Aging resistant: Ceresana examines the global market for plastic stabilizers

KONSTANZ, Germany - Feb. 1, 2023 - PRLog -- Cables, pipes and window frames should ideally last forever. In most cases, they do if they are made of PVC – provided the material is protected with stabilizers against the harmful effects of oxygen and sunlight. This is the sixth time that Ceresana has investigated the global market for these essential additives: The market research institute expects revenues from stabilizers for plastics and elastomers to grow to USD 7.3 billion annually by 2031.

Thermostabilizers and UV stabilizers

The plastics industry requires large quantities of stabilizers, especially for the production and processing of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The most important application is plastic pipes, for which more than 400,000 tonnes of stabilizers are currently consumed each year. Behind them come profiles, cables, films and other applications. Accordingly, demand for stabilizers is primarily determined by developments in the construction industry. Regional differences are striking: In Europe, stabilizers are mainly needed for PVC profiles, while in Asia they are used for pipes. Components made of plastic can help save energy. Growing environmental awareness worldwide is therefore one reason for the rising demand in stabilizers.

Alternative stabilizers wanted

Stabilizers are mostly based on heavy metals such as lead or tin, but also on calcium, liquid metal soaps and other starting materials. In the European Union, the industry has been phasing out the use of lead-based stabilizers since 2015; the recycling of PVC with lead stabilizers is still controversial. By now, calcium-based stabilizers are by far the most demanded type in Europe. In other regions, demand for alternative, more environmentally friendly stabilizers is also increasing. Sales of tin stabilizers are expected to reach around 237,000 tonnes in 2031. Tin stabilizers account for the highest share of the overall market in North America. Globally, Asia-Pacific is the largest market for stabilizers with a share of around 61%, followed by Western Europe.

Current market data on stabilizers

Chapter 1 of the new Ceresana report provides a presentation and analysis of the global market for plastic stabilizers – including forecasts up to 2031. Different types of stabilizers are considered in detail: tin stabilizers,   lead stabilizers, calcium-based stabilizers, liquid mixed metal stabilizers, and other products. The study also examines the application areas for stabilizers: pipes, profiles, films, cables, floorings, other applications. Chapter 2 analyzes demand for stabilizers and the revenues generated by them for 22 countries. Chapter 3 provides useful company profiles of the 72 most important producers of stabilizers for plastics and elastomers. Further information about the new market study "Stabilizers" (6th edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/stabilizers-market-report...