Metallic Stearates Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Zinc, Calcium, Aluminum), By Application (Plastics, Rubber, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global metallic stearates market size was valued at USD 3.9 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2021 to 2028. The growing global plastics and rubber industry along with increasing demand in cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications is anticipated to drive the market growth. A wide range of products, including aluminum, zinc, and calcium stearate, are used as metallic stearates in a variety of applications, such as plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics among others.

The rapid growth of the plastics industry along with growing product demand for refining surface textures of plastic goods are expected to propel the market over the forecast years. Furthermore, augmented use in the rubber industry as mold release agents is also likely to further drive the demand for metallic stearates.

Manufacturers are focused on R&D activities and advanced production technologies. Precipitation or double decomposition is the most commonly used method for producing metallic stearates. In this process, the rate of precipitation controls the particle size, surface area, and particle morphology. The method produces fine particles of metallic stearates with a high surface area. They can be used as lubricants and release agents. The direct reaction process involves the reaction between stearic acid and metal oxide at high temperatures. Various technologies, such as X-ray diffraction, SEM microscopy, and IR spectra are used to monitor the surface properties of metallic stearates.

Metallic stearates have significant usage in the plastics industry. They are used as acid scavengers, mold release agents, and lubricants in the plastics industry. The surface texture of plastics articles is improved with the use of the product. Furthermore, they reduce friction and are used in melt processing in the plastic industry. Various plastics such as Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyamide (PA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) are their major applications.

Global plastics production has increased at a rapid pace over the past few years. China accounted to be the largest producer of plastics across the globe, followed by Europe and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) region. Germany was the leading producer of plastics in Europe. The other significant plastics-producing countries in Europe include Turkey, Italy, France, Poland, and Russia.

U.S. was the primary producer in the NAFTA region. China, Germany, U.S., Italy, Japan, France, and South Korea were the key exporter of plastics and plastics-based products. Significant plastics importing countries in terms of the volume include the U.S., Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, and Japan.

Metallic Stearate Market Trends

Metallic stearates are metal salts of stearic acid, which has substantial usage as lubricants, mold release agents, and plastic stabilizer. The rubber and plastics industries were the key end-users of metallic stearates. They can function as acid scavengers, gelling agents, and hydrophobic agents. Another major usage of metallic stearates includes cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and paper.

Stearic acid is the primary raw material required for stearic acid production. Stearic acid is an 18- carbon chain, saturated fatty acid, derived from vegetable oil or animal fat. Palm kernel oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and animal fats are used to obtain stearic acid. Major applications of stearic acid include soap, detergent, surfactants, candles, and fatty alcohol.

It has wide usage in the personal care industry owing to its properties to act as a surfactant, thickening agent, and binding agent. In addition, stearic acid has considerable usage as chemical intermediate. The Asia Pacific accounted for a significant share of stearic acid production, owing to ambient environmental conditions for stearic acid in China and southeast Asian countries.

Metallic stearates have significant usage in the plastics industry. They are utilized as lubricants, mold release agents, and an acid scavenger in the plastics industry. The surface texture of plastics articles is improved with the use of metallic stearates. Furthermore, they reduced the friction and are used in melt processing in the plastic industry. Various plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the major applications of metallic stearates.

Global plastics production has increased at a rapid pace over the past few years. China accounted to be the largest producer of plastics across the globe, followed by Europe and NAFTA region. China held approximately 30% share of the world plastics production in 2018. Germany was the prominent plastics producer in Europe. The other major plastics producing country in Europe include Turkey, Italy, France, Poland, and Russia.

The U.S. emerged as the major producer in NAFTA region. China, Germany, the U.S., Italy, Japan, France, and South Korea emerged as key exporters of plastics and plastics-based products. In terms of volume, the major plastics importing countries include the U.S., Mexico, Germany, France, the UK, Netherlands, and Japan.

Product Insights

Zinc product segment led the global metallic stearate market in 2020. It is insoluble in polar solvents such as ether and alcohol, but soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. Since zinc stearate does not contain an electrolyte and has a hydrophobic agent, it is considered as the most potent mold release agent. They are used as release agents and lubricants in the rubber and plastic industries.

