The term zeolite is used to denote crystalline aluminium silicates of natural or synthetic origin. Chemists have classified approximately 50 natural and more than 200 synthetic zeolites. A common property of all zeolites is their ion exchange capability. On the basis of this characteristic, zeolites were first put to industrial use in the sugar industry in 1896. In the 1920s, the adsorptive capacity of zeolites in separation processes led to the name "molecular sieve" being used as a synonym for industrially produced zeolites. In the 60s, the catalytic properties of zeolites for petrochemical processes, especially the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process, were discovered. Today, around 300,000 t of synthetic zeolites are being used annually in catalytic and adsorptive applications. In addition, a further 300,000 t of natural zeolites per annum are being used in the construction materials and paper industries, in waste water treatment, in soil improvement, as an animal feed additive and as cat litter. A systematic quest for phosphate substitutes led to research into zeolites as builders for detergents. In principle, sodium aluminium silicates with the following general formula are suitable: Nax[(AlO2)x(SiO2)y].zH2O The zeolites available for detergents today (Zeolite A, Zeolite P, Zeolite X) have significantly different crystalline structures. The basic unit of the zeolite used in detergents since 1976, Zeolite A (x = y = 12, z = 27), often also referred to as Zeolite NaA or Zeolite 4A, comprises 8 cubo-octahedrons linked via 12 cuboids to a cavity which is referred to as the ?-cage. A further new development on the market is a co-crystallite comprised of 80% Zeolite X and 20% Zeolite A. This grade, referred to as Zeolite AX, displays calcium and magnesium exchange properties which are superior to those of a blend of the pure zeolites a systematic quest for phosphate substitutes led to research into zeolites as builders for detergents. In principle, sodium aluminium silicates with the following general formula are suitable: Zeolites - safe for humans and the environment laws and ordinances on detergents and cleansers followed in Europe some other countries which affected both surfactants and other detergent ingredients. Attention was focused in particular on phosphates, due to the eutrophication of bodies of water. Uses Synthetic detergent zeolites, are the principle alternative to phosphate type builders, used in household detergents and softening the washing water by calcium ion exchange. The major part of phosphate-free household detergents is based on the use of Zeolite A as builder. They prove inert when exposed to elevated temperatures, mechanical influences or alkalinity. The high flexibility of zeolites with respect to formulation and ease of processing together with the economic advantage of the raw material have led to it becoming an extremely attractive builder. Market Survey Zeolite is said to be the most environmental friendly input for detergent and has replaced STAPP (sodium Tri Polyphosphate) as the softening agent. At present, there are only a few manufacturers in India, meeting partly export and domestic markets. Keeping the increasing demand for detergent powders which was at 15.50 lakh tonnes in last few years and environmental consciousness among consumers, the scope for non-polluting detergent building products is very good in future. Detergents, as a constituent of the overall FMCG industry, accounts for a near 12% of the total demand for all FMCG products estimated at over Rs 530 bn. Detergents, chemically known as alfa olefin sulphonates (AOS) are used as fabric brightening agent, anti-deposition agent, stain remover and as a bleacher. A major input for the production of detergents is a petrochemical, Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB), while soaps rely more on an inorganic chemical, caustic soda, as a major input. The detergent market in India is dominated by HUL, Nirma is the second largest player with an overall market share of 19%. Nirma is more dominant in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, that is Northwest India. Nirma has the highest market share of around 40% in Gujarat. It has the highest market share in the mass segment, like toilet soaps. The top four industry participants – Procter & Gamble, Nice Group, Liby Group and Unilever – jointly contribute 47.5% of total industry revenue, suggesting a moderate level of concentration. The US soap and detergent manufacturing industry includes about 650 companies with combined annual revenue of nearly $30 billion. The industry is forecast to grow at a moderate rate in the next two years. Growth drivers include expansion opportunities in emerging markets and rising demand for more environmentally friendly products. Zeolite 4a’s greatest use is in the field of laundry as, it can exchange calcium ions to produce deminrealised water, then removes dirt and prevents dirt redeposit. Housing detergents include the complete range of detergents used for everyday household cleaning needs. On the other hand, industrial detergents have a wide variety and uses depending on their formulated type. The household and industrial detergent market has huge growth potential based on its variety of applications in household uses and industrial uses. The shift in the lifestyle of people and global modernization are the key features of the drivers for household detergents. Also Zeolite detergent grade is also used in Waste water treatment that contains water from the sewage discharge from agricultural and industrial, civil and aquatic animal husbandry containing ammonia nitrogen, not only harm fish survival, pollution in breeding environment, but also promote the growth of algae, block lakes and rivers. Zeolite particles are good carriers of bacteria, which adsorb on the zeolite surface resulting in increased sludge activity. There is a significant drawback to the application of the zeolite additive. Formation of the bacteria layer on the zeolite surface is a slow process and becomes effective only after approximately a week.