Polybutene-1 Market

Global Polybutene-1 Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

The global polybutene-1 market is forecast to be valued at over US$ 411 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 850 Mn, growing at a healthy CAGR of 7.5% from 2022-2032.

Anticipated Market Size (2022)	US$ 411.72 Mn
Expected Market Value in 2032	US$ 850 Mn
Value CAGR (2022-2032)	7.5%
Market Share of Europe	33%
Key Polybutene-1 Providers	LyondellBasell Mitsui Chemicals Ylem Technology Shandong Tengzhou Ruida ChemicalPolybut

Attributed to its 100% recyclability, polybutene-1 (PB-1) is extensively utilized across such key end use industries as food packaging, plumbing and pipes and various electronic equipment. Demand for extrusion grade PB-1 is expected to surge the fastest, at a CAGR of 5% through 2032.

Polybutene-1 is a thermoplastic that is strongly isotactic and has expected thermal, mechanical, and chemical resistance qualities. These characteristics make it useful for a variety of applications, including pressured cold and hold water pipelines.

Revenue from Polybutene-1 Industry 2017 to 2021 Compared to Demand Outlook for 2022 to 2032

The market expanded at a CAGR of 2.4% from 2017-2021.

Over the past half-a-decade, extensive consumption of packaged food and demand for hot and cold-water piping systems has escalated the market value of polybutene-1.

Demand for polybutene-1 plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the first two quarters of 2020. Decline in demand was majorly due to reduced consumption across piping applications. The outbreak of COVID-19 increased demand for packaged foods, which sustained PB-1 demand during the pandemic. The fourth quarter of 2021 witnessed a hike in polybutene-1 application in food packaging.

Owing to growing demand for polybutene-1 in packaging, plumbing, and several other applications, the market will show a different outlook by 2032. Based on these facts, the demand for polybutene-1 is likely to upsurge to reach the US$ 850 Mn mark by 2032 end, flourishing at a CAGR of 7.5% across the 2022-2032 forecast period.

Key Drivers Influencing Growth of Polybutene-1 Market

Growing Demand for Packaged Food Increasing the Need for Polybutene-1?

Food packaging is one of the main application segments where demand for polybutene-1 is growing at a high pace. Packaged food supports a busy lifestyle and allows protection for ready-to-eat meals. It also allows resealing of any packaged food item once the desired amount of food has been consumed.

Additionally, polybutene-1 packaging allows easy to open property with little force and without the need for any cutting instrument, which has inclined the packaging industry to lean towards the utilization of PB-1. Furthermore, customers who use polybutene-1 report good results for the packaging of fresh pasta, sliced cheese and meat, pizza, tofu, ready-to-eat meals, yoghurt cups, sandwich packs, etc.

Demand for polybutene-1 has also shown huge growth in terms of vacuum food packaging. In vacuum packaging, use of polybutene-1 products has enabled consumers to develop a wide range of film structures that are typically used for the safe packaging of peanuts, coffee, vacuum rice, meat packaging, powder milk, and cheese.

Why Have PB-1 Piping Systems Been Popular Since Decades?

Polybutene-1 pipeline systems have demonstrated their perfect survival in the pursuit of industrial and domestic applications, and have received widespread acceptance among engineers, architects, construction contractors, and homeowners. PB-1 piping system provides efficient and reliable operations, piping flexibility, network handling, and high energy efficiency.

All polyolefins’ compounds tend to dilate when exposed to chronic stress for a long time. But the unique morphology and crystallization behaviour of PB-1 gives it unparalleled properties for pressurized piping operations. In addition to its excellent mechanical and thermal performance, polybutene-1 offers a high level of chemical resistance and also provides excellent resistance to heat.

Polybutene-1 Market - Country-wise Analysis

Why is the Polybutene-1 Industry in Europe Consistently Rising?

Extensive Applications across Piping and Plumbing Systems

Europe is a huge market for polybutene-1 with many prominent players operating across European countries. The region is known for the highest production of polybutene-1, and in terms of value, the region has the highest revenue share globally. In 2019, approx. 28% market share was captured by Europe itself, which is expected to reach 1/3rd by 2032.

