Cables, pipes and window frames should ideally last forever. In most cases, they do if they are made of PVC - provided the material is protected with stabilizers against the harmful effects of oxygen and sunlight.

Without stabilizing chemicals, many plastic and rubber products would be destroyed after a short time by heat, oxidation or UV rays.

Ceresana, a leading market research institute, again investigated the global market for these essential additives and has launched the 6th edition of "Market Study: Stabilizers". The report expects revenues from stabilizers for plastics and elastomers to grow to US$ 7.3 billion annually by 2031.

Thermostabilizers and UV stabilizers

The plastics industry requires large quantities of stabilizers, especially for the production and processing of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The most important application is plastic pipes, for which more than 400,000 tonnes of stabilizers are currently consumed each year.

According to Ceresana, calcium-based stabilizers are by far the most demanded type in Europe.

Behind them come profiles, cables, films and other applications. Accordingly, demand for stabilizers is primarily determined by developments in the construction industry.

Regional differences are striking: In Europe, stabilizers are mainly needed for PVC profiles, while in Asia they are used for pipes. Components made of plastic can help save energy. Growing environmental awareness worldwide is therefore one reason for the rising demand in stabilizers.

Alternative stabilizers wanted

Stabilizers are mostly based on heavy metals such as lead or tin, but also on calcium, liquid metal soaps and other starting materials. In the European Union, the industry has been phasing out the use of lead-based stabilizers since 2015; the recycling of PVC with lead stabilizers is still controversial.

By now, calcium-based stabilizers are by far the most demanded type in Europe. In other regions, demand for alternative, more environmentally friendly stabilizers is also increasing.

Ceresana forecasts global demand for calcium-based stabilizers to grow by 3.2% per year. Sales of tin stabilizers are expected to reach around 237,000 tonnes in 2031.

Tin stabilizers account for the highest share of the overall market in North America. Globally, Asia-Pacific is the largest market for stabilizers with a share of around 61%, followed by Western Europe.