2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Plasticizers, 2-EH Acrylate, 2-EH Nitrate), By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, LATAM, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Outlook

The global 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) market size was estimated at USD 4.95 billion in 2016. Increasing demand for 2-EH acrylate, coupled with surging demand from rapidly-growing automotive and construction industries in Asia Pacific, is one of the key trends stoking market growth.

2-EH is used in a variety of applications such as plasticizers, acrylate, and nitrate. These chemicals are further employed in various industries including plastics, rubber, construction, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. A few major players in the market have been investing in R&D activities to improve the application scope and market reach of the product and, in turn, sustain their competitive positions.

The market is majorly driven by surging demand for 2-EH acrylate from the paints & coatings and construction industries. Furthermore, with rise in disposable incomes in countries such as the U.S, India, and China, demand for new houses and apartments is expected to grow considerably over the coming years. However, the demand for plasticizers is restricted in Europe and North America due to ban on its use in consumer goods such as children’s toys and related articles.

The regulatory framework for 2-ethylhexanol is governed by various regulatory bodies including International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and National Toxicology Program (NTP), among a few others. The framework specifies chemical and physical dangers of raw materials used for manufacturing 2-ethylhexanol and general requirements for the storage and use of these raw materials. Transport, usage, and storage of propylene and syngas, which are used in the production of 2-ethylhexanol are permitted, provided the safety regulations are stringently followed.

2-ethylhexanol finds application primarily in the paints & coatings, adhesives, and construction industries. Robust growth of these industries globally, most notably in emerging economies, owing to increasing foreign investments and aggressive policies to support and drive domestic demand, is anticipated to be one of the key growth stimulants of the overall market.

Asia Pacific is likely to be the most promising market for 2-ethylhexanol during the forecast period. Widening base of middle-class population, rapid industrialization, and flourishing manufacturing sector are some of the primary factors augmenting the market in the region. The demand for 2-ethylhexanol in the region is mainly dominated by manufacturers of plasticizers (phthalate and non-phthalate). Regions such as North America and Europe do not witness this trend.

Application Insights

Plasticizers, 2-EH acrylate, and 2-EH nitrate are the key applications of the product. In 2016, the plasticizers segment dominated North America, accounting for more than half of the revenue. Plasticizers are used in paints, rubber products, adhesives & sealants, and printing inks. Their use in all of the aforementioned applications is strictly regulated since it is considered to be a hazardous product. The growth of the plastics industry, especially in Asia Pacific, is projected to fuel the demand for plasticizers, which in turn will work in favor of the 2-EH market.

2-EH acrylate is poised to witness significant growth over the forecast period. 2-ethylhexyl acrylate is used as a monomer in the chemical industry for the production of polymers and copolymers, which are mainly processed further to produce aqueous polymer dispersions.

These polymers and polymer dispersions are used in a variety of applications, including adhesives and binders for paints. Other applications of 2-EH acrylate include coatings, plastics, and textiles. In addition, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate is used as a monomer in chemicals used for construction; for instance, floor coatings and road-marking substances.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific was the leading regional market in 2016. The region is estimated to maintain its position through 2025. It is also expected to be the fastest-growing market owing to increasing demand for 2-ethylhexanol from various industries.

China is anticipated to be the key revenue contributor in APAC, owing to strong industrial growth in the country. Rising disposable income, increasing employment opportunities, and strengthening economy are supporting the growth of end-use industries such as paints & coatings, plastics, and construction. In addition, increasing infrastructure investments in India, coupled with government’s Make in India initiative, is likely to benefit the plasticizers and 2-EH acrylate segments.

In addition, Europe is projected to witness steady growth over the forecast period. Regulatory scenario and end-user preferences have driven coating companies in Europe to develop multi-functional and sustainable solutions in addition to providing value-added services to their customers. This trend is projected to positively impact the European market over the forecast period. In addition, the growth of the protective and automotive coating industries in the region is poised to spur the demand for the product.

2-Ethylhexanol Market Share Insights

The global market is characterized by presence of various well-established players such and a few medium and small regional players. Market participants face intense competition from each other as majority of them are among the top chemical companies, with large distribution networks and wide consumer base. Some of the key players in market majorly cater to the paints & coatings, marine, transportation, and building & construction industries.

Some of the key players present in the market are The Dow Chemical Co., BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, Sigma-Aldrich, SABIC Industries, Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe Kędzierzyn Spółka Akcyjna, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, and LG Chem, Ltd.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at a global, regional, & country level and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) market report based on application and region:

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Plasticizers

  • 2-EH Acrylate

  • 2-EH Nitrate

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • U.S

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia