Global demand to rise 4.7% annually through 2011
World demand for flame retardant chemicals will grow 4.7 percent per year to 2.2 million metric tons in 2011. Gains will be driven by the increased use of flame retardants in the developing countries of the world, as these nations begin to adopt more stringent flammability standards and the use of plastic materials rises. Additionally, more mature flame retardant markets such as the US and Western Europe will experience an acceleration in demand from the 2001-2006 period.
However, concerns over the potentially damaging environmental and health effects of halogenated flame retardants have the potential to cause a considerable shift in the product mix. High-volume brominated flame retardants such as decaBDE and TBBA have come under increased scrutiny, and although little regulatory action has been taken, many image-conscious OEMs have voluntarily eliminated these chemicals from their products. Although environmentally unfavorable chlorinated flame retardants continue to dominate the market in China, the country is rapidly moving away from chlorinated products, spurring tremendous growth in demand for other flame retardants.
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Additional Information
Asia/Pacific region to be fastest growing market
The Asia/Pacific region is the leading consumer of flame retardants, and will also be the fastest-growing region in the world through 2011, with demand rising more than seven percent per year. While China will account for much of the region’s gains, countries such as South Korea and Taiwan will exhibit strong advances as well. More moderate growth is expected for mature flame retardant markets in North America and Western Europe, although gains will still outpace those experienced from 2001 to 2006. Emerging markets in Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Africa/Mideast region will all display above-average gains in flame retardant demand.
Phosphorus compounds to see most rapid gains
Alumina trihydrate was the largest volume flame retardant in use in 2006, accounting for one-third of world demand. However, the fastest growth among flame retardants will be seen in phosphorus compounds and other products -- including magnesium hydroxide -- which feature favorable environmental and health profiles. Despite some concerns, demand for brominated flame retardants will continue to rise at a healthy pace due to their low price and superior performance.
Construction applications to remain largest segment
Among flame retardant markets, construction applications will remain the leading outlet through 2011, comprising one-quarter of total demand. Advances will be fueled by the establishment of stricter fire codes throughout the world, especially in nonresidential construction. Flame retardants in electrical and electronics markets are expected to experience the most rapid gains in demand, however, due in part to a shift in the product mix toward chemicals which require higher loadings to be effective.
Study coverage
This new Freedonia industry study, World Flame Retardants, is priced at $5400. It presents historical demand data for the years 1996, 2001 and 2006 and forecasts for 2011 and 2016 by flame retardant type and market, and by six world regions and 17 countries. The study also considers market environment factors, evaluates company market share and profiles 39 major players including Albemarle, Chemtura, Israel Chemical, JM Huber, Daihachi Chemical and OxyChem.
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