Segments - Hygroscopic Building Material Market by Type (Inorganic Minerals, Inorganic Salts, Natural Hygroscopic Materials, Molecular Sieve, and Silica), Adsorption Process (Physical and Chemical), End-use (Commercial, Residential, and Industrial), Application (Building and Structural), and Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2024–2032
The global hygroscopic building material market size was USD 1.04 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.9 Billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 8.5% during 2024–2032. The market growth is attributed to the advancements in technology, changing consumer preferences, and increasing environmental awareness.
Hygroscopic materials play a vital role in maintaining balanced humidity levels indoors, mitigating the discomfort, respiratory concerns, and mold proliferation associated with excessively dry or damp conditions. These materials effectively absorb surplus moisture in times of high humidity and gradually release it in drier conditions, thereby averting condensation and the formation of mold & mildew.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is becoming a primary concern for building occupants and regulators alike. Hygroscopic materials that absorb moisture and filter pollutants contribute to improving IAQ by preventing mold growth and reducing the concentration of airborne contaminants. Manufacturers are developing hygroscopic materials with multi-functional properties to address diverse building requirements. These materials regulate humidity and also provide thermal insulation, acoustic absorption, and fire resistance, offering comprehensive solutions for sustainable building design.
In November 2023, Arkema SA presented eco-friendly solutions and cutting-edge coatings designed to enhance indoor air quality and reduce the environmental impact of construction materials at the International Exhibition and Congress of Suppliers for Paints.
Increasing emphasis on energy-efficient building design and operation is prompting the market growth. The adoption of hygroscopic materials contribute to thermal insulation, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems as well as lowering energy consumption. The shift towards sustainable building practices is driving the demand for hygroscopic materials made from renewable, recyclable, or low-impact materials, aligning with sustainability goals and green building certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
The high initial costs associated with hygroscopic materials, particularly advanced or eco-friendly options, hamper the market. This initial investment deters some builders and developers, especially in cost-sensitive markets. Lack of awareness and understanding among builders, architects, and consumers about the benefits and applications of hygroscopic materials impede their widespread adoption.
Growing integration of smart technologies such as sensors, actuators, and data analytics into hygroscopic materials opens up new opportunities in the market for intelligent building systems and proactive moisture management. Smart hygroscopic materials dynamically respond to changing environmental conditions, optimize energy efficiency, and enhance occupant comfort. The demand for customizable hygroscopic materials that offer design flexibility while meeting performance requirements is growing. Manufacturers capitalize on this trend by offering a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences and architectural services.
The market report includes an assessment of the market trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics are included in the report.
Attributes |
Details |
Report Title |
Hygroscopic Building Material Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast |
Base Year |
2023 |
Historic Data |
2017 -2022 |
Forecast Period |
2024–2032 |
Segmentation |
Type (Inorganic Minerals, Inorganic Salts, Natural Hygroscopic Materials, Molecular Sieve, and Silica), Adsorption Process (Physical and Chemical), End-use (Commercial, Residential, and Industrial), Application (Building and Structural) |
Regional Scope |
Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa |
Report Coverage |
Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Market Trends, and Revenue Forecast |
Key Players Covered in the Report |
BASF SE; CertainTeed Corporation; Carlisle Companies; Dow Inc; Dryvit Systems Inc; GCP Applied Technologies; Johns Manville; Knauf Insulation; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; Owens Corning; Parex Group; Rockwool Group; and Soprema Group. |
In terms of region, hygroscopic building material market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the global hygroscopic building material market in 2023, due to an increasing focus on indoor air quality for its significant impact on occupant health and well-being. Hygroscopic materials play a crucial role in maintaining balanced humidity levels and preventing mold growth, addressing concerns about IAQ in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
The adoption of sustainable building practices is driving the demand for hygroscopic materials made from environmentally friendly and renewable energy resources. Builders and developers in North America are increasingly seeking materials that contribute to LEED certification and other green building material standards, further propelling the growth of the hygroscopic building material market.
