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Add to CartGlobal Desiccants Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Type;
Billion, Silica Gel, Zeolite, Activated Alumina, Activated Charcoal, Calcium Chloride, Clay and Others.By Application;
Electronics, Food, Pharmaceutical, Packing, Air & gas drying and Others.By Process;
Physical Absorption and Chemical Absorption.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Desiccants Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Desiccants Market was valued at USD 192.38 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 323.35 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7%.
The global desiccants market is a crucial segment within the broader packaging and materials industry, characterized by the growing demand for moisture control solutions in various industries. Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture from the surrounding environment, helping to protect goods from damage caused by humidity. These materials are widely used in packaging, pharmaceuticals, food, electronics, and other sectors where moisture can lead to degradation, corrosion, or other quality issues. The increasing need for high-quality products and preservation methods in storage and transport has fueled the demand for desiccants.
Several types of desiccants are available, including silica gel, activated alumina, molecular sieves, and clay-based desiccants. Silica gel, being the most popular, holds the largest share of the market due to its versatility, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. Other desiccants, such as molecular sieves and activated alumina, are used in specialized applications, including air and gas drying, where precision moisture removal is necessary. As industries expand and global trade increases, the need for reliable moisture protection continues to grow, creating a steady demand for desiccants.
The market for desiccants is expected to experience steady growth, driven by the expanding e-commerce sector, which relies heavily on safe, moisture-free packaging for delivering sensitive products such as electronics, clothing, and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, regulatory standards in the food and pharmaceutical industries are pushing for more advanced and effective moisture control solutions to meet quality and safety guidelines. With ongoing technological advancements and the growing trend of sustainable packaging, the desiccants market is set to evolve, offering more eco-friendly and efficient solutions to meet diverse industrial requirements.
Global Desiccants Market Recent Developments
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In June 2023, Clariant made a further improvement to the environmental impact of desiccants by including plastic,free Desi Pak ECO moisture adsorbing packets in its line of naturally occurring, highly adsorbent clay solutions that are responsibly mined. These packets assist distributors and manufacturers in preventing moisture damage to sealed packaged goods.
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In May 2024, Sorbead India and Swambe Chemicals announced their merger, forming Sorbchem India Private Limited. Through this combination, two market leaders combine their skills and domain knowledge to offer improved desiccant and adsorbent solutions under a single brand.
Segment Analysis
The global desiccants market is poised for significant growth between 2024 and 2030, driven by the increasing need for moisture control across various industries. Desiccants are essential in maintaining the quality and integrity of products by absorbing moisture that can lead to deterioration, corrosion, and spoilage. The market is segmented by type, including silica gel, zeolite, activated alumina, activated charcoal, calcium chloride, clay, and others. Among these, silica gel holds the largest market share due to its widespread use in packaging and moisture control, particularly in industries like electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Activated alumina and zeolite, known for their high moisture adsorption capacities, are also gaining popularity, particularly in air and gas drying applications. As industries continue to seek advanced moisture protection solutions, the demand for specialized desiccants like molecular sieves is expected to rise.
In terms of application, the electronics sector is a significant driver for desiccant demand, as moisture control is crucial in preventing damage to sensitive electronic components during storage and transportation. Similarly, the pharmaceutical and food industries rely heavily on desiccants to maintain product quality by preventing mold growth and degradation. Desiccants are widely used in packaging for these sectors, ensuring that products remain intact throughout their shelf life. The growing trend of global e-commerce and logistics, combined with stricter quality regulations, is further pushing the demand for desiccants in packaging and transport. Additionally, desiccants are used in air and gas drying applications, where precision moisture removal is critical, particularly in industries like oil and gas, chemicals, and manufacturing.
The desiccants market is also segmented by the process of moisture removal, with two primary categories: physical absorption and chemical absorption. Physical absorption desiccants, such as silica gel and clay, are commonly used due to their ease of use and cost-effectiveness. Chemical absorption desiccants, including activated alumina and molecular sieves, offer higher moisture adsorption capacities and are used in more specialized applications, such as in gas and air drying systems. Geographically, North America and Europe are major markets due to the presence of advanced industrial infrastructure and stringent regulatory standards for moisture control in sectors like pharmaceuticals and food. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth due to rapid industrialization, e-commerce growth, and expanding manufacturing sectors, which are increasing the demand for desiccants in packaging and storage applications. Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are anticipated to see steady growth, driven by infrastructure development and a rising focus on industrial and commercial sectors.
