Asia Pacific M-sand Market

Asia Pacific M-sand Market Outlook 2031

• The market in the region was valued at US$ 20.6 Bn in 2022
• It is projected to advance at a CAGR of 13.6% from 2023 to 2031 and reach US$ 64.9 Bn by the end of 2031

Analyst Viewpoint

Rise in demand for materials that offer high performance, durability, and reliability in the construction industry is driving Asia Pacific M-sand industry. Rapid urbanization, stringent environmental regulations, and expansion of infrastructure projects are propelling demand for M-sand in the region. Environmental conservation by addressing river sand depletion through the usage of M-sand is another key factor fueling market expansion. Furthermore, government focus on sustainable alternatives, prompted by concerns over the depletion of natural sand, is expected to bolster Asia Pacific M-sand market size.

Adoption of advanced construction technologies offers lucrative opportunities to market players. Companies are focusing on manufacturing M-sand that has consistent quality, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly attributes in order to increase market share and revenue.

Asia Pacific M-sand Market Overview

The M-sand (manufactured sand) market is witnessing robust growth, driven by increase in urbanization, stringent environmental regulations, and expansive infrastructure development initiatives across the globe.

M-sand has emerged as a material of choice owing to increase in demand for construction materials, particularly in the thriving construction sectors in regions such as Asia Pacific.

Governments, responding to concerns about natural sand depletion, are emphasizing on sustainable alternatives. Adoption of M-sand is increasing owing to its consistent quality, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendliness.

As construction activities intensify on a global scale, the Asia Pacific M-sand industry is poised for robust expansion offering a viable and sustainable solution to meet the escalating demand for high-quality construction materials in the evolving landscape of the construction industry. These factors are likely to drive M-sand market demand in Asia Pacific during the forecast period.

Environmental Conservation by Addressing River Sand Depletion through Usage of M-sand

River sand has been traditionally used as a key ingredient in construction materials such as concrete and mortar. However, over the years, demand for construction materials has led to excessive and often unsustainable extraction of sand from riverbeds. This unregulated sand mining has led to the depletion of river sand resources in several regions.

Indiscriminate extraction of river sand has severe environmental consequences. It could disrupt river ecosystems, erode riverbanks, alter river courses, and cause habitat destruction for aquatic and terrestrial organisms.

These impacts have a cascading effect on the overall health of ecosystems and the services they provide. Unregulated sand mining involves significant energy consumption and contributes to carbon emissions due to transportation and machinery operation. Reducing these emissions aligns with climate change mitigation efforts.

The current scenario recognizes the need for sustainable construction practices that balance the demand for construction materials with the conservation of natural resources. M-sand offers an eco-friendly alternative to river sand without compromising the quality and integrity of construction projects.

To address the environmental challenges posed by river sand depletion, governments and regulatory bodies play a pivotal role in enforcing sustainable extraction practices, promoting the usage of M-sand, and implementing policies that prioritize environmental conservation.

Therefore, there is an emphasis on the importance of considering the long-term impact of current practices on the environment and future generations. Transitioning to M-sand and adopting responsible extraction methods could ensure the availability of construction materials for years to come while safeguarding the environment. This factor is likely to augment the M-sand market growth in Asia Pacific in the next few years.

Surge in Demand for Construction Materials Fueling Market Progress

Asia Pacific has witnessed significant urbanization and population growth in the past few years. As more people move to urban areas, there is a corresponding increase in demand for residential and commercial infrastructure, including housing, offices, and public facilities.

Several countries in Asia Pacific are investing significantly in infrastructure development to support economic growth. This includes construction of roads, bridges, airports, seaports, and other essential facilities. These large-scale projects require substantial amounts of construction materials.

The booming real estate sector, driven by the need for housing and commercial spaces, contributes significantly to the demand for construction materials. M-sand, being a key component in the production of concrete, is essential for the construction of buildings and other structures.

M-sand is often considered more cost-effective than natural sand, especially in regions where transportation costs for natural sand are high. This cost advantage contributes to market growth, as construction companies seek economical solutions.

Several major cities and urban centers in Asia Pacific are located in coastal areas. Due to population density and limited availability of land, there is often a need for vertical construction, leading to a higher demand for construction materials, including M-sand.

Industrialization is a key driver of economic growth in countries in Asia Pacific. As industries expand, there is a need for industrial infrastructure, manufacturing plants, and warehouses, which contributes to the demand for construction materials.

Plastering Segment Dominated the M-sand Market

In terms of application, the plastering segment accounted for the largest M-sand market share in Asia Pacific in 2022. Rise in trend of urbanization and population growth in the region has bolstered demand for residential and commercial infrastructure. This is ascribed to increase in need for housing, office spaces, and public facilities, presenting lucrative opportunities for businesses in the construction materials sector.

M-sand plays a crucial role in plastering applications due to its consistent particle size, controlled gradation, reduced impurities, optimal workability, compatibility with binders, crack resistance, availability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. These qualities contribute to the increase in adoption of M-sand in the construction industry for achieving high-quality and durable plastered surfaces.

Regional Outlook

As per M-sand market analysis, China dominated the industry in Asia Pacific in 2022. China and India are the manufacturing powerhouses in the region. Asia Pacific has witnessed significant demand for M-sand, which is a critical raw material used in various industries such as electronics, construction, automotive, and solar energy. The region's robust manufacturing sector drives the demand for M-sand.

Rapid industrialization and urbanization in regions such as China, India, and Southeast Asia have led to a surge in infrastructure development and construction activities. The real estate sector in China has experienced significant growth, with the construction of residential and commercial properties. Cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have witnessed a surge in high-rise buildings and modern urban developments.

India, too, has been experiencing urbanization, leading to increase in demand for housing and infrastructure. The government's flagship initiatives, such as "Smart Cities" and "Housing for All", aim to address the housing needs of the growing urban population.

Emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices has increased in India. Green building certifications and usage of environmentally-friendly materials are gaining traction. India is gradually adopting advanced construction technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and construction automation, in order to improve project efficiency and outcomes.

Analysis of Key Players

Asia Pacific M-sand market consists of large number of small to medium-sized manufacturers that compete with each other and large enterprises. Several businesses have invested significantly in research & development activities, leading to the successive early adoption of next-generation technologies and the creation of new products.

Product portfolio expansion and merger & acquisition are the key strategies adopted by prominent players in the region. MSAND POABS, Aruna M sand, Silicon M-Sand, and Robo Silicon Private Limited are the prominent players in the M-sand market in Asia Pacific.

Key Developments in Asia Pacific M-sand Industry

• In January, 2023, Coal India Ltd. (CIL) announced that it plans to process the overburdened rocks for sand production in mines where fragmented rock or overburden (OB) debris comprises around 60% sandstone by volume, which is harnessed by crushing and processing of overburden. The overlying soil and rocks are removed as waste during opencast mining in order to extract coal, and OB is piled in landfills.
• In May 2023, Hawaiian Cement re-crushed waste piles into manufactured sand with HRC8. The largest maker of concrete in Hawaii, Hawaiian Cement, encountered difficulties getting enough sand fractions from its current operations. But the company was able to produce manufactured sand out of unsaleable inventory through collaboration with Miller Machinery, a Metso distributor.

Each of these players has been profiled in the M-sand market report based on parameters such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, product portfolio, business segments, and recent developments.

Asia Pacific M-sand Market Snapshot