeated use in water and air purification systems. By regenerating the activated alumina through thermal treatment, its useful life can be significantly extended. This reduces the frequency of replacement and makes the material more cost-effective in the long run.

Its durability at high temperatures makes it valuable as a catalyst in petrochemical processes and as a desiccant in high-temperature gas and liquid streams. In the production of gasoline or diesel fuel, activated alumina serves as a catalyst or catalyst support in refining processes, enabling the breaking down of large hydrocarbons into smaller, more useful molecules. The development of nano-sized particles offers superior surface area and reactivity, enhancing performance in environmental remediation and advanced material synthesis applications.

Industry News

September 2024

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo opened a USD 941 million smelter-grade alumina refinery in West Kalimantan, managed by state miner Aneka Tambang and aluminium producer Inalum. The refinery has an annual production capacity of 1 million metric tons of alumina, utilising 3.3 million tons of bauxite input.

June 2024

Guinea signed a non-binding agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium subsidiary, Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), to construct a second alumina refinery in the country. The USD 4 billion project, expected to be completed by September 2026, will have an initial production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes annually, eventually reaching 2 million tonnes.

Opportunities in Activated Alumina Market

According to World Health Organization, in 2022, Northern America led in safely treated domestic wastewater at 96.1%. Oceania and Europe followed with 79.2% and 74.3%, respectively, indicating significant use of advanced water treatment technologies. As per the activated alumina industry analysis, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia reported 62.6%, while Northern Africa had 67.5%, both showing moderate adoption rates of advanced treatment technologies. Asia's treatment rate stood at 50.1%, suggesting a growing market for activated alumina. Latin America and the Caribbean managed 45.9%, highlighting the need for improved water treatment infrastructure.

Central and Southern Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, with 23.9% and 20.1% respectively, indicated substantial opportunities for enhancing water treatment with advanced solutions. Globally, 57.8% of domestic wastewater was safely treated, emphasising the significant potential for advanced treatment solutions like activated alumina.  Major oil producers like the United States and Saudi Arabia required substantial quantities of activated alumina for efficient refining.

Activated Alumina Market Restraints

The high energy consumption required in the activation process raises operational costs, affecting overall profitability and pricing strategies. The production of activated alumina requires substantial energy input, primarily in the form of heat, to achieve the necessary activation temperatures. This energy-intensive process leads to increased operational expenses for manufacturers. Variations in the quality of bauxite, the primary raw material, can lead to inconsistencies in the performance of activated alumina, impacting its effectiveness in applications as well as activated alumina demand forecast.

The complexity and cost of regenerating activated alumina can reduce its long-term cost-effectiveness, particularly when frequent regeneration diminishes adsorption capacity. Managing and disposing of spent activated alumina, which may contain adsorbed contaminants, poses environmental and regulatory challenges, requiring stringent adherence to disposal guidelines.

Activated Alumina Market Dynamics

Stricter pollution control standards boost adoption for air and water purification and enhance activated alumina demand growth. Technological improvements enhance product quality and performance, increasing its appeal across applications. The market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on enhancing adsorption efficiency, regenerability, and high-temperature stability.

Companies invest in research and development to improve porosity and surface area, making products more effective for water and air purification. For example, fine activated alumina synthesized from an industrial sodium aluminate solution has shown enhanced phosphate removal capabilities, demonstrating advancements in product performance. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions are pursued to expand application areas and market reach. Compliance with environmental regulations and the development of eco-friendly, cost-effective solutions are critical for gaining a competitive edge in this market.

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Activated Alumina Industry Segmentation

Activated Alumina Market Share

By Application Insights

The use of activated alumina in dessicant is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% between 2024 and 2032 and boost activated alumina market share. Activated alumina is widely used as a desiccant, a substance that absorbs moisture, to keep products dry and prevent damage. The demand for activated alumina in desiccant applications is growing steadily.  Industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals use activated alumina desiccants to keep their products and processes dry. Activated alumina also helps remove moisture and impurities from water, making it safer to use.

By End Use Insights

The usage of activated alumina in the water treatment sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% in the forecast period, boosting the activated alumina demand. More people are becoming aware of the importance of clean water, leading to increased use of activated alumina in water treatment facilities. Industries also require high-quality water for their processes, boosting the demand for effective water treatment solutions. Moreover, stricter laws on water quality are encouraging the adoption of advanced treatment methods like activated alumina.

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Activated Alumina Market Regional Insights

North America Activated Alumina Market Trends

The USA is investing in water purification to address contamination issues, increasing the demand for activated alumina, which is effective in removing impurities like fluoride and arsenic. The region's robust oil and gas sector utilises activated alumina for refining processes and gas dehydration, contributing to growth of the activated alumina industry. Additionally, increased exploration activities in the region are leading to higher consumption of activated alumina in refining and gas processing. The chemical sector in the country utilises activated alumina for various applications, including as a desiccant and catalyst. The expansion of chemical manufacturing in the region supports the market's growth.

