Hygroscopic Building Material

Global Hygroscopic Building Material Market to Reach US$1.2 Billion by 2030

The global market for Hygroscopic Building Material estimated at US$888.0 Million in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$1.2 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Inorganic Salts Type, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.5% CAGR and reach US$311.2 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Inorganic Minerals Type segment is estimated at 6.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$241.9 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 7.9% CAGR

The Hygroscopic Building Material market in the U.S. is estimated at US$241.9 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$234.7 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 7.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.6% and 5.0% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.3% CAGR.

Global Hygroscopic Building Material Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Makes Hygroscopic Building Materials a Key Player in Climate-Responsive Architecture?

Hygroscopic building materials—those capable of absorbing, storing, and releasing moisture from the surrounding environment—are gaining growing attention in sustainable architecture and building science. These materials, such as wood, clay plasters, gypsum, hempcrete, and certain natural fiber composites, play a significant role in regulating indoor humidity levels and enhancing thermal comfort without relying on mechanical systems. As buildings account for a substantial share of global energy use, especially for heating, cooling, and air quality control, hygroscopic materials offer a passive, energy-efficient alternative for climate-responsive design. Their ability to buffer moisture spikes helps reduce condensation risk, inhibit mold growth, and stabilize indoor air conditions, particularly in regions with fluctuating humidity. Architects and engineers are incorporating hygroscopic materials into walls, ceilings, and insulation layers to create breathable building envelopes that interact dynamically with the indoor environment. This capability supports the broader goals of bioclimatic architecture, well-being-focused design, and reduced reliance on HVAC systems. In an era increasingly defined by energy efficiency and occupant health, hygroscopic materials are being recognized not just for their physical properties but for their contribution to holistic building performance.

How Are Material Innovations and Testing Advancements Expanding Applications?

Advances in material science and testing methods are accelerating the development and adoption of high-performance hygroscopic building materials. Modern formulations combine traditional hygroscopic components with cutting-edge technologies to enhance durability, fire resistance, and compatibility with contemporary construction systems. For example, engineered wood products, bio-based insulation, and hybrid composites now incorporate moisture-buffering capacities without compromising structural integrity or design flexibility. Sophisticated modeling tools and hygrothermal simulation software, such as WUFI, are enabling more precise prediction of moisture behavior in multilayered assemblies, allowing designers to optimize building envelopes for specific climatic conditions. Additionally, laboratory testing and in-situ monitoring technologies are providing empirical data on the real-world performance of hygroscopic materials under dynamic temperature and humidity conditions. Researchers are also exploring nanomaterials and microencapsulation to develop “intelligent” moisture-regulating materials that respond to environmental cues. These innovations are making hygroscopic materials more viable for broader applications, from high-performance residential and commercial construction to heritage building restoration and off-grid housing. As a result, the integration of moisture-buffering strategies is moving from niche ecological projects into mainstream construction methodologies.

How Do Sustainability Goals and Health-Oriented Design Fuel Market Demand?

Global shifts toward sustainability, energy efficiency, and human-centric design are central to the growing appeal of hygroscopic building materials. Green building certification systems increasingly emphasize indoor environmental quality (IEQ), energy performance, and the use of low-impact, breathable, and natural materials. Hygroscopic materials, by helping maintain stable humidity levels, contribute to improved respiratory comfort, reduced VOC emissions, and minimized allergen proliferation—factors that support occupant well-being. As governments and municipalities introduce stricter energy codes and incentives for low-carbon buildings, the passive climate control properties of hygroscopic materials align well with regulations that promote thermal mass, natural ventilation, and lifecycle sustainability. In addition, the rise of biophilic design and wellness architecture is encouraging the use of materials that create healthier indoor climates through natural processes. Consumers, particularly in premium residential and eco-conscious markets, are increasingly favoring homes built with natural, non-toxic, and environmentally responsive materials. These converging sustainability and wellness trends are pushing developers, architects, and material suppliers to rethink conventional construction approaches and adopt hygroscopic strategies as part of holistic building performance optimization.

What’s Driving the Market Growth of Hygroscopic Building Materials Globally?

The growth in the hygroscopic building material market is driven by several factors related to environmental policy, changing consumer expectations, technological compatibility, and construction trends. First, the rise in global energy efficiency mandates and net-zero building targets is encouraging the use of passive design strategies, where hygroscopic materials offer clear benefits in regulating internal climates without mechanical intervention. Second, the construction industry`s increasing focus on occupant health and indoor air quality is fostering demand for moisture-buffering, breathable materials that contribute to long-term comfort and well-being. Third, the popularity of green building certifications is encouraging architects and developers to specify materials with proven hygrothermal performance and natural origins. Fourth, advances in product engineering are making it easier to integrate hygroscopic materials into modern construction systems, whether in modular prefabrication, renovation, or new builds. Fifth, the growing interest in regenerative and circular construction practices is bringing attention to materials that are not only low-impact but also responsive to their environmental context. Lastly, the resurgence of vernacular architecture and heritage preservation is reviving traditional hygroscopic materials like lime plaster and adobe, blending historical knowledge with contemporary performance standards. Together, these factors are accelerating the global adoption of hygroscopic building materials as vital elements in the design of resilient, healthy, and energy-smart structures.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Hygroscopic Building Material market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Type (Inorganic Salts Type, Inorganic Minerals Type, Natural Materials Type, Silica / Silicon Dioxide Type, Molecular Sieve Type, Other Types); Adsorption Process (Physical Adsorption Process, Chemical Adsorption Process); End-Use (Residential End-Use, Industrial End-Use, Commercial End-Use)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 44 Featured) -

• Absortech
• Arkema SA
• BASF SE
• CertainTeed (a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain)
• Clariant AG
• Dessica Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.
• EP Minerals LLC
• Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.
• Graver Technologies
• Haycarb PLC
• Hengye Inc.
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Jalon Chemicals
• Knauf Insulation
• Owens Corning
• Porocel Corporation (Evonik)
• Rockwool A/S
• Saint-Gobain Group
• Vicat Group
• W.R. Grace & Co.

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

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