Hygroscopic Building Material - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Hygroscopic Building Material was estimated at US$888.0 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$1.2 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Hygroscopic Building Material market.

Global Hygroscopic Building Material Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Makes Hygroscopic Building Materials a Key Player in Climate-Responsive Architecture?

Hygroscopic building materials - those capable of absorbing, storing, and releasing moisture from the surrounding environment - are gaining growing attention in sustainable architecture and building science. These materials, such as wood, clay plasters, gypsum, hempcrete, and certain natural fiber composites, play a significant role in regulating indoor humidity levels and enhancing thermal comfort without relying on mechanical systems. As buildings account for a substantial share of global energy use, especially for heating, cooling, and air quality control, hygroscopic materials offer a passive, energy-efficient alternative for climate-responsive design. Their ability to buffer moisture spikes helps reduce condensation risk, inhibit mold growth, and stabilize indoor air conditions, particularly in regions with fluctuating humidity. Architects and engineers are incorporating hygroscopic materials into walls, ceilings, and insulation layers to create breathable building envelopes that interact dynamically with the indoor environment. This capability supports the broader goals of bioclimatic architecture, well-being-focused design, and reduced reliance on HVAC systems. In an era increasingly defined by energy efficiency and occupant health, hygroscopic materials are being recognized not just for their physical properties but for their contribution to holistic building performance.

How Are Material Innovations and Testing Advancements Expanding Applications?

Advances in material science and testing methods are accelerating the development and adoption of high-performance hygroscopic building materials. Modern formulations combine traditional hygroscopic components with cutting-edge technologies to enhance durability, fire resistance, and compatibility with contemporary construction systems. For example, engineered wood products, bio-based insulation, and hybrid composites now incorporate moisture-buffering capacities without compromising structural integrity or design flexibility. Sophisticated modeling tools and hygrothermal simulation software, such as WUFI, are enabling more precise prediction of moisture behavior in multilayered assemblies, allowing designers to optimize building envelopes for specific climatic conditions. Additionally, laboratory testing and in-situ monitoring technologies are providing empirical data on the real-world performance of hygroscopic materials under dynamic temperature and humidity conditions. Researchers are also exploring nanomaterials and microencapsulation to develop “intelligent” moisture-regulating materials that respond to environmental cues. These innovations are making hygroscopic materials more viable for broader applications, from high-performance residential and commercial construction to heritage building restoration and off-grid housing. As a result, the integration of moisture-buffering strategies is moving from niche ecological projects into mainstream construction methodologies.

How Do Sustainability Goals and Health-Oriented Design Fuel Market Demand?

Global shifts toward sustainability, energy efficiency, and human-centric design are central to the growing appeal of hygroscopic building materials. Green building certification systems increasingly emphasize indoor environmental quality (IEQ), energy performance, and the use of low-impact, breathable, and natural materials. Hygroscopic materials, by helping maintain stable humidity levels, contribute to improved respiratory comfort, reduced VOC emissions, and minimized allergen proliferation - factors that support occupant well-being. As governments and municipalities introduce stricter energy codes and incentives for low-carbon buildings, the passive climate control properties of hygroscopic materials align well with regulations that promote thermal mass, natural ventilation, and lifecycle sustainability. In addition, the rise of biophilic design and wellness architecture is encouraging the use of materials that create healthier indoor climates through natural processes. Consumers, particularly in premium residential and eco-conscious markets, are increasingly favoring homes built with natural, non-toxic, and environmentally responsive materials. These converging sustainability and wellness trends are pushing developers, architects, and material suppliers to rethink conventional construction approaches and adopt hygroscopic strategies as part of holistic building performance optimization.

What’s Driving the Market Growth of Hygroscopic Building Materials Globally?

The growth in the hygroscopic building material market is driven by several factors related to environmental policy, changing consumer expectations, technological compatibility, and construction trends. First, the rise in global energy efficiency mandates and net-zero building targets is encouraging the use of passive design strategies, where hygroscopic materials offer clear benefits in regulating internal climates without mechanical intervention. Second, the construction industry`s increasing focus on occupant health and indoor air quality is fostering demand for moisture-buffering, breathable materials that contribute to long-term comfort and well-being. Third, the popularity of green building certifications is encouraging architects and developers to specify materials with proven hygrothermal performance and natural origins. Fourth, advances in product engineering are making it easier to integrate hygroscopic materials into modern construction systems, whether in modular prefabrication, renovation, or new builds. Fifth, the growing interest in regenerative and circular construction practices is bringing attention to materials that are not only low-impact but also responsive to their environmental context. Lastly, the resurgence of vernacular architecture and heritage preservation is reviving traditional hygroscopic materials like lime plaster and adobe, blending historical knowledge with contemporary performance standards. Together, these factors are accelerating the global adoption of hygroscopic building materials as vital elements in the design of resilient, healthy, and energy-smart structures.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the Hygroscopic Building Material market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

Segments: Type (Inorganic Salts Type, Inorganic Minerals Type, Natural Materials Type, Silica/Silicon Dioxide Type, Molecular Sieve Type, Other Types); Adsorption Process (Physical Adsorption Process, Chemical Adsorption Process); End-Use (Residential End-Use, Industrial End-Use, Commercial End-Use)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Inorganic Salts Type segment, which is expected to reach US$311.2 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 3.5%. The Inorganic Minerals Type segment is also set to grow at 6.1% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $241.9 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 7.9% CAGR to reach $234.7 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Hygroscopic Building Material Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Hygroscopic Building Material Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Hygroscopic Building Material Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Absortech, Arkema SA, BASF SE, CertainTeed (a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain), Clariant AG and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Select Competitors (Total 44 Featured):

• Absortech
• Arkema SA
• BASF SE
• CertainTeed (a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain)
• Clariant AG
• Dessica Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.
• EP Minerals LLC
• Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.
• Graver Technologies
• Haycarb PLC
• Hengye Inc.
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Jalon Chemicals
• Knauf Insulation
• Owens Corning
• Porocel Corporation (Evonik)
• Rockwool A/S
• Saint-Gobain Group
• Vicat Group
• W.R. Grace & Co.

Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025

Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.

The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.

What’s Included in This Edition:

• Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
• Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
• Strategic insights into geographic shifts

Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:

• Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
• Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
• Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry