China Zeolites Market Overview, 2030

The zeolite market in China represents one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, driven by the country’s massive industrial base, agricultural demands, and environmental management initiatives. Zeolites, as microporous crystalline materials with remarkable ion-exchange and adsorption capabilities, have found widespread applications across China’s diverse economic sectors. China’s vast mineral resources include significant deposits of natural zeolite, particularly in provinces such as Liaoning, Jilin, and Hebei, enabling a steady supply of raw material for domestic consumption and export. The availability of both raw zeolite and industrial infrastructure has also made China a leading producer of synthetic zeolites, which are tailored for high-performance uses such as catalysts, detergents, and gas separation systems. In recent years, environmental concerns and policy reforms have significantly influenced the market. China’s government has been actively promoting green technologies, pollution reduction, and sustainable agriculture, all of which directly boost the adoption of zeolite-based solutions. Moreover, with rapid urbanization and population growth, the need for water purification, soil management, and efficient petrochemical processing continues to increase, further reinforcing the market’s expansion. Local manufacturers and research institutions are also collaborating to develop advanced zeolite formulations to meet specific industrial challenges. The combination of natural resource availability, government backing, and industrial demand positions China as a pivotal player in the global zeolite market, both in terms of consumption and production capabilities.

According to the research report "China Zeolites Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the China Zeolites Market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.81% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This market moves forward due to China’s aggressive focus on wastewater treatment, industrial emission control, and sustainable farming practices where zeolites are used for their filtration, adsorption, and soil-enhancing capabilities. A recent development in China’s zeolite market includes the increase in synthetic zeolite production to support the booming detergent and refining industries, as companies aim to localize supply chains and reduce dependency on imports. Leading players like China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec), Shanghai Zeolite Molecular Sieve Co., Ltd., and Anhui Mingmei Minchem Co., Ltd. dominate the space, offering synthetic and natural zeolites customized for catalysts, detergents, petrochemical processes, and environmental remediation because of their scalable infrastructure and advanced R&D capabilities. The market offers strong opportunities in hydrogen storage, carbon capture, and new-age healthcare products where zeolites serve as smart materials due to their porous structure and thermal stability. Regulatory bodies require companies to align with GB standards, REACH compliance for exports, and ISO certifications, which ensure safe handling, consistent quality, and access to both domestic and international markets while reducing safety risks. The latest trend catching speed in China is the use of zeolites in eco-friendly packaging, next-gen batteries, and plant-based food preservation, as tech companies and startups seek non-toxic, efficient materials that support both functionality and sustainability, positioning zeolites as a strategic resource in green innovation.

China’s zeolite industry thrives on the dual availability of natural and synthetic types, each suited to specific applications depending on the requirement for purity, performance, and scale. Natural zeolites are leveraged in areas where cost-efficiency and ecological compatibility are prioritized. They are widely distributed across multiple provinces and processed with minimal alteration, making them ideal for sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and water treatment. In agriculture, natural zeolites contribute to soil improvement by increasing cation exchange capacity, minimizing leaching of fertilizers, and enhancing moisture retention important attributes in arid and semi-arid regions. Animal feed industries integrate zeolites to reduce toxin absorption, lower methane emissions, and support healthier livestock environments. In wastewater and municipal water treatment facilities, natural zeolites are employed for their capacity to remove heavy metals, ammonium, and suspended solids. Conversely, synthetic zeolites, such as ZSM-5, Zeolite Y, and Zeolite A, are key to China’s industrial and chemical processing sectors. Their uniformity and chemical stability make them indispensable in complex manufacturing systems. The detergent industry uses synthetic Zeolite A not only for household cleaning products but also in industrial-scale laundry and sanitation services. In petrochemical applications, synthetic zeolites act as shape-selective catalysts for hydrocarbon transformations, significantly improving product selectivity and conversion rates. Gas separation and air purification systems, essential in China’s urban centers with high pollution levels, also utilize synthetic zeolites to selectively adsorb harmful compounds. Furthermore, synthetic zeolites are increasingly being developed for medical applications such as drug delivery and diagnostic agents. The broad adoption and application of both natural and synthetic zeolites illustrate the flexibility and necessity of these materials within China’s evolving industrial framework.

The applications of zeolites in China span a broad spectrum of industries, reflecting the country’s emphasis on modernization, environmental conservation, and technological advancement. In the detergent industry, synthetic Zeolite A plays a critical role as a water softener, replacing harmful phosphates and enhancing the efficacy of cleaning products. This is particularly relevant given the size and growth of China’s urban consumer market, which demands efficient and eco-friendly household products. In petrochemicals, synthetic zeolites such as ZSM-5 and Zeolite Y are utilized as catalysts in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), alkylation, and hydrocracking units, supporting China's extensive oil refining and chemical production operations. Zeolites also find significant use as adsorbents in environmental applications. For instance, they are employed in air purification systems to trap nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, contributing to the reduction of urban air pollution. Water treatment is another major application area, where both natural and synthetic zeolites are used to eliminate ammonia, heavy metals, and organic pollutants from drinking and industrial wastewater. In agriculture, natural zeolites are applied as soil conditioners and feed additives, improving crop yield and livestock productivity while aligning with sustainable farming practices. Zeolites are also incorporated in aquaculture systems to control water quality and reduce the accumulation of toxic substances. In addition, zeolites are used in construction as mineral additives in cement and concrete, enhancing strength, reducing shrinkage, and improving durability. Emerging applications include medical and cosmetic uses, where zeolites act as carriers for controlled drug release, detoxifying agents, and ingredients in skin care products. This wide array of applications demonstrates the importance of zeolites as multifunctional materials capable of meeting diverse industrial, environmental, and consumer needs in China’s fast-evolving economy.

Powdered zeolites, due to their fine particle size and high surface area, are primarily used in detergents, agriculture, animal feed, and coatings. In China’s extensive detergent manufacturing sector, powdered synthetic Zeolite A is blended into both liquid and powder detergents to enhance water softening and improve stain removal. In agriculture, powdered natural zeolites are mixed into fertilizers and soil conditioners, enabling quicker ion exchange and improving nutrient efficiency. Animal feed producers also favor powdered zeolites for even distribution within feed mixtures, ensuring optimal absorption and toxin control. In construction and coatings, powdered zeolites are added to cement, paints, and sealants to enhance strength, absorb moisture, and improve antimicrobial properties. Granular zeolites, on the other hand, are preferred in applications where durability, filtration efficiency, and controlled release are required. In China’s large-scale water treatment plants, granular zeolites are employed in multi-layer filtration systems to remove heavy metals and suspended solids, offering long-term performance with minimal degradation. Granular forms are also used in gas purification and air drying systems, where their mechanical strength ensures consistent operation under pressure. In soil remediation and aquaculture, granular natural zeolites are applied directly to soil beds or water tanks to provide gradual nutrient release and maintain environmental balance. Their larger particle size makes them easier to handle and recover, reducing waste and operational costs. The ability to choose between powdered and granular forms allows Chinese industries to optimize zeolite use based on application-specific requirements, from rapid chemical interaction to robust, long-lasting filtration and support systems.



Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Zeolites Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Natural
• Synthetic

By Application
• Detergents
• Catalysts
• Adsorbents
• Agriculture
• Water Treatment
• Others (Animal feed additives, construction materials, and medical applications,)

By Form
• Powder
• Granules

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.