Low Smoke Halogen Free Flame Retardant Polypropylene Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Construction, Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Industrial), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2015 - 2024

Industry Insights

The global low smoke halogen free flame retardant polypropylene market was worth USD 412.7 million in 2015 and is expected to witness significant growth owing to its usage in industries such as construction, automotive, industrial, and electrical & electronics. Growing safety concern regarding fire has resulted in the rise of the demand for polypropylene (PP) based flame retardant products.

Fire has been a major threat to the industrial and commercial sectors for a long time. To overcome these issues, various fire safety regulations are introduced across the globe. The end-use industries need to comply with these regulations to gain sustainability in the market. There has been an increase in the usage of polypropylene in key end-use industries, such as automotive, construction, and electrical applications. Flame retardant polymers, such as polypropylene, restrict the spread of fire and thus protect the device as well as the immediate environment.

Government regulatory support for halogen-free flame retardants is presumed to play a critical role in aiding the global market. Concerns regarding the environmental, health, and fire safety issues of halogen based flame retardants are touted to result in a shift towards consumption of their halogen-free counterparts. The growth of the major end-use industries such as construction and automobiles, particularly in emerging regions such as China, India, Russia, and Brazil is slated to drive the regional as well as global low smoke halogen free flame retardant polypropylene market.

Manufacturing low smoke flame retardant PP products is a relatively expensive process, and volatility in raw material prices is expected to restrain industry expansion. However, technological advancement and the development of alternative raw materials are expected to open new avenues over the forecast period.

Companies are focusing on new technology introductions to achieve product differentiation. Nanoparticle technology and the development of new polypropylene products are the results of these efforts. The growth of key end-use industries, such as construction, automotive, and electronics due to rising population and disposable income, is also expected to contribute to the overall market growth of low smoke halogen-free flame retardant polypropylene.

The low smoke halogen-free flame retardant market is characterized by the presence of a large number of market participants. Production process optimization for efficient raw material utilization is an important characteristic of the participants. Recent technological advancements in plastic packaging ensure extended shelf life. Countries across the globe have formulated fire safety regulations, and end-use industries need to comply with them. The trend is expected to positively benefit the global low smoke halogen free flame retardant market.

Application Insights

The construction industry dominated the global industry. In 2015, the demand in the construction industry was valued at USD 131.2 million. The industry is growing at a significant pace owing to its development in emerging and developing countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Chile, Thailand, and India. The construction industry is one of the major contributors to the growth in the GDP in these countries.

The automotive industry is also witnessing substantial growth in the past few years. With the growing trend and development of the latest technology, the demand for halogen-free PP products is rising in the sector.

The application for flame retardant PP products in other areas such as industrial, textile, furniture, packaging, and labeling is also observing a potential growth. With a rise in fire safety concerns and increasing government regulations regarding this, these industries are also trying to develop new and advanced technology.

Depending upon the degree of polymer loading, their flame and chemical resistance may vary. Carbon fiber is expected to witness the the highest growth rate on account of its exceptional strength. However, high processing cost is expected to restrain the market growth.

Regional Insights

North America's low smoke halogen free flame retardant PP market led the global industry and accounted for 32.5% of global demand in 2015. The region is one of the biggest manufacturers of the product with the presence of the latest technology, innovation, and effective government rules and regulation.

Asia Pacific is expected to surpass North America to lead the global industry over the next eight years. The region has potential developing & emerging countries such as India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. These countries are witnessing major growth in construction and electrical & electronics industries due to which the low smoke PP market is also expected to grow.

An economic slowdown in China has resulted in the shift of all foreign investments in Southeast Asian countries. Due to this, there is a growth in the construction industry, owing to which the halogen-free PP industry is also growing.

Low Smoke Halogen Free Flame Retardant Polypropylene Market

The low smoke halogen free flame retardant polypropylene (PP) industry is a highly consolidated market. The industry is dominated by a few big players. Many of these companies are regional and do not have a global presence. The technology for manufacturing products is highly cost-driven. Moreover, raw materials and initial investment costs are also very high. Due to this, it is tough for new companies to enter the market.

The competition among giant companies is very high resulting in the high cost of the product. The presence of less number of manufacturers and distributors in the market makes it highly competitive. Major industry participants include Huber Engineered Materials, Israel Chemicals Ltd., Chemtura Corporation, Clariant International Ltd, BASF SE, Thor Group, and Lanxess A.G.

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