Global Desiccants Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Desiccants Market has been segmented by Type, Application, Process and Geography.
Global Desiccants Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global Desiccants Market has been segmented by Type into Billion, Silica Gel, Zeolite, Activated Alumina, Activated Charcoal, Calcium Chloride, Clay and Others.
The global desiccants market is projected to experience significant growth from 2024 to 2030, driven by the increasing demand for moisture control in various industries. Desiccants play a critical role in preserving the quality and integrity of products by absorbing moisture that can lead to deterioration, corrosion, and spoilage. The market is segmented by type, including silica gel, zeolite, activated alumina, activated charcoal, calcium chloride, clay, and others. Silica gel remains the dominant type, owing to its widespread use in packaging and moisture control, especially in industries like electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, activated alumina and zeolite, known for their high moisture adsorption capacity, are gaining traction, particularly in air and gas drying applications.
As industries continue to seek more advanced moisture protection solutions, the demand for specialized desiccants, such as molecular sieves, is expected to grow. These desiccants are highly effective in applications that require precise moisture control, including air and gas drying. The increasing focus on product quality and packaging across various sectors, such as electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals, further contributes to the rising demand for desiccants. This trend is anticipated to continue as industries prioritize maintaining product integrity during storage and transportation, leading to further expansion of the desiccants market.
Global Desiccants Market, Segmentation by Application
The Global Desiccants Market has been segmented by Application into Electronics, Food, Pharmaceutical, Packing, Air & gas drying and Others.
The electronics sector is a major driver of desiccant demand, as moisture control is essential to prevent damage to sensitive electronic components during storage and transportation. Electronic devices and components are highly susceptible to moisture, which can lead to corrosion, malfunction, or short-circuiting. As the electronics industry continues to expand globally, the need for effective moisture control solutions in packaging grows, making desiccants indispensable for preserving product quality and functionality. Similarly, the pharmaceutical and food industries also rely heavily on desiccants to maintain product quality, ensuring that moisture does not lead to mold growth, spoilage, or degradation of active ingredients. Desiccants play a vital role in packaging for these industries, helping to extend shelf life and ensure safe, high-quality products.
The growing trend of global e-commerce and logistics further contributes to the increasing demand for desiccants, as products are transported across long distances and exposed to varying humidity levels. Stricter quality regulations in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics are pushing companies to adopt more effective moisture control measures in packaging and transport. Additionally, desiccants are used in air and gas drying applications, where precision moisture removal is critical. This is especially important in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, and manufacturing, where maintaining dry environments is essential for the efficiency and safety of processes. The rising need for moisture protection across these sectors is expected to fuel continued growth in the desiccants market.
Global Desiccants Market, Segmentation by Process
The Global Desiccants Market has been segmented by Process into Physical Absorption and Chemical Absorption.
The desiccants market is segmented by the process of moisture removal into two primary categories: physical absorption and chemical absorption. Physical absorption desiccants, such as silica gel and clay, are widely used due to their ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. These desiccants are commonly found in packaging applications where moisture control is needed for a variety of products, including electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Physical absorption desiccants work by attracting and holding moisture through non-chemical means, making them suitable for less specialized applications that do not require precise moisture removal.
On the other hand, chemical absorption desiccants, including activated alumina and molecular sieves, are known for their superior moisture adsorption capacities. These desiccants work through chemical reactions that allow them to absorb larger amounts of moisture, making them ideal for more specialized applications. For example, they are used in gas and air drying systems, where precise and efficient moisture removal is critical. Chemical absorption desiccants are commonly employed in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, and manufacturing, where maintaining low humidity levels is essential for process efficiency and product quality. Their higher performance makes them suitable for more demanding and high-precision applications.
Global Desiccants Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Desiccants Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Desiccants Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
Geographically, North America and Europe are leading markets for desiccants, largely due to their advanced industrial infrastructure and stringent regulatory standards for moisture control in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and electronics. These regions have well-established industries that rely heavily on desiccants to ensure the integrity and quality of their products during storage and transportation. Strict regulations regarding product safety and quality further drive the demand for effective moisture control solutions, contributing to the growth of the desiccants market in these areas.
Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth in the desiccants market due to rapid industrialization, booming e-commerce, and the expansion of manufacturing sectors. These factors are increasing the demand for moisture protection in packaging and storage applications across various industries. As the region continues to grow economically, the need for desiccants in sectors such as electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals is expected to rise significantly. Additionally, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are anticipated to witness steady growth, driven by ongoing infrastructure development and a growing focus on industrial and commercial sectors, which are increasing the need for effective moisture control solutions in packaging and transportation.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Desiccants Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Growing E-Commerce and Logistics Industry
- Increasing Demand for Moisture Protection in Pharmaceuticals and Food Industries
- Rising Awareness of Product Quality and Safety: Growing awareness among consumers and industries about the importance of preserving product quality is encouraging the adoption of desiccants in packaging. As products such as electronics, food, and medical supplies require heightened protection from moisture, the demand for efficient desiccants is increasing.
In industries like pharmaceuticals and food, maintaining product integrity during storage and transport is critical. Desiccants are essential in protecting these products from moisture-related damage, such as mold, spoilage, and degradation, driving their demand for use in packaging.The rapid growth of e-commerce and the global logistics network has significantly increased the demand for desiccants. Online retailers and shipping companies require moisture control solutions to protect products, particularly electronics, clothing, and pharmaceuticals, during transportation and storage, boosting the demand for desiccants in packaging.
Restraints
- High Cost of Advanced Desiccants
- Environmental Concerns with Disposal
- Limited Awareness in Developing Regions: While the use of desiccants is widespread in developed markets, there remains limited awareness in developing countries. This lack of knowledge and infrastructure around moisture protection products in certain regions can hinder the growth of the desiccants market in those areas.Many desiccants, particularly silica gel, can create environmental concerns when disposed of improperly.
With increasing scrutiny on environmental sustainability, the disposal of desiccants can pose challenges for companies looking to comply with eco-friendly regulations, hindering the widespread adoption of certain desiccants.While basic desiccants like silica gel are relatively affordable, advanced desiccants such as molecular sieves or activated alumina can be costly. The high cost of these specialized desiccants may limit their adoption in price-sensitive industries, acting as a restraint on market growth.
Opportunities
- Development of Eco-Friendly Desiccants
- Expansion of Applications Beyond Traditional Sectors
- Technological Advancements and Smart Desiccants: The development of smart desiccants that can provide real-time moisture monitoring and adjust their functionality accordingly opens new avenues in the market. These innovations could enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of desiccants, particularly in highly sensitive industries like electronics and pharmaceuticals, creating growth opportunities.
While desiccants are traditionally used in packaging, opportunities exist to expand their use in industries such as automotive, construction, and textiles. For instance, desiccants could be used to protect critical parts during shipping or to control moisture levels in manufacturing processes.The growing emphasis on sustainability presents an opportunity for the development of biodegradable and environmentally friendly desiccants. Manufacturers can capitalize on this trend by innovating new products that cater to eco-conscious consumers and meet stricter environmental regulations.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Desiccants Market include, Porocel, The Dow Chemical, INEOS, Fuji Silysia Chemical and Hengye Molecular Sieve.
- Porocel
- The Dow Chemical
- INEOS
- Fuji Silysia Chemical
- Hengye Molecular Sieve
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Process
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Desiccants Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Growing E-Commerce and Logistics Industry
- Increasing Demand for Moisture Protection in Pharmaceuticals and Food Industries
- Rising Awareness of Product Quality and Safety
- Restraints
- High Cost of Advanced Desiccants
- Environmental Concerns with Disposal
- Limited Awareness in Developing Regions
- Opportunities
- Development of Eco-Friendly Desiccants
- Expansion of Applications Beyond Traditional Sectors
- Technological Advancements and Smart Desiccants
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Desiccants Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Billion
- Silica Gel
- Zeolite
- Activated Alumina
- Activated Charcoal
- Calcium Chloride
- Clay
- Others
- Global Desiccants Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Electronics
- Food
- Pharmaceutical
- Packing
- Air & gas drying
- Others
- Global Desiccants Market, By Process, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Physical Absorption
- Chemical Absorption
- Global Desiccants Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Desiccants Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Porocel
- The Dow Chemical
- INEOS
- Fuji Silysia Chemical
- Hengye Molecular Sieve
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market