The increasing utilization of solution styrene butadiene rubber in tire and footwear applications is expected to drive demand over the forecast period. Growing tires exports coupled with increased demand for high-performance tires from the importing countries is expected to be the key aspects driving the solution styrene butadiene rubber market growth in the country. S-SBR is widely used on account of the tire labeling regulation introduced in the European Union. It is an essential component of tire treads and is a pre-requisite for obtaining improved tire grades. In addition, the functionalized S-SBR provides scope for superior integration of fillers in the polymer matrix providing the tire with 30% lower rolling resistance. The volatile raw material prices are expected to be a major restraint for the solution styrene butadiene rubber market growth. In spite of the naphtha (one of the raw materials) prices remaining nearly constant, butadiene prices have been highly volatile as it is petrochemical, the prices of crude oil directly affect the butadiene prices. Since solution styrene butadiene rubber is derived from petrochemicals, environmental impacts and sustainability have emerged as a key issue for the industry. The impact of air pollution caused by butadiene production is a major cause of concern. However, the use of bio-based butadiene, produced from plants and animal based fats/oils is expected to reduce the ecological hazards associated with the product. Tires were the largest application segment, accounting for 81.0% of global S-SBR market volume in 2016. Increasing use of S-SBR in the manufacturing of high-performance tires on account of improved performance and high fuel efficiency of the vehicle is expected to drive demand over the forecast period. S-SBR is widely used in the adhesive industry for lamination, caulking, wall tiles and paper coating. It is expected to witness average growth in the adhesives & sealants industry over the forecast period on account of the technological advancements coupled with growing application scope of solution styrene butadiene rubber.
The global solution styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR) market size was estimated at USD 2.51 billion in 2016. The market is expected to witness significant growth on account of the growing demand in tire manufacturing industry. S-SBR aids in reducing the rolling resistance of the vehicles; increase the fuel efficiency and improve the wet grip of tires on account of which manufacturers are substituting emulsion styrene butadiene rubber (E-SBR) with S-SBR.