EPDM Market

EPDM polymer has been emerging as a key raw material in blended products for enhancing material performance and durability, thus boosting market growth. EPDM is usually compounded with butyl rubber (IIR) in the inner tubes of tires to improve heat, ozone, and weather resistance. It is also blended with natural rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) for use in various types of tires as the global automotive industry recovers. Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are made from EPDM and the oil-resistant thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) and have improved oil resistance, flexibility, and recyclability. The high-temperature resistance and crack resistance of these TPVs make them a popular choice for automotive applications such as window seals, door seals, and airbag covers. This is driving increased demand for EPDM-based blended products, particularly as TPVs replace traditional materials such as PVC and bitumen.

Demand growth of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), an alternative to EPDM, is a restraint on the EPDM market. EPDM has excellent resistance to ozone, UV radiation, weathering, etc., but has disadvantages, such as poor resistance to petroleum-based fuels and non-polar solvents. EPDM roofing materials are also predominantly black in colour which may restrict design versatility in certain applications. Furthermore, EPDM is a relatively challenging material to recycle compared with thermoplastic materials, which can pose sustainability issues. Consequently, new thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) and thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) with better performance and recyclability have been gaining popularity in the market. The superior properties of these advanced thermoplastic elastomers, including their light weight, ease of processing and environmental benefits, are increasingly making them the material of choice for many applications in the automotive, construction and industrial sectors that formerly used EPDM.

The production of EPDM using sustainable technologies is generating an opportunity to grow the market. To advance sustainability and decrease carbon emissions, manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques and renewable raw materials. By reducing processing steps, bio-based EPDM production technologies can also contribute to reduce the energy consumption and ease the manufacturing process. Likewise, these technologies reduce operational expenditures and manufacturing time, thereby improving overall manufacturing efficiency. Companies such as ARLANXEO have developed bio-based EPDM products including Keltan® Eco which is made with ethylene from ethanol from sugarcane. As the industry continues to seek sustainable materials for the automotive, construction and industrial sectors, it is likely that future growth in bio-based EPDM use will be further propelled.

With its thermoset and cross-linked molecular structure, EPDM remains a significant challenge for the market to recycle. Vulcanization is performed during the manufacturing of EPDM, which enhances the heat and chemical resistance, but hinders the ability to remelt and recycle. EPDM is more difficult to recycle than thermoplastic elastomers, making waste management more difficult and expensive. There is a large amount of EPDM rubber waste in the automotive industry and construction, which is becoming a serious concern and a regulatory burden on the environment. Educating manufacturers to use sustainable and recyclable alternatives is being encouraged by regulations like the European Union's End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Directive. Therefore, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) and other recyclable elastomers are being used increasingly in applications where extreme heat resistance is not critical, as EPDM is increasingly being rejected.