Synthetic gypsum market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Synthetic Gypsum is a by product of various industrial processes, particularly those involved in the treatment of flue gas emissions from power plants or the production of phosphoric acid. It's created through a process called flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) or scrubbing, where sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from power plants are captured and reacted with a calcium-based absorbent, typically limestone or lime, to produce calcium sulfite or calcium sulfate.

Market Dynamics

Driving the Demand for Synthetic Gypsum

Synthetic gypsum, derived from industrial processes like flue-gas desulfurization, presents an attractive solution. Its utilization in construction products such as drywall, plaster, and cement not only reduce the reliance on natural gypsum but also diverts industrial waste from landfills. Builders and developers are increasingly opting for sustainable materials to meet green building standards and consumer preferences for eco-friendly structures, thus driving the demand for synthetic gypsum. For instance, in March 2020, Knauf AG unveiled intentions to establish a second gypsum wallboard production line in Bukhara, situated within the Bukhara region. This initiative encompasses an investment of approximately $2.4 million towards the installation of an extra gypsum mixture line at its existing Bukharagips facility.

Advancements in Synthetic Gypsum Production

Technological advancements in synthetic gypsum production processes have significantly enhanced efficiency and quality. Improved FGD technologies enable more effective capture and conversion of sulfur dioxide emissions into gypsum. These advancements result in higher purity and consistency of synthetic gypsum, making it suitable for a wider range of applications. Additionally, innovations in manufacturing techniques and equipment have streamlined production and reduced costs, making synthetic gypsum more competitive with natural gypsum. These technological advancements drive market growth by increasing the availability and attractiveness of synthetic gypsum as a sustainable construction material.

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global synthetic gypsum market includes the following segments by product type and application:

• Based on product type, the market is sub-segmented into flue gas desulfurization gypsum, fluorogypsum, phosphogypsum, citrogypsum, and titanogypsum.

• Based on application, the market is sub-segmented into drywall, cement, and soil amendments.

Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Gypsum is Projected to Emerge as the Largest Segment

Based on the product type, the FGD gypsum sub-segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The primary factor supporting the segment's growth includes the increasing adoption of FGD technologies by industries, particularly coal-fired power plants. As environmental regulations become more stringent worldwide, there is a growing imperative for industries to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. FGD systems offer an effective solution by capturing and treating these emissions, resulting in the production of synthetic gypsum as a byproduct.

Drywall Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The drywall sub-segment commands a significant market share in the global synthetic gypsum market due to its widespread use in construction and several key factors. Synthetic gypsum, derived from FGD processes, serves as a crucial raw material for drywall production, offering affordability, ease of installation, and fire-resistant properties. With steady growth in the construction industry, particularly in the residential and commercial sectors, the demand for drywall continues to rise. Additionally, environmental considerations drive the adoption of synthetic gypsum, contributing to sustainability efforts by reducing reliance on natural gypsum. 

Regional Outlook

The global synthetic gypsum market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

North America Holds Major Market Share

North America holds a significant share due to its abundance of coal-fired power plants, which produce synthetic gypsum through FGD. The region's thriving construction industry also contributes to the demand for gypsum-based products, with synthetic gypsum offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. 

Global Synthetic Gypsum Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Driving Forces Behind the Rapid Growth of the Asia-Pacific Synthetic Gypsum Market

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the global synthetic gypsum market due to industrialization and urbanization driving demand for construction materials, including gypsum-based products like drywall and plaster. Stringent environmental regulations in countries like China and India are leading to increased adoption of FGD technologies, resulting in substantial production of synthetic gypsum. Technological advancements are making synthetic gypsum production more cost-effective and efficient, meeting the region's demand for sustainable construction materials. Additionally, government initiatives promoting sustainable development are further encouraging the use of synthetic gypsum. These factors collectively position the Asia-Pacific region as the fastest-growing market in the global synthetic gypsum market. For instance, the Indian government initiated the "Housing for All by 2022" program, to ensure accessible and affordable housing for every citizen within the country.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the global synthetic gypsum market include Drax, LafargeHolcim, Saint-Gobain, PABCO Gypsum, USG Corp., and others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in October 2023, Etex disclosed a formal agreement to purchase BGC's gypsum and fiber cement operations. This acquisition encompasses BGC's manufacturing facilities for wallboard, plaster, compounds, and cornice, as well as the Perth gypsum wallboard plant situated in Western Australia. Through this strategic expansion, Etex aims to strengthen its current gypsum wallboard portfolio while strategically positioning itself to leverage the growing demand for fiber cement products. 

In October 2023, Beneficial Reuse Management (BRM) disclosed its acquisition of USA Gypsum. This strategic move enables BRM to diversify its gypsum sources by integrating recycled drywall scrap into its operations. Additionally, the acquisition expands BRM's geographical footprint, complementing its existing activities in supplying gypsum pellets to agricultural and other sectors. This acquisition perfectly aligns with BRM's dedication to offering sustainable solutions for industrial byproduct management, thus reducing materials sent to landfills.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global synthetic gypsum market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.