Recycled Lead Market Growth & Trends

The global recycled lead market size is anticipated to reach USD 18.81 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 2.4%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The increasing production of battery owing to growing demand from the electric vehicles is anticipated to augment market growth. For instance, the plug-in vehicle deliveries reached 2.26 million units in 2019, an increase of 9% from 2018.

The phenomenal property of lead of being recycled several times is a key driver for the market growth. It is difficult to find any quality difference between its primary and secondary form. The recycled lead production undergoes several stages including collection and transportation of scrap, sorting, melting and smelting, refining, and alloying.

Although the demand for lithium-ion batteries is gaining prominence over lead-acid batteries, but green recycling is the need of the hour. Batteries are the key raw material for secondary lead production and most of it is recycled. On the other hand, recycling of lithium-ion batteries is yet to be completely operational at large scale.

Battery was the largest application segment of the market in 2019. Apart from batteries, recycled lead finds application in rolls and extruded products, pigments and other compounds, and even ammunitions. It is used in making sheets, wires, and various other extrusions owing to its softness. It is extensively used in pigments, which are used in paints and ceramic glazes. Certain compounds have been prohibited for use in countries like U.S. owing to rising health concerns.

Asia Pacific was the largest market for recycled lead in 2019 and is expected to continue leading over the forecast period. China being the largest producer and consumer of the product held a major share in the market. Developments in the automotive and battery sector of South East Asian countries and others like India and Japan are propelling the regional demand.

Lead-acid battery already has a hold in the market and is comparatively cheaper than lithium-ion. With growth in R&D, there is huge potential for the former in countries like India with the advent of solar and e-rickshaw segments. Since, the demand for fuel is expected to be impacted with growth in the electric vehicles industry, major players of the oil and gas industry are expanding themselves in the battery segment in order to be least affected with the electric mobility revolution.

For instance, Indian Oil Corporation is putting efforts in researching new energy storage technology and improvising existing battery technology like lead-acid on account of growing future for electric mobility. The company has developed a material, which when used in lead-acid battery can increase its life by 30% and reduce charging time by 40%.

The competitive scenario of the global market is high due to presence of major players in the industry such as The Doe Run Company, Yuguang Gold & Lead Co., Lt, SAR Recycle, Eco-bat Technologies Ltd., and Gravita India Ltd. Capacity expansion is one of the key initiatives followed by the market players in order to cater to the growing demand. For example, in July 2019, Guangdong Hongxing announced about expanding its secondary lead capacity. On completion, the mill’s treatment capacity will reach 50,000 tons per year.

Recycled Lead Market Report Highlights

  • Asia Pacific anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% across the forecast period, in terms of revenue owing to increasing battery production in countries like India and Thailand
  • China is the major consumer of the market owing to the presence of largest battery hub in the country. With its large battery production capacity the country held a share of over 70% of the Asia Pacific market in 2019.
  • Battery to emerge as the fastest growing application segment with a CAGR of 2.4%, in terms of revenue, on account of rising demand from electric vehicles segment
  • The demand for lead is anticipated to rise in extrusions owing to growing demand from building & construction and semiconductor industry. Rolls & extruded products segment is expected to register a CAGR of 2.3% over the forecast period.
  • The market is facing restrictions under the Covid-19 pandemic, which is limiting both transport supply and production. However, the market is expected to overcome this situation by the end of 2020 with increasing government emphasis towards stabilizing the manufacturing sector.