Rubber Processing Chemicals Market Share & Trends Analysis, By Product (Anti-Degradant Rubber Processing Chemicals, Rubber Processing Accelerators), By Application (Rubber Processing Chemicals for Tire Applications) & By Region Forecast, 2021-2031

Market Snapshot

The rubber processing chemicals market experienced slow growth in 2020, closing in at just over US$ 5 Bn, attributed to recessionary impacts induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new forecast by Fact.MR estimates that rubber processing chemical revenue will expand 1.2X from 2021 to 2031, reaching close to US$ 6 Bn at a 10-year CAGR of nearly 3%.

Key Points Covered in Rubber Processing Chemicals Industry Analysis:

• Market Estimates and Forecasts (2016-2031)
• Key Drivers and Restraints Shaping Market Growth
• Segment-wise, Country-wise, and Region-wise Analysis
• Competition Mapping and Benchmarking
• Brand Share and Market Share Analysis
• Key Product Innovations and Regulatory Climate
• COVID-19 Impact on Rubber Processing Chemicals and How to Navigate
• Recommendation on Key Winning Strategies

Rubber Processing Chemicals Market Insights: Historical Growth from 2016-2020 Vs Future Trends for 2021-2031

From 2016 to 2020, sales of rubber processing chemicals expanded at just over 2% CAGR, with applications being primarily centered on automotive tire manufacturing applications. Further rubber processing chemicals industry research reveals that the market surpassed US$ 4 Bn at the commencement of the historical period.

Sales prospects were revised amid the COVID-19 pandemic, closing in at almost US$ 5 Bn as of 2020. Mandatory lockdowns imposed to curb infection spread led to stagnant industrial output, which was compounded by a significantly sluggish automotive industry performance in the historical period. Revised estimates of rubber procession chemicals demand outlook has pegged the forecast CAGR to nearly 3% from 2021-2031.

How is Flourishing Automotive Industry Nudging Sales of Rubber Processing Chemicals?

With rapid urbanization, automotive ownership is inclining impressively across all regions. Consequently, sales of automotive tires which offer superior road grip, enhanced abrasion resistance, reduced friction and better elasticity is also mushrooming. Hence, uptake of specialty chemicals to impart these features is inclining.

Due to rising demand for both commercial and private vehicles, rubber processing sales forecast appears bright especially across the developing world. Potential markets such as India, China, Japan and other East Asian and South Asian countries are expected to be the most opportunistic.

Will Increasing Utilization of Synthetic Rubber Products Act as Key Growth Opportunity?

According to Fact.MR’s rubber processing chemicals industry research, increasing reliance on styrene-butadiene, nitrile and neoprene synthetic rubbers is increasing substantially. This extensive reliance is generating significant growth opportunities for rubber processing chemicals sales in the forthcoming decade.

Synthetic rubber exhibits greater durability and longevity compared to natural rubber. It possesses enhanced resistance to damage and degradation from chemicals, extreme temperatures, ozone, sunlight and weathering. Additionally, it is highly flexible and has high insulation properties.

Key end-use industries, such as construction, aerospace, electronics and automotive are extensively deploying synthetic rubber, prompting players to manufacture processing chemicals for the same.

Country-wise Analysis

What Does Analysis of Rubber Processing Chemical Demand for the U.S. Conclude?

The market for rubber processing chemicals in the U.S topped US$ 1 Bn in 2020, amid extensive uptake across the automotive industry. As vehicle ownership increases, consumers are spending on tire maintenance so as to improve automobile performance through reduced abrasion resistance and superior road grip.

Moreover, manufacturers are incorporating synthetic rubber, owing to their ability to adhere to metals, making it an excellent option for rubber gaskets, seals, tires and other products. Hence, processing chemicals for synthetic rubber is experiencing considerable incline.

How is China Likely to Generate Growth Opportunities for Rubber Processing Chemical Suppliers?

Sales of rubber processing chemicals in China are slated to expand at over 5% CAGR to be valued at above US$ 1 Bn by 2031. Growth is being spurred by extensive development of the Chinese chemical industry, as well as a swelling automotive aftermarket in the wake of surging automobile sales.

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) estimates that in 2019, the chemical industry in China emerged as one of its primary manufacturing industries, while a study conducted by BASF concludes that chemical production is likely to rise by 6.3% through 2021 and beyond.

Consequently, government policies are being modeled to accommodate entry of prominent rubber processing chemical manufacturers, which will lead to significant expansion of the market in the future.   

Category-wise Insights

Will Demand for Rubber Flame Retardants Remain Elevated in the Long Run?

Fact.MR’s rubber processing chemicals demand outlook expects sales of flame retardants to record a CAGR exceeding 3% across the 2021-2031 forecast period. Sales are likely to surge amid rising need to prevent overheating of automotive tires while in motion.

Furthermore, applications abound across other rubber processing areas, including silicone rubber production, wire and cable manufacturing, roofing and mine belting. Players such as Huber offer a wide range of halogen-free flame and smoke retardants for rubber processing applications.

Why is Rubber Processing Chemicals Sales Forecast Promising in Tire Manufacturing?

By application, demand for rubber processing chemicals in tire manufacturing is inclining massively, accounting for over 40% of global demand by 2031. Increased demand for enhanced abrasion resistance, superior road grip and high load bearing capacity are driving demand.

Demand for antioxidants, anti-ozonants and curing systems are expected to be the primary cash cows, as these are extensively incorporated to prevent excessive wear and tear of rubber tires. For instance, Brenntag SE offers the AMINOX® and BLE® 65 stabilizers among others.

Competitive Landscape

New product launches, emphasis on R&D activities to augment production capacities, and collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions are core strategies adopted by prominent rubber processing chemical manufacturers to enhance their market footprints.

• BASF SE, a prominent manufacturer, offers the Koresin® rubber tackifier which is suitable for application in the production of quality and premium tires for cars, trucks, special vehicles, OEMs and replacement & re-treading operations in the automotive industry.
• In June 2021, Eastman Chemical Company announced its plans to divest its rubber additives business to an affiliate of One Rock Capital Partners LLC, including the CrystexTM insoluble sulfur and SantoflexTM anti-degradants for a sum of US$ 800 Mn to streamline its Additives & Functional Products business.

Report Scope

Key Segments Covered in Market Study

• Product

  • Anti-Degradant Rubber Processing Chemicals
  • Rubber Processing Accelerators
  • Rubber Flame Retardant Chemicals
  • Rubber Processing Aids/Promoters
  • Other Rubber Processing Chemical Products

• Application

  • Rubber Processing Chemicals for Tire Applications
  • Rubber Processing Chemicals for Non-Tire Applications