Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth) Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Food Grade, Filter Grade), By Application (Filter Aids, Filler/Functional Additives, Absorbents, Gardening, Pest Control, Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth) Market Overview

Global diatomite (diatomaceous earth) market size, valued at USD 939.53 million in 2024, is expected to climb to USD 1103.14 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 1.8%.

The global diatomite (diatomaceous earth) market is witnessing consistent demand due to its unique properties and wide industrial applications. Diatomite, derived from fossilized diatoms, is characterized by high porosity, low density, and high surface area. It is widely used in industries such as filtration, absorbents, pest control, and agricultural applications. In 2024, global diatomite production was estimated at over 2.3 million metric tons, with the U.S., China, and Denmark accounting for more than 60% of the output.

The filter-grade diatomite dominates the market, accounting for nearly 65% of global demand due to its extensive usage in beverage, pharmaceutical, and water purification industries. The food-grade segment, primarily utilized in pest control and agriculture, accounts for around 20% of the market share. Increasing concerns about sustainable agricultural practices and food safety are significantly driving food-grade diatomite adoption, particularly in organic farming.

Key producers like Imerys and EP Minerals operate major mines and processing plants globally. Additionally, increasing exploration activities in China and Russia are expected to add approximately 150,000 metric tons of new supply annually. Stringent filtration regulations and expanding applications in cosmetics and biotechnology continue to bolster growth prospects across regions.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: Rising demand for eco-friendly and non-toxic pest control solutions.

Top Country/Region: United States leads with over 700,000 metric tons of annual production.

Top Segment: Filter-grade diatomite dominates with around 65% of global usage.

Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth) Market Trends

The diatomite market is exhibiting strong upward trends driven by sustainability, innovation, and expanding application fields. One of the most prominent trends is the growing adoption of diatomaceous earth as a bio-friendly pest control agent. With increasing awareness around the harmful effects of chemical pesticides, the demand for food-grade diatomite has surged. In 2023, the agriculture sector accounted for over 500,000 metric tons of diatomite consumption, with pest control being a major contributor.

Another trend is the expansion of diatomite in the health and personal care industries. Cosmetic applications using diatomaceous earth in exfoliants and oral care products have increased by 12% year-over-year. Diatomite’s micro-abrasive properties and chemical inertness make it ideal for skin-friendly formulations. In 2024, the cosmetics segment consumed more than 60,000 metric tons globally.

The use of diatomite as a filtration medium in the beverage industry continues to expand, particularly in emerging markets. Countries like Brazil, India, and South Africa collectively added over 30 new beverage production facilities between 2022 and 2024, each requiring over 800 metric tons of filter-grade diatomite annually. Water treatment and pharmaceutical filtration remain high-consumption sectors, accounting for 45% of total industrial-grade diatomite usage.

Environmental applications are also gaining traction. Diatomaceous earth is increasingly employed in oil spill remediation and heavy metal absorption due to its high porosity. In 2024, over 20,000 metric tons were used in environmental cleanup projects across North America and Europe. Additionally, diatomite-based insulation materials are being explored in energy-efficient buildings, which saw a 7% increase in usage volume year-over-year.

Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth) Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

The increasing demand for highly purified medicines and medical solutions is driving the use of diatomite in pharmaceutical filtration processes. Over 280,000 metric tons of filter-grade diatomaceous earth were used in pharmaceutical filtration in 2024 alone. Diatomite’s inert nature and superior absorption capabilities make it ideal for removing unwanted solids during drug manufacturing. Its expanding usage in vaccine purification and sterile filtration has made it indispensable, particularly in countries with high pharmaceutical production volumes such as the U.S., Germany, and India.

RESTRAINT

Demand for refurbished equipment.

Refurbished filtration systems often come equipped with alternative filter media like cellulose and activated carbon, reducing the need for new diatomite-based systems. In 2024, around 22% of industrial filtration installations used recycled systems, leading to decreased fresh demand for diatomite. Additionally, the availability of synthetic substitutes and government support for circular economy practices are further restraining the market. This trend is especially prominent in the European Union, where regulations push for recycling and cost-reduction strategies in industrial plants.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in organic farming and pest control.

The rise in organic farming, particularly in Asia and Latin America, has spurred a significant increase in the use of diatomaceous earth as a natural pest repellent and soil conditioner. In 2023, organic agriculture consumed more than 160,000 metric tons of food-grade diatomite globally. Nations like India and Mexico registered a 35% increase in organic-certified farmlands over the past five years. Government subsidies promoting chemical-free farming in these countries offer untapped market opportunities for diatomite producers to expand operations and launch targeted product lines.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and expenditures.

Mining and processing diatomite is energy-intensive, requiring drying at 1,000°C and complex filtration stages. Rising energy costs have significantly impacted production expenses. In 2024, energy costs accounted for over 35% of diatomite processing costs, compared to 28% in 2020. Moreover, regulatory costs for mining permits and environmental compliance continue to rise. These growing expenses are challenging profitability margins, particularly for small and mid-sized producers, making market entry and sustainability difficult in regions with stringent regulations.

Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth) Market Segmentation

The diatomite (diatomaceous earth) market is segmented by type and application, with filter-grade and food-grade being the primary types. Filter-grade dominates due to its widespread usage in filtration applications across pharmaceuticals, beverages, and water treatment. By application, filter aids, fillers, absorbents, pest control, and gardening represent the major categories. Filter aids contribute to the highest consumption, driven by beverage processing and industrial filtration. Pest control is the fastest-growing application segment, particularly in agriculture.

By Type

• Filter Grade: Filter-grade diatomite accounted for over 1.5 million metric tons of consumption in 2024. It is widely used in the filtration of beer, wine, juices, and water purification. Beverage filtration alone used over 600,000 metric tons in 2023. Pharmaceuticals and chemical industries added another 400,000 metric tons due to their need for high-purity liquids. The porous nature and thermal resistance of filter-grade diatomite make it ideal for heat-sensitive filtration processes.
• Food Grade: Food-grade diatomite consumption reached over 450,000 metric tons globally in 2024. Major applications include insecticides, animal feed additives, and grain storage. In pest control, diatomite is applied directly on crops, absorbing the lipid layer of insects. Its non-toxic properties make it ideal for indoor pest treatments and pet-safe formulations. Organic certifications in the U.S. and Europe have contributed to a 15% year-over-year increase in food-grade applications.

By Application

• Filter Aids: Over 1.2 million metric tons were used as filter aids in 2024. This segment spans beverage production, pharmaceutical purification, and water treatment. Wine and beer industries in North America and Europe alone consumed more than 400,000 metric tons.
• Filler/Functional Additives: Filler applications in paints, plastics, and construction materials used approximately 300,000 metric tons. The lightweight and insulating properties of diatomite improve product durability and thermal efficiency.
• Absorbents: In 2024, absorbents used 250,000 metric tons of diatomite, particularly for chemical spills and oil absorption. Its high porosity allows for 100% volume uptake in hazardous waste control.
• Gardening:Gardening applications utilized over 100,000 metric tons, especially in potting mixes and soil conditioning. Diatomite enhances aeration, water retention, and pH balance in plants.
• Pest Control: Agricultural and household pest control consumed around 150,000 metric tons. Its effectiveness against ants, bed bugs, and aphids supports rapid expansion in this segment.
• Others: Miscellaneous uses including cosmetics, dental care, and insulation added an additional 120,000 metric tons to global demand.

Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth) Market Regional Outlook

The global diatomite market showcases strong regional performance with distinct production and consumption patterns.

• North America

leads in both production and consumption, with over 720,000 metric tons mined in 2024, predominantly in Nevada and California. The region's advanced beverage, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries drive robust demand. The U.S. alone accounted for 30% of global filter-grade usage due to high beverage filtration needs.

• Europe

represents a mature yet innovation-driven market, producing around 430,000 metric tons, with Denmark and France being key producers. The region emphasizes food-grade diatomite for organic agriculture and pest control, particularly in Germany, which consumed over 60,000 metric tons in 2024. European environmental regulations further propel adoption in construction and waste management.

• Asia-Pacific

is the fastest-growing region, producing over 950,000 metric tons in 2024, with China contributing more than 800,000 metric tons. Rising population, expanding agriculture, and food security initiatives have boosted food-grade diatomite consumption in India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Industrial usage in electronics and paint manufacturing also fuels growth.

• Middle East & Africa

region saw rising usage, consuming over 160,000 metric tons in 2024, with South Africa and UAE emerging as key importers. Increasing water purification needs and farming innovation projects in arid zones are stimulating regional growth.

List of Top Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth) Market Companies

• Imerys
• EP Minerals
• Showa Chemical
• CECA Chemical (Arkema)
• Dicaperl
• Diatomite CJSC
• American Diatomite
• Diatomite Direct
• Jilin Yuan Tong Mineral
• Chanye
• Zhilan Diatom
• Sanxing Diatomite
• Shengzhou Xinglong Products of Diatomite
• Shengzhou Huali Diatomite Products
• Changbai Mountain filter aid
• Qingdao Best diatomite
• Kuraray (Calgon Carbon Corporation)

Top Two Companies with highest share

Imerys: leads the global diatomite market with an estimated 28% market share, operating mines across the U.S. and Europe and producing over 550,000 metric tons annually.

EP Minerals: follows with around 18% market share and produces more than 300,000 metric tons of diatomaceous earth each year across Nevada and Oregon facilities.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The diatomite (diatomaceous earth) market is drawing substantial investment, particularly in mining expansions, technology upgrades, and application diversification. Global mining companies have allocated over $450 million between 2021 and 2024 to enhance diatomite extraction and processing capabilities. Key mining expansion projects are underway in the U.S., China, and Chile. In 2024, China added 120,000 metric tons of new production capacity across three new mining zones in Jilin and Inner Mongolia provinces.

