Flame Retardant Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Chemistry (ATH, Brominated, Antimony Oxides, Chlorinated, Phosphorous Compounds, and Others), By End User (Automotive, Construction, Wire & Cable, Electrical & Electronics, Textile, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global flame retardant market size was valued at USD 7.09 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 11.17 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.

Flame retardants are the chemicals that are added to combustible materials such as textiles, plastics, and coatings to prevent a fire from starting or to slow down its growth. They are a variety of chemicals with different molecular structures and physical & chemical properties. These chemicals are added as a copolymer during the polymerization process, or incorporated in the products as an additive. These chemicals are added to products including foams, mattresses, computers, electric wires, insulation materials, and parts of automobiles. Organophosphorus and organohalogen compounds are either additive or reactants, while mineral compounds are characteristically additives. The imposition of fire & safety regulations has increased the consumption of these retardants to meet the standards established by the government, thereby driving the flame retardants market.

FLAME RETARDANT MARKET TRENDS  

Development of Effective Flame Retardant Synergist to Add Impetus

Strict fire and safety regulations implemented by the government for almost all the industries are increasing the demand for the development of innovative retardants. Market players are developing efficient synergists for enhancing their fire retarding property. The addition of synergist in these products can reduce the quantity required to offer same level of non-flammability. Synergists are also designed to overcome problems such as corrosivity and impart properties such as excellent dispersion and UV stability. Dow Corning has developed a flame retardant synergist named Dow Corning 43-821 to improve the mechanical performance, allow lower amount of phosphorous, and reduce corrosion. The development of innovative and effective synergists will boost the market.

FLAME RETARDANT MARKET GROWTH FACTORS

Increasing Regulations Regarding Fire & Safety to Aid in Expansion

The increasing regulations regarding fire & safety is the key market growth driver. Governments of various countries around the world are focused to prevent fire and explosion related accidents in offices, industries, and public places. This has led to implementation of stringent rules and regulations for the industries, to encourage the use of these retardants. They are used in cables, wires, construction products, insulation materials, textiles, automotive components & interiors, and paints and coatings to slow down the spread of fires. The guidelines and regulations across different countries have made it mandatory for the manufacturers to use flame retardants in their products. This will stimulate the growth of the market in the coming years.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Environmental & Health Concerns Related to Use of Flame Retardants May Restrict Growth

Flame retardant is used in several materials ranging from furnishing to automobile products. These chemical compounds can get into water, soil or leak from products into air and come into human contact. They are known to have severe health effects on humans such as thyroid disruption, cancer, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and neurologic dysfunction. These retardants are stubborn pollutants and can bioaccumulate food chains. The health and environmental effects inflicted by these chemical compounds will affect the demand for these retardants and eventually hinder the growth.

FLAME RETARDANT MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Chemistry Analysis

ATH to Witness High Demand Owing To The Enforcement Of Stringent Regulations

Based on chemistry, the market is classified into ATH, brominated, antimony oxides, chlorinated, phosphorous compounds, and others. Alumina trihydrate or aluminum trihydrate (ATH) is the most widely used compound among them. ATH works by releasing the water molecules during endothermic reaction to reduce the intensity of the flames. Use of ATH over halogen compounds is preferred as it does not emit toxic smoke while burning. The low environmental impact of ATH, combined with strict regulations over the use of halogen compounds will increase the demand for ATH compound, thereby helping this segment emerge as the leading section in the forecast period.

Brominated compounds inhibit the combustibility and flammability of the products containing them. These compounds are most effective in clothes, electronics, and furniture products. The rising consumption of brominated compounds in Asia Pacific will drive the market. Moreover, regulations imposed in North America and Europe on the use of halogen compounds as flame retardants will result in the slower growth of the brominated segment.

By End User Analysis

Automotive Sector to Exhibit Fastest Growth Due To Increasing Demand For Flame Suppressants In Wire & Cable Segment

In terms of end user, the market is segmented into automotive, construction, wire & cable, electrical & electronics, textile, and others. The use of this retardant in automotive transportatio is increasing due to the regulations enforced by the respective authority regarding fire and safety standards. This product is used in automotive foams, textiles, and plastic components to resist burning and provide sufficient time for the occupants to escape. Automobiles have a chance of catching fire due to overheating, short circuit, or other factors.

The rising demand for flame suppressants for use in wire & cable segment will help augment the growth of the market. The possibility of heat generation by flow of current or by external sources may possess a threat of igniting. They are used to prevent the combustion of polymers used for insulation of conductor materials. Owing to this property, the wire & cable segment will witness high growth rate during the forecast period.

REGIONAL FLAME RETARDANT MARKET ANALYSIS

The market size in Asia Pacific stood at USD 3,173.7 million in 2019 and is dominating the global market.  Asia Pacific is the major hub of electrical & electronics and occupies the largest flame retardant market share. The presence of major electronics industries, and rising construction activities, will drive the market in this region. The growth of North America in the market is attributed to the implementation of stringent rules and regulations regarding the fire safety. The regulations mandate the manufacturers to use these retardants in their end-products.

The market in Europe is to be governed by the increasing use of these products from the automotive industry. The presence of major automotive manufacturers, coupled with regulations by countries emphasizing on the use of fire retardants in automotive components will boost the market in Europe. In Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, the rise in construction activities in the developing countries, and increasing industrialization activities will aid in expansion of the regional market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players are Innovating New Products to Maintain Dominance in Global Market       

Key players dominating the market have invested a sizable amount into the development of innovative flame retardant products which also imparts certain properties to the products. The key players are gradually shifting their focus towards the manufacture of halogen-free flame retardants.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED IN FLAME RETARDANT MARKET

• Clariant (Switzerland)


• Lubrizol Corporation (United States)


• LANXESS (Germany)


• ICL Group (Israel)


• Albemarle Corporation (United States)


• Dow (United States)


• BASF SE (Germany)


• Nabaltec AG (Germany)


• Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands)


• Italmatch Chemicals S.p.A. (Italy)


• Kisuma Chemicals (Netherlands)


• Thor (UK)


• Huber Engineered Materials (United States)


• Other Key Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 2018: LANXESS to invest US$ 222.3 million in the flame retardant products. The company will invest the amount in their plants located in the U.S., Germany, and UK. The investment will substantially strengthen the presence of the company.


• September 2016: ICL Group, major producer of bromine and bromine-based products, is increasing its bromine compounds capacity. The expansion involves an increase in production capacity by 50% of FR1025, an eco-friendly polymeric flame retardant for application in the automotive industry.

REPORT COVERAGE

The flame retardant market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, chemistry, the compositions used to produce these products, and leading applications of the product.

Besides this, the market study offers insights into the market, current trends, and highlights of the key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation