The talc market size was valued at US$ 1,987.43 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 2,932.29 million by 2030; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 5.0% from 2022 to 2030.
Talc is a hydrated magnesium silicate. Talc deposits are formed from the transformation of high magnesium rocks by siliceous hydrothermal fluids. Most of the talc originates from the alteration of dolomite or ultramafic intrusive rocks. It is always found in combination with other minerals, generally with carbonates and chlorite. Each talc deposit has a unique morphology and mineralogy, but all types of talc exhibit the following unique properties such as softness, water repellency, chemical inertness, platyness, and an affinity for organic substances.
These properties make talc suitable as multi-functional filler and process enabler in a wide range of applications from plastics to paper, ceramics to paint. Talc is used as an anti-sticking agent, anti-caking agent, lubricant, a carrier, a thickener, a strengthening filler, a smooth filler, and an adsorbent. The major driver for the growth of the talc market is the growing demand from various end-use industries, such as ceramics, plastics, paints and coatings, food, and agriculture. The ceramics segment is the most attractive segment and creates lucrative opportunities in the global talc market. The plastics industry is another essential consumer of talc. Talc is mainly used as a filler in plastics.
Based on deposit type, the talc market is segmented into talc chlorite and talc carbonate. The talc carbonate segment held a larger market share in 2022. Talc-carbonate ore bodies mainly contain talc carbonate and chlorite traces. These deposits are often found in metamorphic rocks and can be considered a subtype of metamorphic deposits. In talc carbonate deposits, the formation of talc is often linked to the alternation of pre-existing rocks rich in magnesium-rich minerals. Talc replaces these minerals under the influence of metamorphic conditions, leading to the development of talc-rich rocks. Talc-carbonate ores are processed to remove associated minerals and produce pure talc concentrate. Based on end-use industry, the talc market is segmented into plastics, pulp & paper, ceramics, paints & coatings, rubber, pharmaceuticals, food, and others. The talc market share of the pulp & paper segment was notable in 2022. In the pulp & paper industry, talc is used as a paper filler because it has a minimal negative effect on sheet strength and improves ink receptivity by a large margin. It also enhances opacity and brightness and reduces gloss. Talc can be used in paper recycling and the new production of paper, pulp, and cardboard as filler. Talc use improves the properties of the finished products and reduces production costs.
In 2022, Asia Pacific held the largest share of the global talc market. Asia Pacific is one of the largest crude and processed talc-producing regions globally. The region is home to major manufacturers producing lightweight plastics for automotive components. Rapid industrialization and a surge in disposable income of the middle-class population of emerging economies are expected to drive the demand for talc in Asia Pacific. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), vehicle production in Asia-Oceania increased from 44.2 million in 2020 to 46.7 million vehicles in 2021.
Elementis Plc, Golcha Minerals Pvt Ltd, Imerys SA, IMI Fabi SpA, Liaoning Aihai Talc Co Ltd, Minerals Technologies Inc, Nippon Talc Co Ltd, SCR-Sibelco NV, Sun Minerals Pvt Ltd, and Xilolite SA are key players operating in the global talc market. Market players focus on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand. They are also adopting strategies such as investments in research and development activities and new product launches.
The overall global talc market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants to validate the data and gain more analytical insights into the topic. Participants of this process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders, specializing in the talc market.