The demand for flame retardants is on the rise, particularly in the electrical and electronics industry where the risk of fires is notably high. Polymers play a vital role in the composition of various electrical and electronics products, serving as the foundation for items such as wires and cables, electric enclosures, electric components like connectors and switches, and electrical circuit boards.
In the realm of electrical wiring, these components are integral to a wide array of consumer electronics, including phones, computers, televisions, and air conditioners. They are also extensively used in elevators, industrial equipment, and the intricate network of wires within building structures. The concealed nature of these cables behind walls and within structures makes them challenging to inspect or maintain regularly. As a result, the risk of fires arising from short circuits and other electrical malfunctions is significantly heightened. To address this risk, flame retardants are incorporated into the outer plastic coverings of wires and cables, enhancing their resistance to fire in the event of a short circuit.
Electronic enclosures, which house consumer and information technology equipment such as televisions, computers, laptops, printers, and household appliances, are crafted from a variety of polymer resins. Commonly used polymer resins include high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers (ABS), polycarbonate/ABS blends (PC/ABS), polyphenylene ether/HIPS blends (PPE/HIPS), and polycarbonate (PC). Additionally, essential electrical components like switches, electrical circuit boards, and connectors are also fashioned from polymers due to their commendable electrical and thermal insulation properties.
In the pursuit of fire-resistant and sustainable solutions, manufacturers of electrical and electronics equipment are increasingly turning to halogen-free flame retardants. This shift is driven by a commitment to meeting stringent regulations, particularly directives such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), which impose restrictions on the use of certain hazardous substances in electronic and electrical equipment.
The Asia-Pacific region, home to robust electronics industries in countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China, is expected to serve as a consistent revenue source for manufacturers of halogen-free flame retardants in the foreseeable future. The strong presence of the electronics sector in these countries aligns with the increasing adoption of halogen-free flame retardants in the electrical and electronics industry, reflecting a shared commitment to both safety standards and environmental sustainability.
Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market Opportunities | Increasing use of polymers in the automobile industry. |
Market Dynamics | Growing awareness of the requirement for environmental protection |
Halogen-free flame retardants market size was valued at USD 2.22 Billion in 2023. The halogen-free flame retardants industry is projected to grow from USD 2.35 Billion in 2024 to USD 3.44 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.90% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Increasing use of polymers in the automobile industry along with the stringent fire safety guidelines, growing awareness of the requirement for environmental protection, increasing demand for consumer electronics worldwide, and safety measures regarding fire safety are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Market CAGR for halogen-free flame retardants is being driven by the Increasing usage of plastic in the automotive industry and is expected to augment the market growth of non-halogenated flame retardants. Plastic has excellent properties such as corrosion resistance, durability, and flexibility and also reduces the overall weight of the automobile, making it fuel-efficient. Hence, the growing adoption of plastic in automobiles will favor the market growth of halogen-free flame retardants over the forecast period.
Additionally, growing health concerns about the usage of halogen-based flame retardants because of the dirty environment are anticipated to propel the growth of the halogen-free flame retardants market going forward. Several regulations are being presented for the growing concerns regarding human health via environmental pollution, which has resulted in the ban of several halogen-based flame retardants worldwide, improving the demand for the halogen-free flame retardants market. For instance, in February 2020, the European Union, a Europe-based supranational political and economic union, supported Regulation (EU) 2019/2021, a set of laws. As of March 2021, halogenated flame retardants were also restricted from being utilized in plastic sections and stands for electronic displays. Therefore, increasing health concerns regarding halogen-based flame retardants because of the polluted atmosphere drive the halogen-free flame retardants market.
The increasing regulations regarding fire & safety are the key market growth driver. Governments worldwide are focused on preventing fire and explosion-related accidents in offices, enterprises, and public places. This has led to the performance of stringent rules and regulations for enterprises to promote using these retardants. They are utilized in cables, wires, construction products, textiles, automotive components & interiors, paints, insulation materials, and coatings to slow the spread of fires. The guidelines and regulations across various countries have made it mandatory for manufacturers to utilize flame retardants in their products. This will encourage the growth of the market over the forecast period.
A growing amount of research shows that many of these combinations are linked to adverse health impacts on animals and people. These consist of neurological function, endocrine and thyroid disruption, cancer, and impacting the immune system. Children can be more revealed to the hazardous effects of these chemicals since their brains and other organs are still growing. Children's exposure to flame retardants is raised by hand-to-mouth behavior & proximity to the floor. Researchers found that children have higher levels of flame retardants within their bodies than adults driving the halogen-free flame retardants market revenue.