The hygroscopic building material market in Asia Pacific is growing steadily, due to urbanization and construction activities, particularly in emerging economies such as China, India, and countries in Southeast Asia. This growth is fueling the demand for hygroscopic materials in residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects across the region. Governments in Asia Pacific are implementing regulations and initiatives to promote sustainable building practices and energy efficiency. This includes incentives for green building certification and compliance with building codes that mandate the use of hygroscopic materials for moisture management and mold prevention.
On the basis of type, the hygroscopic building material market is segregated into inorganic minerals, inorganic salts, natural hygroscopic materials, molecular sieve, and silica. The inorganic minerals segment is projected to hold a large market share during the projected period. This segment includes minerals that exhibit hygroscopic properties, meaning they absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. Examples of inorganic minerals commonly used in building materials include certain types of clay such as bentonite, which are known for their ability to absorb water and expand.
The inorganic salts segment is expected to register a considerable CAGR in the coming years. Inorganic salts are compounds composed of metal ions and non-metal ions. Some inorganic salts have hygroscopic properties, meaning they attract and absorb moisture from the air. Common examples of hygroscopic salts used in building materials include calcium chloride and magnesium sulfate.
Based on adsorption process, the hygroscopic building material market is divided into physical and chemical. The physical adsorption segment held a large share of the market in 2023, as it adheres to moisture molecules to the surface of hygroscopic materials through weak Van der Waals forces or electrostatic interactions. This process does not involve any chemical reactions between the moisture and the material. Conversely, the moisture is held onto the surface or within the pores of the material by physical forces. Examples of hygroscopic materials that undergo physical adsorption include certain types of minerals, salts, and porous substances such as silica gel and molecular sieves.
The chemical adsorption segment held substantial CAGR during the forecast period, as moisture molecules chemically react with the surface of hygroscopic materials to form chemical bonds. This process involves the transfer of electrons between the moisture molecules and the material surface, resulting in the formation of new chemical compounds. Chemical adsorption typically leads to stronger and permanent bonding of moisture molecules to the material as compared to physical adsorption. Examples of hygroscopic materials that undergo chemical adsorption include certain types of salts and desiccants, which react with moisture to form hydrated compounds.
On the basis of end-use, the hygroscopic building material market is classified as commercial, residential, and industrial. The commercial segment held a large market share in 2023, as it encompasses a wide range of structures used for business, retail, educational, healthcare, hospitality, and other commercial purposes. Hygroscopic building materials are utilized in commercial buildings to regulate indoor humidity levels, enhance indoor air quality, and ensure occupant comfort. Its examples include office buildings, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, schools, and restaurants.
The residential segment held substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Residential buildings include houses, apartments, condominiums, and others. Hygroscopic materials play a crucial role in residential construction by managing moisture levels, preventing mold growth, and creating a healthy & comfortable indoor environment for occupants. These materials are used in various components of residential buildings such as walls, ceilings, floors, and insulation.
Based on application, the hygroscopic building material market is fragmented into building and structural. The building segment is projected to hold a large market share during the projected period. Building applications encompass a wide range of uses where hygroscopic materials are incorporated into various components of building construction to regulate moisture levels, enhance indoor air quality, and improve overall building performance. Hygroscopic materials such as paints, coatings, and plasterboard are applied to interior surfaces to absorb moisture, prevent mold growth, and create a healthy indoor environment.
The structural segment is expected to register a considerable CAGR in the coming years. Structural applications involve the use of hygroscopic materials in load-bearing elements and structural components of buildings to provide stability, durability, and resilience against moisture-related damage. Hygroscopic coatings and sealants are applied to structural surfaces to protect against water intrusion, moisture ingress, and corrosion, enhancing the longevity and durability of building structures.
The hygroscopic building material market has been segmented on the basis of
Key players competing in the global hygroscopic building material market are BASF SE; CertainTeed Corporation; Carlisle Companies; Dow Inc; Dryvit Systems Inc; GCP Applied Technologies; Johns Manville; Knauf Insulation; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; Owens Corning; Parex Group; Rockwool Group; and Soprema Group.
These players utilize several development strategies, including product launch, partnerships, acquisition, and geographical expansion, to increase their global presence. For instance,
In January 2023, BASF SE introduced a sustainability strategy, outlining plans to broaden its range of products with reduced CO2 emissions and incorporate circular options across key product lines.