UV Stabilizers Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The market for UV (ultraviolet) stabilizers is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.98% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

UV (ultraviolet) stabilizers are the chemicals used to prevent the photodegradation of the material from the sun. The effects of photodegradation include chalking, cracking, and color changes. UV stabilizers are used to minimize the contact between the plastic surface and the UV rays, which slows down the photodegradation to a much greater extent. Generally, there are several types of UV stabilizers, such as absorbers, quenchers, and HALS (Hindered amine light stabilizers), among others. Absorbers UV stabilizers absorb UV light, which is cost-effective and can be used for short-time exposure. One of the major driving factors is the growing demand from the automotive sector. Another major driving factor is the increasing application of polymers in many day life products.

According to ICCT (International Council on Clean Transportation), the sales of light-duty EVs reached around 6 million in the first half of 2023. Most global EVs sold, approximately 80%, were concentrated in the four largest markets, that is, China, Europe, the United States, and India. China remained the world’s largest EV market. The growing demand for electric vehicles drives the overall demand from the automation sector.

UV STABILIZERS MARKET DRIVERS:

The growing use of polymer products

When the polymers are exposed to UV lights, the substance is degraded from the UV radiation. The polymer chains are broken by the chemical reaction changing the physical properties of the matter. The polymer is changed, causing loss of impact strength, changes in color, cracking, etc. For example, under the UV lights, the plastic outdoor chair's color faded, and the plastic surface became easily broken. Hence, using UV stabilizers in plastic plays an indispensable part in the durability of plastic products. These stabilizers are chemically formulated to absorb UV light and minimize the contact between the plastic surface and the UV rays.

The growing use of plastics in automobiles, households, medical equipment, buildings and constructions, furniture, etc., would increase the use of UV Stabilizers. Different types of UV stabilizers are used in plastic and for specific requirements. The type of these stabilizers used in plastic is determined by its environment, end-product properties, color, etc.

Rising demand from the automotive industry

The burgeoning automobile sector has created a demand for vehicles, related products, and raw materials. UV stabilizers are used in the automobile industry to retain adhesive properties, increase adhesive life, and maintain color stability in interior or exterior applications.

The requirements for the industry are a high level of durability and long-term service under harsh conditions. It protects against degradation due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions, such as ultraviolet light, heat, and moisture.

In the automotive industry, UV stabilizers are crucial in maintaining the physical and aesthetic properties of exterior and interior components, including bumpers, door trims, airbags, and instrument panels. They also prevent color fading, microcrack formation, and loss of physical properties of these plastic components.

Further, the overall automotive industry is expanding due to the growing demand for electric vehicles in the market. The market for electric vehicles has been expanding due to favorable government policies, competitive pricing, and changing consumer behavior toward electric vehicles. Electric vehicle share increased from 4% in 2020 to 18% in 2023. This surge in electric vehicles has played an important role in the demand for equipment and raw materials for automobile manufacturing, including UV stabilizers, adhesives, and other organic substrates.

Application in the building and construction industry

The growing demand from the building and construction industry is one of the major drivers of the UV stabilizers market. UV stabilizers market are applied in various places within the construction of the house or a building to protect the material from the sunlight.

Color fading has been a major issue for the plastics used in the building and construction industry. The manufacturers use custom additives for the desired UV degradation protection and long-lasting material durability. One such product is offered by Americhem, Duramax® UV stabilizers, for the durability of their plastic products. These stabilizers can be used in the interior and exterior settings to shield windows and doors, awnings, cladding, decking, and roofing systems.

Further, the market is driven by the growing stringent standards such as outdoor settings now necessitate products capable of lasting for a longer time. These requirements demand end users to have the option for less maintenance, visual appeal, and long-lasting. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, construction spending in the United States in 2023 increased by 6.53% from 2022. This construction spending was US$23.72 trillion in 2022.

