Polybutene-1 Market Size By Product Grade, By Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Polybutene-1 Market Size

The global polybutene-1 market was valued at USD 373.4 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 2.4% from 2025 to 2034.
 

Extrusion grade Polybutene-1 (PB-1) has become a preferred choice in the market due to its outstanding mechanical properties, including excellent flexibility, creep resistance, and low-temperature performance. These attributes are crucial for applications like plumbing and heating pipes, where durability and long-term reliability are essential. PB-1's ability to withstand deformation under stress without cracking or breaking, coupled with its ease of processing during extrusion, makes it ideal for producing complex profiles, films, and sheets. Additionally, its chemical resistance and low permeability further enhance its suitability for packaging applications, particularly in food and pharmaceutical sectors, where product safety and integrity are paramount.
 

The size of the construction sector, as measured by its share of gross value added (GVA), reflects demand for materials like Polybutene-1 (PB-1). In the EU, construction's GVA share fluctuated between 5% and 6% from 2010 to 2023, impacting the PB-1 market. Countries with increasing construction GVA, such as Hungary, Lithuania, Denmark, Germany, and Finland, likely saw a corresponding rise in PB-1 demand for piping and sealant applications. In 2022, nations like Finland and Lithuania, with construction GVA shares of 7% or more, highlight strong market potential for PB-1 in the construction sector.
 

High production costs in the polybutene-1 (PB-1) market significantly impact its overall growth and adoption. The manufacturing process for PB-1 involves advanced polymerization techniques that require specialized equipment and raw materials, contributing to elevated production expenses. Additionally, the energy-intensive nature of the process further drives up costs, making PB-1 less competitive compared to alternative materials like polyethylene and polypropylene. These high costs limit its widespread use, particularly in price-sensitive markets, and act as a significant restraint on the market's expansion, especially in developing regions where cost-effectiveness is a key consideration.
 

Polybutene-1 Market Trends

Rapid growth in the construction sector is a major driver for the polybutene-1 (PB-1) market. As construction activities expand globally, there is an increasing demand for durable and flexible materials like PB-1, which is widely used in piping systems and construction applications. PB-1's properties, such as resistance to corrosion and excellent thermal stability, make it an ideal choice for modern infrastructure projects. The rise in infrastructure development, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, propels the need for high-performance materials. Additionally, the growing trend towards renovation and upgrading of existing infrastructure further boosts PB-1's market demand. This robust growth in construction translates into increased consumption of PB-1, driving market expansion and opportunities for manufacturers.
 

Advancements in polymer technology are a key driver for the growth of the Polybutene-1 (PB-1) market. Innovations in polymerization techniques have improved the quality and performance of PB-1, enhancing its properties such as flexibility, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. These technological advancements enable the production of PB-1 with better consistency and lower defect rates, making it a more attractive option for high-demand applications like piping systems, packaging, and adhesives. Furthermore, the development of more efficient manufacturing processes has the potential to reduce production costs, making PB-1 more competitive with alternative materials. As a result, these technological improvements are fueling increased adoption and expanding the market opportunities for PB-1 across various industries.
 

Polybutene-1 Market Analysis

The extrusion grade segment will capture USD 270.7 million and demonstrate a 2.5% CAGR by 2034. Based on product grade, the market is divided into extrusion grade, injection molding grade, blow molding grade. Extrusion grade polybutene-1 (PB-1) dominates the market due to its superior performance characteristics, including excellent flexibility, high impact resistance, and low-temperature toughness. These properties make it ideal for demanding applications such as plumbing, heating systems, and packaging. Its ease of processing allows to produce complex shapes and consistent quality during extrusion, enhancing its appeal in various industrial sectors. Additionally, its chemical resistance and low permeability are crucial for applications requiring high durability and product integrity. The combination of these attributes drives significant demand, solidifying extrusion grade PB-1's leading position in the market.
 

Based on application, the polybutene-1 market is categorized into plumbing system, packaging system, hot melt adhesives. The plumbing system segment held a 52.1% market share in 2024, amounting to USD 193.6 million, and is projected to grow at a 2.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Plumbing systems dominate the market due to their essential role in providing safe and efficient water supply and waste management in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They require materials with high durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation, which drives demand for advanced solutions like polybutene-1 (PB-1) and other high-performance polymers.
 

The increasing focus on infrastructure development and renovations, combined with stringent building codes and standards, further boosts the demand for reliable plumbing systems. Additionally, the shift towards cost-effective, low-maintenance solutions contributes to the dominance of plumbing systems in the market, reflecting their critical importance in modern construction and infrastructure.
 

The U.S. polybutene-1 market is projected to achieve USD 92.8 million, with a CAGR of 1.8% from 2025 to 2034. The U.S. polybutene-1 (PB-1) industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by expanding applications across various sectors, including plumbing, automotive, and packaging. As a versatile thermoplastic polymer, PB-1 is valued for its superior chemical resistance, low permeability, and ease of processing, which make it ideal for use in piping systems, fuel lines, and flexible packaging materials.
 

A key trend in the industry is the growing demand for high-performance materials in construction and infrastructure projects. PB-1 is increasingly favored for its durability and long service life in plumbing applications, especially in regions with high corrosion risks. Additionally, its role in eco-friendly packaging is gaining prominence, as manufacturers seek more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics.
 

Polybutene-1 Market Share

Companies include, Braskem, a global leader in chemicals, has pioneered high-performance PB-1 resins, especially for use in construction and automotive sectors, while also advancing sustainable production practices. Daelim, with its cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, has expanded PB-1’s use in energy-efficient piping systems and fuel lines. LyondellBasell Industries, known for its innovation in polymer technology, has produced high-quality PB-1 grades used in medical, automotive, and consumer goods applications, helping establish PB-1 as a versatile material. Mitsui Chemicals has been at the forefront of R&D, improving PB-1’s performance for flexible packaging and automotive parts. Meanwhile, Shandong Hongye Chemical has played a crucial role in the growth of the PB-1 market in Asia by offering cost-effective production solutions. Together, these companies have shaped the global PB-1 market through innovation, technological advancements, and strategic expansion.
 

Polybutene-1 Market Companies

Major players operating in the polybutene-1 industry are:

• Braskem
• Daelim
• LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.
• Mitsui Chemicals
• Shandong Hongye Chemical
• Shandong Tengzhou Rida Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Shell Chemicals USA
• TPC Group
• Ylem Grade
• Ylem Technology
   

Polybutene-1 Industry News

July 2022: LyondellBasell introduced Purell KT MR 07 a first polybutene-1 (PB-1)-based resin. The new product is made for flexible and transparent healthcare applications including intravenous (IV) infusion and medical tubing bags. With this new launch the company will replace PVC or SEBS in medical, bags, tubes, closures, and caps.
 

January 2024: LyondellBasell and MSI Technology, LLC have partnered to expand the use of LyondellBasell's Polybutene-1 (PB-1) resins in North American consumer packaging applications. MSI Technology will leverage its technical sales expertise and existing specialty product portfolio to enhance packaging solutions.
 

This polybutene-1 market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Grade

• Extrusion grade
• Injection molding grade
• Blow molding grade

Market, By Application

• Plumbing system
• Packaging system
• Hot melt adhesives
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE