Report coverage

Key takeaway:

Polyisoprene will have major consumption for manufacturing of condoms in the coming years

Polyisoprene is the best alternative for people who are allergic to latex. Polyisoprene condoms are a safe sex option for people because they have a sensation profile that is very similar to latex. Because polyisoprene is manufactured in a clean laboratory environment, it lacks the proteins found in natural latex. That is why polyisoprene condoms and latex condoms are so similar.

Market Dynamics

Polyisoprene has gained significant importance in the worldwide market owing to its core applications in rubber

According to the American Chemical Society (ACS), synthetic trans-1,4-polyisoprene is a stereospecific rubber. It is similar to natural rubber and most synthetic rubbers that have thermoplastic properties. Furthermore, the favorable electrical insulating properties of trans-1,4-polyisoprene, as well as its low water absorption and slow water diffusion rates, make it appealing for rubber applications. Furthermore, natural rubber latex is derived from the Brazilian rubber tree and is primarily composed of the polymer cis-1,4-polyisoprene. 

Synthesis of polyisoprene from biomass (biotic resources) has gained significant attention in the worldwide market

Polyisoprene is the raw material intended to be used in the production of synthetic rubber for automobile tires. Industrial polyisoprene is currently used as a byproduct, and the development of this new technology is expected to reduce future reliance on petroleum as well as carbon dioxide, which is widely regarded as a cause of global warming. Manufacturers such as Zeon Corp (a Japanese chemical company) plan to commercialize this technology in collaboration with RIKEN, the National Research and Development Agency, and Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Polyisoprene’s chemical structure are similar to that of natural rubber, so the material is sometimes referred to as synthetic natural rubber. This new technology is expected to not only reduce the utility of fossil fuels but also to provide a supplemental raw material for natural rubber, the production of which is affected by weather conditions.

Polyisoprene in healthcare sector has gained high attention in the worldwide market with high consumption index

Powder-free surgical gloves are made from surgical isoprene and sterile synthetic polyisoprene in the healthcare industry. Because surgical isoprene is made from polyisoprene, it has high chemical resistance and supple properties. Furthermore, the latex and powder free polyisoprene surgical gloves feel like a second skin for the doctors. The soft glove protects the user by preventing all allergies and skin irritations caused by latex. For example, Omina Health manufactures specially designed medical gloves because of their high comfort due to their 280-300 mm length and perfect fit, ensuring user comfort. These factors will have a significant impact on the global polyisoprene market's exponential growth from 2021 to 2028.

Market Segmentation

The global polyisoprene market is segmented based on application. By application, the market is segregated as tires & related products, latex, footwear, non-automotive engineering, belts & hose, and others.

Tires and related products application segment dominated the overall market, accounting for the highest revenue share during the forecast period. So far, the most common application of polyisoprene has been in tires. Tires, motor mounts, pipe gaskets, shock absorber bushings, and a variety of other molded and mechanical goods benefit the most from black-loaded polyisoprene. Polyisoprene will continue to dominate the tire segment, accounting for nearly three-fourths of total global consumption, until the forecast period.

Regional Overview

Asia Pacific dominates polyisoprene market accounting highest revenue share

Asia Pacific has dominated the market in the past and will continue to do so during the forecast period. This is due to the growing rubber industry, which is diverse providing important materials not only for the automotive industry but also for consumer products, construction, and industrial applications. Natural rubber is an agricultural good primarily produced in East Asia, accounting for approximately 25% of rubber used in industrial production, according to a report released by the US BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS. Furthermore, synthetic and natural rubbers are important commodities that are used in a variety of industries around the world. In 2016, China was world's largest rubber market, accounting for 40% of global natural rubber consumption. China uses 80% of its natural rubber in the production of tires. This ultimately increases the demand for polyisoprene in China for the manufacture of automotive tires. For example, there are currently numerous types of synthetic rubber manufactured, including Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Polybutadiene Rubber (BR), Polyisoprene Rubber (IR), and others, each with distinct properties. Such factors will have a positive impact on the regional growth of the polyisoprene market from 2021 to 2028.

Competitive Landscape

The recent development in relation to some of the big strategies collaborations, new partnerships, and deals in emerging markets providing holistic insights for gaining a competitive edge has scrutinized the study of polyisoprene market. Several industry players are expanding their product portfolios by conducting research in the industrial chemical industry using a variety of scientific approaches. Top players in the polyisoprene market strive to create synthetic rubber with unrivalled purity and novel properties. The prominent players of the global polyisoprene market involve ZEON CORPORATION, ENEOS Corporation, PJSC "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, KURARAY CO., LTD., CHEMSPEC, LTD., and among others

Market Segmentation

Market By Application

• Tires & Related Products
• Latex
• Footwear
• Non-automotive Engineering
• Belts & Hose
• Others

Market By Geography

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa