Global Industrial Gases for Plastic & Rubber Industry Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2024 - 2030)

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Industrial Gases for Plastic & Rubber Industry Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.

Drivers:

• Increasing Demand for Plastic and Rubber Products
• Growing Focus on Lightweight and Sustainable Materials

• Technological Advancements in Processing Techniques - One key area of technological advancement is in the realm of gas-assisted injection molding (GAIM) and gas injection molding (GIM) techniques. These techniques involve the use of industrial gases such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide to assist in the injection molding process. By injecting gas into the molten plastic or rubber, manufacturers can achieve various benefits, including reducing cycle times, improving part quality, and reducing material usage.

  Advancements in gas separation and purification technologies have enhanced the availability and purity of industrial gases used in plastic and rubber processing. High-purity gases are essential for maintaining the integrity of the manufacturing process and ensuring the quality of the final products. Advanced gas purification techniques enable manufacturers to meet stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements, thus driving the adoption of industrial gases in the industry.

  The development of novel gas-based processing techniques, such as atmospheric plasma treatment and cryogenic grinding, has opened up new possibilities for enhancing the properties of plastic and rubber materials. Atmospheric plasma treatment, for instance, can modify the surface properties of polymers, improving adhesion, wettability, and printability, thereby expanding the range of applications for plastic and rubber products.

  Advancements in gas storage and delivery systems have also contributed to the growth of the industrial gases market in the plastic and rubber industry. Innovations in gas storage tanks, cylinders, and delivery methods have improved safety, reliability, and efficiency in handling industrial gases, facilitating their integration into manufacturing processes.

Restraints:

• High Cost of Industrial Gases
• Volatility in Raw Material Prices

• Energy Intensive Production Processes - Energy-intensive production processes refer to manufacturing methods that consume substantial amounts of energy throughout various stages of production. In the context of the plastic and rubber industry, these processes typically involve the conversion of raw materials into finished products through heating, cooling, molding, extrusion, and other thermal or chemical treatments. While these techniques are essential for shaping and forming plastic and rubber materials into desired shapes and dimensions, they also contribute significantly to the industry's energy consumption and carbon footprint.

  One of the primary concerns associated with energy-intensive production processes is their environmental impact. The excessive use of energy derived from fossil fuels not only leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions but also exacerbates climate change and environmental degradation. As regulatory bodies and consumers alike place greater emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship, manufacturers in the plastic and rubber industry face mounting pressure to reduce their carbon emissions and transition towards more energy-efficient production methods.

  The reliance on energy-intensive processes imposes significant cost burdens on industry players. Energy represents a substantial portion of the operational expenses for plastic and rubber manufacturers, impacting their bottom line profitability. Fluctuations in energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions further compound these challenges, making it difficult for companies to forecast and manage their production costs effectively.

Opportunities:

• Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Compliance
• Rising Adoption of Specialty Gases

• Expanding Applications in Additive Manufacturing - Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has witnessed significant growth and adoption across various industries in recent years. This technology involves building three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer based on a digital model. While additive manufacturing initially found applications in prototyping and small-scale production, its scope has expanded to include large-scale manufacturing and end-part production.

  In metal additive manufacturing processes such as powder bed fusion (e.g., selective laser melting), industrial gases are used to create controlled atmospheres within the build chamber. Inert gases like argon or nitrogen are commonly employed to prevent oxidation and maintain powder quality during handling and processing. During the additive manufacturing process, precise temperature control is essential to ensure proper material deposition and part quality. Industrial gases such as helium and nitrogen are utilized for heat transfer and cooling purposes, helping to regulate the temperature of the printing environment and prevent thermal distortion or warping of printed parts.

  In certain additive manufacturing techniques, such as laser-based polymer 3D printing, controlling the gas atmosphere within the printing chamber is critical to achieving optimal print quality and material properties. Industrial gases like nitrogen or carbon dioxide are employed to create inert or reactive atmospheres, depending on the specific requirements of the printing process and materials used.Post-processing steps, including surface treatment and finishing, are integral to enhancing the mechanical, chemical, and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed parts. Industrial gases such as oxygen or nitrogen can be employed in processes like plasma treatment or gas-assisted polishing to modify surface characteristics and improve part performance.

Key players in Global Industrial Gases for Plastic & Rubber Industry Market include:

• The Linde Group (Germany)
• Air Liquide S.A. (France)
• Praxair Inc. (U.S.)
• Products and Chemicals Inc. (U.S.)
• Airgas Inc. (U.S.)

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis