Why Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants are Gaining Traction Globally

Polymers are widely used in the construction and transportation industry. Owing to the high risk of fire involved, flame retardants are added to polymers, increasing their fire resistance. Although halogenated flame retardants serve the purpose, high emission levels are a key concern for end-use industries, owing to continuous focus on sustainability and environmental conservation.

Non-halogenated flame retardants have emerged as a feasible alternative, with global demand growing at over 5% in the recent past. Demand is especially robust in Asia Pacific, with emerging nations of China and India accounting for the bulk of the demand.

China Ramping Up Demand in Asia Pacific

Recent stock market shockers notwithstanding, the Chinese economy has grown steadily in the past decade or so. The construction and transportation industry in particular has witnessed spectacular growth, and it is in these industries that non-halogenated flame retardants have, and are expected to, witness growth in the near future.

The use of non-halogenated flame retardants in polymers that are subsequently used in automobiles leads to substantial weight reduction. This translates to fuel savings – a key reason for the automotive industry to include non-halogenated flame retardants in their offerings.

Non-halogenated flame retardants have also received an impetus from stringent regulations on part of governing bodies. EPA and CEPA in North America and REACH and WEEE in Europe have made guidelines pertaining to emissions more stringent in the recent past, owing to greater emphasis on climate control.

High Demand for Aluminium Hydroxide-based Retardants

Among the various non-halogenated flame retardants available in the market, demand for aluminium hydroxide is higher. Aluminium hydroxide costs lower than other non-halogenated flame retardants available in the market, owing to which demand is stronger.

In addition to aluminium hydroxide, phosphorous-based flame retardants account for sizeable demand in the market. It is expected that in the future, demand for phosphorous based non-halogenated flame retardants will grow at a brisk pace.

The construction industry will continue to account for the bulk of the demand for both halogenated and non-halogenated polymers. As the regulations on emissions become more stringent, the construction industry is focusing on incorporating more eco-friendly solutions in their operations.

As discussed previously, transportation industry will be the second highest consumer of non-halogenated flame retardants, and it is expected that focus on fire safety will propel demand in the future.

Besides construction and transportation, another key industry that will account for high demand for non-halogenated flame retardants is the electrical industry. Strong pace of development in emerging nations of Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa (MEA) is expected to fuel demand for non-halogenated flame retardants in the future.

Asia Pacific to Offer the Next Wave of Growth

North America and Europe will continue to remain strong markets for non-halogenated flame retardants. However, it is the Asia Pacific region that will offer new growth opportunities to manufacturers. As discussed previously, many countries in Asia Pacific are witnessing steady economic growth, with construction and transportation industry growing strongly in particular.

Leading companies in the non-halogenated flame retardants market are focusing on developing Italmatch Chemicals S.p.A, Albemarle Corporation, Israel Chemical Limited, Clariant International Limited, Chemtura Corporation, Nabaltec AG are looking to bolster their presence in emerging markets and gain a larger pie of the global non-halogenated flame retardants market.

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