Published October 2023
Flame retardants are materials or chemicals that are used to deter or extinguish flame propagation in resins, elastomers, textiles, coatings, adhesives and sealants. The most important product categories are brominated compounds, organophosphorus compounds, chlorinated compounds, aluminum trihydroxide, antimony oxide, boron compounds, magnesium hydroxide and other flame retardant products.
The flame retardant industry is highly affected by regional regulations and standards (and differences) for construction and electrical/electronic applications. An increase in high-rise fires around the world has shown the need for improved safety standards for aluminum composite panel cladding used in building siding (or a method for upgrading older building materials [with older standards] to newer standards) using flame retardants for improved safety. Some flame retardants, especially brominated flame retardants, have restricted production and consumption.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of flame retardants:
In mainland China, flame retardants have been experiencing rapid development following growth in the plastics market and also as a result of policy requirements. Brominated flame retardants were once the largest flame retardants segment consumed in mainland China. However, as a result of environmental issues, the use of brominated compounds has been restricted in recent years. Production and consumption of and trade in hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) have been banned since 2016 except for some applications. The mainland Chinese government has highlighted the importance of halogen-free flame retardants, which is impacting the flame retardants market in mainland China.
Consumption of flame retardants in Europe, the Middle East and Africa is driven primarily by regulations in many industries, such as the building and construction (including housing, public and commercial buildings) and transportation industries (automobiles and buses). These regulations are implemented predominantly on a national level, which means there are no EU-wide unified fire protection regulations in place. Regulations differ from country to country within Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The fastest growing flame retardant segments in North America are organophosphorus compounds and aluminum trihydroxide.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
S&P Global’s Specialty Chemicals Update Program –Flame Retardants is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including
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S&P Global’s Specialty Chemicals Update Program –Flame Retardants has been compiled using primary interviews with key suppliers and organizations, and leading representatives from the industry in combination with S&P Global’s unparalleled access to upstream and downstream market intelligence and expert insights into industry dynamics, trade and economics.
This report can help you
- Identify the competitive environment and key players
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