Oct. 21, 2025 - The global calcium aluminate cement (CAC) market is entering a period of steady expansion, supported by rising demand from the steel, construction, and environmental sectors. According to a market research, the CAC market was valued at approximately US$4.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%, reaching nearly US$7.5 billion by 2033.

Refractory applications remain the dominant driver, accounting for around 46% of global CAC consumption. This growth is largely linked to the accelerating transition of the global steel industry toward electric arc furnace (EAF) technology, which produces up to 70% fewer CO₂ emissions than traditional blast furnaces. As EAF operations require high-performance refractory linings capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 1,700°C and corrosive slag environments, CAC-based castables and monolithic refractories have become indispensable.

In India, EAF capacity expanded by 18% during 2023–2024, while demand for CAC-based refractory castables surged 22%, underscoring the material’s growing importance in the decarbonising steel supply chain. Other major steel-producing regions, including China, Europe, and the Middle East, are also ramping up investment in low-carbon production technologies, further boosting CAC demand.

Beyond refractories, infrastructure and environmental engineering are emerging as strong growth segments. CAC is increasingly specified in wastewater treatment and sewer infrastructure due to its superior sulfate and acid resistance. In the United States, several states—such as Ohio—now mandate the use of CAC-modified concrete for new sewer network installations, citing its extended service life and lower maintenance requirements. Meanwhile, the use of 3D-printed CAC components is expanding rapidly in nuclear waste containment systems, where its durability and radiation resistance are critical. Industry analysts expect this niche segment to record double-digit growth by the end of the decade.

Sustainability is also reshaping the CAC industry itself. Manufacturers are investing heavily in low-carbon production technologies and circular-economy solutions. For instance, Calucem AG’s Pazardzhik plant in Bulgaria has achieved a 34% reduction in CO₂ emissions by replacing natural bauxite with recycled aluminium dross. Similarly, Kerneos has committed US$12 million to a carbon capture facility at its French site, expected to capture 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually starting next year. Meanwhile, Almatis’ EcoCaltrix initiative incorporates lignin derived from agricultural waste to substitute 20% of clinker, reducing total carbon emissions by 25%.

Powdered CAC remains the dominant form, representing nearly 73% of the global market, due to its versatility in both castables and structural cement applications. With ongoing innovation in performance additives, digital production monitoring, and waste-derived raw materials, CAC is steadily evolving from a specialty product into a mainstream material for sustainable industrial and civil infrastructure.

Analysts expect that, as global industries pursue net-zero goals, CAC’s role will expand even further—bridging the gap between high-performance refractories and eco-efficient construction materials in the decade ahead.