#butadiene

Preparing a renewable route to rubber material

A key ingredient in the manufacture of car tires and sneaker soles could be made sustainably, following new analysis of an old catalytic process. Butadiene, an essential component of synthetic rubber, is currently produced by the petrochemical industry from fossil reserves.

But it could be efficiently made in a one-step reaction from renewable ethanol using a modernized version of an unusual old catalyst. "Butadiene is currently produced as a byproduct of the petrochemical industry, which can lead to shortages in its supply," explains Sang-Ho Chung, a research scientist in the labs of Javier Ruiz-Martinez, with whom he co-led the work. "Also, these routes are clearly not sustainable," he adds.

These challenges in butadiene production have sparked renewed interest in the Lebedev process, first developed in the 1930s, that converts ethanol to butadiene in a single catalytic reactor. "Sustainable butadiene could be made by using bioethanol in the Lebedev process or even ethanol made using cutting-edge CO -to-ethanol processes," Chung says.

Researchers invent process to make sustainable rubber, plastics

Synthetic rubber and plastics - used for manufacturing tires, toys and myriad other products - are produced from butadiene, a molecule traditionally made from petroleum or natural gas. But those manmade materials could get a lot greener soon, thanks to the ingenuity of a team of scientists from three U.S. research universities.

The scientific team—from the University of Delaware, the University of Minnesota and the University of Massachusetts - has invented a process to make butadiene from renewable sources like trees, grasses and corn.

The findings, now online, will be published in the American Chemical Society's ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, a leading journal in green chemistry and engineering. The study's authors are all affiliated with the Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation (CCEI) based at the University of Delaware. CCEI is an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

"Our team combined a catalyst we recently discovered with new and exciting chemistry to find the first high-yield, low-cost method of manufacturing butadiene," says CCEI Director Dionisios Vlachos, the Allan and Myra Ferguson Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UD and a co-author of the study. "This research could transform the multi-billion-dollar plastics and rubber industries."

The butadiene market is witnessing robust growth driven by expanding demand in the automotive, synthetic rubber, and plastics industries. Increasing industrialization and evolving market dynamics are shaping the butadiene industry size and revenue globally, creating lucrative market opportunities. Market analysis shows strategic investments and regional expansions are reinforcing the market outlook through 2032. Market Size and Overview

The global butadiene market size is estimated to be valued at USD 37.61 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 57.72 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2025 to 2032.

 This Butadiene Market Growth is fueled by rising demand for polymer intermediates and stringent automotive emission regulations supporting synthetic rubber production. Increasing consumption in the tire manufacturing and plastic segments is anticipated to positively impact market revenue. Market insights further indicate a steady increase in butadiene market share among chemical intermediates, reflecting growing industrial applications and evolving market trends. Investment Scenario

The butadiene market investment landscape remains active with notable funding activities and M&A transactions in 2024-2025. For instance, diversified chemical players have increased capital allocation to enhance production capacity in response to rising market demand. Recent investments include expansions of regional production hubs by key players, supporting strategic market growth. Venture capital interest remains focused on innovation in butadiene-derived elastomers and eco-friendly product portfolios. Additionally, several players have pursued backward integration strategies to tighten supply chains amid raw material price fluctuations, showcasing adaptability to prevailing market dynamics and challenges.

Butadiene, a critical raw material in the production of synthetic rubber and various polymers, is a key component of the global petrochemical market. Its pricing dynamics are influenced by multiple factors, including crude oil fluctuations, demand-supply imbalances, production capacities, and global economic conditions. Over the years, the butadiene market has experienced significant volatility, with prices reacting sharply to macroeconomic and industry-specific changes. Understanding these price trends is essential for stakeholders across industries, as butadiene plays a pivotal role in sectors such as automotive, construction, and consumer goods.

Supply chain dynamics also significantly affect butadiene prices. The feedstock for butadiene production is derived from the cracking of naphtha or natural gas liquids (NGLs) in petrochemical plants. Variations in the availability of these feedstocks can influence production costs and, consequently, market prices. For instance, during times of high crude oil prices, naphtha costs rise, leading to increased butadiene production expenses. Additionally, planned and unplanned maintenance shutdowns at petrochemical facilities often result in supply constraints, causing temporary price spikes. On the other hand, an oversupply scenario—caused by new production capacities coming online or subdued demand—can lead to price corrections.

