Foam Blowing Agents Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Hydrocarbons, Hydrofluorocarbons [HFC], Hydro Chlorofluorocarbons [HCFC], and Others), By Application (Polyurethane, Polystyrene, Polyolefin), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

A blowing agent is a compound that can produce a cellular structure in a number of hardening or phase transition materials, such as polymers, plastics, and metals, through a foaming process. It is usually applied when the blasted material is in the liquid stage. The cellular structure of a matrix reduces density, improving thermal and acoustic insulation while enhancing the original polymer's relative stiffness. Blowing agents, often known as pneumatogens or analogous mechanisms, produce cellular materials by creating holes in a matrix.

• The foam blowing agents market is being driven by the growing polystyrene, polyurethane, and other product-based foam industries. Foam blowing agents are used in the production of polymeric foam to improve the required qualities. Polymeric foam is in high demand due to its use in the building and appliance industries.


• Medical device demand has been bolstered by technological breakthroughs and strong medical industry growth. Increased worldwide trade has surged the demand for secure and dependable product packaging during travel.

Over the projected period, growing investment in the development of environment-friendly and energy-efficient blowing agents is likely to promote its production. Additionally, continued demand from the construction industry, where it is employed as an insulating agent, as well as a developing trend in the healthcare sector, has boosted foam blowing agent use.

• In recent years, the flooring and furnishing industry has grown in response to rising living standards and more purchasing power parity. The burgeoning hospitality industry demands high-quality flooring and attractively pleasing furnishings.


• For stress absorption and a high-quality aesthetic appeal, polymeric foams are utilized in flooring and furnishings. Due to increased utilization of polymeric foams, the foam blowing agents market would see potential growth in the flooring and furnishing industry.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Foam Blowing Agents Market

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand appeared to be bleak. Contractions were most common in the building & construction and automobile industries, respectively. The suspension of all manufacturing and production activities, particularly in the first two quarters, was a crucial factor. Demand prospects gradually improved as constraints lifted in the wake of increased vaccination campaigns.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Regulatory scenario of foam blowing agents


• Key development of foam blowing agents


• Government initiatives to promote foam blowing agents


• Impact of COVID-19 on the market

Analysis by Product

By product, the market is classified into hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons [HFC], hydro chlorofluorocarbons [HCFC], and others.

• The hydrocarbons segment dominates the foam blowing agents market and is expected to continue to do so over the forecast period. Hydrocarbons are commonly employed in polyurethane foam in a variety of applications, including automotive, appliances, construction, flooring, and furniture.


• The others segment includes inert gases, azodicarbonamide, methyl formate, methylal, and water.

Regional Analysis

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The foam blowing agents market is dominated by Asia Pacific. The construction sector in this region has grown as a result of rapid infrastructural development, with India, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam leading the way.

• Foam blowing agents consumer sectors, such as packaging, automotive, and medical devices, have benefited greatly from rapid industrialization and technological breakthroughs in this region.

Attributed to the global position in the pharmaceutical and food packaging industries, North America will show a good outlook in the foam blowing agents market share. The European Union's expansion can be attributed to its expanding automobile sector, frozen food packing, and other industries. Seats, steering wheels, and door panels are all made of polyurethane foam.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Honeywell International Inc., Arkema S.A., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Solvay S.A., Sinochem Group, Haltermann GmbH, Harp International Ltd, and others.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• In June 2021, in the U.S. and China, Arkema started manufacturing insulating foam-blowing agent hydrofluoroolefin-1233zd (HFO-1233zd). Arkema plans to invest USD 60 million in its Calvert City, Kentucky plant to increase HFO capacity to 15,000 metric tons (t) per year. Starting in 2022, the company will work with the chemical company Aofan to produce 5,000 t in China. HFO-1233zd has a substantially lower global warming effect than hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) it is intended to replace. It can be utilized in all major types of manufactured rigid foams as well as spray-foam systems, according to Arkema.


• In May 2021, SOPREMA, a pioneer in the roofing, waterproofing, wall protection, and civil engineering industries, announced that it would use Honeywell's Solstice Gas Blowing Agent (GBA) for extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation board manufacture. SOPREMA will be the first XPS manufacturer in North America to switch to Solstice GBA to comply with new environmental rules phasing out goods with higher GWP.