Polymer Dispersions Market Projected to Reach $11.8 Billion By 2027

 A new study by Transparency Market Research reports that the global market for polymer dispersions was valued at $7.6 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate of of approximately 5% during the forecast period. According to the study, the global market is driven by the rise in the demand for polymer dispersions in the paints and coatings industry. Asia Pacific accounts for a major share of the global polymer dispersion market, led by an increase in the demand for polymer dispersions in paints and coatings and adhesives and sealants in the region.

Polymer dispersions are primarily used in decorative paints and coatings, owing to properties such as the enhancement of toughness and reduction in the amount of energy required for drying. Polymer dispersions are also employed in protective coatings.

Polymer dispersions are eco-friendly. They offer good adhesion to cellulose-containing substrates such as wood and paper. They are also employed in wood adhesives.

Water-based polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) are polymer dispersions employed in coatings and adhesives, and use water as a primary solvent. PUDs are used in various industrial and commercial applications to reduce the use of solvent-based products due to an increase in regulations regarding the amount of VOCs and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) allowed in products.

Among the applications for polymer dispersions, the study reports that the paint and coatings segment accounted for a major share of the global market in 2018. The paint and coatings industry is shifting toward the use of low-VOC and eco-friendly technologies such as water-based materials. This factor is fueling the demand for polymer dispersions. Polymer dispersions improve surface properties such as appearance, and enable unique effects. They also enhance resistance to corrosion when used in paints and coatings.

Growing environment-related concerns caused by rising carbon footprints have prompted market players to use water-based polymer dispersion-based adhesives. Polymer dispersions offer environment-related benefits by decreasing the carbon footprint. They also reduce the overall cost of the production of adhesives.

Stringent government regulations on solvent-based products are expected to hamper the market for polymer dispersions. Solvent-based polymer dispersions are formulated by using a solvent and a base resin. The solvent material evaporates when used in applications such as coatings. Commonly used solvents contain significant amounts of VOCs, which are toxic to human health. The use of solvent-based polymer dispersions in paint, coatings and adhesives leads to the deterioration of air quality and can cause long-term harm to human health. This has resulted in the implementation of stricter norms on the use of solvent-based coatings and adhesives.

Regulatory bodies in the United States and Europe, such as the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and Registration Evaluation Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), have implemented stringent rules pertaining to VOC emissions. An apparent shift from solvent-based to water-based coatings has occurred in Europe and North America.

The study reports that Asia-Pacific will continue to be a prominent player in the polymer dispersions market. Asia-Pacific accounted for a major share of the global polymer dispersion market in 2018. Its share is expected to increase by 2027 due to large-scale production activities and plant expansions by players operating in the paint and coatings sector in the region. Growth of the automotive and construction industries in China and India is projected to boost the consumption of polymer dispersions in Asia-Pacific in paint, coatings, adhesives and sealants in the next few years.