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European Market Demand for Flame Retardant Additives to Hinge on Strict Enforcement of Safety Regulations

Posted on: Tuesday, 13 February 2007, 06:00 CST

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c50281) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report: European Flame Retardant Chemicals Markets to their offering.

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled European Flame Retardant Chemicals Market provides an overview of unit shipment, revenue forecasts, competitive analysis and market share analysis contributing to market growth. In this research, expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets/applications/technologies: brominated, phosphorous-based, melamine-based, chlorine-based, metal oxide-based and other flame retardants.

Market Sectors

Expert analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

By Product Type:

- Brominated flame retardants

- Chlorine-based flame retardants

- Phosphorous-based flame retardants

- Melamine based flame retardants

- Metal Oxides-based flame retardants

- Other flame retardants

By Application:

- Plastics

- Textiles

- Paints & Coating

- Wire & Cable

- Automotive

- Adhesives

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

- Halogenated Fire Products

- Halogen-free Fire Products

Market Overview

Market Demand for Flame Retardant Additives to Hinge on Strict Enforcement of Safety Regulations

The promotion of information related to health and safety issues is leading to a rising awareness of the need for flame retardants, which offer high resistance to ignition and reduce the possibilities of a fire. The adoption of fire safety standards by the European Commission over a wide range of end-applications is contributing towards stable demand for flame retardant chemicals in Europe. As a result, flame retardant additives are finding greater use in several applications in industries such as construction, textiles, adhesives, plastics, electrical, electronic and transportation in order to ensure high safety levels.

As regulations mandate the addition of flame retardants in most end-application products, manufacturers of end-products are compelled to include such additives in their products in compliance to these regulations. The enforcement of legislations, improved product innovation and emerging end-use applications are expected to bolster the demand for flame retardants, remarks the analyst of the research. However, market participants will need to encounter growing concerns among consumers over health and safety issues while supplying products in order to leverage the tremendous growth potential that exists in the market.

Enhanced Emphasis on Cost-effective Halogen-free Fire Retardant Chemicals Crucial for Continued Growth

While compliance with legislations assumes precedence in the choice of the chemical, other significant factors include the cost, performance and recyclability of the chosen flame retardant additive. In addition, the growing preference of end-product manufacturers for green products is leading to enhanced focus on halogen-free flame retardant additives. Thus, while halogenated products have traditionally dominated the market, halogen-free products based on phosphorous, melamine, metal oxides as well as other alternative chemicals are gaining importance due to environmental concerns. As a result, competition is intensifying and market participants will need to devise merger and acquisition (M&A) strategies to widen their portfolio of products, while entering into alliances to optimise their resources.

At present, manufacturers are faced with the challenge of providing cost-effective flame retardant additives that are halogen-free, environment-friendly and exhibit similar flame retardancy properties as halogenated products, says the analyst. Hence, in view of the rising costs of raw materials, sustaining business and profit margins is likely to become increasingly difficult. While phosphorous-based flame retardants can prove to be effective alternatives, cost continues to remain a deterrent. Hence, the development of alternative cost-effective products that exhibit ideal characteristics will require greater focus on research and development (R&D). Collaborative research and product development with product manufacturers will enable market participants to focus on providing innovative products for existing applications, while also developing products for new end-applications. Accordingly, the market is expected to grow from $714.9 million in 2005 to $1,116.5 million by 2012.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c50281

Source: Business Wire

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