China’s Rice Husk Silica Market Set for Rapid Growth, with Production Capacity Expected to Reach 384,000 Tons by 2030 Driven by Green and Low-Carbon Technologies

Rice Husk Silica Product Overview

Rice Husk Silica (RHAS), also known as rice husk-derived silica or rice husk white carbon black, is a high-performance silica material produced from rice husk through processes such as gasification, combustion, or pyrolysis. During these processes, organic components in rice husk are removed, while the naturally occurring silicon element is concentrated in the ash. The resulting rice husk ash is further processed through acid treatment, purification, precipitation, and other refining technologies to produce high-purity silica products. Rice husk naturally contains a significant amount of silica, and after appropriate treatment, the silica content in rice husk ash can reach a high level. Through advanced purification processes, products with silica purity levels of 97%, 99.7%, and even above 99.9% can be obtained, meeting the requirements of different high-value applications.

Compared with conventional precipitated silica production routes based on quartz sand and sodium silicate, Rice Husk Silica offers significant advantages in terms of environmental sustainability and resource recycling. The silica in rice husk ash mainly exists in an amorphous structure, providing high specific surface area, excellent dispersibility, strong adsorption capacity, and good chemical stability. Through process optimization, key properties such as particle size, purity, and surface characteristics can be precisely controlled. This material not only reduces the environmental burden associated with agricultural waste disposal but also decreases dependence on conventional mineral-based silica resources, aligning with the development trends of low-carbon manufacturing and the circular economy.

Rice Husk Silica is mainly used as a reinforcing filler in rubber products, green tires, silicone rubber, coatings, adhesives, plastic modification, and toothpaste abrasives. In particular, high-purity rice husk silica, characterized by low impurity levels and excellent purity, has potential applications in advanced fields such as electronic materials, functional ceramics, silicon-based materials, and new energy battery materials. With the growing demand for sustainable materials and the continuous advancement of rice husk gasification cogeneration and silica purification technologies, Rice Husk Silica is emerging as a promising alternative production route within the global silica industry.

Source: Expert Interviews and DIResearch, 2026

Rice Husk Silica Market Drives and Opportunities

(1) Replacing Fossil Energy and Mineral Resources with Renewable Biomass to Support Sustainable Development and Carbon Neutrality Goals

The existing silica (precipitated silica/white carbon black) production process mainly relies on natural gas as a heat source and uses quartz sand and soda ash as raw materials to produce sodium silicate through high-temperature reactions, followed by silica production. Natural gas is a non-renewable fossil energy source, and domestic natural gas prices have experienced long-term fluctuations with an upward trend. Quartz sand, as a non-metallic mineral resource, faces increasing pressure from limited reserves, stricter mining rights regulations, and continuously rising resource taxes due to long-term exploitation.

China’s rice processing industry generates approximately 42 million tons of rice husk resources annually. Rice husk contains 18%–22% silica (SiO₂), and after combustion, rice husk ash can achieve a SiO₂ content of 90%–95.5%, making it a naturally renewable silicon-based raw material. Rice husk gasification and co-generation projects innovatively utilize rice husk biomass combustion to replace natural gas for heat supply, while using rice husk ash, a combustion by-product, as an alternative silicon source to replace quartz sand.

From a resource recycling perspective, rice husk is an agricultural by-product and a renewable biomass resource. During plant growth, carbon is captured through photosynthesis, and CO₂ released during biomass combustion follows a biological carbon cycle pathway. Compared with conventional production routes, rice husk-based silica achieves a dual substitution strategy: replacing non-renewable mineral resources with renewable raw materials and replacing fossil energy with biomass energy.

This approach aligns with China’s policies including the Implementation Plan for Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Comprehensive Utilization of Industrial Solid Waste and carbon peak strategies for the petrochemical and chemical industries. It supports circular economy development and sustainable manufacturing while reducing dependence on mineral resources and natural gas procurement, thereby mitigating long-term raw material price volatility risks.

(2) Rice Husk Ash-Based Silica Significantly Reduces Emissions While Solving Rice Husk Waste Disposal Challenges, Delivering Dual Environmental Benefits

The conventional quartz sand-based silica production chain faces two major environmental burdens:

① High energy consumption and environmental impacts from quartz-based production

The high-temperature melting process of quartz sand consumes large amounts of natural gas, resulting in continuous emissions of SO₂, NOₓ, and greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion. In addition, quartz mining generates significant quantities of mining waste and mineral washing wastewater, creating challenges related to soil erosion, water pollution, and high environmental management costs.

② Lack of high-value utilization channels for rice husk waste

A large amount of rice husk generated by rice processing enterprises currently lacks efficient utilization pathways and is commonly disposed of through open-air storage or simple combustion. Due to its low bulk density of only 0.2–0.3 t/m³, rice husk storage occupies large areas of land. Open burning releases pollutants such as PM₂.₅ and VOCs and has been classified as a key pollution source under environmental control programs in many regions, exposing rice mills to increasing environmental compliance pressures.

