TAGS: PVC, Plasticizers and Sustainability
The global metallic stearates market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of ~5% from 2020 to 2030. Metallic stearates are used as acid scavengers, lubricants, and release agents in the plastics industry. Metallic soaps are vital additives for PVC, as they offer excellent stabilizing and lubricating properties.
Calcium and zinc (CaZn) stearates are considered ideal heat stabilizers for PVC production. They are primarily employed to prevent degradation of plastics by heat, especially during processing. Currently, CaZn-based heat stabilizers are employed in various applications, especially those requiring nontoxic properties, such as medical and food packaging.
Additionally, solid CaZn heat stabilizers are highly useful for interior applications requiring low VOCs. CaZn heat stabilizers are also being increasingly considered as more environment-friendly alternatives to BaZn and Tin stabilizers.
Powder Form to Dominate Metallic Stearates Market
In terms of form, the global metallic stearates market has been classified into granular, powder, prills, flakes, pellets, and pastilles. In terms of value and volume, the powder segment constituted a significant share of the global metallic stearates market in 2019. Powdered metallic stearates are extensively used in pharmaceuticals. This is estimated to drive the powder segment in the near future.
Plastics & Rubbers to be Key Application
In terms of application, the global metallic stearates market has been segregated into plastics & rubbers, food, pharmaceutical, paints & varnishes, building materials, cosmetics, lubricants & detergents, and others. The plastic & rubber segment is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period.
Metallic stearates are used as dry lubricants in various applications. In the plastics industry, they are added to resin (
PVC type) granules to provide lubrication and mold release in injection molding applications. Good lubricity, hydrophobicity, compatibility, and melt point possessed by metallic stearates help provide the necessary performance in the plastic & rubber industry. This is expected to boost the global metallic stearates market in the near future.
Asia Pacific to be Lucrative Region
Based on region, the global metallic stearates market has been split into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific dominated the global metallic stearates market in 2019. The trend is anticipated to continue during the forecast period.
The demand for metallic stearates is high in Asia Pacific, particularly in China, owing to increased consumption of plastic and rubber in the region. China is a prominent consumer of metallic stearates in Asia Pacific. The expansion of plastic and rubber industries is a major factor propelling the market in the region. Asia Pacific is anticipated to remain a highly lucrative region of the market during the forecast period, owing to increase in production of plastics and rubbers in countries such as China and India.
Source: TMR