Desiccants Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global desiccants market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.00% in the forecast period of 2025-2034.

Desiccants Market Growth

The word desiccants refer to hygroscopic material or products. Desiccants absorb the surrounding moisture, which reduces moisture content and makes them ideal for low relative humidity conditions. Desiccants work by absorbing and trapping moisture inside surfaces or capillaries without modifying the characteristics of water - this is known as physical absorption. Some desiccants, on the other hand, absorb and react with humidity to form a new mixture-called chemical absorption.

Increasing demand from the pharmaceutical, food, and electronics industries for moisture control and longer shelf life of products is a major driver supporting desiccants market expansion. Also, stringent regulations in the pharmaceutical sector require the use of desiccants to maintain drug stability and efficacy. Moreover, the growth of e-commerce has also increased demand for desiccants in packaging materials to protect products from moisture damage during transit and storage.

Key Trends and Developments

Development of eco-friendly desiccant products, increased demand for desiccants in packaging materials, and expansion of e-commerce has resulted in desiccants market development

March 2024

Evonik is expanding its precipitated silica production at its Charleston site in the United States by 50% with a new line investment. Construction will begin in mid-2024, aiming for operations to start in early 2026. This expansion aligns with Evonik's strategy to enhance local-to-local supply chains.

April 2023

Evonik Catalysts is expanding its production capacities for activated nickel powder catalysts at its sites in Hanau, Germany, and Dombivli, India. The investment aims to increase capacity by 25% and is expected to be completed by the second half of 2024.

December 2021

Hengye opened a new plant in Qingdao, China, which is 861,000 square feet in size and produces raw powder, molecular sieve, and other adsorbents. The second phase of the plant will complete by 2025 and will increase capacity to 40,000 metric tons per year for molecular sieve and other adsorbents.

Increasing demand from pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry is a major consumer of desiccants due to strict regulations requiring the use of these products to maintain drug stability and efficacy. The rising demand from pharma sector is a key trend expanding the desiccants market size.

Technological advancements and product innovations

Manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to introduce cutting-edge desiccant products that cater to the evolving needs of various industries. This includes the development of advanced desiccant breathers, which help prevent moisture infiltration in electronic devices.

Development of eco-friendly and innovative desiccant products

Manufacturers are focusing on creating desiccants that are sustainable, biodegradable, and have a lower environmental impact. This includes the introduction of bio-based moisture-adsorbing packets and advanced desiccant breathers. These innovative products are expected to drive desiccants market growth.

Growing consumption of processed food and electronics

Desiccants are widely used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of products and maintain their quality. Similarly, electronic manufacturers aim to reduce the moisture impact on devices, which is likely to further boost the demand for desiccants.

Desiccants Market Trends

An example of an eco-friendly desiccant product is the silica gel alternative made from natural materials like activated charcoal or clay. These desiccants are biodegradable and offer effective moisture control while being environmentally sustainable. Another innovative product is the use of plant-based materials in desiccant packets, providing a greener alternative to traditional synthetic desiccants. These eco-friendly options not only meet consumer demand for sustainable products but also align with regulatory requirements, thereby favourable shaping the desiccants market outlook.

In the processed food industry, desiccants like oxygen absorbers are commonly used in packaging to extend the shelf life of products such as snacks, baked goods, and dehydrated foods. Electronic manufacturers utilise desiccants like silica gel, activated alumina, and molecular sieve in product packaging to prevent moisture-related issues like corrosion and malfunction in devices like smartphones, cameras, and medical equipment.

Desiccants Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Desiccants Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Process of Absorption

• Physical Absorption
• Chemical Absorption

Market Breakup by Type

• Silica Gel
• Zeolite
• Activated Alumina
• Activated Charcoal
• Calcium Chloride
• Clay
• Others

Market Breakup by Application

• Foods
• Electronics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Packing
• Air and Gas Drying
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Desiccants Market Share

The silica gel desiccant is projected to witness a steady growth trajectory due to rising demand from chemical industries

Silica gel, a porous form of silicon dioxide, serves as a popular desiccant utilised for moisture removal in liquids and gases, safeguarding commercial and food products. Zeolite, another prominent desiccant type, finds extensive application in air conditioning systems to uphold operational efficiency by absorbing moisture. Additionally, as per desiccants market analysis, zeolite plays a crucial role in chemical reactions like the Grignard reaction, aiding in solvent dehydration.

Activated alumina, a porous solid alumina form, is widely employed as a desiccant for drying compressed air, gases, and liquids. Activated charcoal, clay, and calcium chloride are other significant desiccant types, which are known for their moisture-absorbing properties. The market is poised for substantial growth due to increasing government support and escalating demand for desiccants in chemical industries.

Rising demand for desiccants from diverse application sectors is bolstering the desiccants market growth

In the food sector, desiccants are used in packaging to absorb moisture and prevent spoilage, maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of food products. The growing consumption of processed foods is driving demand for desiccants in this industry.

In the electronics domain, desiccants protect devices from moisture damage during transit and storage, ensuring the integrity of electronic products. Manufacturers are working to reduce the impact of moisture on electronic goods, further boosting desiccant demand. The rising popularity of smart electronics is a significant driver for the desiccant market.

Pharmaceuticals rely heavily on desiccants for packaging, reducing moisture content and preserving the quality and stability of medicines. Silica gel, activated alumina, and molecular sieves are among the most used desiccants in this sector. Additionally, air conditioning systems employ desiccants, particularly zeolite, to remove moisture, latent heat, and sensible heat from process air, maintaining refrigerant efficiency.

Desiccants Market Analysis by Region

Asia-Pacific leads the market due to increased desiccant production in China

The Asia-Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regional market for the desiccants. China is one of the leading countries in the regional market in terms of the production of desiccants. The desiccants market share in the region is driven by the increased pharmaceutical desiccant production in China and the higher rate of product utilisation in Chinese plants. The high-value pharmaceutical desiccant from China is currently being expanded to include matting agents for plastics, paints, catalysts, and other anti-adhesives.

North America is another key region in the market, characterised by a strong presence of major players and a robust industrial infrastructure. The region is witnessing steady growth in the desiccants market, driven by factors such as technological advancements, stringent regulations, and a growing demand for desiccants in various sectors like food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

Leading Manufacturers in the Desiccants Market

Market players are focused on strategic partnerships, new product launches, commercialisation for market expansion, and heavy investments in research to introduce new products and maximise revenue.

Porocel Corporation (Acquired by Evonik Industries)

Porocel Corporation (Acquired by Evonik Industries) was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Texas, United States. The company specialises in producing speciality adsorbents, support media, and activated alumina for various industries.

Hengye Inc.

Hengye Inc. was established in 1965 and is based in Aichi, Japan. The company offers a wide range of products, including molecular sieves, activated alumina, silica gels, activated carbon, screens, support balls, and pseudoboehmite, catering to diverse market needs.

Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.

Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Maharashtra, India. As a manufacturer of silica, synthetic amorphous, and various innovative products, the company is committed to contributing to a sustainable world through its offerings.

Desicca Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.

Desicca Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. was established in 2014 and is based in Maharashtra, India. The company specialises in producing desiccants, industrial chemicals, silica gel, and providing comprehensive services for refineries, ensuring efficient and reliable solutions for its clients.

Other key players in the global desiccants market include TROPACK Packmitel GmbH, among others.