From an emissions perspective, rice husk is a low-sulfur biomass resource, with sulfur content significantly lower than coal and fossil fuel-based energy sources. Industry measurements indicate that SO₂ emissions from rice husk combustion processes can be reduced by more than 90% compared with fossil fuel-based routes.

According to life cycle assessment (LCA) studies conducted by Tsinghua University, the carbon footprint of conventional precipitated silica production is approximately 2.3 tons CO₂e per ton of product, while rice husk-based silica reduces the carbon footprint to approximately 0.85 tons CO₂e per ton, representing a carbon reduction of around 65%.

(3) Green Rice Husk-Based Silica Aligns with Global ESG Procurement Trends, Enhancing International Market Premium and Competitiveness

Leading global tire, rubber, and chemical multinational companies are increasingly implementing ESG-based supply chain evaluation systems. Regulations such as the European Union Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), together with green supply chain certification requirements from global tire manufacturers, are accelerating the transition toward lower-carbon raw materials.

The evaluation criteria of international customers are gradually shifting from purely cost-based purchasing decisions toward sustainability indicators, including carbon footprint, waste resource utilization, and environmental compliance. Low-carbon and bio-based materials are increasingly receiving priority procurement status.

Market practices have demonstrated that silica produced from rice husk ash-derived sodium silicate can achieve higher commercial value due to its bio-based and low-carbon characteristics. After obtaining recognition within international green tire supply chains, such products have achieved a 10%–25% price premium compared with conventional quartz sand-based precipitated silica, while the proportion of customized overseas orders continues to increase.

Currently, the mainstream domestic ex-works price of conventional precipitated silica is approximately RMB 5,500–7,000 per ton. In contrast, premium rice husk-derived silica products that meet ESG requirements can achieve market prices of approximately RMB 10,800–12,200 per ton, providing significantly higher profitability potential.

(4) Addressing Multiple Operational Challenges of Conventional Production Routes and Mitigating Upstream Cost Inflation Risks

Traditional quartz sand-based silica production faces long-term structural cost pressures. The production process requires two major mineral and chemical raw materials—quartz sand and soda ash—while also consuming substantial quantities of natural gas. The combined impact of raw material costs, energy consumption, and environmental compliance requirements has continued to increase production expenses.

In recent years, stricter mineral resource regulations, cyclical increases in natural gas prices, energy consumption controls, and rising environmental protection investment have placed continuous pressure on the profitability of conventional silica producers.

By comparison, rice husk is an agricultural and forestry by-product with relatively stable procurement costs, typically ranging from RMB 480–500 per ton. Rice husk gasification projects can utilize self-generated biomass energy for internal heat supply, significantly reducing external natural gas consumption. Although purification processes require chemical reagents, comprehensive cost assessments indicate that the total production cost per ton can be reduced by approximately 8%–12% compared with traditional production routes, based on publicly disclosed data from industrialized projects such as Quechen Silicon Chemical.

Furthermore, as carbon markets continue to expand, low-carbon production technologies may generate additional carbon asset value, further widening the cost advantage compared with conventional silica production methods.

(5) Capturing Domestic Substitution Opportunities in High-End Silica and Filling Supply Gaps in Lithium Battery and Electronic Silicon Materials

China’s silica market demonstrates significant structural differentiation. General industrial-grade precipitated silica faces overcapacity and intense competition, while high-purity silica required for lithium battery separator coatings, electronic packaging, advanced coatings, and pharmaceutical carriers remains in short supply. High-end fumed silica products continue to rely heavily on imports.

In 2025, China’s dependence on imported high-end electronic-grade fumed silica was approximately 68%. Imported hydrophilic fumed silica typically sells at RMB 28,000–38,000 per ton, while premium hydrophobic grades can reach RMB 85,000–120,000 per ton, resulting in substantial procurement costs for downstream users.

Mature rice husk ash purification technologies can achieve stable production of nano-silica with SiO₂ purity ≥99.5% and low heavy-metal impurity levels. Through further process optimization and quality control, rice husk-derived silica has the potential to enter higher-value application markets, including lithium battery materials, electronic chemicals, advanced coatings, and specialty chemicals, supporting domestic substitution and upgrading of China’s high-end silica supply chain.

China Rice Husk Silica Market Capacity and Growth Analysis

According to DIResearch’s comprehensive research and analysis, the production capacity of China’s Rice Husk Silica market reached approximately 90,000 tons in 2025 and is projected to increase to 384,000 tons by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.72% during 2026–2030.

