Liquid Silicone Rubber Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• High usage of liquid silicone rubber in agriculture: The agricultural industry has experienced significant growth and invention in recent years, including disruptors such as precision agriculture, aquaponics, and water desalination. Modern agricultural techniques necessitate cutting-edge innovation to withstand harsh environments such as extreme weather conditions, UV radiations, high humidity, and field erosive circumstances. Hence, the utilization of liquid silicone rubber is on the rise since it offers durability, salt resistance, and hygiene. In addition, LSR’s resistance to fertilizers and pesticides and easier cleaning compared to other products is expected to fuel market growth going ahead.
• Rising sales of baby products & toys: Growing demand for baby products and toys is expected to drive the global market during the stipulated timeframe. LSR is free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and latex, making it a safe material for baby products such as bottle nippers, pacifiers, inserts, and teething toys. In addition, rising awareness and preference for sustainable materials among new parents and increasing focus on exploring the application of LSRs in baby care products are likely to boost overall market growth. 

Challenges

• High cost of liquid silicone rubber: The advanced equipment and molds required for LSR processing significantly increase the overall capital costs. In addition to this, the requirement of extensive quality control and skilled labor can lead to higher operational expenses.
• Stringent government regulations: Silicone manufacturing is complicated compared to thermoplastics which makes LSR products less sustainable. This can limit the adoption of LSR among eco-conscious consumers. Moreover, stringent environmental regulations for silicone manufacturing and its derivatives can be a challenge and slow down the production process.