The opaque polymer market is a growing industry that provides opaque, white, and solid pigment particles to various applications. These polymers are used in a variety of industries, including paints and coatings, construction, packaging, and textiles. Key driving factor for the product is growing demand for eco-friendly, high-performance materials in various end-use industries. The construction industry, in particular, is expected to be a significant contributor to the growth of the market due to the increasing demand for sustainable building materials.
These polymers are known for their high opacity and brightness, excellent hiding power, and superior whiteness, making them ideal for applications where opacity is required. They can also enhance the efficiency and durability of coatings and provide resistance to weathering and UV radiation.
The market is also expected to benefit from the rising popularity of eco-friendly packaging materials and the increasing demand for the product based films and coatings for packaging applications. The automotive industry is another potential growth area for the market due to the increasing demand for lightweight, high-performance materials that can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
The opaque polymer market is broadly segmented into type and application. The type segment is further categorized into solid content 30% and solid content 40%. The application segment includes paints and coatings, packaging, textiles, automotive, personal care, and detergents.
Some of the key players in the industry include Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc., Dow Inc., The Lubrizol Corporation, Croda International Plc, and Arkema S.A. These companies are investing in research and development to create new and improved products that can meet the changing demands of various end-use industries. In September 2021, Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc. announced the launch of a new opaque polymer for use in architectural coatings. The new polymer, called Aquaflow™ NLS-20, is designed to provide improved opacity and whiteness, as well as better film formation and scrub resistance.
These polymers are widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as sunscreens and lotions, to provide a matte finish and improve texture. With the growing demand for natural and organic cosmetics, there is a trend towards using plant-based polymers. Furthermore, water-based opaque polymers are gaining popularity due to their low VOC emissions and environmental benefits. These polymers offer good hiding power and excellent adhesion, making them ideal for use in water-based coatings and inks.