Rubber Vulcanization Market

Rubber Vulcanization Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global rubber vulcanization market stands at US$ 2.5 billion in 2023. Global demand for rubber vulcanization is forecasted to reach a market valuation of US$ 4.2 billion by the end of 2033, increasing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2033. Asia Pacific account for a little over 60% share of the global market in 2022.

A key factor boosting the demand for rubber vulcanization is the growing requirement for rubber-based products in the medical and healthcare industry. Increasing preference for rubber products compared to plastic and fiber products is also estimated to help the market to grow. Aerospace and automotive industries are prominent industries using vulcanized rubber. Expansion of the oil & gas industry is also predicted to create opportunities for market players.

Rubber vulcanization is a chemical process involving the heating of synthetic or natural rubber with sulfur or some other vulcanizing agents. This process is used to improve the strength, elasticity, and durability of the rubber. Cross-links are created through this process between polymer chains to get more resilient and stable material. Rubber vulcanization is used for the production of a wide variety of rubber products.

Various additives, including accelerators, are used as catalyzers in the rubber vulcanization process. Vulcanized rubber is widely used in various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, automotive, industrial goods, and many others. Cross-linking, which is caused by the sulfur vulcanization process, can modify the mechanical and electrical properties of rubber.

The rubber vulcanization process enhances the heat resistance, tensile strength, and elasticity of natural rubber tires, which is expected to propel the demand for vulcanized rubber in the aerospace industry.

There are certain restraints that are expected to have adverse impacts on market expansion opportunities. The implementation of stringent rules and regulations in the oil & gas industry is anticipated to limit the adoption of vulcanized rubber to some extent. Fluctuation in the prices of raw materials is also estimated to restrict growth opportunities for market players over the decade.

This newly published research report by Fact.MR, a provider of market research and competitive intelligence, provides a detailed analysis of various aspects of the industry, including trends, vital statistics, high-class data, and a competitive landscape.

Report Attributes	Details
Market Size in 2023	US$ 2.5 Billion
Projected Market Value (2033)	US$ 4.2 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	5.3% CAGR
Revenue Share of Asia Pacific (2022)	60.1%
Key Companies Profiled	Arkema SA LANXESS BASF SE Eastman Chemical Company Willing New Materials Technology Co. Ltd. Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. King Industries Inc. Kumho Petrochemical

Which Aspects are Catalyzing the Demand for Vulcanized Rubber Globally?

“Multiple Applications of Vulcanized Rubber in Various Industries”

Demand for vulcanized rubber is estimated to increase at a noteworthy rate owing to the rising production of tires. Moreover, the increased demand for vulcanized rubber is attributed to its superior mechanical and structural properties. The expansion of the transportation and automotive industry is also expected to positively influence market growth.

Increasing use of vulcanized rubber in power transmission belts, gasket material, etc., is estimated to generate growth opportunities in the target industry over the coming 10 years. The expansion of the oil & gas industry is also predicted to contribute to increasing sales of vulcanized rubber.

“Technical Advancements in Tire Manufacturing Creating Higher Demand for Vulcanized Rubber”

The development of various innovative tires, which feature high-performance rubbers to increase product durability is projected to offer substantial opportunities for market expansion. Growth in the automotive and aerospace industries is also predicted to fuel demand for vulcanized rubber over the forecast period.

How is the Sales Growth of Vulcanized Rubber Being Restricted to Some Extent?

“Adverse Effects Related to Vulcanization Process”

There are certain ill effects that are associated with the production of rubber (natural and synthetic). The vulcanization of rubber contributes to biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution, and many more. Diseases and climate change are also caused due to the production of vulcanized rubber, which is further projected to restrict its sales.

“Fluctuation in Prices of Raw Materials”

There are constant fluctuations in prices of raw materials, which are used in the production of vulcanized rubber. These fluctuations are predicted to directly impact the final cost of the end product and thus negatively impact the demand for vulcanized rubber.

How Can Start-ups Settle Down in the Rubber Vulcanization Market?

“Adoption of New Vulcanization Mechanism to Produce Natural Rubber Widening Horizon for New Market Entrants”

New entrants in the global industry can explore opportunities with the application of a new vulcanization mechanism. This mechanism is used for the production of natural rubber, which is better than synthetic rubber. Natural rubber has a low odor compared to synthetic rubber. Moreover, higher tear resistance and higher tensile strength are also ensured in natural rubber, which is further anticipated to open up new avenues for startups over the coming decade.

