Kaolin - will be available from Q3/2026
Kaolin – High-Purity Clay Mineral Premium Aluminosilicate Raw Material for Advanced Industrial Applications
Kaolin, also known as china clay or kaolinite (chemical formula Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄), is a soft, white, fine-grained clay mineral formed by the hydrothermal alteration or weathering of feldspar-rich rocks. It stands out for its exceptional purity (high Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ content, low impurities like iron, titanium, or alkalis), very fine particle size (often <2 µm for premium grades), high brightness/whiteness (typically 85–95% GE brightness), chemical inertness, low abrasiveness, non-swelling nature, high refractoriness (fusion temperature >1700°C), and excellent rheological properties in slurries.
These attributes make kaolin a preferred functional filler, extender, pigment, and performance additive—often more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than synthetic alternatives like TiO₂ in many uses. For businesses, high-purity kaolin delivers measurable gains in product quality, process efficiency, cost optimization, and sustainability compliance.
We supply premium kaolin in tailored forms—dry powder, slurries, calcined grades (meta-kaolin for enhanced performance), air-floated or water-washed—to match exact specifications in particle size distribution, brightness, viscosity, and purity. Reliable European logistics and scalable volumes provide planning security for your production needs.
Key Business Applications and Value Drivers
1. Paper and Board Manufacturing Kaolin is the dominant mineral filler and coating pigment in the paper industry (often 30–40% of total consumption).
- As a filler, it increases opacity, brightness, smoothness, and bulk while reducing fiber content and production costs.
- As a coating, it delivers superior gloss, printability, ink holdout, color vibrancy, and reduced dusting on high-quality magazine, packaging, label, and fine writing papers. Business advantages: Enhanced end-product performance for premium printing/packaging markets, lower raw material costs (partial fiber replacement), improved machine runnability, energy savings in drying, and support for lightweight, high-value paper grades amid rising eco-demands.
2. Ceramics and Refractories Kaolin is the cornerstone raw material for whiteware, porcelain, sanitaryware, tiles, tableware, and technical ceramics.
- Provides plasticity for forming, high green strength, controlled shrinkage, and excellent vitrification during firing.
- Ensures brilliant whiteness, low iron tinting, and high thermal stability in bodies, glazes, and refractories. Business advantages: Superior surface finish and durability in final products, reduced defects/scrap, consistent quality for high-end porcelain/china, and reliable performance in sanitaryware/tiles for construction booms—enabling premium pricing and regulatory compliance.
3. Paints, Coatings, and Inks Kaolin acts as an economical extender, pigment substitute (partial TiO₂ replacement), and functional additive.
- Improves suspension stability, rheology, opacity, hiding power, scrub resistance, and corrosion protection.
- Enhances flat/matte finishes, reduces cracking, and boosts weatherability in architectural, industrial, and automotive coatings. Business advantages: Significant cost savings vs. synthetic pigments, lower VOC/emission profiles for greener formulations, better film properties, and easier regulatory approval—ideal for sustainable paint lines targeting eco-conscious markets.
4. Rubber, Plastics, and Polymers As a reinforcing filler and extender in elastomers, compounds, cables, and composites.
- Boosts mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and dimensional stability.
- Provides electrical insulation in cable jacketing and HFFR compounds. Business advantages: Improved product durability and performance at lower filler costs, reduced material consumption, and support for lightweight/high-performance automotive or industrial parts.
Additional High-Value Uses
- Fiberglass: Strength, flexibility, and heat resistance for construction, automotive, and advanced composites.
- Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Gentle absorbent, opacifier, and carrier in skincare, makeup, and oral care products.
- Other: Adhesives (penetration control), agriculture (soil amendments), and specialty applications like calcined kaolin for metakaolin in high-performance concrete.
By partnering for high-purity kaolin customized to your grade (e.g., brightness, PSD, calcination level), businesses unlock optimized formulations, reduced total costs, higher product margins, and alignment with sustainability goals like reduced TiO₂ dependency or circular economy practices.
Contact us to review your specific requirements—we deliver consistent, high-quality kaolin with secure supply chains tailored for European industrial success.