In 2026, the major Rice Husk Silica producers in China include Fenghai (Panjin) Rice Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Yihai Kerry), Fenghai (Lianyungang) Rice Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Yihai Kerry), Anhui Axi Green Technology Co., Ltd. (Quechen Silicon Chemical), Anhui Evosil Nanomaterials Technology Co., Ltd, Wuxi Hengheng Silica Co., Ltd, Heilongjiang Chunhua Qiushi Agricultural Technology Development Co., Ltd, and Daoke (Jiangsu) High-tech New Materials Co., Ltd.

Meanwhile, companies including Zhejiang Xinna Materials Technology Co., Ltd., Qixiang New Materials (Shandong) Co., Ltd., and Shandong Link Science and Technology Co., Ltd. are accelerating their market entry and expanding their presence in the Rice Husk Silica industry, driven by increasing demand for low-carbon, bio-based silica materials and the growing trend toward sustainable raw material substitution.

Source: Expert Interviews and DIResearch, 2026

Rice Husk Ash Silica Market Dynamic

1. Quechen Silicon Chemical’s 100,000 Tons/Year Biomass (Rice Husk)-Based Silica Comprehensive Utilization Project (Phase I: 50,000 Tons/Year)

To further advance its green development strategy, Quechen Silicon Chemical Co., Ltd. issued the Announcement on External Investment (Announcement No. 2025-035) on July 19, 2025, announcing plans to invest in the construction of a 100,000 tons/year biomass (rice husk)-based silica comprehensive utilization project (Phase I: 50,000 tons/year) in the Coastal Industrial Park of Jiangsu Binhai Economic Development Zone.

Project Name: 100,000 Tons/Year Biomass (Rice Husk)-Based Silica Comprehensive Utilization Project (Phase I: 50,000 Tons/Year)

Investment Entity: Quechen Silicon Chemical Co., Ltd.

Project Operating Entity: Quechen Green Technology (Yancheng) Co., Ltd.
(Established on September 9, 2025)

Total Investment Amount: The total planned investment is approximately RMB 700 million.

Project Scope and Construction Content: The project will construct production facilities with an annual capacity of 100,000 tons of biomass (rice husk)-based silica, with Phase I designed for an annual capacity of 50,000 tons. The project will focus on the research and development, production, and sales of biomass (rice husk)-derived silica products, utilizing rice husk as a renewable silicon source to develop low-carbon and sustainable silica materials.

Construction Period: The project construction period is expected to be approximately 24 months, calculated from the issuance of the construction permit until completion and commencement of commercial production.

2. Anhui Evosil Nanomaterials Technology Co., Ltd’s 100,000 Tons/Year Bio-Based Nano Silica Project with By-Products of 100,000 Tons/Year Nano Calcium Carbonate and 65,000 Tons/Year Active Silica

Project Name: 100,000 Tons/Year Bio-Based Nano Silica Project with By-Products of 100,000 Tons/Year Nano Calcium Carbonate and 65,000 Tons/Year Active Silica

Project Location: Yangkou Chemical Industrial Park (East Zone), Rudong County, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China

Project Developer: Jiangsu Evosil Green Technology Co., Ltd.

Project Overview: The project is planned to be constructed in two phases. Phase I will include the construction of one production line and related supporting facilities, while Phase II will add two additional production lines and associated auxiliary facilities.

The project will utilize rice husk, rice husk ash, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) as primary raw materials, with sodium silicate (water glass) used as a supplementary raw material when required. Upon completion, the project will achieve an annual production capacity of:

• 100,000 tons of bio-based nano silica
• 100,000 tons of nano calcium carbonate as a by-product
• 65,000 tons of active silica as a by-product

The project adopts renewable biomass resources, particularly rice husk and rice husk ash, as silicon sources to develop bio-based nano silica products, supporting the development of low-carbon and sustainable silica manufacturing technologies.

Total Investment: Approximately RMB 800 million

Expected Completion Date: 2027

3. Solvay Opens Europe’s First Bio-Circular Silica Plant in Italy

January 28, 2026 — Solvay officially inaugurated its new bio-circular silica production facility at its plant in Livorno, Italy, marking an important milestone in the European industrial transition toward more sustainable manufacturing. The investment strengthens Solvay’s role as an active contributor to the objectives of the European Green Deal and the forthcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), while further reinforcing Italy’s position as a hub for green industrial innovation.

The new facility uses bio-based sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash, an agricultural by-product, to produce high-dispersibility silica (HDS). Compared with conventional production methods, the innovative process is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 35% per ton of silica while establishing a local circular value chain that creates benefits across the agricultural, industrial, and local community sectors.

The inauguration forms part of Solvay’s broader global circular silica strategy, which aims to transition other silica production sites worldwide toward the use of ISCC PLUS-certified feedstocks by 2026. The Livorno facility is the first Solvay plant to use rice husk ash as its circular raw material, while other production sites are expected to utilize different locally available industrial waste streams.