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Geopolitical factors and trade policies also play a role in determining butadiene prices. Trade restrictions, tariffs, or geopolitical tensions can disrupt the global flow of petrochemical products, influencing regional supply and demand dynamics. Regions like Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America are significant producers and consumers of butadiene, and any imbalance in these markets can ripple across the globe. In recent years, Asia-Pacific has emerged as a dominant player in butadiene production, owing to rapid industrialization, increasing automotive production, and expanding petrochemical capacities in countries like China, India, and South Korea. This region often sets the tone for global price trends, given its substantial influence on both supply and demand.

Technological advancements in butadiene production and the rise of alternative feedstocks are additional factors shaping market pricing. Innovations in production processes, such as on-purpose butadiene production, offer more efficient and cost-effective ways to meet demand. These advancements can mitigate supply constraints and reduce the market's dependence on traditional feedstocks, helping stabilize prices over time. Furthermore, the emergence of bio-based butadiene, derived from renewable resources, is gaining attention as the industry moves towards sustainable practices. While still in its nascent stage, bio-based butadiene could impact pricing in the future by providing an alternative to petroleum-based production methods.

Environmental regulations and sustainability trends are increasingly influencing the butadiene market. As governments worldwide implement stricter regulations to reduce carbon emissions, petrochemical companies are under pressure to adopt cleaner production processes. These changes may lead to increased production costs, potentially driving up butadiene prices in the short term. However, the shift towards sustainable practices also presents opportunities for innovation and the development of eco-friendly alternatives, which could transform the market landscape in the long run.

The interplay of regional market conditions is another critical aspect of butadiene pricing. While North America benefits from access to abundant shale gas resources, resulting in lower production costs, Europe faces higher feedstock prices due to its reliance on imported naphtha. This disparity creates regional price differentials, influencing global trade flows and competitiveness. Additionally, seasonal factors can impact butadiene prices, as demand for synthetic rubber may vary with changing weather conditions and consumer behavior, particularly in regions with significant automotive and construction activities.

Looking ahead, the butadiene market is poised for a period of gradual growth, supported by robust demand from end-use industries. The expanding electric vehicle (EV) sector is expected to contribute significantly to this demand, as lightweight and durable synthetic rubber components are essential in EV manufacturing. However, the market's growth trajectory may be tempered by challenges such as feedstock price volatility, environmental concerns, and evolving trade dynamics. Stakeholders will need to navigate these complexities while capitalizing on emerging opportunities to remain competitive in this dynamic market.

In conclusion, butadiene prices are shaped by a confluence of factors, ranging from feedstock costs and supply-demand dynamics to technological innovations and environmental regulations. As the global economy evolves, the butadiene market will continue to adapt, reflecting changes in industrial practices, consumer preferences, and geopolitical developments. For businesses operating in this space, staying attuned to these trends is crucial for strategic decision-making and long-term success. By leveraging insights into market dynamics, companies can optimize their operations, manage risks, and seize opportunities in the ever-changing butadiene landscape.

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In the rapidly developing modern industry, the selection and application of materials are directly related to the performance, cost and sustainability of products. ABS plastic, as a thermoplastic widely used in many fields, has become the preferred material in many industries due to its unique chemical structure and superior physical properties. This article will take you to an in-depth…

Butadiene Market Overview

The Butadiene Market size is estimated at 12.11 million tons in 2023, and is expected to reach 15.94 million tons by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.71% during the forecast period (2024–2030). Butadiene is colorless and has a highly reactive nature with a monoisotopic mass of 54.046g/mol and is majorly used in petrochemical, rubber, automotive tires, latexes, coatings, gloves, and others. It is produced as a by-product from propylene and ethylene manufacturing, along with aromatic hydrocarbons, and is useful in the synthesis of cycloalkanes and cycloalkenes, through diels-alder reactions. The excellent properties such as strength, heat resistance, and high performance make it the best option for application in the automotive, electronics, construction, and medical industry Butadiene serves as a crucial component in the production of synthetic rubbers and elastomers, notably including polybutadiene rubber (PBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile rubber (NR), and polychloroprene (Neoprene). These materials find extensive applications across various industries, with PBR and SBR prominently used in tire manufacturing, while Neoprene and nitrile rubber are favored for producing a wide range of products such as gloves, seals, gaskets, hoses, wetsuits, and foams. Additionally, styrene-butadiene (SB) latex is utilized in the production of carpet and paper coatings. Polybutadiene rubber (BR, PBR), known for its cost-effectiveness and high volume production, often serves as a substitute for natural rubber (NR). Its synthesis typically involves anionic polymerization or coordination polymerization of 1,3-butadiene in non-polar solvents, favored for its ability to tightly control molecular weight (MW) and ensure high stereoregularity, making it a preferred method in the industry.

