Non-halogenated Flame Retardants Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Application, By End-use (Construction, Transportation, Electrical & Electronics & Electronics, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global non-halogenated flame retardants market size was valued at USD 5.26 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2023 to 2030. Non-halogenated flame retardants delay or restrain flame production to avert the spread of fire. They are added (additive) or chemically bonded (reactive) to the base material to induce fire retardancy in the manufactured products, mostly polymers, and textiles. These retardants are devoid of halogens, which were earlier considered essential in flame retardants’ composition. The efficiency of some non-halogenated retardants is still compared to that of halogenated options available. However, this gap has also been covered by many manufacturers with the help of technological innovations.

Flame retardants address the need for durability, safety, and insulation in various applications. They produce less smoke and heat emissions apart from being recyclable, therefore they are preferred over bioaccumulation causing halogens, which are hazardous to human health and the environment. In addition to strict regulatory policies, many countries have banned the use of halogenated retardants, thus supporting the growth of this industry.

REACH and WEEE in Europe, Environmental Protection Agency in the USA, and CEPA in Canada are a few associations safeguarding consumers and the environment by regulating flame retardant policies. The market conditions have been favorable, thereby presenting growth opportunities for the market. However, the processing of these products involves high loading levels and many other drawbacks, which are likely to hinder market growth. 

Product Insights

The aluminum hydroxide segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 49.4% in 2022. Rising concerns over health and safety in several industries, specifically in the mature economies of Western Europe and the U.S., coupled with low-cost advantages involved in manufacturing aluminum hydroxide products, are expected to drive the market over the forecast period. Alumina-based flame retardant namely alumina trihydrate (ATH) is an inexpensive non-halogenated flame retardant, that is extensively used in automobiles and electrical appliances. ATH finds its major application in polymers such as epoxy resins and unsaturated polyesters.    

The phosphorus-based segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. Phosphorus-based products can be classified as organic phosphorus and inorganic phosphorus. They are available in both reactive forms that are bound to the polymer as well as in an additive form that is mixed in the polymer. Increasing applications of phosphorous flame retardants, coupled with technological advancements, have been identified as the key factors driving the segment over the forecast period.

Application Insights

The epoxy resins segment accounted for the largest revenue share of around 24.2% in 2022. Epoxy resin finds applications in paints and coatings, electronic equipment, and adhesives. Flame retardant additives enhance the functioning of these resins by improving their fire resistance. These products are coupled with epoxy resins to be used in tapes, wires, and pipelines to protect the coatings from direct contact to a flame. Rapid industrialization in countries such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), coupled with increasing demand for epoxy resins for durable coatings, is expected to drive the market for non-halogenated flame retardants over the next few years.

The polyolefins segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period. This is attributed is due to its characteristics such as ease in processing and better mechanical properties. Polyolefin finds its major application in wires and cables that are used in different industries such as electrical, construction, and transport. Various polyolefin products that use flame retardant additives are PP, PE, LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, and EVA.

The ETP segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. Non-halogenated flame retardants are combined with ETP materials that are used for manufacturing automotive parts and medical equipment. North America and Western Europe are the mature markets for ETP; hence growth is expected from rapidly growing economies such as China, India, Russia, and Brazil.

End-use Insights

The electrical & electronics segment held the largest revenue share of 38.3% in 2022. The rise in demand for safety materials for pipes and wires used in the electrical industry, coupled with developing electricity infrastructure in emerging economies such as Brazil, India, China, and Russia, is expected to drive the demand in this segment for the next few years. Major manufacturers of electronic equipment in countries such as China are forced to shift toward non-halogenated alternatives of flame retardants due to increasing environmental concerns in other regions such as Europe and North America.

The construction segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 10.1% over the forecast period. The construction industry is placing greater emphasis on sustainable building practices, including the use of environmentally friendly materials. Non-halogenated flame retardants are often derived from renewable sources and are designed to have minimal environmental impact. They align with the goals of sustainable construction and contribute to green building certifications.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 46.1% in 2022 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period. This positive outlook is due to global environmental regulations, the regional market is expected to gradually shift from halogenated to non-halogenated products.

Besides, increasing construction spending, coupled with the growth of the automotive industry, particularly in emerging countries such as China and India, is expected to have a positive influence on market growth over the forecasted period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is fragmented in nature. Manufacturers are focusing on achieving a high degree of integration across the value chain, which is projected to play a vital role in expediting product sales across various regions. Moreover, they are focusing on R&D activities to achieve product differentiation and gain a competitive edge.

Recent Developments

• In October 2019, CLARIANT introduced an array of 11 groundbreaking bio-based additives, which are presented under the brands Licocene Terra and Eolit OP Terra. This progressive lineup of additives not only delivers top-tier performance solutions but also effectively diminishes the dependence on fossil fuels. By unveiling these innovative bio-based additives, CLARIANT is dedicated to nurturing a sustainable value chain, thereby playing a pivotal role in promoting an industry that is more ecologically conscious and responsible

• In July 2022, BASF SE and THOR GmbH united their strengths to leverage their individual proficiencies in non-halogenated flame retardant additives. The essence of this partnership lies in providing customers with a holistic solution designed to enhance both the sustainability and performance of targeted plastic compounds, all while meeting rigorous fire safety standards

Non-halogenated Flame Retardants Market Report Scope

Global Non-halogenated Flame Retardants Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global non-halogenated flame retardants market report based on product, application, end-use, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo Tons, 2018 - 2030)

  • Aluminum Hydroxide

  • Magnesium Dihydroxide

  • Phosphorous Based

  • Others (nitrogen, magnesium hydroxide, etc.)

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo Tons, 2018 - 2030)

  • Polyolefins

  • Epoxy Resins

  • UPE

  • PVC

  • ETP

  • Rubber

  • Styrenics

  • Other Applications

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo Tons, 2018 - 2030)

  • Electrical & Electronics

  • Construction

  • Transportation

  • Others (furniture, textiles, etc.)

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo Tons, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa