https://tankymineral.com.vn/the-future-of-calcium

The Rise of Calcium Carbonate in the ESG Era

As the world moves toward sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards, industries are under growing pressure to reduce emissions, cut costs, and embrace eco-friendly materials.

Among the many minerals under the spotlight, Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) is emerging as a key enabler of the green industrial transition.

Once seen as a basic filler, CaCO₃ is now recognized for its environmental advantages, versatility, and role in reducing the carbon footprint of modern manufacturing — from plastics to paints and packaging.

1. Why CaCO₃ Fits the Global ESG and Green Material Trend

 ESG: The New Competitive Benchmark

ESG compliance is becoming a business imperative. Manufacturers, especially in plastics, coatings, and packaging, must demonstrate measurable progress in sustainability, material efficiency, and waste reduction.

Calcium Carbonate aligns perfectly with these goals because it is:

• Naturally abundant and non-toxic

• Easily recyclable and renewable

• Proven to lower CO₂ emissions during product manufacturing

 Environmental Benefits of Using CaCO₃

• Reduced carbon footprint: Replacing virgin polymer resins with CaCO₃ can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 40%.

• Lower energy consumption: CaCO₃ requires less heat during processing, improving energy efficiency.

• Circular economy integration: The mineral can be recovered, reprocessed, and reused.

CaCO₃ therefore plays a pivotal role in helping industries achieve both economic and environmental sustainability.

 2. Green Applications of CaCO₃ Across Industries

 2.1. Bioplastics — Towards a Sustainable Polymer Future

In the bioplastic sector, CaCO₃ is used as a functional filler in materials such as PLA, PBAT, and PHA.
Its addition provides multiple advantages:

• Enhanced mechanical strength and flexibility

• Improved thermal stability

• Significant cost reduction (10–30%), making green polymers more competitive

• Stable biodegradation performance, maintaining eco integrity

Flow Diagram of the CaCO₃-Bioplastic Production Process

* Raw Material Preparation

• Bioplastic matrix: starch, PLA (Polylactic Acid), PHA, or PBAT

• Filler: Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) powder (micro or nano size)

• Additives: plasticizer, dispersant, compatibilizer

⬇️

* Drying

• Remove moisture to prevent bubbles or defects during extrusion

⬇️

* Mixing / Compounding

• Materials are blended in a twin-screw extruder or internal mixer

• CaCO₃ is uniformly dispersed in the biopolymer matrix

• Typical processing temperature: 150–180°C (depending on polymer type)

⬇️

* Cooling and Pelletizing

• The molten blend is cooled (usually in a water bath)

• Cut into CaCO₃-bioplastic pellets

⬇️

* Product Forming / Molding

• Pellets are processed using:

  • Injection molding → molded parts

  • Film extrusion → biodegradable films

  • Compression molding → sheets, trays, or containers

⬇️

* Cooling – Cutting – Packaging

• Finished products are cooled, cut to size, quality-checked, and packaged

 2.2. Eco Paints and Coatings — Low VOC, High Performance

CaCO₃ is widely used as a key extender pigment in eco-friendly paints and coatings. It enables manufacturers to:

• Replace costly Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂), reducing formulation costs by up to 40%

• Improve whiteness, opacity, and smooth finish

• Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), improving indoor air quality

Leading paint brands are now formulating CaCO₃-based green paints that comply with LEED and Green Label certifications, promoting healthier living spaces.

Eco Paint Production Process Using CaCO₃-Based Formulation

1. Raw Material Preparation

• Binder/Resin: acrylic, alkyd, or water-based latex resin

• Filler: Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) — improves opacity, durability, and reduces cost

• Pigments: titanium dioxide (TiO₂), iron oxides, or natural eco-friendly pigments

• Additives: dispersant, defoamer, thickener, preservative, and pH stabilizer

• Solvent / Medium: water (for water-based paints) or bio-solvent

⬇️

* Weighing and Dosing

• All raw materials are accurately weighed according to the paint formulation

⬇️

* Premixing

• Water (or solvent) and dispersing agents are added to a mixing tank

• Pigments and CaCO₃ are gradually introduced under high-speed stirring to achieve a uniform dispersion

⬇️

* Grinding / Dispersion

• The premixed slurry is transferred to a bead mill or sand mill to reduce particle size and enhance smoothness

⬇️

* Final Mixing (Let-down Process)

• The binder, remaining additives, and viscosity modifiers are added

• The mixture is stirred until a homogeneous, stable paint formulation is obtained

⬇️

* Filtration and Quality Control

• The paint is filtered through a fine mesh to remove impurities or coarse particles

• Quality tests are performed for viscosity, opacity, gloss, pH, and VOC content

⬇️

* Packaging

• Finished eco-paint is filled into cans or containers, labeled, and stored under proper conditions

2.3. Sustainable Packaging — From Waste Reduction to Biodegradability

The packaging sector is undergoing a massive transformation. Calcium Carbonate-filled biodegradable packaging is becoming a preferred choice for sustainable brands.

