Light Calcium Carbonate: Properties, Applications & Buying Guide

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Light Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) has become a staple in industries ranging from plastics and paints to pharmaceuticals and food processing. But what exactly makes it so valuable? And how do you choose the right grade for your application?

In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential knowledge you need at every stage of the buyer’s journey — whether you're just exploring or ready to purchase. Let’s dive in.

�� What Is Light Calcium Carbonate?

Light Calcium Carbonate (also called Precipitated Calcium Carbonate or PCC) is a white, odorless powder produced through a controlled chemical reaction. Unlike ground calcium carbonate, which is mined directly from limestone, light calcium carbonate is synthetically refined, offering better purity and finer particle size.

Chemical formula: CaCO₃

Typical particle size: 0.03–0.1 µm

Whiteness: ≥ 95%

Purity: ≥ 98%

 Applications by Industry

Understanding where and how light calcium carbonate is used can help clarify its value in your specific sector.

1. Plastics & Polymers

Acts as a filler and reinforcing agent

Improves gloss, tensile strength, and dimensional stability

Typical dosage: 10–40% of polymer weight

Used in PVC, PP, PE, and ABS production

2. Paints & Coatings

Enhances opacity, brightness, and anti-sag properties

Reduces the need for expensive pigments like TiO₂

Ideal particle size ensures a smooth finish

3. Paper Industry

Acts as a coating pigment for high-quality printing papers

Improves printability, brightness, and ink absorption

Used in both surface sizing and filler applications

4. Pharmaceuticals & Food

Used as a calcium supplement

Functions as an antacid and tablet filler

Must comply with USP or E170 food-grade standards

�� Common Questions from Buyers

Q1: Is Light Calcium Carbonate Safe for Food and Pharmaceutical Use?

Yes—if you’re sourcing FCC-grade (Food Chemicals Codex) or USP-grade material. Always check the certificate of origin and testing reports.

Q2: Can I use light calcium carbonate in both paints and plastics?

Technically, yes—but grades differ. Paint applications often require higher dispersion and opacity, while plastics focus on impact resistance. Use industry-specific grades for best performance.

Q3: How does it impact production costs?

While it adds material cost, it can reduce dependency on expensive raw materials like titanium dioxide and improve performance, thus lowering total cost per unit in many cases.

�� Market Demand & Growth Trends

According to a 2023 industry report by MarketsandMarkets, the global calcium carbonate market is projected to grow from $21.2 billion in 2022 to $27.8 billion by 2027, with light calcium carbonate seeing faster growth due to its high-performance profile in plastics, paints, and pharma.

�� Where to Buy: Sourcing Recommendations

When sourcing light calcium carbonate, choose manufacturers with:

ISO certifications

In-house R&D and quality control labs

Global supply capabilities

Ability to offer customized particle size

�� Top Global Suppliers:

Omya AG (Switzerland)

Imerys (France)

Minerals Technologies Inc. (USA)

Gulshan Polyols (India)

�� Final Thoughts

Light calcium carbonate is not just a filler — it’s a performance enhancer. Whether you're optimizing a masterbatch, reducing costs in coatings, or formulating a chewable tablet, selecting the right grade can significantly impact product quality and production efficiency.

For best results, work closely with a supplier who offers technical support, understands your application, and can tailor the product to your needs.