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The world synthetic zeolite market was valued at approximately $1.8 billion in 2004, with detergent builders representing the largest sector. Global consumption of synthetic zeolites in 2004 is estimated at over 1.5 million metric tons. World consumption of natural zeolites is estimated to be in excess of 2.5 million metric tons in 2004. The report includes estimates for the amorphous sodium aluminosilicate industry in North America.
The following pie charts show world consumption of synthetic and natural zeolites.
 
The largest-volume use for synthetic zeolites is as a builder in home laundry detergent powders. In developed countries (North America, Western Europe and Japan), the use of detergent zeolites is mature and has begun to decline as a result of the increasing efficiency of the zeolite builders, competition from other builder materials, increased use of liquid detergents that do not contain zeolites, and the increased popularity of front-loading washing machines that require less water and less detergent.
Although the second-largest market for zeolites in terms of volume (about 14%), consumption of zeolites for the production of catalysts accounts for an estimated 27% of the world market on a value basis. These catalysts are used principally for petroleum catalytic cracking, with small volumes consumed in hydrocracking and chemical synthesis. Overall demand growth has been flat in Japan and moderately upward in Europe and North America. These trends are projected to continue, but this is probably debatable in view of the currently very high crude oil prices, which may negatively impact fuel consumption. Overall catalyst zeolite demand has increased in recent years because of rising global demand for transportation fuels in developing countries. Growth in zeolite catalyst demand is anticipated in the Asia Pacific region.
The third major end-use for zeolites, adsorbent/desiccant applications, accounts for an estimated 7% of world volume and about 17% of the total value. Demand in this application has grown well as a result of increased demand for insulated windows, and for moisture removal from petrochemical gas streams and oxygen generation systems. Future demand growth should be moderate in developed regions, with greater opportunities in developing countries.
Natural zeolites include minerals capable of ion exchange, such as clinoptilolite, chabazite and mordenite. World production of natural zeolites in 2004 is estimated at about 2.5 million metric tons, apparently down somewhat from the past decade. Other than the large volume in Other Asia, world production is highly decentralized and global trade is minor. The largest end use for natural zeolites is as a cement additive, to produce a slower-hardening and stronger product. Other major end uses are as a nutrient release agent in soil conditioners and as an odor control agent in animal litter.
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