Global Insoluble Sulfur Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

Global Insoluble Sulfur Market reached US$ 995.0 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 1,303.9 million by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The expansion of the rubber industry, the growing focus on tire performance and safety, technical developments in rubber compounding and the move towards sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions all contribute to the need for insoluble sulfur. Insoluble sulfur plays a critical role in satisfying the demands of different sectors, including automotive, manufacturing and infrastructure development, as the need for high-quality rubber goods continues to grow globally.

The high stability grade segment holds more than 2/3rd share in the market and the high stability product grade shares traits with the high dispersion grade, including a reflection of high thermal stability. However, this form is frequently combined with other additives to improve their functionality. For example, the product's thermal stability is improved by adding ashless stabilizing agents including esters, phenols and carboxylic acid.

Market Dynamics

Growing Demand from the Rubber and Tires Industry

Tire manufacturing includes extensive usage of insoluble sulfur. The increasing number of automobiles on the road throughout the world has increased the need for simple and low-maintenance tire replacements. In order to obtain a competitive edge in the fiercely competitive market, tire producers throughout the world are under great pressure from authorities and customers to provide more fuel-efficient tires. They are also confronted with technological obstacles.

Additionally, it is a perfect molding chemical for rubber. Additionally, it is commonly utilized in the production of rubber chemistry, which includes latex, rubber tires, rubber pipes, rubber shoes, cables and wires. The global market for insoluble sulfur is anticipated to grow quickly due to the rise in demand for insoluble rubber in a variety of rubber industry applications.

For instance, in February 2018, Eastman Chemical Company unveiled CrystexCure Pro, a non-blooming vulcanizing agent used in rubber formulation to improve the properties of radial tires. Additionally, Nynas, a producer of specialty bitumen and naphthenic oil, unveiled a line of goods under the Nytex name. These products are offered commercially in a variety of viscosities and are well suited for use with tough forms of rubber as well as sulfur.

Innovation in New Products and an Increase in R&D Efforts

Product innovation is an important development that continues to gain popularity in the market for insoluble sulfur. To improve their market position, the major players in the insoluble sulfur market are concentrating on creating new goods. For instance, in March 2021, the Uzbek company NTCS Group began producing polymer-insoluble sulfur for rubber vulcanization that was of higher quality than its counterparts. Granulated sulfur has a sulfur concentration of 97-98%.

The tire additives division of Eastman Chemical Company was acquired by One Rock Capital Partners, LLC, a US-based private equity firm, for an undisclosed sum in November 2021. One Rock is delighted to be available to provide the strategic and operational resources necessary for an efficient transition from a corporate subsidiary to a powerful, independent corporation through the acquisition of Eastman Chemical Company. Flexsys is the name that the company is expected to utilize.

Strict Rules and Regulations of the Insoluble Sulfur Industry

Strict rules and regulations have been introduced to the insoluble sulfur industry as a result of growing concern about the usage of dangerous chemicals in its manufacturing process. Specific chemicals used as raw materials are covered by these regulations and rules, such as sulfur, carbon disulfide and hydrocarbon oil. Additionally, the laws and guidelines established for rubber goods like tires also play a significant role as limitations.

The use of raw materials, chemicals, industrial methods and technology will be restricted by these strict rules and regulations, even though they are crucial for reducing environmental health issues. As a result, producers will be compelled to take the necessary actions, which may increase production costs and the amount of capital needed. This will have an impact on the insoluble market by raising the cost of its products.

The increase in energy consumption, the use of fossil fuels as raw materials, CO2 emissions into the air and water and waste products and the manufacture and use of synthetic rubber have a detrimental effect on the environment. Due to the difficulty of these compounds in biodegrading, when wastewater is thrown into the water, it can reduce the ocean's capacity for oxygen and increase the concentration of toxins that can kill marine creatures.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 epidemic had a conflicting effect on the insoluble sulfur market. The demand for rubber goods, particularly tires, initially decreased as a result of the worldwide lockdowns and supply chain disruptions. Major users of insoluble sulfur, the automobile and construction industries, saw a downturn. However, when economies began to improve and regulations began to loosen, the market saw a recovery in demand.

The market's recovery was aided by the demand for dependable transportation, increasing attention on infrastructure projects and rising interest in environmentally friendly rubber compounds. By giving safety precautions and using digital technology for remote operations, manufacturers adapted to the new normal. The pandemic also highlighted sustainability in the increased demand for insoluble sulfur in environmentally friendly tire manufacture.

Segment Analysis

The global insoluble sulfur market is segmented based on product, grade, application, end-user and region.

Rising Demand for a Steady Power Supply in the Industrial Industry

The tire manufacturing segment holds more than 56.7% share of the global insoluble sulfur market. The production of vehicles directly influences the demand for tires and, subsequently, insoluble sulfur. The automotive industry's growth, driven by factors such as population growth, economic development and rising consumer demand for vehicles, leads to increased tire production. This drives the demand for insoluble sulfur as a key additive in tire manufacturing.

Additionally, the demand for insoluble sulfur is influenced by technological developments in the tire manufacturing sector. Tyre manufacturers spend in research & development to create cutting-edge tire technology as they work to fulfill performance, durability and sustainability standards. Due to its critical role as a vulcanizing agent in the creation of high-performance tires with improved characteristics, insoluble sulfur is used more frequently.

Geographical Analysis

North America Growing Demand for Insoluble Sulfur in Automotive Industry

The demand for insoluble sulfur in North America is mostly driven by the automotive industry. Major automakers are based in the area and there is a considerable demand for tires and rubber goods. Insoluble sulfur is increasingly needed as a critical component in tire production and rubber compounding as the automotive industry expands.

Some of the major vehicle manufacturers in the world are based in North America. In the area, businesses with sizable presences include General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Due to the volume of cars these producers generate, there is a strong need for tires and rubber components.

U.S. rubber imports from China, Germany, Thailand and Japan have increased rapidly in North America, giving the country a boost in the rubber business. This is a result of the nation's tire manufacturing industry using a lot of rubber. Additionally, the U.S. is the market leader for commercial vehicles, big trucks and buses, which frequently employ high-performance tires. In the region of North America, this is anticipated to lead to higher product consumption.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players include: Eastman Chemical Company, Shikoku Chemicals Corporation, Sinorgchem Co., Ltd., Henan Kailun Chemical Co., Ltd, Wuxi Huasheng Rubber Technical Co., Ltd, China Sunshine Chemical Co. Ltd., Sennics Co, Nynas AB, Oriental Carbon & Chemicals Limited and Lions Industries.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global insoluble sulfur market segmentation based on product, grade, application, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of insoluble sulfur market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global insoluble sulfur market report would provide approximately 72 tables, 71 figures and 181 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies