Propelled by the amount of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processed there, China now accounts for 28% of worldwide additives volume, surpassing all other reporting regions according to a new study from Townsend Polymer Services and Information (Houston). The study found that the global additives industry achieved 12.2 million tonnes of volume last year, with the industry as a whole valued at $32 billion. Given PVC’s predominance, the report said it was not surprising that plasticizers remain the largest product category within additives, accounting for 54% of total global volume. In terms of growth rates, however, flame retardants grew at one of the fastest rates worldwide for all additives. Townsend speculates that increased acceptance of plastics, leading to the replacement of other fabrication materials, requires incorporation of flame retardant additives to reduce risks of fire. More information available at www.townsendpolymer.com.
