Polybutene-1 Market Size

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.