Polybutylene Succinate Prices

Polybutylene Succinate Prices December 2023

The polybutylene succinate prices in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 3721 USD/MT in December. In the USA, the polybutylene succinate market faced significant challenges due to an influx of Asian imports and logistical issues at major ports. These factors drove down prices, as traders adjusted their pricing strategies to adapt to an unpredictable market.

The price trend for polybutylene succinate in China for Q4 2023, reached 1466 USD/MT in December. The market in China initially showed promising growth, but supply chain disruptions and a decrease in the latest orders soon caused investor uncertainty. Heavy rainfall and decreased aid from upstream sectors further pressured prices, leading to a rapid market decline.

The price trend for polybutylene succinate in Germany for Q4 2023, reached 3203 USD/MT in December. The polybutylene succinate market in Germany encountered difficulties due to minimal demand from the polyester sector and some economic challenges. The situation deteriorated further as shipment delays from Asia, partly influenced by geopolitical tensions, reduced consumer interest and contributed to the market's sluggish performance.

Polybutylene Succinate Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Polybutylene Succinate Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of polybutylene succinate pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot prices of polybutylene succinate at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of polybutylene succinate price trends across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing polybutylene succinate price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Polybutylene Succinate Market Analysis

The global polybutylene succinate market size reached US$ 338.22 Million in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 908.2 Million, at a projected CAGR of 11.60% during 2023-2032.

The polybutylene succinate (PBS) market is driven by several key factors, propelling its growth and adoption across various industries. One of the primary drivers is the increasing demand for biodegradable plastics due to growing environmental concerns and stringent regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste. According to UN Environmental Programme, globally, 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, and up to five trillion plastic bags are used annually. Half of all plastic produced is designed for single-use, discarded after one use. Approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly is generated, with projections suggesting global plastic production could reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050. Around 36% of all plastics are used in packaging, 85% of which ends up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Additionally, 98% of single-use plastics are made from fossil fuels, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, which could reach 19% of the global carbon budget by 2040. PBS, being a biodegradable polymer, is gaining traction as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics, particularly in packaging, agriculture, and biomedical applications.

Technological advancements in polymer synthesis and processing are also playing a crucial role in driving the PBS market. Innovations in production processes have led to improved material properties, such as enhanced strength, flexibility, and thermal stability, making PBS more versatile and suitable for a broader range of applications. Additionally, ongoing research and development activities are focused on reducing production costs and improving the scalability of PBS production, which is expected to make the material more economically viable and accessible to a wider audience. Owing to heightened public concerns about environmental protection and the potential energy crisis associated with fossil fuels, there is a global shift towards replacing petrochemical-based polymers with biopolymers. Polybutylene succinate (PBS), a biobased and biodegradable polymer, has attracted considerable interest across various fields. However, its high flammability remains a significant barrier to its broader application. This study systematically reviews methods to enhance the flame retardancy of PBS, including the use of inorganic (nano)particles, lignin, and intumescent flame-retardant systems. The global bioplastics market is expected to grow from 1.6 million metric tons in 2018 to 2.7 million metric tons by 2023. The review emphasizes PBS's favorable properties, such as its melting point of 110-115°C and tensile yield strength of 30-35 MPa. Nevertheless, PBS's limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 21-24 highlights its high flammability, necessitating the development of effective flame-retardant systems to facilitate its widespread use.

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is frequently combined with natural fibers such as switchgrass (SG) for use in automotive products. These innovative composite materials are promoted as promising bio-based alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics, making them widely utilized in automotive manufacturing. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA). China maintains its position as the world’s largest vehicle market by annual sales and manufacturing output, with domestic production projected to reach 35 million vehicles by 2025. In 2021, over 26 million vehicles were sold in China, including 21.48 million passenger vehicles, marking a 7.1% increase from 2020. Thus, with the increasing automotive production, the demand for polybutylene succinate will also gradually increase, which will act as a driver for the polybutylene succinate market.

Moreover, the agriculture sector is increasingly utilizing PBS for applications such as mulch films, plant pots, and controlled-release fertilizer coatings. The biodegradability of PBS ensures that it does not contribute to soil pollution, aligning with the sustainable agriculture practices being adopted worldwide. For instance, the United States Department of Agriculture launched "The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)" to ensure food safety, security, and to train the next generation of the agricultural workforce. These government agricultural initiatives are significantly boosting the agricultural sector in various regions. As the agricultural sector expands, the demand for polybutylene succinate for manufacturing mulch films is expected to rise, driving growth in the polybutylene succinate market during the forecast period.

