The global thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) market has entered the mature stage, according to Research and Markets’ new report, “Research on China’s Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Industry, 2012-2017.” The global TPE demand volume has reached 4.05 million tons. At present, in the TPE consumption structure, the proportion of TPS, TPO, TPU and TPEE is 44%, 31%, 9.5% and 6.5%, respectively; other kinds of TPE account for about 9%.

Styrene TPE still occupies the top position, but the product share shows a downward trend. Currently, TPO has entered automobile and medicine markets, and also began to replace traditional thermoset rubber and PVC materials, so the market share of TPO will expand continuously and the consumption will increase rapidly.

China’s TPE has reportedly developed into more than 10 varieties and is widely used in the auto parts industry (e.g., tube, belt, mat and plate, etc.), the construction industry, shoemaking, medical products, sealing products, packaging products, electronic products, household appliances, adhesives, and the modification of polymer materials, among others.

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