Plasticizers account for more than half of global additives volume; flame retardants see fastest growth

08-Sep-08

As per a report provided by Townsend Polymer Services and Information, the plastic additives industry worth US$32 bln in 2007 is witnessing drastic changes such as boost in demand from emerging markets, maturity in the product life cycle, globalization, inexpensive supplying from Asia and regulations. The industry has already touched 12.2 mln tons in 2007 with China holding 28% share of the global additives volume. As far as the product category for additives is concerned, plasticizers (mainly used in PVC) rules the roost accounting for 54% of the global volume. The fastest growing product category of additives was that of flame retardants which are used to reduce the hazards of fire.