Strong growth anticipated in S-SBR, polybutadiene markets

According to reports recently published by Research and Markets, the global solution styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR) market is expected to reach US$5.40 billion by 2025, while the global polybutadiene market is expected to reach US$5.83 billion by that date.

The market research specialist comments that growth in the S-SBR market is primarily driven by the increasing demand from tyre makers, a demand fuelled by rising sales of low rolling resistance, high wet grip tyres. Increasing vehicle ownership in developing economies has also been a major contributory factor for growth within the S-SBR industry. Aftermarket tyre sales have also been a major factor for S-SBR market growth, adds Research and Markets. “Increasing consumer awareness regarding the benefits of high-performance tyres is likely to boost demand over the forecast period. In addition, tyre labelling regulations in the countries including Japan, Korea and the European Union have bolstered the demand for S-SBR.”

Demand outstrips supply within the S-SBR market. Capacity expansions by the key players coupled with utilisation of emulsion styrene butadiene rubber (E-SBR) manufacturing facilities for S-SBR production are expected to bridge the gap between demand and supply in the market, comments Research and Markets.

Tyre industry demand is also providing impetus for growth in the market for polybutadiene, however manufacturers of this product are also exploring downstream potential as the price of polybutadiene in these applications is more stable. Demand is high in the Asia Pacific region is said to be particularly high owing to the presence of a robust application industry.

Research and Markets states that high cis derivative is expected to be the fastest growing product segment, registering a CAGR of 4.7 per cent from 2017 to 2025 owing to increased demand from the tyre manufacturing industry. Polymer modification application is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1 per cent from 2017 to 2025 due to increased demand for modified polymers and golf balls.