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The report: “Butadiene Market — Forecast (2024–2030)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Barium Sulphate Industry. Market.

By Production Process: Steam Cracking, Foundry Process, Oxo-D Process.

By Product: Styrene butadiene rubber, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, Polybutadiene rubber, Nitrile rubber, and Others

By Application: Synthetic Rubber, Thermoplastic Rubber, Latexes, Conveyor Belt, Surgical Gloves, Golf Ball, Tires, and Others

By End-Use Industry: Automotive Industry (Commercial Vehicles, Passenger Vehicles, Automotive Components, and Others), Electronics Industry (Electronic Enclosures, Home Appliances, Computer, and Others), Chemical Industry, Construction, and Others.

By Geography: North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia, Belgium, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Rest of APAC), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Rest of South America), Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Rest of the Middle East) and Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, Rest of Africa).

Key Takeaway

• The growth in the automotive production and construction industry in the Asia-Pacific region will create a drive in the butadiene market, due to the high demand for butadiene-derived products such as polybutadiene rubber, synthetic rubbers, styrene-butadiene latex, and others.

• The styrene butadiene rubber holds a major share in the butadiene industry, owing to its application in high-performance tires, automotive components, belts, gaskets, and others.

• The rising awareness regarding environmental and health concerns, along with increasing prices of crude oil is estimated to create a hindrance in the growth of the butadiene market.

Butadiene Market Segment Analysis — By Production Process

The demand for synthetic rubbers, and consequently the butadiene market, is heavily influenced by the automotive industry, while its supply relies on the ethylene industry due to its essential role in the steam cracking process. Consequently, fluctuations in supply and demand in other markets exert significant impacts on the butadiene industry. Factors such as the advancement of environmentally-friendly methods for polymer emulsion production, increasing demand for water-based solvents and coatings, and the expansion of industrial sectors such as automotive and consumer durables contribute to the global market’s growth trajectory. Furthermore, the consumption is estimated to reach 1.2 million by 2025 in India. Thus, the growth and demand for butadiene derived rubber and major applications in automotive will boost the steam cracking manufacturing process segment in the forecast period.

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Butadiene Market Segment Analysis — By Product

By product, the styrene butadiene rubber segment is expected to have the largest share in the forecast period and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 7.5%. It contains 23% styrene and 77% butadiene and is used as the primary material to make tires, shoe soles, and plastic materials. The SBR-1500 is a high molecular weight combining good extrusion and avoiding product degradation. The styrene-butadiene rubber has various applications such as automotive, consumer products, footwear, electronics, molded rubber products, and others. The automotive industry makes major use of styrene butadiene rubber due to its increasing dominance for automotive tires, belts, and other automotive components in the forecast period. China is the largest textile-producing and exporting country in the world. With its rapid growth over the last two decades, the Chinese textile industry has become one of the main pillars of the country’s economy. In February 2022, the Chinese textile export reached an all-time high of USD 24741 million.

Butadiene Market Segment Analysis — By Application

By application, the synthetic rubber segment is expected to have the largest growth share of over 48% in 2023 due to its application in the automotive industry and is expected to dominate the butadiene market size in the coming years. The butadiene is used as a major material for producing rubber and tires for various vehicles. Synthetic rubber has its application in industrial rubber, wires, belts, footwear, airplane tires, and surgical gloves. synthetic rubber segment. In the first three months of 2023, there was a positive and optimistic attitude in the Chinese market. After the Lunar New Year holidays, people began buying stocks again, leading to an increase in the prices of butadiene in China. There was a consistent demand for butadiene from industries that use it to make polymers and synthetic rubber in the Asian market.

Butadiene Market Segment Analysis- By End-Use Industry

Butadiene serves as a primary ingredient in the production of various synthetic rubbers and elastomers, including polybutadiene rubber (PBR), nitrile rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and polychloroprene (Neoprene). These materials are integral in the manufacturing of a diverse range of goods and raw materials. Notably, in the production of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, which finds extensive applications in plastics manufacturing, butadiene-based rubber plays a pivotal role as a key component.

