Glass Ceramics Market

Market Overview

The global glass ceramics market size was valued at USD 1,460 million by 2022 and is projected to reach USD 2,674 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2023-2031).

Glass-ceramics are polycrystalline materials formed by crystallizing base glass under controlled conditions. The most important aspect of the global glass ceramics market is the increase in demand due to the expansion of the construction industry. This material is commonly used in the industrial and commercial sectors since it reduces noise and is less expensive than alternative solutions. In the next few years, one of the most significant challenges for the global glass ceramics industry will be the high energy costs used in production. The price of vital energy supplies such as crude oil impacts the production of these commodities.

The glass ceramics market share is predicted to grow as the construction industry expands and demand rises. Glass ceramics are less expensive than other materials. They are also utilized in the industrial and commercial sectors to help reduce noise. Glass ceramics are currently employed in the nosecones of high-end aircraft and missiles in the aerospace sector. They must survive extreme conditions such as atmospheric reentry, erosion, and rain. As a result of their exceptional abrasion resistance and great mechanical strength, they are used in the aerospace industry.

Market Dynamics

Glass Ceramics Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for the Construction Industry

Due to their durability, high strength, and aesthetic appeal, glass ceramics are extensively utilized in the construction industry for building facades, flooring, and interior walls. The expansion of the construction industry, especially in emerging economies, is anticipated to drive demand for glass ceramics in the future, resulting in a rise in glass ceramics market share. Glass-ceramics are utilized in the production of consumer electronics, such as smartphones and tablets, due to their high resistance to damage and high temperatures. Glass ceramics are anticipated to be in greater demand as the demand for consumer electronics continues to rise. Increasing demand from the healthcare sector for various medical applications, such as dental restorations, orthopedic implants, and bone substitutes, is a factor in the expansion of the glass ceramics market. In November 2021, India, the United States, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates established a new quadrilateral economic forum to concentrate on regional infrastructure development projects.

The value spent on construction in the United States in December 2021 was approximately USD 1,639.9 billion, an enormous quantity and a 9% increase over December 2020. It indicates the region's construction and building industries's upward trend. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, in the Union Budget of 2021, the Indian government allocated USD 32.02 billion to improve the transport infrastructure sector. The government increased the number of initiatives in the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) to 7,400. As of July 2021, the government has invested USD 1.4 trillion in infrastructure development through the NIP.

Glass Ceramics Market Restraints

Limited Design Flexibility

Glass ceramics are created through controlled crystallization, which entails crystallizing certain sections of the glass structure. While glass-ceramics have outstanding thermal and mechanical qualities, they may not be as design-friendly as other materials. This constraint may limit their use in businesses that need complicated geometries, intricate detailing, or unusual patterns. For example, architects in new skyscrapers frequently need innovative glass shapes and arrangements to achieve amazing aesthetics. Due to the restrictions of their crystalline structure, glass ceramics may not provide the same level of creative flexibility as more typical glass or other materials.

Glass Ceramics Market Opportunities

Advancement in Material Science and Manufacturing Process

As material science and production methods progress, there is the possibility of uncovering previously unexplored uses for glass ceramics. This can lead to the market expanding into other regions and sectors. Glass ceramics, for example, can be investigated as a substrate material for advanced microelectronics due to its thermal and electrical qualities in electronics. Furthermore, their optical transparency makes them excellent candidates for specialized optical components in industries such as telecommunications and aircraft.

Furthermore, the growing emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable materials may present an opportunity for glass ceramics. Glass ceramics' qualities, such as durability and endurance, might make them appealing alternatives to single-use plastics or less lasting materials as the market changes toward more ecologically friendly options.

Regional Analysis

The global glass ceramics market is analyzed in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is predicted to rise at a substantial CAGR of 7.1% throughout the forecast period. The rapid growth of the optical and optoelectronics, building and manufacturing industries, and aerospace manufacturing industries will likely drive revenue growth in Asia Pacific over the forecast period. In FY21, infrastructure developments in India accounted for 13% of total FDI inflows of around USD 81.72 billion. Furthermore, FDI for construction (infrastructure) amounted to roughly USD 25.95 billion between April 2020 and September 2021. This demonstrates that firms are investing significant cash in infrastructure development in densely populated nations like India, making Asia-Pacific the dominant region for this market. The huge construction industry in China has created a high demand for ceramic inks. The Chinese government expects capital expenditure on buildings to increase by more than 7% over the previous year. China is the largest market, and the building industry is expanding rapidly. Among the main construction projects is China's Beijing International Airport. The increasing use of glass ceramics in major developing countries such as India, China, and Indonesia is driving demand for glass ceramics in the Asia-Pacific region.

