Flame-Retardant Thermoplastic Market

Market Overview

The global flame-retardant thermoplastic market size was valued at USD 7.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 11.2 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period (2023-2031).

Flame Retardant Thermoplastics have strong demand in the transportation segment, especially for indoor and public transport. In case of a fire outbreak, the amount of smoke and heat increases exponentially, especially in public transportation, as there is a narrow time gap to escape. This is where the use of flame-retardant thermoplastic materials comes into play. This saves people’s lives traveling in vehicles and prevents fire from propagating to surrounding areas. Flame retardant thermoplastics also give out low smoke that helps travelers to escape fast without blocking their vision and causing severe suffocation.

Flame Retardant Thermoplastics' market share is anticipated to grow in the transportation industry, particularly indoor and public transportation. In a fire, the smoke and heat increase quickly, especially on public transit, because there is a limited time to escape. This is when flame-retardant thermoplastic materials come into play. This saves the lives of those in the vehicle and prevents flames from spreading to neighboring places. Flame-retardant thermoplastics also produce less smoke, allowing travelers to flee quickly without obstructing their vision or causing severe suffocation.

Highlights

• Non-halogenated holds the major portion of the market, based on product. 
• Polyolefins are the highest contributor in the market based on application.
• Electrical and Electronics led the market based on end-user.
• Asia-Pacific is the dominating region.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Stringent Fire Safety Regulations

Implementing stringent fire safety laws and building requirements in various industries, including construction, automotive, and electronics, has raised the demand for flame-retardant materials like thermoplastics. These laws seek to reduce the risk of fire-related accidents and protect people and property by encouraging using flame-retardant thermoplastics in various applications. Furthermore, organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States, the European Union's Construction Products Regulation (CPR), and the United Kingdom's Building Regulations have established severe fire performance criteria for building materials.

These standards require using flame-retardant materials to improve fire resistance and reduce flame propagation in the event of a fire. Furthermore, the growing number of fire-related mishaps in buildings has highlighted the necessity for flame-retardant materials. For example, the Grenfell Tower disaster in London in 2017 claimed many lives and emphasized the necessity of utilizing fire-resistant materials in high-rise buildings. Thereby driving the flame-retardant thermoplastic market growth.

Market Restraints

High Cost

The increasing cost of flame-retardant additives is a significant limitation for the thermoplastic market. Adding flame-retardant qualities to thermoplastics frequently necessitates using specialist additives, chemicals, or treatments, which can raise the overall material cost. As a result, producers may have difficulties reconciling fire safety compliance requirements with cost-effectiveness, especially in price-sensitive industries.

According to a European Commission report on the effect evaluation of vehicle fire safety requirements, the expense of adding flame-retardant materials in vehicle components can be significant, especially for small and medium-sized manufacturers. This financial constraint may impact their capacity to compete in the market and meet stringent fire safety rules. As a result, the flame-retardant thermoplastic industry's makers and researchers are always working to develop more cost-effective flame-retardant additives and procedures to make these materials more accessible and economically viable for a wide range of applications.

Market Opportunities

Advancements in Flame Retardant Additives and Technologies

Continuous work in flame retardant chemicals and technologies has created more efficient and ecologically friendly solutions. Manufacturers are creating novel flame-retardant compositions that provide better fire safety features without sacrificing material performance or processing efficiency. These improvements allow enterprises to produce unique flame-retardant thermoplastic solutions that meet specific application criteria. Phosphorus-based flame retardants are a type of additive often used to improve the fire resistance of thermoplastics. When heat exposure, these chemicals generate a protective char coating as a barrier against further flame spread. They are commonly found in thermoplastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyamide (PA).

Clay nanoparticles were explored as flame-retardant additives in polypropylene in a paper published in the journal Polymers in 2021. The inclusion of clay nanoparticles considerably increased the flame resistance of the polypropylene, resulting in a reduction in the peak heat release rate and total heat release during burning, according to the researchers. Manufacturers investing in R&D to provide cutting-edge flame-retardant thermoplastic goods are well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and acquire a competitive advantage.

Regional Analysis

The global flame-retardant thermoplastic market is analyzed in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. 

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is predicted to rise at a substantial CAGR of 5.4% throughout the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region, led by China, dominates the market. Regulatory changes in the previous five years have impacted market growth and forced producers to develop new grades and alternatives. For example, the ban on brominated chemicals in manufacturing flame retardant thermoplastics due to environmental concerns has hindered regional market growth. The Asia-Pacific region is seeing significant economic growth, with GDP expected to expand by 6.6% in 2021, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This tremendous economic expansion is propelling the region's industrialization and urbanization. Flame-retardant thermoplastics are widely used in building materials such as wall panels, roofing materials, and insulation, ensuring enhanced fire safety in urban infrastructure.

