The driving factor: plastics are preferred over traditional materials

Antioxidants are used in a wide range of polymers such as PE, PP and PVC. These plastics are used in industries such as packaging, construction and automotive. Compared to traditional materials such as metal, glass, paper and ceramics, plastics offer superior mechanical and electrical properties, enhanced wear resistance and excellent chemical resistance.

Continued innovation and demand for lighter weight materials in several industries has led to the replacement of metals, glass, paper and ceramics with plastics in the packaging, construction and automotive industries. This is expected to drive the market for plastic antioxidants.

In the automotive industry, particularly in vehicle design, plastics have contributed to several innovations in safety, fuel efficiency and performance. For example, airbags made from high-strength polymer fabrics can reduce the risk of fatal injuries in direct frontal crashes. Other improvements include child safety seats, roof linings, steering wheels, instrument panels, fenders, as well as fuel systems, headlight covers and other exterior components that are directly exposed to heat and light.

Plastics are used in the agricultural sector for mulch, greenhouse film covers, shades, nets and silage packing tape. Plastics used in the agricultural sector provide high light transmission to promote plant growth. Agricultural plastics need to be able to withstand high levels of solar radiation and mechanical stress. Antioxidants are therefore used to provide processing and thermal stability as well as resistance to discolouration for agricultural plastics.

Countries such as India have yet to explore the benefits of plastics in agriculture. According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the average global demand for plastics in agriculture was 8% in 2013 and 2% in India. Therefore, there are strong growth opportunities for stakeholders in the Indian plastic antioxidants market.