Rubber is a common polymer that is mainly categorized as synthetic rubber and natural rubber. Natural rubber contains only the monomers of isoprene while synthetic rubbers might contain several types of monomers. Moreover, natural rubber is considered as a coagulated latex achieved from various types of trees which are grown in the wilds and tropics. The synthetic rubber is extracted by mixing styrene and butadiene that are the two major by-products of petroleum refining. Around 70% of the rubber being consumed across the globe belongs to the category of synthetic rubbers. In addition, manufacturers of synthetic rubbers adapt to diverse chemical formulations to achieve specific requirements of several end-use industries. Rubber is processed by using several types of chemicals in order to produce crucially useful products including automobile tires and rubber mats. The rubber processing chemicals aids in enhancing the resistance of rubber against the ill-effects of oxidation, heat, ozone, sunlight and other mechanical stress. Rubber processing chemicals also helps in improving the total process of vulcanization. Rubber processing chemicals involves a broad range of products including accelerators, anti-degradants and processing aids among others.
Increasing population across the globe coupled with rise in spending abilities and purchasing power among various consumers has bolstered the overall demand for rubber processing chemicals in automobiles. Rubber processing chemicals play a vital role in improving the properties of rubber for its use in production of automobile tires. Hence, the rising automobile industry is anticipated to augment the total growth of global rubber processing chemicals market. In addition, increasing technological advancements in the manufacture of automotive tires is another major factor accelerating the growth of rubber processing chemicals market. Rubber processing chemicals does not only add superficial qualities to rubber but also improves the overall manufacturing process of raw material for other applications such as manufacturing of door mats. However, factors such as increasing environmental norms and stringent governmental regulations are anticipated to hamper the growth of global rubber processing market over the forecast period.
The global rubber processing chemicals market can be segmented on the basis of type, application and region. On the basis of type, the global rubber processing chemicals market can be segmented into flame retardants, anti-degradants, processing aids and accelerators. On the basis of application, the global rubber processing chemicals market can be segmented into tire and non-tire. By region, the global rubber processing chemicals market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Asia-Pacific. The demand in Asia-Pacific is analyzed to be the major driving factor for the growth of global market. China is anticipated to account for the largest share and lead the overall demand owing to the increasing industrial production over the last few years. The markets in other developing countries such as Brazil, Russia, Poland, Indonesia, New Zealand, Argentina and India among others are also anticipated to grow rapidly throughout the forecast period.
Major players operating in the global rubber processing chemicals market are focusing on some key market strategies such as mergers and acquisitions to keep hold in the ever competitive market. Moreover, they are concentrating on collaborating with local players to increase their market reach as well as strengthen their goodwill in the global market. Some of the major players in the global rubber processing chemicals market include Eastman Chemical, Emerald Performance Materials, R.T. Vanderbilt Company, Inc., Chemtura Corporation and LANXESS Corporation among others.
Market Segmentation
Market by Type
· Flame retardants
· Anti-degradants
· Processing aids
· Accelerators
Market by Application
· Tire
· Non-tire
Market by Geography
· North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
· Europe
o UK
o Germany
o France
o Rest of Europe
· Asia-Pacific
o China
o Japan
o India
o Philippines
o Rest of Asia-Pacific
· Latin America
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of Latin America
· Middle East and Africa (MEA)
o South Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o Rest of MEA