Through Solvay’s circular silica technology, tire manufacturers can currently incorporate up to 15% recycled or renewable materials into their tire formulations, helping them progress toward their longer-term target of achieving 40% recycled or renewable content by 2030.

4. Evonik Industries Continues to Advance Green Silica Development Through Its ULTRASIL® Product Portfolio

Evonik Industries is one of the world’s leading producers of precipitated silica. In recent years, the company has been actively promoting the commercialization of rice husk ash (RHA) as a sustainable silicon source for silica production, supporting the transition toward circular and low-carbon materials.

In 2022, Evonik announced cooperation with partners including Phichit Bio Power in Thailand to develop rice husk ash-based silica projects. The initiative utilizes high-purity rice husk ash generated from rice husk-fired power generation to extract silica, which is subsequently applied in the production of sustainable tire materials. This project established a circular value chain connecting agricultural waste streams with high-performance industrial materials.

During 2023–2024, Evonik accelerated the commercialization of its sustainable ULTRASIL® eCO series of precipitated silica products. The series utilizes circular silicon resources, including rice husk ash-derived silica, as raw materials and primarily targets applications in low rolling resistance tires, rubber products, and electric vehicle (EV) tire markets. These products enable customers to reduce the carbon footprint of their final products while maintaining high-performance material properties.

In 2025, Evonik implemented a strategic business restructuring by integrating its Silica and Silanes businesses into the new Smart Effects business line, further strengthening the synergy between silica products and silane coupling agents. The company is focusing on key growth areas including green tires, sustainable materials, and high-performance industrial applications.

For details, please refer to the report "Global Rice Husk Silica Competitive Landscape Professional Research Report 2026"

Global Key Manufacturers of Rice Husk Silica Include:

Yihai Kerry (Fenghai Panjin, Fenghai Lianyungang)

Evonik

Solvay

Wadham Energy

Agrilectric Power

Oryzasil

Quechen Silicon Chemical Co., Ltd

Anhui Evosil Nanomaterials Technology Co., Ltd

BSB Nanotechnology

Green Silica Group

Brisil

Heilongjiang Chunhua Qiushi Agricultural Technology Development Co., Ltd

Wuxi Hengheng Silica Co., Ltd

Novosilgreen

EKASIL Technology

Zhejiang Xinna Material Science and Technology Co., Ltd

Daoke (Jiangsu) High-tech New Materials Co., Ltd

Rice Husk Silica Product Segment Include:

Highly Dispersible Silica

Easy Dispersible Silica

Rice Husk Silica Product Application Include:

Tires

Industrial Rubber

Paints and Coatings

Animal Feed Ingredients

Personal Care

Others

Chapter Scope

Chapter 1: Product Research Range, Product Types and Applications, Market Overview, Market Situation and Trends

Chapter 2: Global Rice Husk Silica Capacity and Production Analysis

Chapter 3: Global Rice Husk Silica Industry PESTEL Analysis

Chapter 4: Global Rice Husk Silica Industry Porter's Five Forces Analysis

Chapter 5: Global Rice Husk Silica Major Regional Market Size (Revenue, Sales, Price) and Forecast Analysis

Chapter 6: Global Rice Husk Silica Market Size and Forecast by Type and Application Analysis

Chapter 7: North America Rice Husk Silica Competitive Analysis (Market Size, Key Players and Market Share, Product Type and Application Segment Analysis, Countries Analysis)

Chapter 8: Europe Rice Husk Silica Competitive Analysis (Market Size, Key Players and Market Share, Product Type and Application Segment Analysis, Countries Analysis)

Chapter 9: China Rice Husk Silica Competitive Analysis (Market Size, Key Players and Market Share, Product Type and Application Segment Analysis, Countries Analysis)

Chapter 10: APAC (Excl. China) Rice Husk Silica Competitive Analysis (Market Size, Key Players and Market Share, Product Type and Application Segment Analysis, Countries Analysis)

Chapter 11: Latin America Rice Husk Silica Competitive Analysis (Market Size, Key Players and Market Share, Product Type and Application Segment Analysis, Countries Analysis)

Chapter 12: Middle East and Africa Rice Husk Silica Competitive Analysis (Market Size, Key Players and Market Share, Product Type and Application Segment Analysis, Countries Analysis)

Chapter 13: Global Rice Husk Silica Competitive Analysis of Key Manufacturers (Sales, Revenue, Market Share, Price, Regional Distribution and Industry Concentration)

Chapter 14: Key Company Profiles (Product Portfolio, Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin)

Chapter 15: Industrial Chain Analysis, Include Raw Material Suppliers, Distributors and Customers

Chapter 16: Research Findings and Conclusion

Chapter 17: Methodology and Data Sources