Benefits include:

• Up to 50% reduction in petroleum-based resin content

• Improved rigidity and printability

• Lower production cost and improved recyclability

Common applications include shopping bags, food containers, agricultural films, and compostable wraps.

Biodegradable Food Packaging Production Process Using Natural CaCO₃

* Raw Material Preparation

• Biopolymer matrix: PLA (Polylactic Acid), PBAT, or starch-based polymer

• Filler: natural Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) powder

• Additives: plasticizer, compatibilizer, and processing aids

⬇️

* Drying

• All materials are dried to remove moisture before processing

⬇️

* Mixing / Compounding

• Materials are fed into a twin-screw extruder

• CaCO₃ is evenly dispersed within the biopolymer matrix

• Temperature range: 140–180°C depending on the polymer type

⬇️

* Cooling and Pelletizing

• The molten blend is cooled in a water bath

• Cut into CaCO₃-bioplastic pellets

⬇️

* Sheet or Film Extrusion

• Pellets are melted and extruded into thin sheets or films for packaging applications

⬇️

* Thermoforming / Molding

• Sheets are heated and shaped into containers, trays, or food boxes using vacuum forming or compression molding

⬇️

* Trimming and Finishing

• Excess edges are trimmed, and the products are surface-finished or printed (if needed)

⬇️

* Quality Control and Packaging

• Final products are inspected for strength, flexibility, and biodegradability

• Approved items are packed for distribution

 3. Technological Innovations in CaCO₃ for a Greener Future

 Nano CaCO₃ — Maximizing Performance and Efficiency

Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of Nano Calcium Carbonate (NCC) — a game-changer in high-performance materials.

Key advantages:

• Ultrafine particle size, ensuring superior dispersion and adhesion in polymer matrices

• Enhanced UV resistance and aging durability

• Wider application range: advanced coatings, medical materials, and technical rubber products

 Carbon Capture: Turning CO₂ into Valuable CaCO₃

An exciting breakthrough is the production of synthetic CaCO₃ through Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technology.

This innovation converts industrial CO₂ emissions into high-purity Calcium Carbonate, closing the loop in the carbon cycle.
It represents a tangible step toward Net Zero 2050, aligning with global climate goals.

CO₂ Capture and Conversion Process into Synthetic CaCO₃

*CO₂ Emission Source

• CO₂ is collected from industrial exhaust gases, such as power plants, cement factories, or refineries.

⬇️

* CO₂ Capture

• CO₂ is separated from other gases using one of the following technologies:

  • Chemical absorption (e.g., using amine solutions)

  • Physical adsorption (e.g., on activated carbon or zeolites)

  • Membrane separation

  • Cryogenic separation

⬇️

* CO₂ Purification and Compression

• The captured CO₂ is purified, dried, and compressed to the required pressure for chemical reaction.

⬇️

* Carbonation Reaction

• The purified CO₂ reacts with a calcium source, such as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) or calcium oxide (CaO):

  Ca(OH)2​+CO2​→CaCO3​+H2​O
  

• This forms synthetic Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) under controlled temperature and pH conditions.

⬇️

* Product Recovery and Drying

• The CaCO₃ particles are separated, washed, filtered, and dried to obtain high-purity eco-friendly CaCO₃ powder.

⬇️

* Utilization

• The synthetic CaCO₃ can be used in bioplastics, eco paints, construction materials, and paper coatings, promoting a circular carbon economy.

 4. Market Outlook: CaCO₃ as the Foundation of the Green Economy

The global market for Calcium Carbonate is expected to grow steadily as sustainability becomes a core value in manufacturing.

From cost reduction to ESG compliance, CaCO₃ offers both environmental and economic advantages — making it one of the most practical green materials today.

Industries integrating CaCO₃-based solutions can:

• Enhance brand image through eco certifications (LEED, REACH, RoHS)

• Achieve material efficiency and carbon reduction goals

• Access new market opportunities in the circular economy

Calcium Carbonate, therefore, is not just a mineral — it’s a strategic material for a sustainable future.

Contact: salesmanager@tankymineral.com.vn

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) has evolved from a traditional additive to a key player in sustainable manufacturing.
Its versatility, abundance, and eco benefits make it a cornerstone of the next generation of green materials.

Now is the time for manufacturers to embrace CaCO₃ innovations and take real steps toward environmental responsibility and business efficiency.