Rubber Processing Chemicals Market Size & Share, By Product (Anti-degradants, Accelerators, Flame Retardants, Processing aids/Promoters); Application; End use - Global Supply & Demand Analysis, Growth Forecasts, Statistical Report 2025-2037

Growth Drivers

• The development of electric automobiles: Rubber processing chemicals are used in the manufacturing of electric vehicles for a variety of purposes, such as accelerators, lubricants, plasticizers, and anti-degradants. These chemicals are widely used in the manufacturing of various rubber polymer auto parts, such as tires, wipers, bumpers, and airbags, among others. The need for rubber processing chemicals, or additives, will eventually expand in tandem with the electric car industry's expansion. For instance, with sales of electric cars approaching 14 million in 2023, the sector is expanding rapidly. Between 2020 and 2023, the percentage of electric vehicles climbed from about 4% to 18%, as projected by the International Energy Agency (IEA). In the first quarter of 2024, almost 3 million electric vehicles were sold, which is 25% more than at the same time the previous year. With new purchases accelerating in the second half of the year, project sales of over 17 million by the end of the year represent a more than 20% year-over-year growth. As a result, electric cars may account for more than one in every car sold throughout the whole calendar year.
• Development of green and bio-based rubber compounds: The development of green and bio-based rubber chemicals offers the rubber processing chemicals sector a bright future. The creation of natural and renewable substitutes for conventional rubber compounds derived from petroleum helps meet the rising consumer demands for more ecologically friendly and sustainable products. Rubber product manufacturers can now offer ecologically friendly solutions that appeal to eco-conscious consumers while also ensuring regulatory compliance with severe environmental laws owing to bio-based goods. Businesses can use agricultural resources and waste biomass to develop revolutionary bio-based antiozonants, plasticizers, and other rubber additives that are as effective as current petrochemical counterparts while lowering their total carbon footprint.
• Infrastructure development and construction project expansion: Construction projects and infrastructural expansion. As of May 2022, China's infrastructure projects in development or operation were valued at about USD 5 trillion. Likewise, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways built 10,331 km of national highways in FY23. Durable rubber materials are necessary for the construction of infrastructure, such as buildings, bridges, and roadways. The rise in infrastructure projects necessitates the use of RPCs to enhance the properties of rubber materials.

Challenges

• Strict laws about the detrimental effects of substances: To satisfy the unique needs of different rubber-based products, a variety of chemicals are needed during the rubber production process. Hazardous gasses are emitted during the rubber-making process, endangering both human health and the environment. The use of chemical additives in rubber preparation is closely regulated by several regulatory agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The National Library of Medicine (LIB) states that human health is impacted by exposure to chemical additives such as tetramethyl thiuram monosulfide, which is used as an accelerator in the manufacture of rubber.
• Health hazards: Large amounts of wastewater are produced by industry, and if improperly managed, they can pose serious health hazards. Additionally, manufacturing processes including die casting and extrusion are linked to higher rates of lung, stomach, bladder, hematological, and other types of cancer. As a result, severe regulations controlling chemical use and wastewater treatment in processing facilities are enforced by regulatory agencies including the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The use of substitutes like cellulose and stronger natural fibers made from processed vegetable oil plants has increased due to growing health and environmental concerns.