Synthetic sapphire or lab-grown sapphire is an artificially produced sapphire which shares the same crystalline structure as natural blue sapphire but can be produced in a wider range of colors including green, yellow, purple and colorless. Synthetic sapphire offers superior properties such as extreme hardness, thermal conductivity, and scratch resistance as compared to ordinary glass which makes it suitable for use as a substrate in devices such as smartphones, wristwatches, and optical lenses. It is also used as windows and display covers for advanced tactical and military systems. The global synthetic sapphire market is driven by the growing demand for sapphire glass in smartphones especially due to its scratch resistance and durability properties.

The Global synthetic sapphire market is estimated to be valued at US$ 8.21 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.0% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the synthetic sapphire market are Associated British Foods Plc, Biotec Pharmacon ASA (Biotec BetaGlucans AS), Biothera, the Immune Health Company, Ceapro Inc., Immuno Medic AS, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Super Beta Glucan (SBG) Inc., Groupe Soufflet S.A (AIT Ingredients), Tate & Lyle plc. (Tate & Lyle Oats Ingredients), and Zilor Inc. (Biorigin). The key players are focusing on expanding their production capacities and capabilities to cater to the growing demand.

The Synthetic Sapphire Market Growth is driven by the growing demand for sapphire cover glass in high-end smartphones and smartwatches due to its scratch resistance and durability properties. Sapphire glass provides 10 times better scratch resistance as compared to ordinary glass. The growing demand for sapphire glass substrates for LEDs and 5G communication devices is further supporting the market growth.

Technological advancements have led to reduction in the cost of synthetic sapphire production. Newer methods such as edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) and kyropoulos method have enabled mass production of synthetic sapphire at lower costs. This has promoted its adoption in consumer electronic applications.

Market Trends

Increasing demand for sapphire glass substrates in semiconductor applications: Sapphire substrates are increasingly being used in power electronics and LED lighting. Sapphire exhibits high thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity which makes it suitable for applications in power electronics.

Growing adoption in photovoltaic applications: Sapphire substrate’s optical transmittance, mechanical strength and thermal conductivity properties make it suitable for solar cell applications where it can improve the efficiency and lifetime of solar cells. This will drive its adoption in the solar industry.

Market Opportunities

Emergence of sapphire glass in luxury watches: Luxury watch brands are using sapphire glass in high-end watches due to properties like scratch resistance. This represents an opportunity for synthetic sapphire producers.

Increasing usage in 5G smartphones: 5G smartphones will require sapphire lens cover to prevent signal interference. This will drive incremental demand over the forecast period.