The halogen-free flame retardants market segmentation, based on type, includes aluminum trihydrate, phosphorous-based, magnesium hydroxide, and others. The phosphorous-based segment dominated the market, accounting for major market revenue. In developing economies, category growth is driven as phosphorous-based halogen-free flame retardants possess high thermal stability with low loadings compared to other halogen-free flame retardants. However, it is the fastest-growing category as aluminum trihydrate is an inexpensive substance that is frequently used in polymers for aerospace.
Figure 1: Halogen-Free Flame Retardants Market, by Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The halogen-free flame retardants market segmentation, based on end-user industry, includes building & construction, electrical & electronics, transportation, consumer goods, and others. The building & construction segment dominated the market, accounting for 35% of market revenue (0.78 billion). In developing economies, category growth is driven as they are used in manufacturing materials used in large sheets or granules of polypropylene foam boards or panels to meet fire safety standards. However, transportation is the fastest-growing category, as halogen-free flame retardants are important for functional and structural thermoplastic engineering components found under the hood.
The halogen-free flame retardants market segmentation, based on resin, includes polyethylene, polypropylene, epoxy, unsaturated polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, styrene, engineered thermoplastics, rubber, and others. The epoxy category generated the most income (70.4%) as the industry frequently employs epoxy resins to produce fire safety equipment. However, polyvinyl chloride is the fastest-growing category as it is a commonly utilized polymer, especially in electrical and communication cables as an insulating cover and in domestic applications such as doors, windowpanes, and house sidings.
By region, the study delivers market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American halogen-free flame retardants market will dominate, owing to the presence of major automotive manufacturers, coupled with regulations by countries emphasizing the utilization of fire retardants in automotive components will fuel the market growth in this region. Further, the US halogen-free flame retardants market held the largest market share, and the Canada halogen-free flame retardants market was the fastest growing market in the North American region.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 2: HALOGEN-FREE FLAME RETARDANTS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe's halogen-free flame retardants market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the rise in construction activities in developing countries and increasing industrialization activities. Further, the German halogen-free flame retardants market held the largest market share, and the UK halogen-free flame retardants market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
The Asia-Pacific halogen-free flame retardants market is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is due to the increasing production of consumer electrical and electronic goods and an increased standard of living. Moreover, China’s halogen-free flame retardants market held the largest market share, and the Indian halogen-free flame retardants market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Leading market players are financing heavily in research and development to develop their product lines, which will allow the halogen-free flame retardants market to grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking different strategic activities to develop their footprint, with significant market outcomes including new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, contractual agreements, and collaboration with other institutions. To expand and survive in a more competitive and growing market climate, the halogen-free flame retardants industry must deliver cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to decrease operational costs is one of the major business tactics manufacturers use in the halogen-free flame retardants industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. Major participants in the halogen-free flame retardants market, including Adeka Corporation, Akzo Nobel, Albemarle Corporation, BASF SE, Celanese Corp, Chemtura Corporation Limited, and others, are attempting to expand market demand by investing in research and development operations.
Lanxess AG is a specialty chemical manufacturing company. It develops, manufactures, and markets chemical intermediates, additives, specialty chemicals and plastics. The company's products find applications in agrochemicals, automotive, construction, aromas and flavors, pharmaceuticals, tire chemicals, electrical, electronics, leather processing and water treatment, among others. It carries out R&D in alliance with institutes and universities. Some of its major brands include Rhenogran, Aktiplast, Aflux, Vulcuren, Perkalink and Rhenoshape among others. The firm operates via a network of manufacturing facilities across the world. In December 2021, LANXESS, a Germany-based chemical company provider of chemical intermediates, additives, specialty chemicals, and plastics operating in the halogen-free flame retardants market, acquired Emerald Kalama chemical for $1.04 billion. This acquisition will enable LANXESS to expand into new high-margin.
BASF SE is a chemical company. It produces, markets, and sells chemicals, plastics, crop protection products, and performance products. Its product line comprises solvents, adhesives, surfactants, fuel additives, pigments, paints, food additives, fungicides, electronic chemicals, and herbicides. The company serves various industries, such as construction, agriculture, electronics and electrical, furniture and wood, paints and coatings, automotive, home care, nutrition, chemicals, etc. BASF carries out R&D in alliance with consumers, scientists and partners. The firm operates via a network of manufacturing facilities across the world. In July 2022, BASF and THOR GmbH declared that they are integrating their knowledge in non-halogenated flame-retardant additives to supply their customers with an exhaustive solution that will fuel the sustainability and performance of specific plastic compounds and keep up with stringent fire safety regulations.
May 2022: LG Chem, a chemical manufacturer, developed a novel material for usage in batteries that controls the development of flames in batteries. Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and polyamide (PA) resins are mixed to make the new fire-resistant plastic.
© 2024 Market Research Future ® (Part of WantStats Reasearch And Media Pvt. Ltd.)