PVC stabilizers are used to enhance the processability, performance, or appearance of PVC. There are several types of PVC stabilizers such as lead, tin, organic, and mixed metal stabilizers. These stabilizers are used to maximize the performance of PVC to which they are added for fulfillment of the end product requirement. They can be used in combination with each other to optimize the performance and create specialized polymer blends such as Ca/Zn, Ba/Zn, to be used as stabilizers.
PVC stabilizers are added to enhance the performance of PVC in various applications such as pipes & fittings, window profiles, rigid & semi-rigid films, wire & cables, coatings & flooring, and others. PVC pipes & fittings application is the largest market for PVC stabilizers globally. This application segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3%, in terms of volume, during the period of study. The fastest-growing PVC stabilizers application segment is coatings & flooring, projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4%, in terms of value, between 2015 and 2020. Asia-Pacific is the largest market of PVC stabilizers, registering a significant share of 57.1% of the total market in 2014. The market patterns of PVC stabilizer types used for various applications are continuously witnessing an upward trend, mainly due to the increase in the use of PVC in various applications such as pipes & fittings, rigid & semi-rigid films, window profiles, coatings & flooring, and other applications which include medical and consumer goods. China is the leading country in Asia-Pacific as well as globally, in terms of volume and value.
In 2014, the market for PVC stabilizers in Europe was mainly driven by calcium-based stabilizers (that have replaced lead stabilizer), whereas North America shows a positive trend for the PVC stabilizers market, as the market will be driven by its increased use in pipes & fittings.