Which Regional Market is Attracting Suppliers of Vulcanized Rubber?

“Rising Automotive Industry in Asia Pacific Propelling Demand for Rubber Vulcanization”

Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa are key regions, which are stimulating demand for vulcanized rubber and thus generating lucrative opportunities for market players. Asia Pacific held 60.1% of the global market revenue in 2022, which is attributed to the rising demand and production of automotive products in countries of this region, including Japan, Indonesia, India, and China, which is further generating demand for vulcanized rubber. Tire manufacturers are also contributing to the increasing demand for vulcanized rubber, which is expected to positively impact market growth.

Country-wise Insights

Which Factor is Propelling the Sales of Vulcanized Rubber in Japan?

“Significant Growth in Automobile Sector Widening Opportunities for Market Players”

Growing demand for automotive vehicles along with their high production in Japan is estimated to boost sales of vulcanized rubber. In the past few years, Japan produced a significant number of passenger cars. Therefore, growth in the automobile sector is forecasted to propel sales of vulcanized rubber in Japan over the forecast period.

What is Expected from the United States Market for Rubber Vulcanization?

“Presence of Key Players Driving Market Expansion in the Country”

There are various well-established players, which are operating in the United States market. The presence of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and automotive companies, including Ford Motor Company, General Motors, etc., are predicted to fuel demand for vulcanized rubber over the coming 10 years.

Why is Germany Emerging as an Attractive Market in Europe?

“Increasing Demand for Rubber Vulcanization from Several End-use Industries”

Rising demand for vulcanized rubber in Germany is coming from various end-use industries, including medical, automotive, etc. These industries are projected to help in generating lucrative opportunities for market players.

Category-wise Insights

Why are Vulcanizing Agents Widely Used in the Rubber Vulcanization Process?

“Use of Vulcanizing Agents Aids Adhesion of Rubber Sheets”

Based on type, the global market is classified into vulcanizing agents, accelerators, and activators. Among these, the vulcanizing agents segment held a dominating position in 2022. The vulcanizing agent is a chemical compound, which assists rubber to retain its elasticity and helps to increase its tensile strength. Vulcanizing agents are used significantly in the coating, filling, and grafting of rubber sheets to improve their bonding and adhesion. Polyoxyethylene ethers, propylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and sulfur are some popular vulcanizing agents.

Which Industry is Expected to Account for Significant Use of Vulcanized Rubber?

“Automotive & Transportation Industry Accounts for High Product Demand”

Industrial, consumer goods, automotive & transportation, healthcare, and other end-use industries are contributing to the rising demand for vulcanized rubber around the world. Among these, the automotive & transportation industry is expected to hold a significant share of the global revenue by the end of 2033.

Increased production and sales of commercial vehicles and automobiles are projected to put a remarkable impact on strengthening market opportunities. The rubber vulcanization procedure is utilized to manufacture tires with temperature resistance and high air pressure. The rising automotive industry around the world is predicted to stimulate the demand for the rubber vulcanization process globally.

Demand for vulcanized rubber is also increasing in the healthcare industry owing to its rising use in protective medical masks, gloves, gowns, etc.

Competitive Landscape

Key suppliers of vulcanized rubber are investing huge amounts of money in R&D activities. They are concentrating on strengthening their supply chain management systems and offering quality products to customers. Manufacturers of vulcanized rubber are putting efforts to follow guidelines set by governing bodies to cause minimal environmental impacts during the vulcanization process.

New developments and product launches are some prominent strategies adopted by industry players to expand their footprints across the globe over the coming 10 years.

For instance,

• In March 2022, Shin-Etsu Chemical came up with a unique one-component liquid silicone rubber product, which is better and safer for the vulcanization process.

Key companies in the rubber vulcanization market include Arkema SA, LANXESS, BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, Willing New Materials Technology Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., King Industries Inc., and Kumho Petrochemical.

Segmentation of Rubber Vulcanization Industry Research

• By Type :

  • Vulcanizing Agents
  • Accelerators
  • Activators

• By Technique :

  • Sulfur Vulcanization
  • Other Curing Techniques

• By Application :

  • Industrial
  • Consumer Goods
  • Automotive & Transportation
  • Healthcare
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa