Calcium Sulphate Market Size and Trends

The calcium sulphate market size is expected to reach US$ 2.85 Billion by 2030, from US$ 1.91 Billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.

The calcium sulphate market is segmented based on product type, application, end-use industry, and region. By product type, the market is segmented into synthetic, natural, and FGD gypsum. The synthetic gypsum segment accounts for the largest share of the market owing to its low cost and easy availability as compared to natural gypsum.

Calcium Sulphate Market Trends

Increasing use of FGD gypsum: The use of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum is growing significantly owing to its cost-effectiveness and large availability as a byproduct of coal-fired power plants. FGD gypsum has similar composition as natural gypsum and does not affect the quality of cement. Many countries are promoting the utilization of FGD gypsum in the construction industry to reduce environmental impacts. For instance, China utilizes 100% of its FGD gypsum production amounting to over 30 million tons annually. The rising adoption of FGD gypsum is thus a key trend in the calcium sulphate market.
Shift towards lightweight construction: Lightweight construction materials are gaining increasing preference driven by the need to reduce building weight as part of green initiatives. Manufacturers are developing lightweight gypsum plasterboards and blocks using additives like polymers and expandable microspheres. This decreases material density while providing desired strength and thermal insulation. For instance, Knauf GmbH offers its Supalight gypsum boards that are 30% lighter than conventional boards. The rising trend towards lightweight construction materials is expected to shape product development in the calcium sulphate market.
Capacity expansions through brownfield projects: Established calcium sulphate producers are expanding capacities of existing plants through brownfield expansion projects to minimize costs and project timelines. This is preferred over setting up new greenfield facilities. For example, on 11 July 2023 Saint-Gobain invested US$235 million to expand its gypsum board manufacturing capacity in North America through brownfield expansions. Such expansions allow manufacturers to increase output from existing gypsum quarries/operations cost-effectively.
Rising adoption of recycled gypsum: Recycled FGD gypsum and recycled plasterboards present a promising substitute to natural gypsum. Recycled gypsum is being increasingly adopted in plasterboard production and cement manufacturing. Companies like Knauf Digital GmbH offer recycled gypsum under its REGY brand to promote circular economies. Government policies are also encouraging the use of recycled gypsum. For instance, the European Commission aims to achieve 10% recycled gypsum use across Europe by 2030 under its Circular Economy Action Plan.