Emulsion Polymers: Global Market Scenario, Trends, Opportunity, Growth and Forecast, 2020-2030

Market Definition

EPs are the free radical polymers created when monomers are emulsified into water and go through the emulsion polymerization process. These polymers are colloidal dispersions of discrete polymeric particles that disperse in aqueous mediums and range in size from 100 to 1,000 nm. Since EPs are used in waterborne applications, they are the best option when functional requirements call for low or no volatile organic compound (VOC) emission. These goods have a wide range of end uses, including printing inks, construction chemicals, paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, and printing.

Market Insights

In 2022, the global market for emulsion polymers was valued at $37.78 billion and was anticipated to expand at a CAGR of more than 6%. Paints & coatings account for the largest application segment for EPs, accounting for 45.78% of the total volume consumed globally. Applications for EPs include interior ornamental coatings, exterior architectural coatings, and both. The key advantages of employing emulsion-based paints and varnishes are their low VOC content, which promotes sustainability, and their anti-freeze properties. Paper, packaging, adhesives, and sealants are some other important application areas for EPs.

Acrylics, vinyl, and SBLs are frequently used in EP chemistries according to Chemistry Type. Acrylics are popular across a range of functional requirements and contribute to volume usage because they are versatile chemistries in terms of their physical and functional features. Pure vinyl acetate polymer emulsions are a common kind of vinyl EP chemistry. Styrene-butadiene latex emulsions are extensively used in the production of paper coatings. SBLs are widely used in carpet-backing adhesive applications, and demand for them will increase over the next ten years due to the expansion of the carpet industry.

APAC is the largest market by region due to the existence of significant end-use industries that consume EPs. In APAC, China dominates the market, followed by Southeast Asian nations, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Compared to LATAM, APAC, and MEASA, which are more cost-conscious, the European and North American markets have more knowledge of and a stronger need for sustainable and green EP formulations. Global producers and suppliers of raw materials are well-established in the markets of Europe and North America. However, the APAC and MEASA end-use EP markets are expanding more quickly, and the rapidly increasing population fuels demand for the construction, paper and packaging, paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, and textiles industries.

In 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on the availability of raw materials for EP manufacture, the cost of setting up new plants, labor availability, and the costs of packing and transportation. The profitability of EP suppliers was hurt by ocean freight delays, a shortage of labor, infrastructure, and raw materials, as well as investment and operational expenditures. The availability of materials and supply chain issues brought on by the Russo-Ukrainian War resulted in rising pricing for EPs. The demand for EPs will increase gradually during the projection period due to the end-use industries’ consistent growth, which will also contribute to EPs’ rising pricing. However, in a low-margin, commoditized market environment, it will be crucial for EP manufacturers to develop specialized and high-performance formulations in order to charge premium prices and increase their profit margins.

The top 4 market players account for 45% of the market share by revenue in the global EPs industry, which is consolidating. The top three businesses in the world market for EPs are Dow, Synthomer, and Celanese, with BASF as the market leader. With 50-60 small and major manufacturers operating globally, the other businesses are both global and regional. The problems connected with the EP supplier’s position in the value chain and the increasing commoditization of the EP industry are putting pressure on profit margins for EP suppliers.

Market Dynamics: Drivers

The expansion of the paints and coatings market will have a positive impact on the expansion of the EP market

Demand for EP will increase as people increasingly prefer water-based adhesives over solvent-based adhesives due to their safety and environmental benefits

Market Dynamics: Challenges

Direct-to-metal (DTM) coating technology’s preference will reduce the amount of paint required, which will slow the rise of EPs’ volume consumption

Advanced emulsion adhesive application technology will result in lower dosing rates, which will reduce the volume consumed by EPs in nonwoven applications

Market Segmentation

• Based on Application, the Global Emulsion Polymers market is segmented into
  • Paints & Coatings
  • Adhesives & Sealants
  • Paper & Packaging
  • Textile, Nonwovens, and Carpets
  • Construction Chemicals and Materials
  • Others
• Based on Chemistry, the Global Emulsion Polymers market is segmented into
  • Acrylics
  • Styrene-Butadiene Latexes
  • Vinyl
  • Alkyds
  • Other
• Based on Geography, the Global Emulsion Polymers market is segmented into
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
• All market revenue has been given in US Dollar, while the market volumes are given in tons.

Historical Year: 2020-2021
Base Year: 2022
Estimated: 2023
Forecast- 2024-2030

 Key Questions this Study will Answer

• What are the key overall market statistics or market estimates (Market Overview, Market Size- By Value, Market Size-By Volume, Forecast Numbers, Market Segmentation, Market Shares) of Global Emulsion Polymers Market?
• What is the region wise industry size, growth drivers and challenges key market trends?
• What are the key innovations, opportunities, current and future trends and regulations in the Global Emulsion Polymers Market?
• Who are the key competitors, what are their key strength and weakness and how they perform in Global Emulsion Polymers Market based on competitive benchmarking matrix?
• What are the key results derived from the market surveys conducted during Global Emulsion Polymers Market study?