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Polybutadiene, in particular, is a commonly utilized material in tire manufacturing, with its production accounting for over 70% of tires manufactured globally. Its predominant use in tires is attributed to its effectiveness in sidewall construction, where it helps mitigate strain induced by continuous bending during operation. Consequently, the demand for butadiene in the automotive sector is projected to witness a notable increase in the foreseeable future.

By Geography — Segment Analysis

The Asia Pacific holds the largest share of around 48% in the butadiene market size, due to the major end-use industry in the region for the year 2023 and is expected to grow during the forecast period. The demand for butadiene is high in APAC nations due to rising automotive, construction, healthcare, and electronic applications. Butadiene products such as styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, and others are majorly used in tires, automotive exhausts, conveyor belts, and others.The increasing demand for butadiene and its derivatives is likely to boost the growth in the market. Furthermore, China is emerging to dominate the butadiene market share owing to increased ethylene manufacturing preference in this region. Thus, the butadiene products will see a major growth owing to their rising dominance and application in various end-use industries, thereby creating a traction for the butadiene market in the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region dominated the butadiene market. The downstream market in Asia-Pacific witnessed a huge spur in the past few years, owing to which the demand for butadiene has rapidly increased. China is one of the largest chemical manufacturing hubs in the world, with a wide range of industries. The Chinese butadiene market is expected to witness significant growth due to the presence of a large number of indigenous players.

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Drivers — Butadiene Market

An increase in Automotive productions in the forecast period is driving the demand for the Butadiene Market.

An increase in automotive production has boosted the global butadiene market. Various butadiene-derived products such as polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, and others are used in automotive for production of the tires, conveyor belts, and other components. The acrylonitrile butadiene rubber resin is majorly used in automotive to reduce the weight of tires, due to the rising trend for lightweight tires and vehicle bodies. The component enhancements such as wear, rolling resistance, and traction make it a preferable option in the automotive industry. In India, there are 41 tire manufacturers and around 6,000 non-tire manufacturers producing seals, conveyor belts, and extruded and molded rubber profiles to be used in automotive, railway, defense, aerospace, and other applications.Thus, the increasing tire production and demand will create a major drive in the market and overall butadiene industry outlook.

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Rise of butadiene product derivatives for industrial and medical application

The growth of butadiene for medical applications will create a major drive in the butadiene market. The acrylonitrile butadiene styrene offers high strength, resistance, and performance, which makes it suitable for industrial, electronics, and medical uses. The growth of synthetic rubber-based gloves in pandemics has led to a major rise in demand for butadiene. The demand for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is increasing owing to the application and demand from medical end-users such as respiratory devices, miniature implants, insulin pens, and others. For instance, STYROFAN by BASF has major applications as binders in building materials, carpet, construction, and others. Furthermore, the application of styrene-butadiene for coating applications of carpet backs, paper, and others will create a demand in the market, along with the rising usability of other derivatives in manufacturing, footwear, packaging, and other applications. Thus, the global butadiene market will see a drive owing to the various industrial and medical applications of the butadiene product in the forecast period.

Challenges — Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Market

Increasing health concerns and safety threats can create challenges to butadiene production

The butadiene has various applications in personal care, healthcare, and automotive. The rising health concerns regarding the exposure and carcinogenic presence can become a hindrance. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 1,3 butadiene is cited as a carcinogenic substance. Prolonged exposure can create issues such as headache, dizziness, leukemia, and cardiovascular problems. Thus, it will lead to a decrease in production and consumption of the butadiene, thereby creating a major challenge for the butadiene market due to health safety and halted production Market Landscape

Technology launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies that are adopted by the dominant players in the market. Butadiene top 10 companies include:

1. Royal Dutch Shell Plc.

2. TPC Group Inc

3. BASF SE

4. ExxonMobil Chemical Company

5. Braskem

6. ENI S.p.a

7. LyondellBasell

8. Linde Group

9. LG Chem

10. Haldia Petrochemicals

Developments:

In In July 2022, Sinopec and INEOS Group announced agreements to collaborate on three joint ventures aimed at expanding the production of petrochemicals to help meet rising demand in China’s market. INEOS acquired 50% of Sinopec subsidiary SECCO Petrochemical Co. Ltd. ( which produces butadiene). INEOS and Sinopec will form a new 50–50 joint venture to focus on increasing China’s production capacity of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) by up to 1.2 million tons per year (tpy) via the construction of two new 300,000-tpy ABS plants.

