Butyl acrylate is a chemical compound that belongs to the family of acrylate esters, which are widely used in various industrial applications, primarily in the production of polymers and coatings. It is the ester of acrylic acid and butanol, characterized by the presence of a four-carbon alkyl chain (butyl group) in its chemical structure. Butyl acrylate is known for its versatility, excellent polymerization properties, and its ability to form polymers with various desirable attributes.
The global Butyl Acrylate demand was estimated to be more than 3,700 thousand tons in 2022, which has grown at a healthy growth rate of 4% between 2023 and 2032. More than 40% of butyl acrylate is used in acrylic waterborne emulsions and approximately 25 percent of n-butyl acrylate is used as a co-monomer for polyethylene, enhancing polymer heat resistance and melt strength. n-Butyl acrylate is also used in adhesives, particularly for pressure-sensitive adhesives.
The global Butyl Acrylate capacity has been estimated to be more than 4820 thousand tons in 2022. Approximately, more than 1500 thousand tons of capacity will be added between 2022 and 2032, taking the global Butyl Acrylate capacity to 6310 thousand tons by 2032. Arkema, Dow Chemical, BASF, Nippon Shokubai, and LG Chem are the top global manufacturers of Butyl Acrylate.
BASF is planning to increase its Butyl Acrylate production capacity by 50 thousand tons, which is expected to be complete by 2023. The company has announced to construction of a new manufacturing unit in Verbund, China which will produce Glacial Acrylic Acid (GAA), 2-ethylhexyl Acrylate (2-EHA), and Butyl Acrylate (BA). The company will produce 400 thousand tons of Butyl Acrylate at this site which is set to start production by 2025.
Asia Pacific is the largest manufacturer of Butyl Acrylate with a market share of 69% followed by North America and Western Europe accounting for 12% and 9% of the global capacities. Jiangsu Jurong-Arkema is the largest producer in China with more than 200 thousand tons capacity in 2022. Japan is the second largest manufacturer with more than 250 thousand tons capacity with manufacturers such as Nippon Shokubai, Toagosei Group, and Mitsubishi Chemical present in the country.
The global Butyl Acrylate demand was estimated to be more than 3,700 thousand tons in 2022, which has grown at a healthy growth rate of 4% between 2023 and 2032. This demand is strongly supported by the strong demand for Paints & Coatings, Adhesives, and Chemical Synthesis applications. The Butyl Acrylate market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4% between 2022 and 2032. Strong demand from the Automotive and Construction industry will positively impact the Butyl Acrylate market.
The increasing use of water-based paints & coatings which are applied on the floor and other surfaces to provide a long-lasting finish and environmental protection is said to drive the demand for Butyl Acrylate.
In most countries, demand for n-butyl acrylate is largely dependent on construction activity. The product has been relatively unaffected by the movement from solvent-based systems to aqueous technologies as it is used in both. The developed economies of North America and Western Europe are displaying weaker demand growth than developing regions.
Rising demand for Paints and Coatings
The rising awareness for the decreasing VOC emission plastics in the environment, and the application of Butyl Acrylate in preparing water-based coatings for architectural and industrial coatings can boost the market during the forecast period. Several regions are implementing VOC emission standards and industries are shifting to water-based coatings.
In North America, the United States and Canada have regulations in place to limit VOCs in the paint and coating industry. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established national regulations under the Clean Air Act that set limits on VOC emissions from industrial sources, including paints and coatings. These regulations vary depending on the type of coating and the location of the facility.
In China, The China National Standard for Limits of Harmful Substances in Coatings sets VOC limits for different types of coatings, and the standard is mandatory for manufacturers.
The increasing use of water-based paints & coatings which are applied on the floor and other surfaces to provide a long-lasting finish and environmental protection is said to drive the demand for Butyl Acrylate.
Butyl Acrylate has properties such as water resistance, durability, and enhanced weather ability, which makes it a preferred choice for automotive coating applications. The increasing demand in the Automotive industry has boosted the growth of the Paints & Coatings industry.
High costs
The primary raw materials used in the production of butyl acrylate are acrylic acid and butanol. Fluctuations in the prices of these feedstocks, which are derived from petrochemical sources, can directly impact the cost of butyl acrylate.
The prices of Butyl Acrylate are increasing due to a shortage of Acrylic Acid; a key raw material used for the production of Butyl Acrylate. In 2017, the production of Butyl Acrylate was disrupted by Hurricane Harvey which caused a lack in supply and led to plant closures. Prices of crude oil were increased due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war which impacted the production and prices of Butyl Acrylate.
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