International. Ceresana analyzed the global flame retardants market for the fifth time: for brominated and chlorinated types, as well as ATH, organophosphates, ATO, and other types. According to the present study, about 2.21 million tons of flame retardants per year are currently used worldwide in plastic products, electronic devices, building materials and textiles.
The construction industry was the most important sales market for flame retardants: about 30% of global demand originates in this segment. Flame retardants are especially necessary in insulating foams made of expandable polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PUR). Flame retardants are also used in numerous rubber building materials, in adhesives, and in paints and varnishes. In the electronics industry, they are used for individual components, such as circuit boards, computer covers, as well as home and telecommunications devices.
They are used in engineering plastics such as ABS, polyamide, epoxy and polycarbonate. Other application areas for flame retardants are wires, cables and products for the automotive industry. Until 2024, Ceresana researchers expect the demand for flame retardants in the transportation segment to experience the highest percentage growth. However, building materials will continue to be the largest application area over the next eight years.
Aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) was by far the best-selling flame retardant in recent years. ATH is used in the pharmaceutical industry, as a chemical intermediate, as a filler in plastics, rubber, cosmetics and paper, as a glass additive and in ceramics. In addition, ATH is used as a halogen-free, low-toxicity, smoke-free flame retardant, and is used for plastics, paints, adhesives, sealants, and rubber.
The demand for the ATH flame retardant in Europe and America amounts to more than 45%. Brominated compounds, used in electronic and electrical products, as well as in foams, rank second. Brominated flame retardants are very effective but also controversial. Due to legal provisions, there are significant regional differences: in Western Europe and North America, brominated compounds had a market share of only 6.4% and 12%, respectively, while they accounted for 28% in Asia.
¿Donde consigo bromado?