Styrenic block copolymers are expected to grow moderately better than Polystyrenes

Thermoplastic elastomers based on Styrene and Butadiene or Isoprene have been increasingly finding newer opportunities not only in footwear, hot melt adhesive or bitumen modification, but also in several application segments ranging from automobiles, consumer personal care products, toys, furniture etc. In fact, more and more newer applications emerge regularly. The completely saturated hydrocarbon products such as SEBS offer better weatherability compared to SBS polymers and finds niche markets for applications demanding better performance such as wire and cables, etc.

High Styrene containing block copolymer containing Butadiene known as K resins originally developed by Chevron Phillips and now offered by Atofina, BASF and Kraton globally can produce excellent clear end products.

These two types of Specialty Styrenic products had a global market of over 1 million tonnes in 2002. The elastomeric products have almost 80% share (825KT) while the SB copolymers have a 20% share(230KT). The growth of SB suffered a setback on account of closure due to fire of Chevron Phillips' plant for more than a year. The new plant has recently started and at the same time, the other suppliers have expanded their capacities. The increased availability will provide the necessary boost to the growth of SB copolymers. Some of the leading market research organizations estimate an average growth of atleast 4%, while Chevron Philips is more optimistic. Doubts lurk whether some of the converters who were forced to shift to the alternate materials would return to SB copolymers after supplies have been restored. However, it is strongly felt that SB copolymers would reach more than 250KT of consumption by 2005 from about 230KT in 2002.

The elastomeric styrene block copolymers of SBS type had a 75% share of the global consumption of about 825KT in 2002. SIS and SEBS share the remaining 25% almost equally. While the markets of SIS/SEBS have developed well in North America and Japan, Europe is lagging behind compared to these two regions. The Asian market for SIS/SEBS is quite insignificant (less than 10KT). The Asian market is significantly tilted in favour of SBS mainly due to its demand in footwear. The demand of elastomeric styrene block copolymers is expected to reach almost 950KT in 2005 indicating an average growth rate of almost 4.5%.

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