Plasticizers are chemical additives added into polymers to influence desirable mechanical properties such as processability and ductility. These properties are a result of the association of plasticizer and polymer molecules under the theories of plasticization. This review analyses, justifies and explore the use of eco-friendly plasticizers over phthalate-based plasticizers. Owing to health concerns, depletion of crude resources and other factors, there is a gradual drift from traditional phthalate plasticizers to eco-friendly plasticizers in the plastic industry. Eco friendly plasticizers are derived mainly from biomass sources including agricultural products, its by-products and waste. Regardless of the biomass source, ideal eco-friendly plasticizers are expected to be non-toxic, highly resistant to leaching, miscible, effective, and relatively low in cost. Eco friendly plasticizers such as epoxidized plant oils, cardanol, citrates and Isorbide esters are derived from further modifications of oils and triglyceride, starch and cellulose, citric acids, and glycerol. The wide range of advantageous properties of Eco-Friendly Plasticizers in an immense range of products are waterproof with good electrical resistivity, good heat stability, better mechanical strength, weather resistance, light stability, anti-hot and cold capability, etc. Stringent regulations on the use of plasticizers is the major restraint for the market.
Covid-19 Impact Analysis
- The coronavirus's unfavorable global effects are already evident, and they will have a big impact on the eco-friendly plasticizers in 2020.
- The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency after the COVID-19 virus outbreak in December 2019. The disease has spread to over 100 nations and resulted in massive deaths across the world. Exports & Imports, global manufacturing, tourism, and financial sectors have all been heavily damaged.
- The downward pressure on the global economy, which had previously shown signs of improvement, has escalated once more. The outbreak of the virus has added danger factors to the international economy's already sluggish development. Many international groups have stated that the global economy is experiencing its most difficult moment since the financial crisis.
- Since the pandemic, the restriction of imports and exports has affected the eco-friendly plasticizers market to a great extent as the consumers’ consumption and demand patterns are changing amidst pandemic.
Top Impacting Factors
The current market serves plenty of choices of plasticizers along with a huge range of attributes that can be selected for required applications to meet specific material requirements. There has been concerns and controversies occurring due to the environmental factors due to the use of traditional plasticizers and their effects on human health. Thus, the wide application of plasticizers is being questioned due to their toxicity problems and the migration of compounds. The use of eco-friendly plasticizers owing to their low toxicity level and almost zero migration is beneficial for the environment as well as for human health. This option refers to the vast development of eco-friendly plasticizers and also has motivated research in various academic and industrial areas. The use of eco-friendly plasticizers complying low toxicity and good compatibility with several plastics, resins, rubbers etc. to substitute conventional synthetic plasticizers has become more attractive and effective.
Market trends
- Increasing demand for flexible PVC is a key driver for the market.
- Flexible PVC majorly finds applications in pipe, flooring, wall covering, napkins, adhesive films, pool liners, extruded wires, automotive, synthetic leather coated textiles, and medical devices. Rising demand for lightweight PVC materials in various end-use industries and increased lifetime in comparison to conventional PVC are driving the demand for flexible PVC. Moreover, the growing population and rising standard of living are also increasing the demand for flexible PVC materials in various construction and automotive applications. Therefore, the increasing consumption of flexible PVC is driving the plasticizers market.
- Emerging demand for eco-friendly plasticizers has bolstered the market growth
- Plasticizers are the key component used to make soft PVC where flexibility and durability are essential properties required. They are used in a variety of applications, such as flooring, automotive interiors, cables, and toys. The plasticizers industry is focused on introducing safer alternatives with the most recent focus on bio-based and renewable feedstock that provide a more favorable environmental footprint. Due to their harmful nature and various legislations, phthalates plasticizers are being replaced with alternatives, such as bio-based plasticizers. Hence, suppliers are introducing bio-based alternatives to serve the demand for environmentally friendly plasticizers. Thus, bio-based plasticizers are expected to be a crucial opportunity for the market players to capitalize.
- Government policies and subsidies in various countries, enhances the growth of a market
- Government in various developed as well as developing countries are more concerned about carbon emission and environmental degradation and therefore allowing subsidies and special priorities to the renewable resources energy generation players. With the added governmental aid along with growing demand for energy across the globe, especially in developing economies like China and India, the market of eco-friendly plasticizers is expected to grow at a healthy rate.
Key Benefits of the Report
- This study presents the analytical depiction of the eco-friendly plasticizers industry along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets.
- The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with detailed analysis of the eco-friendly plasticizers market share.
- The current market is quantitatively analysed to highlight the eco-friendly plasticizers market growth scenario.
- Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers & suppliers in the market.
- The report provides a detailed eco-friendly plasticizers market analysis based on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years.
Questions answered in the Eco-Friendly Plasticizers Market Report
- Who are the leading market players active in the Eco-Friendly Plasticizers market?
- What current trends will influence the market in the next few years?
- What are the driving factors, restraints, and opportunities in the market?
- What future projections would help in taking further strategic steps?
- What are “Eco-Friendly Plasticizers “?
- What does “Eco-Friendly Plasticizers” allow organizations to achieve?
- Which technologies combine to make “Eco-Friendly Plasticizers” a critical organizational asset?
- What is " Eco-Friendly Plasticizers” Market prediction in the future?
- Who are the leading global players in the “Eco-Friendly Plasticizers” market?
- What are the current trends and predicted trends?
- What are the challenges faced in the “Eco-Friendly Plasticizers” Market?
- What are the key benefits of the “Eco-Friendly Plasticizers “Market report?
- What will be the anticipated growth rates for your own Eco-Friendly Plasticizers Market economy altogether and for every segment inside?
- What are the driving factors and opportunities in the market?
Key Market Segments
- By Product
- Di-isononyl Phthalate (DINP)
- Dipropyl Heptyl Phthalate (DPHP)
- Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP)
- Others
- By Application
- Plastics
- Adhesive
- Resin
- Medical Devices
- Others
- By Region
- North America
- Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Australia
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- LAMEA
- Brazil
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Rest of LAMEA
Key Market Players
- Akua
- PolyOne Corporation
- Elix Polymers
- Eco-Plasticizers, LLC
- Perstorp
- BASF SE
- Invista
- Eastman Chemical Company
- Solvay
- Chemtura Corporation