STYRENE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (SBS) COPOLYMER BLOCK MARKET ANALYSIS

Styrene-butadiene belongs to a family of synthetic rubbers that are derived from butadiene styrene. These materials exhibit steady resistance against abrasion and good aging stability when it is protected with additives. Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer block consists of butadiene and styrene linked homopolymer blocks, which belongs to thermoplastic elastomers. It is a type of hard rubber that finds applications in tire treads, shoe soles, and other places where durability is a major issue. SBS has various physical properties such as excellent tensile strength, a good conductor of electricity, impressive low-temperature behavior, and great workability. Moreover, polystyrene, which is a touch and hard plastic get its durability from SBS only. SBS finds applications in various industries including medical devices, adhesives, automobile parts, liquid sealing, electric devices, office automation industry, waterproofing materials, polymer alteration, etc.

Market Outlook

Global SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) copolymer block market size is estimated to be valued at US$ 8.12 billion by 2024, and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period (2019-2027). Increasing application of SBS copolymer block in sealant and adhesive applications is expected to increase the demand for SBS copolymer block and subsequently boost the market growth. SBS copolymer block-based sealants and adhesives have shown superior performance, as they enhance product reliability and lifespan. Furthermore, increasing adoption of growth strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, partnership, and expansion by key players is expected to support the market growth in the near future. Moreover, increasing usage of waterproofing materials, increasing demand for automobile parts, and increasing demand for asphalt for road and pavement construction are expected to support the growth of the market in the near future. Furthermore, increasing demand for high-quality footwear is expected to propel the global SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) copolymer block market growth. The footwear companies are replacing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with styrenic polymers, in order to observe toxicity regulations. This is expected to increase the demand for SBS copolymer block and eventually support growth of the market.

Rapidly expanding road infrastructure around the globe poses an excellent opportunity for SBS copolymer block manufactures to enhance their revenues.

Market Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific holds the largest market share and is expected to be the fastest growing market around the globe. This is owing to increased usage of altered asphalts for waterproofing purpose. Global SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) copolymer block market is expected to have significant growth in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and North America, owing to rapid industrial and economic growth in respective regions.

Market Players

Key players operating in global SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) copolymer block market include Polimeri Europa, Sinopec Maoming Company, Dexco Polymers LP, Total Petrochemicals USA, Inc., Firestone Polymer, Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc., China National Petroleum Corporation, ShenZhen Yanshan Petrochemical Trade Co., Ltd., Dynasol Elastomers, and Sinopec Baling Company.

Key Developments

• In November 2018, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) recognized Kumho Chemical’s SBS product for World-class product award. Kumho Chemical’s SBS product is mainly used in manufacturing waterproof sheets and asphalt modifiers. The company also planned to add 10 kilo tons of additional capacity to its current 80 kilo tons of SBS production capacity.
• In September 2018, Sibur announced its plans to expand its styrene-based elastomers plant in Voronezh, Russia. The new line of elastomers will add another 50 kilo tons of styrene elastomers manufacturing capacity to the existing 85 kilo tons thermoplastic elastomers plant in Russia. The expansion will mainly cater the domestic demand for styrene based elastomers.
• In March 2018, Sibur – a Russian petrochemical manufacturer started talks with Saudi Aramco to form a joint-venture to initiate synthetic rubber manufacturing plant in the Middle East. Easy availability of raw materials and growing demand from Asia pacific market is the main agenda to set-up a synthetic rubber plant in the Middle East.