Global Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber Market Is Driven By Growing Demand For Environmentally-Friendly And Premium Products

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a high-density synthetic rubber, which is durable and has high-resistance to temperatures, abrasives, tearing, and solvents. It has good ozone and UV-resistance, excellent weather ability, and exceptional electrical insulating properties. EPDM is used in a range of industries such as automotive, plastic modification, lubricant additives, building & construction, tires & tubes, and wires & cables.

Growing demand for synthetic rubber in automotive is resulting in increasing adoption of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. In addition, increasing construction activities is likely to drive the global EPDM market. Whereas, substitutes such as silicone rubber and neoprene are expected to restrict growth of the global EPDM market over the forecast period.

Segmentation based on type and application:

There are two types of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber developed and launched into market currently such as solution polymerization and suspension polymerization. The solution polymerization segment is expected to hold a significant share in the market over the forecast period.

On the basis of application, the global market divided into the automotive industry, building & construction and wires & cables. The industry is mainly driven by growing automotive and construction sector. In the automotive sector, EPDM is used in the manufacturing of glass-run channel, windshield wipers, brake parts, body sealing, radiator, tubing, belts, engine mounts, roofing membrane, and motor oil additive applications. EPDM is also used in making moisture barriers, vehicle glazing systems, valves, o-rings, and pumps. According to a document published by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the production of automobiles has increased from 90 Bn units in 2015 to around 95 Bn units in 2016.

EPDM roofing membrane is mostly used in low-slope buildings owing to its superior properties such as hail shower resistance, UV resistance, and harsh weather conditions, which makes it suitable for roofing applications.

Segmentation based on geographic region:

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for EPDM owing to growth of automobile sector in China, Japan, India, Thailand, and South Korea. China dominates the Asia Pacific EPDM market owing to huge production base of automotive, plastics, and electronics. On the other hand, environmental issues in Germany, the plastic and automobile sector choose to use innovative EPDM, which leads to further increase demand for EPDM.

Top players covered:

Major players profiled in the report include Exxon Mobil Corporation, Lanxess Aktiengesellschaft, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Jilin Xingyun Chemical SK Chemical Co Ltd, Sumitomo Corporation, Lion Elastomers, Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Mitsui & Co., Ltd, Eni, JSR/Kumho, and SABIC.

• In November 2017, Versalis which is a subsidiary of Eni S.p.A. and South Korea-based Lotte Chemical established joint venture under the name of Lotte Versalis Elastomers Co., Ltd.
• In March 2017, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd completed construction of EPDM plant in Saudi Arabia