Abstract of SCUP report Rubber-Processing Chemicals
Abstract
In 2005, the value of rubber-processing chemicals consumption in the United
States, Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, China, Japan, the Republic
of Korea and Taiwan was over $2 billion and it is projected to grow at an average
annual rate of 2.4% per year.
Most rubber-processing chemicals are older products consumed predominantly
in the manufacture of automotive tires. Because of increasing consolidation
in the tire industry, the major tire manufacturers are in a strong position
to demand low prices for rubber-processing chemicals while still maintaining
demand for high quality, product improvements, efficient delivery and strong
technical support. Environmental issues are an ongoing concern that could force
producers of rubber-processing chemicals to upgrade manufacturing facilities
and develop less hazardous products.
The following pie chart shows consumption of rubber-processing chemicals by
major region:
The North American rubber-processing chemicals market is expected to grow
only slowly. About 61% of the total market value in 2005 was accounted for
by antidegradants (antioxidants, antiozonants and stabilizers). The accelerators
group (accelerators, activators and vulcanizing agents) was the next largest
(29% of market value), and other rubber-processing chemicals (antiscorch agents,
blowing agents, polymerization regulators and shortstops) made up the remainder.
The rubber-processing chemicals covered by this report are produced by over
25 North American companies and are also supplied to the North American market
by several foreign producers. The industry has been undergoing consolidation
and restructuring and the North American market is now dominated by five companies—Chemtura,
Emerald Performance Materials, Flexsys America, LANXESS and R.T. Vanderbilt.
In Western Europe, the rubber chemicals industry is mature with mature products,
well-established suppliers and customers, and exhibits a relatively low growth
rate. Demand during 2005–2010 is expected to show only minimal growth.
A slightly higher growth rate is expected for antidegradants than for accelerators.
In Central and Eastern Europe, the rubber chemicals industry is being developed.
The consumption of rubber, particularly natural rubber, has grown significantly
since 1999, which has prompted an increase in the use of rubber-processing
chemicals and preparations.
Japanese consumption of rubber-processing chemicals is fairly mature and is
expected to increase only slightly over the forecast period. Consumption of
rubber-processing chemicals in China is expected to grow at a healthy rate
to 2010, while the Republic of Korea and Taiwan will grow slowly.
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