Global Attapulgite Market: Snapshot

The global attapulgite market is foretold to gain traction because of its high surface area, resistance to higher concentration of electrolytes, and other distinct colloidal properties and also high porosity. Classified into different grades, attapulgite finds applications in various end-use sectors such as chemical, paper, cosmetics, medical and pharmaceutical, cat litter, oil and gas, and paints and coatings. The unique colloidal and sorptive properties of attapulgite are studied to be supported by its three-dimensional chain structures. Colloidal grade attapulgite is used in a broad scope of binding, suspension, and reinforcement applications in suspension fertilizers, animal feed, liquid detergents, liquid pesticides, drilling mud, caulks, sealants, and adhesives.

According to expert market intelligence, the global attapulgite market could earn around US$418.8 mn by 2020.

Oil and Gas and Cat Litter Absorbents Dominate Most Applications

The world attapulgite market had witnessed the dominance of two end-use applications, viz. oil and gas and cat litter absorbent, in the recent past. In terms of volume, these two markets have offered some of the most promising opportunities in the world attapulgite market. During the forecast period 2014–2020, the attapulgite market for cat litter absorbent is expected to record an augmented growth rate on the back of the introduction of novel products that speedily congeal after soiling, neutralize foul odor, and possess eco-friendly properties. Most importantly, the quick absorption of disagreeable odor and cat litter facilitated with the use of attapulgite in the manufacture of cat litter absorbents is anticipated to augur well for the market.

On account of rising drilling activities across the globe, the world attapulgite market is prophesied to gain a strong impetus from the success of the oil and gas industry. The medical and pharmaceutical sector that could be ranked second to oil and gas in terms of faster growth is envisaged to attract demand while riding on the growing consumer preference for natural medicines over synthetic products. Furthermore, the manufacture of water-sensitive films that invites the application of attapulgite as a replacement for conventional organic thickeners could fortify the growth of the world attapulgite market.

North America Clings to Larger Share whereas Asia Pacific Takes Faster Route

Having secured a telling share in the international attapulgite market in the past, North America is prognosticated to continue exhibiting supremacy in the coming years. This could be due to the presence of abundant deposits of fuller’s earth rich in attapulgite. The employment of attapulgite and other natural products in North America is envisioned to be favored by tight environmental restrictions enforced on the usage of synthetic chemicals.

One of the sole applications of attapulgite is the suspension of oil and grease in drilling activities on oil and gas and construction sites. It is engaged for drilling mud that bears a higher salinity than that of seawater. The U.S. could be a larger producer in the North America attapulgite market owing to the presence of colossal mineral reserves. However, in the near future, the growth of the U.S. attapulgite market is projected to be affected by strict mining regulations. Nonetheless, new avenues could take birth in the country with the increase in demand in a variety of end-use sectors.

With the rise in drilling and construction activities because of rapid industrialization, Asia Pacific is forecasted to attract attention by growing at a faster rate in the international attapulgite market. Asia Pacific could bolster its growth in the international attapulgite market with the advancement of its healthcare industry.

Some of the key players that could be profiled in the global attapulgite market research report are Geohellas S.A., MinTech International, Inc., Oil-Dri Corporation of America, BASF Corporation, and Active Minerals International, LLC.