Styrene butadiene latexes market

Styrene-butadiene latex is one of the common stable emulsions, which is derived from butadiene and styrene and belongs to families of synthetic rubber. Natural latex is majorly used in medical gloves, whereas styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is used for mass production of tires. SBR latex consists of low styrene content, that’s why it is more elastomeric. On the contrary, SB latex contains styrene content and hence acts like plastic. SB latex has greater crosslink density, which makes it tougher and string along with better elasticity than artificial rubber. Moreover, SB latex products are diverse, as manufacturers can create different polymer compositions with different performance results. SB latex accounts for the largest share, while SBR is a smaller segment used for adhesives and molded foams.

Market Outlook

Global Styrene Butadiene Latexes Market size is estimated to be valued at US$ 9,120.3 million by 2023, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period. Rapid growth of paper coating market is expected to increase the demand for styrene-butadiene and subsequently propel the market growth in the near future. Styrene-butadiene latex is majorly used for binding coated papers as it offers augmented and high coating speed coupled with binding power, which increases its brightness, smoothness, water resistance, and opacity. Moreover, it is more cost-effective than other additives, making it profitable for manufacturers. Increasing demand for styrene-butadiene latex from various industries is expected to drive growth of the market in the near future. SB latex finds applications in various industries such as additives, coatings and paints, glass fiber processing, adhesives, paper processing, and fiber processing. SB latex finds application in adhesives, which is used in construction, electrical, and automobile industry. Such high demand from various industries is expected to boost the market growth.

However, continuously fluctuating prices of raw materials are expected to restrain the global Styrene Butadiene Latexes Market during the forecast period. Butadiene and styrene are derived from crude oil and crude oil prices keep on fluctuating, which is expected to market growth. Moreover, growing awareness among governments and people to conserve trees is expected to hamper growth of the market.

Market Regional Analysis 

Developed regions such as Europe is expected to hold the largest market share in global Styrene Butadiene Latexes Market during the forecast period. This is owing to increasing consumption of styrene-butadiene latex in the region. Furthermore, North America and Asia Pacific are expected to account for significant market share during the forecast period.

Market Players

Key players operating in the global Styrene Butadiene Latexes Market are Zeon, Styron Europe GmbH, The Dow Chemical Company, and BASF SE.

Key Developments

• In March 2018, Trinseo – a global plastics, synthetic rubber and latex binder manufacturer inaugurated a new styrene butadiene rubber plant at Schkopau, Germany. The new plant will add 50 kilo tons of styrene butadiene capacity, increasing the current capacity by 33%. The decision is based on increasing demand for styrene rubber in the tire market.
• In June 2019, Asahi Kasei – a petrochemicals & plastic products manufacturer announced its plans to set up a synthetic rubber plant in Europe. The company is still in its planning stage and are evaluating demand as well as butadiene competitiveness in the region.
• In April 2016, Mallard Creek Polymers, Inc. (MCP) developed a new styrene butadiene latex – “Rovene 4541” for coatings application where high filler loading is required. Styrene butadiene latex based coatings demonstrates high binding strength and water resistance. Increasing application of styrene butadiene latex in paints and coatings application is set to drive the demand for SB latex during the forecast period.