Asia Pacific Activated Alumina Market Drivers

The market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% in the forecast period. The markets in India and China are anticipated to witness growth rates of 7.2% and 6.5% between 2024 and 2032, which can influence activated alumina market dynamics and trends. The industry is expected to witness high growth rates in the Asia Pacific owing to rapid urbanisation and increased population in the region. Government initiatives, such as the launch of multiple water supply and water treatment projects, are likely to boost consumer demand over the forecast period. Further, the product is gaining popularity for its use in the lithium purification process.

Europe Activated Alumina Market Opportunities

The UK market accounted for around 3.6% of the global market share in 2023. The market in Germany is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% in the forecast period.  Stringent EU environmental policies are driving industries to adopt activated alumina for pollution control and water treatment applications, which can further boost activated alumina industry revenue over the next few years. Activated alumina is used in various industrial sectors including chemical manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, supporting market expansion.

Latin America Activated Alumina Market Growth

The Mexican market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% between 2024 and 2032. Countries are implementing water treatment projects to combat scarcity, utilising activated alumina for effective purification. Expanding industries in the region are also adopting activated alumina for various applications, including catalysis and adsorption that can increase the activated alumina market opportunities. Moreover, government bodies in Latin America are implementing stricter environmental regulations, prompting industries to adopt activated alumina for pollution control and compliance with environmental standards.

Middle East and Africa Activated Alumina Market Dynamics

The market in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% in the forecast period.  The region's significant oil and gas industry relies on activated alumina for refining and gas dehydration processes. Efforts to provide clean drinking water are increasing the use of activated alumina in water treatment facilities, further boosting the demand of activated alumina market. With increasing concerns over water scarcity and quality, countries in the MEA region are investing in water treatment infrastructure. Activated alumina is effective in removing contaminants like fluoride and arsenic, making it valuable for providing safe drinking water.

Innovative Activated Alumina Startups

Startups in the market are focusing on innovative applications and sustainable solutions. For example, some startups are developing a high-purity alumina refinery which aims to produce ultra-pure aluminum materials for sectors such as semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, and LED lighting, leveraging proprietary low-cost technology and existing aluminum infrastructure.

Competitive Landscape

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global industry, looking into their capacity, market shares, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions. Companies in the activated alumina industry are focusing on enhancing product performance, expanding applications, and improving sustainability. BASF SE, for instance, has introduced advanced activated alumina products aimed at water treatment and air purification, emphasizing sustainability and performance.

BASF SE

It is a leading German chemical company headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Established in 1865, it is the world's largest chemical producer, offering a diverse range of products, including chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural solutions, and oil and gas.

Porocel Corporation

The company was founded in 1937, specialises in catalyst services and is a leading producer of activated alumi...

Honeywell International Inc.

It is an American multinational company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 1906, Honey...

*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*

Other major players in the market are Dynamic Adsorbents, Inc., among others.

Recent Developments

May 2024

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a USD 400 million federal government loan to Alpha HPA for establishing Australia's first high-purity alumina production facility in Queensland.

February 2024

Emirates Global Aluminium announced that it has signed an agreement to supply alumina to The Alumina Industrial Company. This agreement is expected to support the manufacture of specialty products from alumina in the UAE.

Key Demand Indicators in the Global Market for Activated Alumina

• Fluoride Removal Projects: The increasing number of government-funded water fluoridation removal projects in regions with high natural fluoride levels drives activated alumina market expansion.
• Petrochemical Industry Expansion: Growth in the petrochemical sector, particularly in emerging markets, boosts the need for activated alumina as a catalyst and desiccant in refining and gas processing.
• Air Separation Units (ASUs): The rising installation of air separation units, which use activated alumina for drying and purification of gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, indicates growing market demand.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: The increasing use of activated alumina in pharmaceutical manufacturing for purification and drying processes highlights its critical role in ensuring product quality and safety, driving demand in this sector.

Key Price Indicators in the Global Market Share of Activated Alumina

• Bauxite Price Fluctuations: Any changes in the global supply and demand for bauxite, influenced by mining regulations and geopolitical factors, can significantly alter the cost of activated alumina production.
• Energy Consumption Rates: The high energy requirements for the calcination and activation processes make electricity and natural gas prices critical in determining the production cost and, consequently, the market price of activated alumina, which can hinder activated alumina market revenue.
• Freight Rates for Bulk Shipping: Costs associated with the bulk shipping of activated alumina, including ocean freight rates and fuel surcharges, directly impact the final market price, especially for international markets.
• Compliance with Emission Norms: Costs incurred to comply with specific emission norms and environmental standards, particularly in regions with stringent regulations, can increase the operational expenses and influence the pricing of activated alumina.

Activated Alumina Market Report Snapshots

Activated Alumina Market Size

Activated Alumina Market Growth

Activated Alumina Market Trends

Activated Alumina Companies

Activated Alumina Market Regional Analysis