The cement additive market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 7% during the forecast period (2023-2030). The market is a diverse and growing industry with a wide range of products and applications. The market can be segmented by type into mineral admixtures, fiber additives, and chemical additives, each with unique properties and uses in cement production. Mineral admixtures, such as fly ash and silica fume, are added to improve the strength, durability, and workability of cement. Fiber additives, such as steel or synthetic fibers, can enhance the toughness and flexural strength of cement. Chemical additives, such as superplasticizers and air-entraining agents, improve cement workability, water resistance, and curing time.
Cement additives are used in several applications, including waterproofing, plasticizer, retarding agent, and others. Waterproofing additives help prevent water penetration, while plasticizers improve the flow and plasticity of cement, making it easier to work with. Retarding agents help delay the setting time of cement, allowing more time for processing and finishing. Additionally, other applications include colorants, accelerators, and corrosion inhibitors.
Key Drivers of the Cement Additive Market
Increasing Construction Activities
The construction sector is the major end-user of the cement additive market. Hence, the growth of the construction industry is supporting the market’s growth. Several investments and construction initiatives led by the government and private companies are also developing the market. For instance, according to the US Census Bureau, public residential building investment in the US reached $9.2 billion in 2022. Additionally, the Indian government provided a significant boost to the infrastructure industry in the Union Budget 2022-23 by allocating INR 10 lakh crore ($130.6 billion) to improve infrastructure. According to the Invest India, National Investment Promotion & Facilitation Agency, between April 2000 and December 2022, FDI in the construction development sector (townships, housing, built up infrastructure, and construction development projects) and construction (infrastructure) activities totalled $26.30 billion and $29.20 billion, respectively.
Growing Demand for Sustainable Development
The increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices is also boosting the market growth. As environmental regulations become stricter, the construction industry is seeking ways to reduce carbon emissions and improve the sustainability of building materials. Cement additives improve the performance of cement and concrete while reducing the amount of cement needed. They can help improve the sustainability of cement production by optimizing the production process, reducing waste, and enhancing the performance and durability of cement. For instance, mineral admixtures such as fly ash and slag are waste materials from other industries. They can be used as substitutes for cement in the production process. This approach not only decreases the amount of cement required, but it also minimizes the need for landfill space for these waste materials.
Expansions and Innovations by Major Market Players
The cement additive market has significant contributors such as BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Heidelberg Cement, Lanxess AG, AkzoNobel NV, W. R. Grace and Company, USG Corp., Sika AG, Kao Corp., and China National Bluestar Group, among others. These players assist in the market’s growth with the launch of new products and through collaborations and investments. Some of the recent developments in the market include-
• In September 2022, First Graphene launched three new concrete and cement additive products- PureGRAPH CEM, PureGRAPH AM, and HexMortar. CEM is a graphene product line aimed at construction chemical makers that is easily included in cement grinding aids and admixtures. Another admixture, AM, developed with South Africa's Nanoproof/Glade Chemicals, is reported as showing excellent improvements in commercial testing for compressive and flexural strength.
• In September 2022, Saint-Gobain acquired GCP Applied Technologies Inc., a significant player in the construction chemicals industry. GCP Applied Technologies is successful in producing cement additives, concrete admixtures, and materials for commercial and residential building projects. The acquisition will enable Saint-Gobain to expand its global platform in the construction chemicals market.
• In July 2022, Graphenea, Lantania (an international group that constructs large transportation, water, and energy infrastructures), and the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) developed a graphene-enhanced additive that increases the expected useful life of concrete by 50% while also improving its resistance to adverse environmental conditions and mechanical behavior. Following laboratory confirmation, the novel additive was tested on a non-structural component of the Almudévar Reservoir construction project.
• In April 2022, Euclid Chemical Company acquired Chryso's North American cement grinding aids and additives business, which provides technologies to cement manufacturers to improve cement performance and reduce CO2 emissions during production.