Global demand for plastic masterbatches is expected to rise to almost 5.5 million tonnes by 2031, according to Ceresana, which has published the third, completely revised edition of the "Masterbatches" market study.

 

“Small granules with a big effect: plastics only become colourful, durable and usable through the incorporation of additives. Therefore, granules with a high concentration of colourants, other additives or fillers, so-called masterbatches, are often added to the raw polymers in the production of plastics,” the market research agency said in a statement.

 

Precise Dosing, Easy Processing

 

Polyethylene and other thermoplastics can also be modified with powders, pastes or liquids. In comparison, however, masterbatches facilitate processing because granules allow the additives to be distributed more evenly in the raw polymer. Pre-mixed concentrates with precisely defined properties increase process reliability. They also allow the cost-effective purchase of raw polymers in large quantities, which can then be modified for specific applications, the report said. 

 

Colour masterbatches contain pigments or dyes. Additive masterbatches contain, for example, stabilizers, antioxidants, antistatic agents, flame retardants or other plastic additives. Combination masterbatches with different additives are also possible. The concentrates are embedded in a polymer carrier material that is compatible with the plastic to be modified and, for example, complies with the regulations for medical devices, food contact or bioplastics.

 

Coloured Masterbatches Are in Demand

 

Currently, granules with white pigments are the most widely used type of masterbatch: In 2021, around 1.4 million tonnes were sold worldwide. The plastics industry primarily uses the white pigment titanium dioxide (TiO2) to colour toys, electrical appliances, automotive parts, furniture and plastic films, for example, but also to protect them against UV radiation. Titanium dioxide is followed by colour masterbatches which include, for example, inorganic and organic pigments, as well as effect pigments.

 

Carbon black (industrial carbon black) is usually used for the colour black in plastics. It is especially advantageous for technical polymers: Carbon black is very resistant to colour changes and fading – even under extreme outdoor conditions.

 

Packaging as Main Application

 

The demand for masterbatches mirrors the global market for plastics: of the current revenues, around one third is generated in the Asia-Pacific region, just under 24% in North America and 22% in Western Europe. The most important areas of application for plastics are packaging, construction products, transportation, electrical and electronics, and other industrial goods. 

 

The most important sales market in 2021 was packaging, accounting for 36% of the total demand. Second by a considerable margin was the construction industry. The "packaging" category includes all masterbatches for flexible plastic packaging, such as films, bags and sacks, and for rigid packaging, such as yogurt pots, cans, bottles and lids. 

 

Current market data on Masterbatches

 

Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive analysis of the world market for plastics masterbatches - including forecasts up to 2031: the development of demand (in tonnes) and revenue (in USD and EUR) is presented for each region. 

 

The demand is given separately for the different masterbatch types: white masterbatches; black masterbatches; colour masterbatches; and additive masterbatches. 

 

In addition, the various application areas are examined individually:  packaging; construction; transportation; electrical and electronics; Industrial Products and other applications.

 

In Chapter 2, the 16 most important countries are examined individually, including Germany, the USA, China, Japan and South Korea. Country-specific demand, demand per masterbatch type (white, black, colours, additives) and revenues are shown. Furthermore, the demand for the individual application areas is analyzed.

 

Chapter 3 provides a manufacturer directory of the 55 most important producers of plastic masterbatches. It is clearly arranged by contact details, revenues, profit, product range, production sites and brief profile. The manufacturers listed here include, for example, Alok Masterbatches Pvt. Ltd, Astra Polymers Compounding Co., Ltd, Avient Corporation, Americhem Inc, Ampacet Corporation, Cabot Corporation, Global Colors Group, Lehmann & Voss & Co. KG, Prayag Polytech Pvt. Ltd. and RTP Company.--TradeArabia News Service