Styrene Butadiene (SB) Latex Market Analysis

Styrene Butadiene Latex Market Analysis

According to butadiene content in SB latex, the market can be segmented into low, medium and high. Low butadiene content SB latex was widely used across all major application such as impregnation, pressure sensitive adhesives, bonding adhesives, mortar additive and non-woven fabrics. High butadiene content has specific applications as these have high adhesion and are soft type. These are extensively used in adhesives especially in pressure sensitive adhesion applications.
 

Paper processing was largest application of SB latex market in 2016 in terms of volume & revenue. Various types of latexes are widely used as binders in paper coating. SB latex particles bond pigment particles and adhere them to base sheets, affecting coating formulation rheology, coated paper properties and printability. The paper coating market has a huge demand from printing and packaging application. Applications of coated paper range from magazine paper to packaging of containers for food, cosmetics etc Growing demand for paper has increased production levels, especially in Asia Pacific and Latin America, which in turn, has propelled market size. The technological developments in paper industry regarding machines, equipment, materials and formulations shall directly influence the styrene butadiene latex demand over the forecast period.
 

Carpets and adhesives are two important application segments of styrene butadiene latex market which have huge market opportunities over the next few years. Carpets are made from fibers, which use styrene butadiene latex in its processing to enhance its durability and strength. Tufted carpets are popular types of carpet in the U.S. These tufted carpets are back coated with styrene butadiene latex which holds the tufts in place, which results in improved stability and reduced fraying at the edges.
 

In 2016, Asia Pacific held a major share in the global styrene butadiene latex market size, in terms revenue and volume. China was the largest producer and consumer for paper in 2016, which eventually makes it an important contributor in production of global styrene butadiene latex industry. Continuously growing demand for paper with constant technological changes in carpet industry will complement business growth. Europe followed Asia Pacific in terms of volume in global SB latex market. It shall witness moderate growth rate owing to mature paper industry.
 

Latin America is poised to witness significant growth rate in the coming years due to growing economies including Mexico, which have created huge demand for paper and paperboard materials, which has positively influenced styrene butadiene latex demand in recent times.