Output well below capacity due to static demand
Almost all zeolite manufacturers in the detergents and catalyst
industries are believed to be presently operating at well below plant design
capacity.Average utilization worldwide for both sectors is thought to be around
60% of capacity, although there is considerable regional variation. However, the
position is better in the molecular sieve sector where production levels are
close to capacity.In the detergent sector, Zeolite A competes with STPP, which
contains phosphates. As new bans on phosphate use seem unlikely, at least in
Europe and North America, the consumption of zeolites in detergents is likely to
remain static for the immediate future.The problems in the detergent sector were
illustrated by Degussa-Hüls' decision to pull out of the zeolites
business entirely in 2001, owing to oversupply and competition from new
entrants. With an annual production capacity of over 215,000t, it had been one
of the three largest producers in the world.
Worldwide demand for
natural zeolites has remained fairly static over the last four years, increasing
by around 1% per year and remaining in line with production levels. The greatest
future market potential in tonnage terms must be in any growing use of zeolitic
pozzolans as partial or complete replacement for Portland cement.
The key trends, issues and developments in the market are now analysed in
this major new report from Roskill. It provides a clear insight into all areas
of the industry and an authoritative analysis of the prospects for the future.
What this report gives you:
- Independent, in-depth research and analysis
- Essential market intelligence for successful business planning
- Detailed survey of natural and synthetic production in 34 countries
- Up-to-date profiles of over 80 producing and processing companies and their
activities, including Albemarle Corp.; Enichem; Henkel KgaA; Mizusawa Industrial
Chemical; PQ Corp. and W.R Grace and Co.
- Forecasts for end-use consumption and world supply and demand
A valuable resource for:
- Chief executive
- Financial analysts
- Strategic planners
- Information centres
- Market researchers
- Product developers
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
China is the giant of natural zeolites production with an estimated output of
2.5Mpta or 65% of world output. Most of this tonnage is believed to be low-grade
material used as a pozzolan cement additive. Cuba accounts for a further 15% of
the world's production. Other significant producers include Germany, Japan and
South Korea.
The petroleum industry is the most important consumer of zeolite-based
catalysts. Zeolite catalysts are used in two particular oil refining
technologies, fluidised bed catalytic cracking and hydrocracking. The use of
these technologies is expected to grow strongly in the coming years.
The molecular sieve manufacturing sector has suffered recent contraction as a
result of oversupply and falling zeolite prices. However, demand for zeolites in
desiccant applications in double-glazing units is strong, and now accounts for
30% of the molecular sieve market. Other potential growth areas in the sector
include pressure swing absorption processes for the mass separation of air into
oxygen and nitrogen, and in air conditioning.
Of the 1.39Mt of synthetic zeolite consumed in 2000, European countries
accounted for approximately 540,000t, North America for a further 485,000t and
Asia for 315,000t. Demand outside these areas is relatively small.
SOURCES AND METHODOLOGY
This report is the result of an extensive programme of research by Roskill
analysts. They have conducted a close appraisal of information from a wide
variety of sources, including governments, trade associations, company sources,
official organisations, trade journals and technical literature.
Information gathering is only the first step in preparing a report. The data
is then extensively analysed so that the finished report provides a
comprehensive insight into the industry today, as well as top-level analysis of
the long-term prospects.
HOW THIS REPORT CAN HELP YOU
- Explore commercial opportunities
- Gather intelligence on your competitors
- Strengthen your business capabilities
- Plan your materials buying and sourcing
- Assess key trends and growth areas
- Establish sales targets for your products
- Analyse company market share
- Save time searching for specialist information
- and improve your results
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