Government policies and incentives promoting the use of biodegradable materials are further supporting the growth of the PBS market. Various countries are implementing regulations that encourage the use of sustainable materials, providing subsidies, and funding research initiatives, all of which are fostering the development and commercialization of PBS. For instance, EU commissioned a regulation on the ban of microplastics from the market starting 2023, whether on their own or purposely added to items. This includes plastic glitter unless it's biodegradable or soluble. Moreover, in July 2023, France and India jointly committed to reducing single-use plastic pollution by banning plastic products with low utility and high littering potential. Furthermore, in November 2023, 175 countries agreed to negotiate legally enforceable agreements on plastic pollution by 2024, including the creation of a Global Plastics Treaty.

Polybutylene Succinate News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global polybutylene succinate market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in polybutylene succinate production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that shape the industry landscape.

Latest developments in the polybutylene succinate industry:

• In February 2024, the Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG Group) utilized DURABIO™, a plant-derived bioengineering plastic, for the handle of Sunstar Group's Ora2 Premium Smooth Fit Toothbrush. This toothbrush is the first in the domestic market to receive biomass plastic mark certification.
• In June 2024, Technip Energies acquired glycol purification technology from Shell to accelerate the commercialization of its Bio-2-Glycols™ technology, aimed at producing bio-based Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) from glucose. This acquisition enables Technip Energies to replace fossil-based feedstock with a bio-sourced monomer, resulting in polyesters with lower carbon footprints and reduced environmental impact. The agreement integrates Shell's R&D results with Technip Energies’ bio-MEG technology, offering a more efficient bio-based MEG solution, commercialized under the Bio-2-Glycols™ trademark.

Product Description

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is a biodegradable, bio-based polymer derived from renewable resources. It is known for its excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile yield strength and flexibility, making it a viable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. PBS is used in various applications, such as packaging, agricultural films, and automotive components, due to its good processability and thermal properties, with a melting point of 110-115°C. Despite its potential, PBS's high flammability poses a significant challenge, necessitating the development of effective flame-retardant systems. As global interest in sustainable materials grows, PBS is gaining attention for its potential to reduce environmental impact and dependence on fossil fuels.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the polybutylene succinate market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast, and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the polybutylene succinate price trend.

Global Polybutylene Succinate Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global polybutylene succinate pricing trends in the form of polybutylene succinate price charts, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level. This comprehensive analysis not only highlights the current price but also provides insights into polybutylene succinate historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into polybutylene succinate price forecast models, projecting future price movements based on a variety of indicators such as expected changes in supply chain dynamics, anticipated policy shifts, and emerging market trends. By examining these factors, the report equips industry participants with the necessary tools to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and capitalize on market opportunities. Furthermore, it includes a detailed polybutylene succinate demand analysis, breaking down regional variations and identifying key drivers specific to each geographic market, thus offering a nuanced understanding of the global pricing landscape.

Europe Polybutylene Succinate Price

The market in Europe faced a slow period, mostly because of low demand from the polyester industry. The market was under extra strain due to continued economic challenges, such as deteriorating situations and increased interest rates, which further dampened market performance. As the year progressed, shipment delays from Asia, driven by geopolitical tensions like the Israel-Hamas conflict, increased consumer worries. This added to the ongoing subpar results of the polybutylene succinate market in the area.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed polybutylene succinate price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Polybutylene Succinate Price

The polybutylene succinate market in North America encountered persistent challenges due to a supply-demand imbalance. This issue was compounded by a surge in imports from Asia, which stifled any potential market growth. Additionally, logistical bottlenecks at the Panama Canal and unfavorable climatic conditions severely disrupted export activities from North American ports. In response, traders were compelled to reduce their price quotations to maintain competitiveness, causing a decline in the product rates across the region.

Specific polybutylene succinate historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Polybutylene Succinate Price

The report explores the polybutylene succinate pricing trends in the Middle East and Africa, considering factors like regional industrial growth, the availability of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions that uniquely influence market prices.

In addition to region-wise data, information on polybutylene succinate prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Polybutylene Succinate Price

At the start, the Asian market remained stable, as prices were driven up by a balance of supply and demand. Nevertheless, the brief rise in positivity was cut short due to disturbances in supply chains and a decline in orders, leading to doubt among investors. Adverse weather, namely heavy rains, along with limited feedstock support, resulted in a rapid decline in prices, exacerbating the situation. Traders and producers found it difficult to deal with these challenges during a major market decline.

This polybutylene succinate price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Polybutylene Succinate Price

The analysis of polybutylene succinate prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of polybutylene succinate pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting polybutylene succinate price volatility, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the polybutylene succinate industry.