This growth in spending suggests the growing demand for construction projects and a relative increase in the economy's construction material demand. This increases the application of UV stabilizers in the construction and building material sector.

UV Stabilizers Market Geographical Outlook

The Asia Pacific region to dominate the UV stabilizers market during the forecast period.

The major economies like China, Japan, India, and South Korea dominate the Asia-Pacific region. Some of the fastest-growing emerging economies are from this region, such as ASEAN countries. India and China are growing economies in the region, with a growing application of UV (ultraviolet) stabilizers in industries like automation, packaging, agriculture, adhesives, and sealants, among others. India is the 6th largest producer of chemicals. The industry contributes 7% to India’s GDP. Further, the growing market for the automotive sector, where the country is becoming one of the largest producers and consumers of vehicles, is leaning toward demand for the use of additives and stabilizers like UV stabilizers.

Moreover, China is becoming one of the largest county for construction worldwide. The country is moving towards better government regulations and policies. According to the China Business Review, new regulations could require about 70% of new urban buildings to be certified green. This also includes schools, hospitals, and public buildings. These buildings require low-carbon construction, renewable energy, water conservation, sustainable materials, etc. This demand for building materials would increase the relative demand for UV (ultraviolet) stabilizers in the building and construction industry.

UV Stabilizers Market Restraints:

• UV Stabilizers are used in flooring, decking, utensils, packaging, furniture, etc. With their growing use, UV stabilizers have negative effects, such as the release of harmful by-products. The by-products can be harmful to health, so the government formed various policies to restrict and give guidelines for their usage and manufacturing.
• One such example is UV-328, a UV absorber whose major application is in the automotive industry in paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives, plastics, and rubbers to protect materials from UV light. The substance has significant adverse human health and environmental effects. This led to the ban on the production, use, import, and export of UV-328 in the European Union.

UV Stabilizers Market Key Developments:

• In March 2023, Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd., a leading company in the polymer stabilizers of the world and specialty chemicals player, launched  SONGSORB CS 171.  SONGSORB® CS 171 can be easily incorporated, improving the stability of coatings and adhesive systems. SONGSORB CS 171 can blend with the SONGSORB CS B 5075. Further, the company will launch SONGSORB CS B 5438 and SONGSORB CS B 5452, its two newest blends. It can be used as the stabilizer package for epoxy systems and a new solid triazine UV absorber. The company is committed to making long-lasting coatings solutions that enhance performance and counter the harmful effects of light and heat on surfaces, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
• In March 2023, UniteChem Group was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. UniteChem Group is one of the leading suppliers of light stabilizers offering plastics or a range of industrial applications, headquartered in China. It is one of China's largest specialty chemicals companies, having a network of sales, service, and warehousing facilities throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. UniteChem Group has a workforce of 2,000 employees worldwide and generates a turnover of approximately EUR 300 million, having certifications for operations such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and OSHAS 18001, the group would be traded by the 603065.SS ticker number.
• In July 2022, Solvay, a global market leader in specialty materials, announced the development of a new portfolio of UV-C stabilizers. It is designed for hygiene applications of the UV-C spectrum (200-280 nm) for hospital-acquired infections. This technological development is significant as frequent exposure to UV-C irradiation causes the risk of polyolefin degradation, discoloration, and micro-crack formation. Solvay is a member of the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) and made technology for using UV-C light as the anti-microbial disinfectant on polyolefin surfaces while safely protecting them against UV-C-induced degradation. It can be used in various polyolefin applications, including medical equipment in operation and patient rooms, aircraft and shared vehicle interiors, and sporting venues.

The UV stabilizers market is segmented and analyzed as follows:

By Type

• UV Absorbers
• Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS)
• Antioxidants
• Quenchers

By Application

• Packaging
• Automotive
• Agriculture
• Adhesives and Sealants
• Building and Construction
• Other End-User Industries

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of South America
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Rest of the Middle East and Africa
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Rest of Asia-Pacific