Calcium Hydroxide Market Size (2025 – 2030)

The Calcium Hydroxide Market was valued at USD 3.24 billion in 2024. Over the forecast period of 2025-2030, it is projected to reach USD 4.10 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4%.

Calcium hydroxide, commonly referred to as slaked lime, is an inorganic substance with the chemical formula Ca(OH)2. It typically appears as a colorless crystal or white powder and is formed by adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide). Globally, around 125 million tons of calcium hydroxide are produced each year.

This compound is known by several other names, including hydrated lime, caustic lime, builder's lime, cal, and pickling lime. Calcium hydroxide serves various purposes across multiple industries, such as in food processing, where it is designated with the E number E526. Limewater, or milk of lime, is the term used for a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide.

Key Market Insights:

The calcium hydroxide market is set to experience steady growth, driven by several key factors:

• Rising Investments in Production Facilities: Increased funding for advanced manufacturing units is boosting the availability and quality of calcium hydroxide.

• Innovative Applications: Expanding use cases across diverse industries, leveraging the unique properties of calcium hydroxide, are fueling market demand.

• Focus on Sustainable Practices: Growing emphasis on responsible sourcing and eco-friendly production methods is aligning the industry with global sustainability goals.

• Escalating Industrial Demand: Calcium hydroxide is witnessing higher adoption in construction, water treatment, and chemical processing industries.

• Advancements in Material Development: Efforts to create enhanced materials with superior performance characteristics are further contributing to market growth.

Calcium Hydroxide Market Drivers:

Rising emphasis on wastewater treatment is a key driver of market expansion.

Calcium hydroxide is also utilized in water treatment for disinfection purposes. By adjusting the pH of the water to between 10.5 and 11 over a period of 24 to 72 hours, calcium hydroxide effectively eliminates a significant amount of bacteria and viruses present in the water. As surface and groundwater pollution continues to escalate globally, nations like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have implemented stringent wastewater treatment regulations. Consequently, the demand for calcium hydroxide is expected to grow due to the heightened emphasis on wastewater treatment.

The easy availability and cost-effectiveness of calcium hydroxide are significant factors driving market growth.

Calcium hydroxide, commonly referred to as hydrated lime, plays a vital role in various industrial applications, including the Kraft process, water treatment as a flocculant, pH neutralization, and flue gas cleaning within the pulp and paper sector. In the construction industry, it is used in whitewashing, building foundations, earthen dams, soil stabilization for roadways, and as a key component in mortar and plaster in lime slurry form.

Calcium Hydroxide Market Restraints and Challenges:

Health Hazards Associated with Calcium Hydroxide hinders market growth.

Health concerns related to calcium hydroxide, including skin irritation, lung damage, chemical burns, and rashes, are significant barriers to its market growth. While calcium hydroxide used in food applications is generally regarded as safe, industrial-grade calcium hydroxide can be hazardous and may lead to poisoning if ingested. The National Institutes of Health warns that exposure to calcium hydroxide can cause severe health issues, such as throat pain, mouth burns, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, bloody stool or vomit, rapid blood pressure decline, and even collapse. Additionally, calcium hydroxide is commonly found in no-lye hair relaxers, but the FDA cautions that excessive use of such products can cause burns and damage to the scalp and hair. These health risks are likely to impede the growth of the calcium hydroxide market.

Calcium Hydroxide Market Opportunities:

Modernization of lime production plants creates opportunity in the market.

As a sector that is both carbon- and energy-intensive, the lime industry is expected to play a crucial role in helping Europe meet its environmental, energy, and climate objectives. The ongoing modernization of lime processing plants focuses on improving energy efficiency and incorporating alternative fuel sources to reduce carbon emissions.

Calcium hydroxide, also known as slaked lime or lime water, is a white powdered compound with diverse applications. In bauxite processing, it serves as a flotation agent, while in environmental remediation, it assists in the removal of heavy metal contamination. In construction, calcium hydroxide is used for soil stabilization, concrete curing, and asphalt production. It is also essential in alkali chemical manufacturing, refractories, and commercial sales.

Domestically, calcium hydroxide is widely used in environmental applications, such as soil conditioning, neutralizing soil acidity, and enhancing soil structure. Additionally, it functions as a pesticide, fungicide, and herbicide in agriculture. In industries like leather tanning, paper production, and pharmaceuticals, calcium hydroxide is an important component. Ground calcium oxide, a coarse form of calcium hydroxide, is used in air separation processes.

CALCIUM HYDROXIDE MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Calcium Hydroxide Market Segmentation: By Product

• Thermoplastic Coating

• Methyl Methacrylate Coating

• Epoxy Coating

• Acrylic Coating

• others

The Chemical Intermediates application is expected to lead the revenue generation in the Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) market throughout the forecast period. The Chemical Intermediates segment is projected to hold the largest market share. MMA is a key material in the production of various adhesives and coatings and can be polymerized to create acrylic resins known for their superior weather resistance, adhesion, and durability. Additionally, MMA serves as a monomer in the production of copolymers that act as impact modifiers, enhancing the impact resistance and toughness of other plastics. The diverse applications of MMA as a chemical intermediate are anticipated to significantly drive its market demand.

