Elastomeric Foam – Flexibility is the Key to Stability

The Elastomeric Foam market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.17% to reach a market size worth US$5.008 billion by 2027. This market was valued at US$3.294 billion in 2020. Elastomeric foam is a synthetic rubber with a closed-cell structure that comes in tubes, sheets, or rolls from a factory. They're also known as flexible elastomeric cellular insulation, closed-cell elastomeric foam insulation, cellular elastomeric insulation, and unicellular insulation. Because closed-cell elastomeric foam has a high-water vapor permeability and can survive moisture absorption, its overall performance and sturdiness are unaffected by moisture in the ventilation, heating, air-conditioning, and plumbing systems.

Analysts anticipate that the market will grow due to the increased application of Elastomeric Foam across different industry verticals and its flexibility during the forecast period.

Elastomeric foam has been used as pipe insulation because it comes in a range of thicknesses & forms and can be easily handled to fit securely around a variety of equipment, ranging from large commercial chillers to household pipes. Due to continually changing weather conditions, pollution, contaminants, and humidity, the need for HVAC systems for industrial and residential applications is expanding. Refrigeration applications are best served by closed-cell foam. Because of its ease of installation and fire resistance, it is widely used in the heating and plumbing industries. They are also utilized in the construction industry to minimize total building weight due to their lightweight.

Environmentally friendly items are becoming increasingly popular. Consumer awareness of elastomer disposal and gas emissions during the manufacturing process has boosted the demand for environmentally friendly and long-lasting insulation. CFCs, HFCs, and other dangerous gases have also been phased out of the manufacturing process. The newly developed environmentally friendly elastomeric foams are extremely robust, weigh up to 40% less than rubber sponges, do not absorb water, and thus are easy to manufacture. As a result of these improved features and eco-friendliness, consumer preferences are shifting toward product adoption.

Furthermore, businesses are using a variety of techniques to develop products, improve production, and strengthen their position in regional marketplaces. Aptar, for example, announced a deal with Weihai Hengyu Medical Products in July 2021 to establish elastomeric and plastic component manufacturing capabilities in China for injectable drug delivery. Armacell, a global pioneer in flexible foam for equipment insulation and a leading manufacturer of bespoke foams, also announced the commercial market debut of ArmaFlex Ultra with FlameDefense technology, the whole new UL-certified flexible elastomeric foam insulator released in July 2020.

The inconvenient disposability and lack of awareness of Elastomeric Foam can act as a constraint for market growth at a global level.

Foams are made from elastomers such as butyl rubbers, chloroprene, isoprene, butadiene, acrylonitrile, Buna N, and others. Disposability is one of the issues preventing market expansion. A few elastomers release dangerous fumes, have a sulfurous flame, and have an unpleasant odor when burned. Furthermore, due to a lack of exposure to technical breakthroughs in material science, traditional commodities such as cotton, natural latex, coir, and organic wool may be used instead of elastomeric foam, reducing market demand.

By type, the EPDM segment is anticipated to witness a significant market share during the forecast period.

EPDM is expected to account for a significant part of the market and will likely dominate the industry over the projected period. It's a polymer with unique characteristics including conformability, low permeability, and insulation. Sealing, gasketing, and insulating are all done with expanded EPDM foams. It's frequently used for thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and cushioning in a variety of applications, including vehicles and residential buildings. EPDM is a cost-effective insulating solution that is flexible, resilient, and low maintenance. EPDM foam demand is projected to rise as a result. The increased need for durable, strong, and flexible insulation materials in the industrial and automotive industries will lead to widespread product adoption.

By application, the HVAC segment is anticipated to witness a significant market share during the forecast period.

HVAC systems are used to maintain the right interior climate of infrastructure, automobiles, and residential and commercial buildings. They comprise using heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to keep the space's temperature, airflow, air quality, and ventilation consistent. The elastomeric foam market is expected to grow due to rising demand from various application areas like health facilities, residential care, apartment buildings, and others where a safe and healthy environment is regulated based on the weather conditions such as humidity, temperature, and outdoor air availability. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) strict rules for worker safety and health would boost demand for HVAC systems, propelling the industry even further. HVAC systems are commonly used to maintain a specified environment for product manufacturing or storage. OSHA, for example, has set particular standards for indoor air quality (IAQ). Furthermore, HVAC systems come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, adding to the aesthetic appeal of a home or company. The increasing demand for HVAC systems in the automobile sector to ensure indoor comfort, heat, and ventilation is contributing significantly to global demand.

According to regional analysis, the Elastomeric Foam market in the Asia Pacific is expected to hold a significant share during the projected period.

The industrial sector's strong demand for HVAC systems in the Asia Pacific region to control temperature and ventilation will drive up the demand for elastomeric foam. Thermal insulation is one of the most common tactics, and it is employed in a range of industries to help maintain the proper atmosphere for industrial activities. Chemical storage and production businesses, for example, require proper ventilation, temperature management, and air cleansing to guarantee a healthy and safe environment for workers. Industrial firms and storage facilities will drive up demand for HVAC systems in this region. The industry is expected to increase due to the ease with which raw materials can be obtained in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia. One of the key motivators for manufacturers to create new production facilities and business units will be low labor costs in various Asia-Pacific countries. Furthermore, rising industrialization and urbanization tendencies in emerging countries such as China, Indonesia, and India are likely to drive up demand for Elastomeric Foam.

COVID-19 Insights

The elastomeric foam market was negatively affected by COVID-19. All commercial and industrial activities, including the fabrication of polymers, elastomers, and elastomeric items, were temporarily halted due to severe lockdowns. Furthermore, demand for raw materials such as SBR, polypropylene, NBR, acrylonitrile, and others was dramatically reduced during the lockdown due to the complete shutdown of industrial and commercial activities that use these elastomers as raw materials.