Furthermore, several countries in the Asia-Pacific area have implemented severe fire safety standards to reduce fire accidents. China, for example, enacted the "Fire Protection Law" to improve fire safety measures in buildings and public spaces. Electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers are incorporating flame-retardant thermoplastics into their designs to meet fire safety standards to comply with these rules. The electrical and electronics business in the Asia-Pacific area is expected to increase significantly in the next years, according to the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CME).

North America holds a sizeable global market share and is expected to boost at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. The United States is a prominent market in North America, accounting for a large portion of the region's consumption of flame-retardant thermoplastics. North America has some of the world's most stringent fire safety and building laws. These rules are intended to improve fire safety in business buildings, residential premises, and public areas. In North America, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) establish stringent fire safety requirements for buildings and public areas. To reduce fire dangers, these standards require using flame-retardant materials in construction and design. Flame-retardant thermoplastics are widely used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and wall panels to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. North America is an important electrical and electronics industry region with a high demand for consumer electronics and technological breakthroughs.

Western European countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and others lead demand in Europe, with central and eastern European countries accounting for relatively small proportions. However, over the foreseeable period, market growth in the region is expected to originate from Central and Eastern European countries, with minimal growth in Western European established markets. The European Union has enacted stringent fire safety laws for buildings, transportation, and industrial applications. To reduce fire dangers and improve safety, these standards require using flame-retardant materials. Europe's automotive and aerospace manufacturing industry is sizable, driving the region's flame-retardant thermoplastics demand. An aerospace firm in France manufactures interior aircraft components from flame-retardant thermoplastic composites. These materials add an extra layer of safety and adhere to aircraft safety rules.

The Middle East and Africa have strict regulations driving the flame-retardant thermoplastics market. These restrictions apply to important industries such as building, construction, and transportation, giving growth prospects. With the region's improved sociopolitical conditions, Latin America will likely have moderate market expansion throughout the projection period.

Segmental Analysis

The global flame-retardant thermoplastic market is segmented based on product, application, end-user, and region.

For better understanding, the product is further segmented into Halogenated (Brominated Phosphate, Chlorinated Phosphates, Antimony Trioxide, Others), Non-Halogenated (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Dihydroxide, and Phosphorus Based).

Non-halogenated holds the major portion of the market

Non-halogenated

Non-halogenated flame-retardant thermoplastics have no halogen components in their chemical structure. They are favored due to their low toxicity, recyclability, and environmental friendliness. Aluminum hydroxide, magnesium dihydroxide, and phosphorus-based thermoplastics are typical non-halogenated flame-retardant thermoplastics.

Halogenated

Halogenated flame-retardant thermoplastics have halogen components in their chemical structure, such as bromine, chlorine, fluorine, or iodine. They are frequently utilized because of their efficiency, low cost, and compatibility with various polymers. Brominated phosphate, chlorinated phosphate, antimony trioxide, and other popular halogenated flame-retardant thermoplastics

The segment can be bifurcated by application into Polyolefins, epoxy resins, UPE, PVC, ETP, rubber, styrene, etc.

Polyolefins are the highest contributor in the market.

Polyolefins

Polyolefins are widely employed in the automotive, construction, and packaging industries. Flame-retardant polyolefins are used in car interior components, electrical cable insulation, building materials, and protective packaging to improve fire safety.

Epoxy resins

Epoxy resins are widely utilized in construction, aerospace, and electronics. Flame-retardant epoxy resins are used in structural components, printed circuit boards, and electrical insulators, all requiring fire resistance.

Based on end-use, the market is categorized into Construction, Transportation, Electrical and Electronics, and Others.

Electrical and Electronics led the market.

Electrical and electronics

For various applications, the electrical and electronics industries rely on flame-retardant thermoplastics. These materials are used in electrical connectors, cables, switches, circuit boards, and electronic housings to limit fire risk in electronic equipment and systems.

Construction

Flame-retardant thermoplastics are widely used in the construction industry. These materials are used in various construction applications, such as insulation, roofing materials, pipes, and cables. Flame-retardant thermoplastics improve building and infrastructure fire safety, making them crucial in construction projects.

Recent Developments

• July 2023- Asahi Kasei America, Inc. Expands Operations with New Novi Office to Strengthen Automotive Industry Presence.
• July 2023- Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a global chemical and specialty materials company, and Mitsui and Co., Ltd. announced the formation of Nutrinova, a Food Ingredients joint venture.
• July 2023- BASF will supply KHUA with Neopentyl Glycol from Zhanjiang.