Activated Bleaching Earth Market Gains Momentum as Edible Oil & Biofuel Refining Demand Surges

The Activated Bleaching Earth Market, valued at USD 2.86 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 4.25 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 5.09% from 2025–2032. This growth reflects the rising demand for refined edible oils, sustainable purification technologies, and the broader adaptation of acid-activated bleaching clays in biodiesel, cosmetics, industrial oils, and wastewater treatment.

Growing sustainability mandates, stricter food-quality regulations, and improved efficiency in oil-refining processes are shaping market dynamics. The introduction of highly adsorptive grades, such as Clariant’s TONSIL®, and advancements in low-contaminant processing are uplifting the overall Activated Bleaching Earth Market performance across regions.

Market Growth Analysis

A major driver for the Activated Bleaching Earth Market is the increasing consumption of purified edible oils and the shift toward high-quality vegetable oils in developing economies. Rising global biofuel production further escalates the need for high-efficiency adsorbents capable of removing pigments, sulfur, heavy metals, free fatty acids, and other impurities.

Biofuel Production Accelerates Demand

The U.S. biodiesel industry recorded 2.8 billion gallons of production in 2023, pushing refiners to adopt high-grade bleaching earth capable of improving yields by up to 20%. The need to meet renewable fuel standards and low-impurity biodiesel specifications continues to strengthen market adoption.

Request Sample Report: https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/7381

Cosmetic & Personal Care Diversification

A notable 12% increase in clay-based cosmetic formulations in 2024 has broadened market applications. Bleaching earth now appears in the EU COSIng database as an approved adsorbent, supporting its growing integration into lotions, balms, skincare oils, and natural beauty products.

Competitive Pressure from Alternative Adsorbents

Silica gel, activated alumina, and activated carbon have seen a 5% annual rise in industrial adoption since 2021. Their regenerability and lower disposal costs challenge bleaching earth producers to innovate through higher purity, finer granularity, and improved acid activation techniques.

Segment Analysis

By Technology

Wet bleaching held 55.8% of the market in 2024 due to superior color and impurity removal. It remains essential for large-scale edible oil purification and aligns well with FDA food-safety standards.

Dry bleaching, however, is the fastest-growing segment (CAGR 5.67%) thanks to lower water consumption, reduced wastewater emissions, and operational cost benefits.

By Application

Edible oils & fats accounted for 66.5% of total consumption in 2024. The segment benefits from rising household consumption of refined oils and expanding food-processing capacities worldwide.

Mineral oils & lubricants, growing at 6.11% CAGR, are experiencing greater adoption as industries seek cleaner, high-performance lubricants.

By End-Use Industry

The food & beverages industry dominated with 62.1% share, fueled by hygiene standards and the demand for safe, odor-free edible oils.

The cosmetics & personal care segment is expanding fastest (CAGR 6.63%), driven by the surge in natural beauty formulations and eco-friendly raw materials.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific – The Largest Market

APAC holds 43.8% share, driven by high edible oil consumption in China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Regulatory emphasis on premium quality and color removal enhances demand for acid-activated clays.

North America – Fastest Growing Region

North America is set to grow at 6.49% CAGR, supported by stringent renewable fuel standards and refinery modernization. U.S. refiners achieved an 18% annual reduction in wastewater by switching to advanced bleaching earth formulations.

Europe – Sustainability-Driven Growth

Europe maintains a strong foothold with a 20.3% global share, backed by REACH compliance, the European Green Deal, and ongoing investments in low-waste bleaching clay regeneration.

Latin America, Middle East & Africa

Growth is stimulated by rising biodiesel output in Brazil, refinery upgrades in Mexico, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 energy reforms. South Africa’s 10% rise in refining capacity further fuels bleaching earth demand.

Competitive Landscape

Key players include:

• Clariant
• Taiko Group
• Oil-Dri Corporation of America
• Ashapura Perfoclay Limited
• BASF SE
• EP Minerals / EP Engineered Clays
• Musim Mas Holdings
• Refoil Earth Pvt. Ltd.
• 20 Microns Limited
• Terram Chemical
• Mangalam Earth
• Premier Bentclay
• Sunny Earth Minerals

Clariant remains a major leader with multiple capacity expansions in Indonesia and Mexico, strengthening its supply capabilities across APAC and the Americas.

Future Outlook

The Activated Bleaching Earth Market is entering a phase of accelerated transformation. Increasing focus on sustainability, digital refining technologies, waste minimization, and low-contaminant biofuels is reshaping production priorities. Tailor-made clay formulations, regeneration systems, and eco-friendly bleaching solutions will dominate product development.

Moreover, the shift toward organic and clean-label food ingredients will stimulate demand for acid-activated bleaching clays approved under U.S. National Organic Program standards. Expanding cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications will further boost market diversification.

Conclusion

The Activated Bleaching Earth Market is set for steady growth, powered by edible oil refining, rising biodiesel output, and expanding cosmetic applications. Regulatory pressures, sustainability goals, and technological innovation continue to redefine market pathways. As refiners seek higher efficiency, reduced impurities, and cleaner output, activated bleaching earth will remain a critical purification material through 2032 and beyond.

Related Reports

Biodiesel Market

Adsorbents Market

Personal Care Ingredients Market