Global Emulsion Styrene Butadiene Rubber Market is Estimated to Witness High Growth Owing to Increasing Demand from the Tire Industry and the Growing Automotive Industry
The global emulsion styrene butadiene rubber market is estimated to be valued at USD 6.82 Bn in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period (2024-2031). The growing demand for tires from automotive and transportation industries is pushing the consumption of emulsion styrene butadiene rubber. Furthermore, rapid growth in automotive production along with increasing vehicle parc is also propelling the emulsion styrene butadiene rubber market.
Market Dynamics:
Growing Automotive Industry
Robust growth in the global automotive industry has been a key factor driving the demand for emulsion styrene butadiene rubber. Emulsion styrene butadiene rubber finds wide application in tire manufacturing which accounts for over 60% of its consumption, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission data reported on 2022. Expanding vehicle fleet size along with increasing disposable income of consumers in developing economies is fueling the production of new vehicles. Rapid urbanization and improving road infrastructure have also boosted automotive sales.
Increasing Tire Replacement Activities
Replacement market for tires accounts for over two-third of the overall tires market. As tire is a consumable product that needs periodic replacement, growing vehicle parc translates into rising tire replacement demand.
Growth in Tire Manufacturing Industry is Driving the Demand for Emulsion Styrene Butadiene Rubber
The tire manufacturing industry is one of the largest end users of emulsion styrene butadiene rubber (ESBR). ESBR is commonly used in tire manufacturing due to its excellent abrasion resistance and flexibility properties. The global tire industry has seen steady growth over the past few years and this growth is expected to continue over the forecast period. Key factors such as increasing vehicle production and sales, growing demand for replacement tires, and rise in international trade are fueling the demand for tires. This positive growth outlook of the tire industry directly translates to increased consumption of ESBR and acts as a major driver for the emulsion styrene butadiene rubber market.
Growing Demand from Polymer Modification Applications is Boosting Emulsion Styrene Butadiene Rubber Market Growth
In addition to tires, ESBR also finds significant usage in polymer modification applications such as production of adhesives and sealants. ESBR helps improve properties like tackiness, flexibility, and adhesion strength of adhesives and sealants. The global adhesives and sealants market is growing due to increased construction and automotive manufacturing activities. In sealants and adhesives, ESBR is commonly blended with other polymers such as styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS) to achieve desired performance characteristics. Therefore, robust growth in polymer modification end-use industries is propelling the emulsion styrene butadiene rubber market forward.
Volatility in Crude Oil Prices Poses a Challenge
The prices of raw materials used for ESBR production, such as butadiene and styrene, are highly dependent on crude oil prices. Frequent fluctuations in international crude oil prices directly impact production costs for ESBR manufacturers. Sudden spikes in raw material prices shrink profit margins, while lower oil prices may discourage capacity expansions. The unstable nature of crude oil prices poses a major challenge for participants in the emulsion styrene butadiene rubber market from a cost and demand perspective. Raw material price volatility makes long-term planning difficult and limits capacity growth plans of manufacturers.
Stringent Environmental Regulations Hamper Market Growth
ESBR production involves the use of various petrochemical derivatives that release volatile organic compound emissions. Thus, manufacturers need to comply with stringent environmental regulations regarding emission & effluent treatments in all regions. Additionally, production of ESBR via emulsion polymerization consumes large amounts of water. Disposal of this process water requires adherence to wastewater quality standards. The complexity and costs associated with achieving compliance can limit entry of new players as well as curb capacity expansions for existing producers. Heavy investments needed for setting up effluent treatment plants also squeeze producer margins.
Opportunities in High Performance Applications
While standard ESBR is used majorly in tire manufacturing, high performance ESBR grades are finding increased usages in specialty applications such as shoe soles, wind turbine blades, and automotive mounts. These specialty applications demand enhanced properties like flexibility at low temperatures, durability, and tensile strength. Leading ESBR producers are investing in R&D to develop tailored product grades with advanced features suitable for high-performance applications. The growing specialty rubber markets present lucrative opportunities for manufacturers to gain more traction.
Growing "Green" Trend Presents Opportunity
With rising environmental awareness, demand is increasing for bio-based and sustainable alternatives to traditional petrochemical-based materials. ESBR manufacturers have an opportunity to leverage the "green" trend by investing in eco-friendly production technologies and developing bio-based rubber grades. Transition to renewable feedstocks and greater use of green chemicals can help gain more customers in the years ahead. Production of ESBR using bio-based raw materials such as vegetable oil and natural rubber could open up new growth markets.
Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/emulsion-styrene-butadiene-rubber-market-3856
Key Developments
- In December 2023, Kumho Tire, a leading tire manufacturer based in South Korea, formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Synthos, a prominent European petrochemical company. This agreement focuses on collaborating to create sustainable raw materials for tire production. The partnership will specifically target the research and development of Neodymium Butadiene Rubber (NBR) using Bio-Butadiene, aiming to enhance the use of eco-friendly synthetic rubber in tire manufacturing processes.
- In July 2023, ExxonMobil inaugurated its first styrene butadiene rubber facility in Asia, situated in Singapore, with an annual production capacity of 150,000 metric tons. ExxonMobil, officially known as Exxon Mobil Corporation, is a leading U.S.-based multinational oil and gas company.
- In February 2023, Arlanxeo unveiled a state-of-the-art polybutadiene production line in Southern Brazil, capable of producing 65 kilo tons annually. This new facility increases the flexibility of rubber production at the Triunfo site. Arlanxeo is one of the world's largest synthetic rubber producers and a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, a leading energy and chemicals producer.
Key Players
Asahi Kasei Corporation, Arlanxeo, Lanxess, Versalis SpA, LG Chem, Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Ltd, Hua Rubber Public Company Ltd, Halcyon Agri, Southland Rubber Co., Ltd, Sinochem Group Co. Ltd., Num Rubber & Latex Co., Ltd, Yunnan State Farms Group Co., Ltd, Von Bundit Co., Ltd, Apcotex Industries Ltd., and Firestone Natural Rubber Company