In June 2022, BASF extended its series of Licity anode binders for Li-ion battery manufacturing. The second-generation styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) binder Licity 2698 X F facilitates the use of silicon contents exceeding 20%. The product also offers higher capacity, an increased number of charge/discharge cycles, and reduced charging times.

 Butadiene prices have seen significant fluctuations over the years, reflecting a complex interplay of market dynamics, supply-demand imbalances, and external economic factors. Butadiene, a crucial building block in the production of synthetic rubber, plastics, and other chemical intermediates, is derived primarily from the steam cracking of hydrocarbons, particularly ethylene and propylene. As industries worldwide continue to grow, the demand for butadiene remains robust, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors where synthetic rubber is vital. The pricing of butadiene is influenced by several factors, including feedstock costs, production capacity, and global economic conditions.

The feedstock prices, primarily crude oil and natural gas, play a pivotal role in determining butadiene prices. When crude oil prices rise, it often leads to increased production costs for butadiene, resulting in higher prices for end consumers. Conversely, when oil prices fall, the cost of producing butadiene typically decreases, leading to lower market prices. This direct correlation highlights the sensitivity of butadiene prices to fluctuations in the oil market, which can be affected by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and changes in global demand.

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Another crucial factor impacting butadiene prices is production capacity. The introduction of new technologies and the expansion of existing facilities can significantly affect the supply side of the market. For instance, if major producers announce plans to increase production capacities, it can lead to an oversupply situation, which usually puts downward pressure on prices. On the other hand, maintenance shutdowns or unexpected outages at key production facilities can tighten supply, resulting in price spikes. Therefore, producers and consumers alike must monitor industry announcements and production trends closely to navigate the volatile pricing landscape effectively.

Global economic conditions also have a substantial impact on butadiene prices. Economic growth in emerging markets, particularly in Asia, has driven up demand for butadiene and its derivatives. As countries like China and India continue to industrialize and expand their automotive and manufacturing sectors, the demand for synthetic rubber and other butadiene-based products is expected to increase. This heightened demand can contribute to upward pressure on prices, particularly if supply does not keep pace with consumption. Additionally, economic downturns or slowdowns can have the opposite effect, leading to reduced demand and lower prices.

Seasonal variations can also influence butadiene prices. For example, during peak production seasons, manufacturers may ramp up production to meet seasonal demand, resulting in increased butadiene consumption and potential price hikes. Conversely, off-peak seasons may see a decline in production and consumption, leading to lower prices. This cyclical nature of demand is particularly evident in industries such as automotive, where seasonal trends can significantly impact the market.

Furthermore, international trade dynamics play a vital role in shaping butadiene prices. Tariffs, trade agreements, and international relations can affect the flow of butadiene and its derivatives across borders. For instance, trade disputes between major economies can lead to tariffs on imported butadiene, impacting prices and availability in the domestic markets. Additionally, countries with abundant natural resources may have a competitive advantage in producing butadiene, leading to price disparities between regions.

The rise of alternative materials and technologies also poses a challenge to the traditional butadiene market. As industries seek more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, the demand for synthetic rubber may face competition from bio-based materials and innovations in polymer chemistry. This shift could lead to changes in butadiene pricing dynamics, as reduced demand may result in lower prices over time.

Market speculation can further complicate butadiene pricing. Traders and investors closely monitor market trends, production forecasts, and geopolitical developments, influencing their trading strategies and, subsequently, market prices. Speculative trading can amplify price movements, leading to increased volatility and unpredictability in the butadiene market.

In conclusion, butadiene prices are shaped by a multitude of factors, including feedstock costs, production capacity, global economic conditions, seasonal variations, international trade dynamics, and emerging market trends. Understanding these elements is crucial for stakeholders in the butadiene market, including producers, consumers, and investors. As the demand for butadiene continues to grow, particularly in key industries such as automotive and manufacturing, monitoring price trends and market developments will be essential for navigating the complexities of this dynamic market. By keeping abreast of these factors, stakeholders can better position themselves to adapt to price fluctuations and make informed decisions in the ever-evolving landscape of butadiene pricing.

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