In North America, EP Minerals and Imerys invested $180 million into modernizing filtration-grade processing facilities, introducing automated milling and flash drying systems. These upgrades boosted processing efficiency by 15% and reduced energy consumption by 8%. Furthermore, energy-efficient kilns have become a new investment focal point, especially in high-volume operations.

Private equity and venture capital firms are increasingly funding companies producing food-grade and organic-certified diatomite products. Between 2022 and 2024, over $80 million was directed toward companies innovating diatomite-based pest control and soil enhancement products. One notable investment includes a $25 million funding round for a U.S.-based startup manufacturing pet-safe diatomite insecticides, which now sells over 2,000 metric tons annually.

In Europe, governments are funding research into diatomite-based construction materials. A $30 million EU sustainability grant was approved in 2023 to explore diatomite as a thermal insulation additive in low-carbon buildings. These materials are expected to reduce building energy usage by 10%, and projects are already underway in Germany and Sweden using diatomite-blended concrete.

Asia-Pacific countries are also tapping into investment opportunities for water filtration solutions using diatomaceous earth. India’s National Clean Water Mission allocated over ₹400 crore (~$48 million) to equip rural water plants with diatomite filters. Japan’s industrial sector is investing in nanotechnology to enhance diatomite’s filtration and chemical adsorption capabilities, opening new prospects in semiconductor production and biotech labs.

New Product Development

Innovations in diatomite (diatomaceous earth) products have surged between 2023 and 2024, particularly across pest control, filtration, cosmetics, and construction sectors. Manufacturers are focusing on refining particle size, enhancing absorption rates, and integrating diatomite into hybrid composite materials.

In 2024, Imerys launched a new ultra-fine diatomite filtration product tailored for high-purity pharmaceutical and biotech liquids. With a particle size of under 10 microns and filtration efficiency of 98.7%, this new product caters to stringent sterility standards in vaccine and enzyme production. The initial launch has already been adopted by three major pharmaceutical producers in Europe, accounting for over 25,000 metric tons in supply agreements.

EP Minerals introduced a pet-safe pest repellent line combining food-grade diatomite with natural essential oils. This dual-action formula provides improved insecticidal action while maintaining chemical-free integrity, appealing to households and veterinary clinics. The product sold over 500,000 units in North America in its first six months.

Diatomite-based concrete additives are gaining momentum in construction. Showa Chemical released a lightweight, fire-resistant diatomite-infused block material with 30% improved thermal resistance compared to standard products. It is currently used in modular buildings across Japan and has been exported to South Korea and Taiwan.

In the cosmetics industry, new product developments include diatomite-infused face masks, toothpaste, and exfoliating scrubs. Diatomite CJSC has introduced a diatomite toothpaste with fluoride-free whitening properties, capturing a 10% market share in Russia’s natural oral care segment within the first year. Global cosmetics brands have also begun sourcing micro-milled diatomite from Chinese and Turkish mines to use in facial scrubs, citing smoother texture and better oil absorption.

Five Recent Developments

• Imerys: expanded its California processing plant in 2023, increasing its output by 70,000 metric tons to meet growing demand in water filtration and pharmaceuticals.
• EP Minerals: introduced a new robotic bagging system in 2024 that improved packaging speed by 20% and reduced contamination in food-grade diatomite by 95%.
• Showa Chemical: developed a new flame-retardant diatomite composite for insulation boards in 2023, achieving sales of over 10,000 metric tons in Japan’s green construction sector.
• Diatomite CJSC: secured a contract with European organic farms in 2024 to supply 15,000 metric tons of high-purity food-grade diatomite for pest control.
• A new mine in Jilin Province,: China, became operational in late 2023, adding 80,000 metric tons of annual production capacity to support Asia-Pacific demand.

Report Coverage of Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth) Market

This report provides a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of the global diatomite (diatomaceous earth) market, spanning all significant aspects influencing its growth. It extensively covers both supply-side and demand-side metrics, including production volumes, consumption patterns, application diversification, and trade flows across leading regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.

The scope includes detailed segmentation by type—filter-grade and food-grade—and by application, including filtration, pest control, absorbents, fillers, gardening, and niche sectors such as cosmetics and environmental remediation. Each segment is analyzed with numerical consumption figures, showing industry-specific demand in metric tons, without referring to financial projections.

Geographic analysis highlights production hotspots like the United States, China, and Denmark, and offers a deep dive into emerging consumption markets like India, South Africa, and Brazil. The report includes over 20 regional-level usage statistics and emerging trends that influence market expansion or constraints in those regions.

Key market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities are quantitatively explored. For instance, the impact of rising organic farming is quantified through food-grade consumption increases, while energy cost escalation is tracked as a major challenge for processing plants.

This study evaluates technological developments and innovations in diatomite extraction, milling, and application engineering. It details R&D activities, product development initiatives, and the emergence of hybrid applications involving diatomite with carbon or clay composites.

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