Green Silica Market Size

Green Silica Market Size

The global green silica market was valued at around USD 282.8 million in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 7.7% between 2024 and 2032. Green Silica, derived from renewable and sustainable sources such as rice husk ash, wheat straw ash, and other agricultural waste, is experiencing significant growth due to rising environmental awareness and increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives in various industries.

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As companies and governments worldwide focus on reducing carbon footprints and promoting circular economies, green silica is gaining traction, particularly in sectors like tires and rubber, construction, personal care, and agriculture. The growing preference for bio-based, sustainable materials, combined with stricter regulations on carbon emissions and waste management, is driving investment in green silica production, positioning it as a key material in the transition towards more sustainable industrial practices. This growth is expected to accelerate, especially in regions with strong agricultural outputs and government incentives for green technologies. Thus, the green silica industry growth is expected to attain a market value of over USD 547.2 million by 2032.

Moreover, the shift toward green technologies is being further accelerated by advancements in processing techniques that make green silica more cost-competitive compared to traditional silica. Furthermore, the growing preference for bio-based, sustainable materials, combined with stricter regulations on carbon emissions and waste management, is driving investment in green silica production, positioning it as a key material in the transition towards more sustainable industrial practices. This growth is expected to accelerate, especially in regions with strong agricultural outputs and government incentives for green technologies.

Scientists have developed green silica nanoparticles from rice straw, proving effective in controlling Callosobruchus maculatus (cowpea weevil). This eco-friendly method offers a sustainable solution to pest management, reducing chemical pesticide reliance and promoting agricultural sustainability. Rice straw, a byproduct of rice harvesting, requires disposal by farmers through various methods, including burning, which poses environmental risks. To address this issue, the straw needs to be utilized and converted into valuable products. This study focuses on synthesizing and investigating nano-silica (SNPs) from rice straw as a potential safe alternative to chemical insecticides.

The research employed the Sol-Gel method to synthesize rice straw-derived SNPs and assessed their contact toxicity on Callosobruchus maculatus, a major cowpea seed pest. Transmission electron microscopy determined the size of synthesized SNPs to be approximately 4 nm. The estimated LC50 of SNPs on C. maculatus adults was 88.170 ppm after 48 hours of exposure. Increasing the tested concentration of SNPs treatment led to higher mortality rates, reaching 100% at 200 ppm exposures. Furthermore, SNPs at LC50 treatment reduced adult longevity and the average number of emerged adults. The study also confirmed that SNPs had no phytotoxic effects on cowpea seed germination; instead, their application improved seed germination efficacy. This research suggests that rice straw can be utilized to produce highly efficient SNPs, which can effectively protect stored grains from C. maculatus infestation.

The green silica market major pitfall of green silica production lies in its high production costs, as converting agricultural waste into silica requires specialized equipment and advanced technologies, making it more expensive than conventional silica. This limits profitability and adoption in certain markets. Additionally, limited awareness and availability present challenges, as the green silica industry is still emerging, with lower recognition among manufacturers and end-users compared to traditional silica. Furthermore, the availability of raw materials, such as rice husk ash, is often region-specific, hindering broader market penetration.