Special effect masterbatches are concentrated mixtures obtained by mixing of colors and additives in a polymer carrier by heat treatment and a high shear mixing extruder. Special effect masterbatches consist of special pigments or fillers, which are used to achieve different visual effects such as metallic, glitter, marble, transparent, fluorescence, glitter, and others. Special effect masterbatches help in adding visual impact, increasing consumer appeal, and providing beneficial features to plastic products. Companies in the market are focusing on product design as well as packaging design differentiation, in order to increase their market share. The need for packaging differentiation has led to increasing importance of finishing effects for plastics, which is increasing demand for special effect masterbatches.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Increasing demand for plastic packaging is expected to drive demand for special effect masterbatches over the forecast period. For instance, according to Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Indian packaging sector was valued at US$ 31.7 billion in 2015 and is expected grow at a rate of 18% to reach US$ 72.6 billion by 2020.

Increasing demand for plastics from automotive industry to reduce vehicle weight and thereby, improve fuel efficiency is expected to drive demand for special effect masterbatches. Growth of automotive industry is expected to drive growth of the special effect masterbatches growth. For instance, according to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, over 27 million vehicles were sold in China in 2018. According to the same source, the automobile market in China is expected to reach 30 million units by 2020 and 35 million units by 2025.

When compared to pure pigments, special effect masterbatches require more storage space and its production lead time is longer, which a major factor that restrains growth of the market. Also, the non-biodegradable nature of these special effect masterbatches is expected to hamper the market growth over the forecast period.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Among regions, Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the special effect masterbatches market over the forecast period. Growth of various end-use industries in the region is expected to drive the market growth. For instance, according to European Snacks Association, savory snack market was valued at US$ 19 billion in 2018 and savory snack nut consumption in Europe increased by 76% between 2009 and 2018. According to the same source, Dutch is the biggest consumer of snack nuts in Europe with consumption of 2.9 kg per capita. The growth of food & beverage industry in Europe is expected to drive demand for packaging products, which in turn is expected to drive market growth of special effect masterbatches.

KEY PLAYERS

Major players operating in the special effect masterbatches market include Ampacet Corporation, PolyOne Corporation, Gabriel-Chemie Group, Viba S.p.A., Clariant AG, Americhem Inc., Universal Masterbatch LLP, RTP Company, ColorPlas Polyadditives LLP, and Hampton Colours.

Players operating in the special effect masterbathces market are adopting strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, in order to expand their product portfolio and increase their market presence. For instance, in December 2019, PolyOne Corporation entered into an agreement with Clariant AG to acquire Clariant’s color & additive masterbatch business segment. Clariant’s color & additive masterbatch has 46 manufacturing facilities and technology centers located worldwide and serves various end-use industries including packaging, healthcare, and consumer electronics. The acquisition will help PolyOne Corporation to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its market presence.

MARKET TAXONOMY

On the basis of effect type, the global special effect masterbatches market is segmented into:

Appearance Effects
- Metallic
- Edge Glow
- Pearlescent
- Transparent
- Sparkle Mist
- Iridescent
- Fluorescent
Functional Effects
- Photo chromatic
- Thermo chromatic
- Glow-in-the-Dark
- Chroma Shift
Material Effects
- Stone/Granite/Marble
- Tortoise Shell
- Wood Grain
Others

On the basis of application, the global special effect masterbatches market is segmented into:

Hygiene & Baby Products
Automotive
Homecare & Household Products
Consumer Appliances
Packaging
- Consumer Care
- Food & Beverage
- Industrial
- Others
Sports & Leisure
Others

On the basis of region, the global special effect masterbatches market is segmented into:

Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- ASEAN
- Australia
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia Pacific
North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- U.K.
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Rest of the Europe
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of South America
Middle East
- GCC
- Israel
- Rest of Middle East
Africa
- North Africa
- Central Africa
- South Africa

About Author

Pankaj Poddar is a Senior Consultant with over 12 years. He excels in providing impactful insights and strategic recommendations. His expertise includes market estimation, competitor analysis, and identifying emerging trends. Pankaj helps clients make informed decisions that drive growth and improve operational efficiency. Backed by a strong educational background in polymers industry & on-hand industry working experience, his key skills include delivering strategic solutions to clients within this space to improve the effectiveness in their offerings and/or expand into other lucrative markets.