Organophilic Clay Market Report 2026

The organophilic clay market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.52 billion in 2025 to $1.61 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to oil and gas drilling growth, demand for viscosity modifiers, expansion of industrial coatings, lubricant formulation needs, clay modification technologies.

The organophilic clay market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.98 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to energy exploration activities, infrastructure development, advanced coatings demand, high performance lubricants, specialty additive innovation. Major trends in the forecast period include rising use in oil based drilling fluids, expansion in paints and coatings, growing demand in lubricant applications, increased adoption in adhesives and sealants, focus on high performance rheology additives.

The rapidly growing construction sector is expected to fuel the expansion of the organophilic clay market in the upcoming years. Activities in this industry involve the design, planning, building, and maintenance of infrastructure, buildings, and various physical structures using a broad range of techniques and materials. Urban expansion is largely responsible for the construction sector’s growth, as it increases demand for new residential and commercial buildings, as well as public infrastructure. This surge significantly increases the need for organophilic clay, which is essential as a rheological additive in adhesives, paints, and sealants used in construction. For example, in November 2023, the International Trade Administration, a US government agency, reported that the UAE’s construction market is projected to grow steadily over the next five years with annual growth rates possibly reaching 4.7%. This outlook is underpinned by large-scale infrastructure plans, including a $2.7 billion double-deck road project on Sheikh Zayed Road, an $11 billion national rail initiative (Etihad Rail), and a $5.9 billion proposed hyperloop system linking Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Leading players in the organophilic clay market are prioritizing the creation of new products, such as natural clay-based solutions, to boost environmental responsibility, enhance drilling performance, and respond to increased demand for sustainable and economical additives across sectors. Natural clay solutions are derived from minerals like bentonite, montmorillonite, or hectorite and are adapted for specific industrial uses without relying on synthetic chemicals. For example, in May 2025, Japan-based bentonite producer Hojun Co., Ltd. launched a skincare line called Blanminerale that utilizes the natural mineral qualities of bentonite. This line includes the BEN-GEL series for water-based (O/W) formulations that improve emulsion stability and consistency, and the S-BEN series for oil- or solvent-based (W/O) systems offering enhanced texture and product stability.

In June 2024, J.M. Huber Corporation, a U.S.-based chemical manufacturer, completed the acquisition of Active Minerals International, LLC for an undisclosed amount. The purpose of this acquisition is to broaden Huber Engineered Materials’ portfolio of specialty minerals by incorporating Active Minerals’ premium attapulgite and air-floated kaolin clay products. This move strengthens Huber’s capabilities in a range of industrial, agricultural, and consumer-oriented applications. Active Minerals International, LLC is a U.S.-based company that supplies industrial mineral products, including attapulgite clay and kaolin, known for their high quality and performance.

Major companies operating in the organophilic clay market are Sinochem Holdings Corporation Ltd., Schlumberger (SLB), Evonik Industries, Arkema, Clariant AG, Minerals Technologies Inc., BYK Additives & Instruments, Elementis Specialties Inc., Oil-Dri Corporation of America, Kunimine Industries Co. Ltd., Ashapura Group, Vanderbilt Minerals LLC, Laviosa Chimica Mineraria S.p.A., IDIC Specialty Drilling Chemicals, Qingdao Doeast Chemical Co. Ltd., Cutch Oil & Allied Industries, Zhejiang Camp Shinning New Material Co. Ltd., International Clay & Minerals Company (ICMC), Hangzhou Jingyi Chemical Co. Ltd., Zhejiang Qinghong New Material Co. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the organophilic clay market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the organophilic clay market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the organophilic clay market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The organophilic clay market consists of sales of cement slurries, anti-settling agents, suspension stabilizers, thickening agents, anti-sagging additives, and rheology modifiers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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