The abrasive blasting industry is undergoing significant evolution, driven by global shifts in priorities related to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Speaking at this year’s AMPP conference in the Middle East, GMA’s VP of New Market Development and Technical Management Pete Mitchell shared key insights on these trends, highlighting the ways in which these priorities are reshaping how companies operate in abrasive blasting.

One focus area for companies is the prevention of coating failures. “Inadequate surface preparation often leads to costly repairs and reduced coating durability, making optimal surface cleanliness and peak density essential for effective adhesion,” Pete said.

“We’re also noticing increased awareness from coatings manufacturers about the critical role of surface preparation in preventing coating failures. This is evident in the growing number of technical papers and research on the subject in recent years, underlining the industry's focus on durability and performance.”

Blasters across the industry are recognizing the importance of using abrasives that deliver consistent, high-quality results to prevent these failures. GMA’s engineered garnet blends, specifically designed for reliable surface preparation, help to extend the life of protective coatings, and reduce the need for rework—factors that ultimately contribute to long-term project success.

Sustainability is increasingly at the forefront as environmental regulations grow stricter around the disposal and responsible storage of spent abrasive media. The industry’s focus has turned toward sustainable waste management, seeking solutions that not only comply with regulations but also reduce environmental impact. GMA is supporting these sustainability goals by improving its recycling capabilities, allowing for the repurposing of spent garnet and helping blasters reduce the environmental footprint of their operations. Through such initiatives, GMA is contributing to a more sustainable approach in abrasive blasting.

The prioritization of worker health and wellbeing is at high level of precedence across the blasting industry, especially with heightened awareness around heavy metals found in some traditional abrasives. Trace metals can pose serious health risks, leading companies to shift toward safer, naturally inert alternatives. “GMA’s commitment to safety aligns with industry-wide efforts to create healthier, hazard-free environments for blasters,” emphasized Pete.  

GMA Garnet™ products are free from heavy metals, providing a safer option that helps safeguard operators on blasting sites.

Advances in blasting technology and automation are simultaneously driving demand for high-performance abrasives. “As the industry adopts new tools and methods, materials that provide superior cutting power and consistent performance are essential to maintaining productivity. High-quality garnet abrasives from GMA enhance blasting efficiency, helping companies achieve clean, uniform surfaces with fewer passes and less material waste,” said Pete. 

To keep pace with this rising demand, GMA has expanded production capacity, investing A$300m over the next five years in its mines and processing plants, reinforcing the company’s role as a reliable supplier for the growing needs of blasters worldwide.

Across these evolving trends, cost control remains a central consideration for the industry. Companies increasingly recognize that durable, high-performance abrasives can help reduce rework, extend coating life, and minimize project costs. By offering long-lasting garnet products that meet the demands of modern abrasive blasting, GMA provides solutions that align with these objectives, helping companies achieve both economic and operational efficiency.

For blasters across the industry, these trends signal a shift toward higher standards, with quality, safety, and sustainability as guiding principles. GMA remains positioned at the forefront, offering solutions that meet the rigorous demands of modern abrasive blasting, and supporting the industry’s ongoing evolution.