Top 10 Companies in the Palygorskite Clay Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving Specialty Minerals Growth

In Business Insights
December 18, 2025


The Global Palygorskite Clay Market was valued at USD 421.5 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 588.3 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.7% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by its expanding application in oil and gas drilling fluids, increasing demand for eco-friendly absorbents, and its vital role in agricultural and pharmaceutical formulations.

As industries worldwide prioritize sustainable and high-performance materials, palygorskite clay, also known as attapulgite, has emerged as a versatile solution. This blog profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Palygorskite Clay Industry—a diverse group of mineral processors and specialty chemical producers shaping the supply and innovation landscape for this unique clay.


🔟 1. Active Minerals International, LLC

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: Acti-Gel®, Minex® Functional Additives

Active Minerals International is a global leader in the production of gel-grade palygorskite clay. Their flagship products, Acti-Gel and Minex, are renowned for their superior gelling, suspension, and reinforcement properties, serving markets from paints and coatings to drilling muds and sealants.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Patented air-classification technology for product purity
  • Development of low-VOC and sustainable product lines
  • Strategic focus on high-value industrial applications

Download FREE Sample Report: Palygorskite Clay Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. BASF SE (Engelhard)

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Attagel® rheological additives

Through its acquired Engelhard business, BASF is a major supplier of attapulgite-based additives. The Attagel product line is a cornerstone for controlling viscosity and suspension in a wide array of industrial, architectural, and specialty chemical applications on a global scale.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integration of attapulgite into advanced material science R&D
  • Focus on developing sustainable solutions for coatings and construction
  • Global supply chain optimization for consistent quality

8️⃣ 3. Oil-Dri Corporation of America

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Pure-Flo®, Select® sorbents

Oil-Dri is a prominent manufacturer of sorbent minerals, with palygorskite clay being a key component of its product portfolio. The company leverages the clay’s high absorbency for applications in industrial spill cleanup, animal feed additives, and agricultural carriers.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expansion of environmentally responsible sorbent products
  • Research into new agricultural applications for nutrient delivery
  • Commitment to sustainable mining and manufacturing practices

7️⃣ 4. Geohellas S.A.

Headquarters: Athens, Greece
Key Offering: High-purity palygorskite for industrial and agricultural use

Geohellas is a leading European producer of industrial minerals, including significant deposits of palygorskite clay. The company supplies a range of grades tailored for the construction, agricultural, and environmental sectors across Europe and the Middle East.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Investment in mineral processing and purification technologies
  • Development of customized clay solutions for specific client needs
  • Focus on exporting high-value mineral products

6️⃣ 5. Ashapura Group

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Fullers Earth (including palygorskite), Bentonite

Ashapura Group is one of India’s largest producers of industrial clays and minerals. The company mines and processes palygorskite-rich fuller’s earth for use in foundries, oilwell drilling, and as a absorbent material, holding a strong position in the Asian market.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Vertical integration from mining to value-added products
  • Expansion of product portfolio for the oil and gas industry
  • Strategic global partnerships to enhance market reach

Download FREE Sample Report: Palygorskite Clay Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 6. Manek Minerals

Headquarters: Kutch, Gujarat, India
Key Offering: Activated Attapulgite Clay, Fuller’s Earth

Manek Minerals specializes in the processing of attapulgite and other clays for a diverse clientele. The company is known for its activated grades used in bleaching, purification, and as a carrier in pesticides and fertilizers.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Advanced activation and milling processes for enhanced performance
  • Focus on the agrochemical and refining sectors
  • Customized product development based on client specifications

4️⃣ 7. Jiangsu Jiuchuan Nano Material Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Xuyi, Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Nano-palygorskite, Modified Attapulgite

Jiangsu Jiuchuan is a key Chinese player focused on the high-end processing of palygorskite clay. The company produces nano-scale and chemically modified products that deliver superior performance in polymers, composites, and advanced materials.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering nano-technology applications for palygorskite
  • R&D in polymer reinforcement and functional composites
  • Expanding exports of value-added mineral products

3️⃣ 8. CNHYMC (China National Heavy Machinery Corporation)

Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Industrial-grade palygorskite for drilling and construction

CNHYMC is involved in the large-scale mining and supply of various industrial minerals, including palygorskite. The company serves major infrastructure and energy projects, providing essential materials for drilling fluids and cementitious applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Leveraging scale for cost-effective mineral supply
  • Supporting large-scale national and international projects
  • Focus on meeting stringent industrial specifications

2️⃣ 9. Jiangsu Autobang New Material Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Functional Fillers, Adsorbent Attapulgite

Jiangsu Autobang develops specialized palygorskite clay products designed as functional fillers and adsorbents. Their materials are engineered for use in plastics, rubber, coatings, and environmental remediation applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Surface modification technologies for improved compatibility
  • Development of products for plastic reinforcement and flame retardancy
  • Tailored solutions for the automotive and packaging industries

1️⃣ 10. IL Better Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Desiccant grade, Cat Litter grade Attapulgite

IL Better Technology specializes in producing palygorskite clay for consumer and industrial absorbent products. The company is a significant supplier for the pet care market (cat litter) and industrial desiccant segments, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and performance.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Optimization of clay processing for high-absorbency applications
  • Expanding product lines for the fast-growing pet care market
  • Focus on export-oriented growth strategies

Get Full Report Here: Palygorskite Clay Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Palygorskite Clay Is High-Performance and Sustainable

The palygorskite clay market is evolving beyond traditional uses, driven by technological advancements and a global push for sustainable materials. While its role in oilfield drilling remains a key revenue driver, innovation is creating new, high-growth opportunities.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rising demand for green adsorbents in environmental cleanup
  • Expansion in nano-composite applications for advanced materials
  • Increasing use in sustainable agriculture as a carrier for biopesticides and slow-release fertilizers
  • Stringent environmental regulations favoring natural mineral solutions over synthetic alternatives

Get Full Report Here: Palygorskite Clay Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled are at the forefront of harnessing the unique properties of palygorskite clay, transforming a natural mineral into a critical component for modern, sustainable industries.