North America holds a sizeable global market share and is expected to boost at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period, owing to rising demand from the construction and manufacturing sectors, the development of nano-phase ceramics, rapid urbanization, and sturdy and affordable houses outfitted with glass ceramics. Furthermore, the increasing use of glass ceramics in various end-use industries such as power and energy, optical, medical, and electronics manufacturing, as well as the implementation of stringent regulations regarding certain other construction materials, are expected to boost the use of glass ceramics and drive revenue growth in the region. The North American home appliance business has been a big consumer of glass ceramics, particularly for cooktops and stovetops. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), the region's need for energy-efficient appliances is increasing, fueling the development of innovative materials such as glass ceramics. These materials not only improve appliance performance but also add to energy savings.

Europe is a key sector, owing to a mix of reasons such as technical breakthroughs, rising demand for high-performance materials, and increased awareness of sustainable alternatives. Dental restorations are one significant application of glass ceramics in Europe. Glass ceramic dental crowns and bridges are popular due to their aesthetic appeal and biocompatibility. Patients in Europe are increasingly looking for functional dental solutions that blend in with their natural teeth. Glass ceramics are a popular alternative for dental restorations due to their ability to resemble the appearance of natural teeth while preserving essential strength and longevity. According to a European Journal of Dentistry study, the demand for aesthetic dental procedures, like glass ceramic restorations, is increasing in Europe. According to the study, advances in glass-ceramic materials have enhanced strength, fracture resistance, and overall clinical performance. As a result, European dental practitioners are adopting glass ceramics into their practices to address the increasing demand for cosmetic dental treatments.

The Latin American region is experiencing fast urbanization and an expanding middle-class population, driving construction activity. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) predicts that Latin America's construction sector will expand in the next years, led by investments in housing, infrastructure, and commercial projects. This expansion will increase demand for innovative construction materials such as glass ceramics.

Segmental Analysis

The global glass ceramics market is segmented based on composition, application, and region.

For better understanding, the composition is further segmented into Lithium-aluminium-silicate (LAS), Zinc-aluminium-silicon oxides (ZAS), Magnesium-aluminium-silicon oxides (MAS), and Others.

Lithium-aluminium-silicate (LAS) is the major contributor to the market.

Lithium-aluminium-silicate (LAS)

Lithium-aluminium-silicate glass-ceramics have good mechanical and thermal qualities. They are well-known for their low coefficient of thermal expansion and strong resilience to thermal shock. LAS glass ceramics, such as cookware, cooktops, and dental restoration materials, are well-suited for applications involving fast temperature fluctuations because of these qualities.

Magnesium-aluminium-silicon oxides (MAS)

The thermal and chemical resilience of MAS glass ceramics is highly valued. They are frequently utilized in high-temperature conditions, making them ideal for cookware, engine components, and aerospace materials.

The segment can be bifurcated by application into Building and construction, electrical and electronics, healthcare, aerospace, optical, and others.

Building and construction led the market.

Building and Construction

Glass-ceramics are widely used in the building and construction industries. Architectural applications include countertops, flooring, wall panels, and decorative features. Glass ceramics are appropriate for kitchen and bathroom surfaces due to their resilience to heat, scratches, and stains, and their aesthetic appeal adds to the entire design.

Electrical and electronics

Glass ceramics are important in electrical and electronics, particularly insulating and protecting components. Insulating materials for semiconductors and even protective covers for sensitive electronic components because their electrical insulation capabilities can be used as substrates for electronic circuits.

Recent Developments

• July 2023: CoorsTek acquired Avon Protection Assets in Lexington, KY.

• July 2023: The new ViridianTM vials from Corning reduce waste and carbon emissions in the pharmaceutical supply chain.