Calcium stearate is a white waxy powder and is classified as a calcium soap. It is insoluble in most solvents and dissolves slightly when heated in chlorinated hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds, or mineral and vegetable oils and waxes. Calcium stearate is mainly used as a mold release agent, lubricant, and acid scavenger in the plastics industry. The construction industry uses it as a hydrophobic agent for the preservation of building and construction materials and preventing moisture absorption. The cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry uses it as an anti-caking additive for granules and powders.

Aluminum stearates are widely used to manufacture aluminum greases. These types of greases are highly hydrophobic and are characterized by transparency and good adhesion to metallic surfaces. Due to aluminum stearates being excellent water repellents, they are used in paint and coatings and building industry materials as water repellent ingredients. Aluminum mono-, di-, and tri-stearates are insoluble in water, esters, lower alcohols, and ketones. Major players such as Peter Greven GmbH & Co. KG., Baerlocher GmbH., Valtris Specialty Chemicals., and Norac Additives manufacture aluminum stearates for use in the building and construction and cosmetic industry.

Application Insights

Plastics segment emerged as the largest application segment in terms of volume as well as revenue in 2020. Metallic stearates are used mainly as lubricants, acid scavengers, and release agents by the plastics industry. It also plays a vital role in the melting process. Its usage allows the producers to optimized production by producing articles with smoother surfaces and less friction.

Rubber emerged as the second-largest application segment. Metallic stearates provide properties that ideally make them rubber release agents. Transfer molding, compression molding, and extrusions are some of the processes that use the product. Major players in the market including Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Bridgestone use rubber tires that use metallic stearates during production.

In cosmetics and personal care products, metallic stearates are used mainly in the formulation of makeup products such as eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipsticks, mascara, face powders, blushers, and foundations. They are also used in deodorants, fragrances, and hair and skincare products. Additionally, the product is used in shampoos, sun-protective lotions, medicated ointments, and foot and body powders among others.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific was the largest regional market with a revenue share of 41.2% in 2020. Robust economic growth in India, China, and Southeast Asian countries in the past couple of years bolstered demand in numerous applications of the product. Increased construction activities and automotive production have propelled the product demand in paints and coatings, rubber, and plastics.

Asia Pacific region dominated the global metallic stearates market owing to growth in end-user industries such as building & construction, pharmaceuticals, rubber, plastic, paint & coatings and others. In terms of volume, metallic stearates market in Asia Pacific is predicted to grow at a faster rate attributing to surging demand for metallic stearate from countries like China, India, South Korea, Japan, and others. India and China are among the fast-developing countries, driving the demand for construction, plastic, and rubber industries.

North America emerged as the second-largest regional market. High demand from cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries has fueled the product demand from countries including the U.S. and Canada. Increasing R&D activities in the field of metallic stearates for the development of efficient products for use in commercial sectors is projected to fuel the regional product demand in the forthcoming years.

Metallic stearate demand across North America is likely to be driven by increasing demand for the product from the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry, followed by the plastics industry. Countries such as the U.S. is the hub for the most valuable cosmetic and personal care products globally and the overall market is observed to be growing at an average rate of 5.5% annually.

Metallic stearates are widely used in the formulation of makeup products, personal care products, skincare products, and more. A positive outlook on personal care products and cosmetics across the North American market space is anticipated to pave way for steady consumption of metallic stearates in the region.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Product differentiation and expansions positively influence the key players. Manufacturers focus on developing products with improved surface properties. The incorporation of stearic acid based on vegetable oil is one of the key focuses of manufacturers for the production process. Companies emphasize on new product launches, capacity expansion, and partnerships, to achieve higher participation in the value chain. Some of the prominent players in the market include:

• Dover Chemical Corporation

• Valtris Specialty Chemicals

• Peter Greven GmbH & Co. KG

• Baerlocher GmbH

• Faci S.p.A

• Norac Additives

• Sun Ace Kakoh (Pte.) Limited 

• PMC Biogenix, Inc.

• James M. Brown Ltd.

• Nimbasia Stabilizers LLP

• Marathwada Chemicals

• Seoul Fine Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd.

• IRRH Specialty Chemicals India Limited

• Akrochem Corporation

Metallic Stearate Market Report Scope

Global Metallic Stearate Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2028. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global metallic stearates market report on the basis of product, application, and region.

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Zinc Stearate

  • Calcium Stearate

  • Aluminum Stearate

  • Magnesium Stearate

  • Lithium Stearate

  • Sodium Stearate

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Plastics

  • Rubber

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Cosmetics

  • Building & construction

  • Paints & coatings

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • Italy

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa