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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market size value in 2023 |
USD 5.61 billion |
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 9.75 billion |
Growth rate |
CAGR of 8.0% from 2023 to 2030 |
Base year for estimation |
2022 |
Historical data |
2018 - 2021 |
Forecast period |
2023 - 2030 |
Report updated |
October 2023 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million, volume in kilo tons, and CAGR from 2023 to 2030 |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments covered |
Product, application, end-use, region |
Regional scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Central & South America; MEA |
Country scope |
U.S.; Canada; Mexico; UK; Germany; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Brazil; Argentina; Saudi Arabia; South Africa |
Key companies profiled |
Albemarle Corporation; ICL; Chemtura Corporation; CLARIANT; Italmatch Chemicals S.p.A; Huber Engineered Materials; BASF SE; THOR; LANXESS; DSM; FRX Innovations; Nabaltec AG; DuPont |
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analyst’s working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope |
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
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
b. The global non-halogenated flame retardants market size was estimated at USD 5.26 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 5.61 billion in 2030.
b. The global non-halogenated flame retardants market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.0% from 2023 to 2030 to reach USD 9.75 billion by 2030.
b. Construction dominated the non-halogenated flame retardants market with a share of 36.57% in 2022. This is attributable to its increasing demand for safety materials for pipe and wires used in the electrical industry, coupled with developing electricity infrastructure.
b. Some key players operating in the non-halogenated flame retardants market include Albemarle, ICL, Chemtura, Clariant International Ltd., Italmatch Chemicals, Albemarle Corporation, Huber Engineered Materials, BASF, Thor Group Ltd., Lanxess AG, DSM, FRX Polymers, Nabaltec AG, Delamin, and Dupont.
b. Key factors that are driving the market growth include increasing use of the product to restrain or delay flame production to avert the spread of fire in many end use industries.
NEED A CUSTOM REPORT?
We can customize every report - free of charge - including purchasing stand-alone sections or country-level reports, as well as offer affordable discounts for start-ups & universities. Contact us now
ESOMAR & Great Work to Place Certified
ISO 9001:2015 & 27001:2022 Certified
We are GDPR and CCPA compliant! Your transaction & personal information is safe and secure. For more details, please read our privacy policy.
"The quality of research they have done for us has been excellent."
The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to a sudden pause to manufacturing activities across the globe, affecting the demand for plastics and also production & processing of them. The most critically impacted end-use segments of the plastics industry include automotive & transportation, consumer goods, industrial equipment, construction, and electronics. The report will account for Covid19 as a key market contributor.