High purity alumina (HPA) is a highly-refined, non-metallurgical grade of Al2O3 that finds applications in numerous modern technologies. It is widely used in the electronics industry for semiconductor, LED, and sapphire production. HPA improves the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and serves as a key material in advanced ceramics industries.
▼ In recent years, the growing demand for these sustainable and energy-efficient technologies has led to an increase in HPA applications, highlighting the need for sustainable manufacturing practices. The global HPA market was valued at $3.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.6% from 2023 to 2030. The market has experienced rapid expansion in recent years and is expected to maintain this upward trend in the foreseeable future. Polar Performance Materials (PPM) has positioned itself as a leader in this area.
By Type: 4N HPA (99.99% purity) dominates with 42.8% market share, used primarily in sapphire substrates for LED lighting and semiconductors.
By Application: LED lighting holds 51.6% of the HPA market, driven by demand for energy-efficient lighting and durable sapphire substrates.
By End-Use Industry: The electronics industry is the largest consumer of HPA, primarily for LED lighting and semiconductor applications.
By Region: Asia Pacific leads the global HPA market with over 68% share, with China being the largest producer and consumer.
Established in 2012, Polar Performance Materials has patented a novel technology to produce ultra-high purity alumina cost-effectively. The company’s proprietary process consistently delivers 3N–5N grade alumina in both bead and powder forms. The scalability of the technology has enabled Polar to increase production volumes, meeting the increasing customer demands. After transitioning to pilot production in 2018, Polar has since collaborated with customers in the sapphire, battery, semiconductor, and technical ceramics industries.
Sustainable HPA Production Practices at Polar Performance Materials
The call for a more sustainable production process is not unwarranted. To keep things in perspective, currently, the dominant method for HPA production, known as the alkoxide process, generates 12.44 tonnes of CO2 for every tonne of HPA produced. To make matters worse, the feed for this process (high purity aluminum) was responsible for 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions, accounting for approximately 4% of global emissions in 2018.
Polar Performance Material’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their innovative manufacturing process, which lessens greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria air contaminant (CAC) emissions. Specifically, recent data show that the proprietary process reduces GHG emissions by 299 tonnes, a significant improvement in environmental impact compared to those of traditional methods such as aluminum hydroxide (AIH) and ammonium alum solution (AAS).
Moreover, this advanced manufacturing process has also significantly reduced the release of other environmental pollutants. Polar Performance Materials has cut NOx emissions by 87.9%, SOx emissions by 97.9%, particulate matter (PM) emissions by 88%, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by 89%. These reductions are achieved through energy-efficient technologies and the use of renewable energy sources at their facilities in Canada.
Equally important to the sustainability of production processes are their energy requirements. Traditional methods of high purity alumina production are known for being highly energy-intensive. Fortunately, the Polar Performance Materials process is less energy-intensive.
In 2020, NSF International, an independent organization dedicated to public health and safety, carried out a study to evaluate the environmental impact of Polar Performance Materials’ production in Ontario, Canada. The study compared Polar Performance Materials’ energy use and GHG emissions with those of its competitors. Polar Performance Materials uses 40–75% less energy than the benchmark AAS and AIH processes used by competitors in Japan and China. Additionally, the strategic plant location enables it to source most of its energy requirements from the hydroelectric power generated by Niagara Falls.
Polar Performance Materials’ Commitment to a Circular Economy
In addition to emission reductions, Polar Performance Materials is committed to promoting a circular economy. This involves optimizing resource use and minimizing waste throughout the production life cycle. The company’s approach includes recycling nearly all input materials and implementing closed-loop systems. By doing so, PPM ensures that valuable resources are reused, reducing the overall environmental footprint of their operations.
So, the golden question now, can high purity alumina be produced sustainably?
The answer is a resounding yes—high purity alumina can be produced sustainably, and companies like Polar Performance Materials are leading the charge.
Their innovative approaches to reducing emissions and promoting a circular economy set a benchmark for others in the sector. By prioritizing sustainability, Polar Performance Materials not only contributes to a healthier environment but also sets the stage for long-term growth and resilience in a market that increasingly values environmentally-friendly practices.
High Purity Alumina available at CAPLINQ
| Product | Grade | Phase | Morphology | Surface area | Na | Si | Fe | Ca | Other | Application |
| M-HT | 5N | α | Irregular | 4–8 | <10 | <4 | <3 | <3 | <1 | Semiconductors |
| LU-M | 4-5N | α | Irregular | 8–15 | <10 | <4 | <3 | <5 | <1 | EMC, Low U/Th |
| 4N-SMB | 3-4N | α | Spherical | 12–18 | <50 | <30 | <10 | <15 | TC |
If you’re in need of high purity alumina for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, cutting-edge electronics, next-generation lithium-ion batteries, or high-quality sapphire production, contact us today! Let’s work together to advance sustainability in your industry.
