Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Boron

Boron (B) is a medium-criticality industrial mineral with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Boron is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Boron span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Borosilicate glass production — Boron plays a vital role in borosilicate glass production, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Fiberglass insulation — Boron plays a vital role in fiberglass insulation, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Agriculture fertilizers — Boron plays a vital role in agriculture fertilizers, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Detergents and bleach — Boron plays a vital role in detergents and bleach, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Nuclear reactor control rods — Boron plays a vital role in nuclear reactor control rods, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Boron is borosilicate glass production, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is fiberglass insulation, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Boron in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of medium and a supply risk rating of medium, the demand trajectory for Boron is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.