Calcium Hydroxide Market Segmentation: By Type

• Dry

• Powder

• Slurry

• others

The Powder segment is expected to dominate the market in the coming years. The powdered form of calcium hydroxide is highly versatile and finds applications across various industries, including construction, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. Moreover, its ease of handling, storage, and transportation makes it the preferred form. A significant driver of the Powder segment’s dominance is the increasing demand for calcium hydroxide powder in water and wastewater treatment applications, which further boosts its market share.

Calcium Hydroxide Market Segmentation: By Grade

• Pharma Grade

• Food Grade

• Technical Grade

The pharma grade segment is anticipated to see steady growth throughout the forecast period. In power generation, calcium hydroxide is used as a flux and slagging agent in steel manufacturing and other metallurgical applications. It also plays a crucial role in flue gas treatment by neutralizing acidic gases and reducing emissions. The management of calcium hydroxide sludges is a key concern in industrial processes, highlighting the need for ongoing research and development into more efficient and sustainable handling methods. As renewable energy sources like wind and solar become more integrated into power generation, the importance of water treatment and calcium hydroxide’s role in maintaining water quality for these energy systems is further emphasized.

Calcium Hydroxide Market Segmentation: By Application

• Water Treatment

• Construction

• Environmental Gas Treatment

• Food & Beverages

• Pulp & Paper

• Medical

• Cosmetics

• others

Water and wastewater treatment currently leads the calcium hydroxide market and is projected to maintain its growth throughout the forecast period. Calcium hydroxide, also known as hydrated lime, is a cost-effective alkaline compound widely used as a flocculant in wastewater treatment for both industrial and drinking water. Additionally, the treatment of sludges with calcium hydroxide is subject to various regulations.

Calcium Hydroxide Market Segmentation- by region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• South America

• Middle East & Africa

The Asia-Pacific region dominates and, holding the largest market share. With increasing construction activities and growing demand from sectors such as food and beverage, water treatment, and pulp and paper in countries like China and India, the usage of calcium hydroxide is rising in the region. The growing investments in the ASEAN building and construction sector are expected to drive further market expansion. Additionally, the rapid urbanization in Southeast Asia is likely to boost the industrial water treatment sector, leading to a higher demand for calcium hydroxide.

In contrast, the calcium hydroxide industry in North America experienced a downturn due to decreased demand from major sectors like construction and paper. This decline was attributed to fewer new projects and the impact of rising interest rates. Despite some manufacturers implementing planned maintenance and moderate production rates to manage inventory, the overall supply of calcium hydroxide remained adequate. By the end of the year, holiday season factors and sluggish trade led to price reductions, with companies selling off stock at lower prices to maintain profits amid reduced construction activity and inflationary pressures.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted industries such as construction, water treatment, and pulp and paper, hindering market growth. However, the industry began to recover, and the market has been driven by steady expansion in sectors like construction, pulp and paper, and wastewater treatment. The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020 led to nationwide lockdowns across major global economies to control the virus's spread. This resulted in a shortage of manpower and raw materials, slowing industrial activities and affecting the growth of various sectors worldwide.

Despite these challenges, the Calcium Hydroxide Market was less severely impacted. The demand for calcium hydroxide increased, particularly for water and wastewater treatment, as heightened hygiene awareness following the pandemic led to stricter government regulations on industrial and municipal effluent in many countries. Additionally, the food and beverage and agriculture industries saw a high demand for calcium hydroxide. During the initial phase of the pandemic, there was a decline in demand from the construction and pulp and paper industries, which affected the calcium hydroxide market. However, with the rapid recovery of the construction sector and other industries in the second half of 2020, the demand for calcium hydroxide rebounded.

Latest Trends/ Developments:

In May 2022, Lhoist and Air Liquide formed a partnership to launch an innovative decarbonization project for lime production in France. This collaboration aims to reduce the carbon footprint of lime production through advanced technologies.

In January 2024, the Mississippi Lime Company revealed a significant investment in a unique, sustainable kiln at its Bonne Terre, Missouri facility. This investment underscores the company's commitment to enhancing the environmental sustainability of its operations.

Key Players:

These are top 10 players in the Calcium Hydroxide Market :-

1. Tara Minerals and Chemicals Pvt. Ltd

2. Carmeuse Coordination Center SA

3. Cales de Pachs SA

4. CAO Industries Sdn Bhd

5. Hydrite Chemical Co.

6. Innova Corporate India

7. GFS Chemicals Inc.

8. United States Lime and Minerals Inc.

9. Minerals Technologies Inc.

10. Niki Chemical Industries