Europe is one of the most potential markets for PB-1 piping systems. Hot and cold water piping systems have witnessed higher utilization of PB-1 for their manufacturing. People throughout Europe are habituated with fresh and hygienic drinking water, and the polybutene-1 piping systems provide the same. Additionally, the use of PB-1 in hot melt adhesives in Europe drives demand owing to the vast automobile sector in the region.

Why is India Showcasing Huge Scope for Polybutene-1 Consumption?

Food Packaging and Film Modification key Application Areas

India is a major contributor to the growth of the polybutene-1 market, owing to rapid growth of the food packaging industry. The country witnessed a CAGR of 2.9% over the past half-decade, and is expected to rise further over the medium-run forecast period. The country is known for the highest consumption of polybutene-1 in the food packaging industry, and tops the rank among other countries in the region.

Additionally, film modification application in the country drives demand for polybutene-1. Consumers of PB-1 in film modification report that polybutene-1 film has the highest quality, durability, and efficiency as compared to other polymer used for film modification. By 2032, India is expected to generate 30% of global PB-1 market revenue.

Polybutene-1 Market - Category-wise Insights

Which Processing Technique is expected to be Dominant in the PB-1 Industry?

High Growth Possibilities anticipated for Extrusion Grade PB-1

On the basis of processing technique, extrusion grade has witnessed strong growth over the years due to rising PB-1 piping product penetration across key application areas in key geographies.

Given its 100% recyclable properties, extrusion grade PB-1 is extensively used for numerous applications, including food packaging and manufacturing of consumer electronics. As per Fact.MR, the segment is projected to surge at a CAGR of 5%.

What are the Applications That Have Potential to Surge Polybutene-1 Demand?

PB-1 to be Highly Deployed for Film Modification, Cosmetics and PP Fibres

Apart from PB-1 piping, film modification is anticipated to account for high demand for polybutene-1. Use of polybutene-1 in film modification has shown significant growth from the past half-decade, owing to extensive integration of the product with the application.

PB-1 increases flexibility and softness without sacrificing the clarity of the film, which makes the film more functional. Similarly, polybutene-1 is also used to modify polypropylene fibres to enhance softness and flexibility. Many East Asian countries such as China and Japan are using PB-1 for manufacturing cosmetic and personal care products, which include the formulation of lipsticks, eye makeup, and several skincare products.

Polybutene-1 Market - Competitive Landscape

Polybutene-1 manufacturers offer a range of products based on application, which includes automotive parts, bags and pouches, bottles and vials, coatings, color concentrates, piping systems, and others.

• For instance, Lyondellbasell offers Akoalit PB DKG 300, which is a mono polymer manufactured from a butane-1 polymer. The product is used where high stiffness, outstanding creep, property retention and low thermal expansion at elevated temperature are required. The product availability and demand is growing in prominent regions throughout the globe including Africa-Middle East, Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, North America, and South & Central America.
• Mitsui Chemicals, a Japan-based manufacturer with a global presence, offers a polybutene-1 product named Beaulon, used for cold and hot water supply pipes, oil supply pipes, and floor heating pipes. The product has created a unique identity in the global market because of its water resistance, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and flexibility.

Key Segments Covered in the Polybutene-1 Industry Report

• By Product Type

  • Homo Polybutene-1
  • Random Polybutene-1

• By Process Technique

  • Extrusion Grade Polybutene-1
  • Extrusion Blow Molding Grade Polybutene-1
  • Injection Molding Grade Polybutene-1

• By Application

  • Polybutene-1 for Packaging Material
    • Cold Meat
    • Cheese
    • Smoked Salmon
    • Powder Milk
    • Rice 
    • Coffee Pads
    • Others
  • Polybutene-1 for Film Modification
    • BOPP
    • Cast PP
  • Polybutene-1 for Polyolefin Modification
  • Polybutene-1 for Piping / Plumbing Systems
    • Hot and Cold Water Supply Systems
    • District Heating Lines
    • Pressurized Plastic Tanks
    • Underfloor Heating
    • Others
  • Polybutene-1 for Electric Domestic Heaters
  • Polybutene-1 for Hot Melt Adhesives