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The growing demand from plumbing & piping systems and expanding use in adhesives & sealants are driving the growth of the Polybutene Market at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2025 to 2035

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Global Polybutene Market” that contains the information from 2019 to 2035.


The Global Polybutene Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.1 % during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.


MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the Global Polybutene Market Ylem Technology, Soltex, LyondellBasell Industries, Daelim, INEOS, Kothari Petrochemicals, ENEOS Corporation, KEMAT, Dowpol Chemical International Corp., Mitsui Chemicals and others.


The Global Polybutene Market accounted for registering a CAGR of 4.1 % during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 1.30 billion by 2035.


The growing demand from plumbing and piping systems stands out as a primary driver behind the robust growth of the global polybutene-1 (PB-1) market. Polybutene-1 (PB-1) has maintained an outstanding operational track record in Europe and Asia, with over 50 years of continuous service in pressurized hot and cold-water installations. Its acceptance as the technological standard for plumbing systems in these regions is rooted in its unmatched reliability, thermal stability, and resistance to corrosion and scaling. Since its initial use, PB-1 systems have evolved through advances in polymer science and manufacturing techniques. For example, long-term ISO 9080 tests show service lifetimes of over 50 years for PB-1 pipes at 70°C and 10 bar pressure. 


Additionally, PB-1 demonstrates superior chlorine resistance, enduring >1,000 hours in environments with chlorine concentrations of 30 ppm at 30°C/6 bar. These benchmarks validate PB-1’s durability even in harsh water quality conditions. Europe, one of the largest markets for PB-1 in plumbing applications, shows annual consumption growth of around 4–5% in residential and commercial infrastructure upgrades, especially in Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands. In Asia, nations like Japan and South Korea have incorporated PB-1 into modern construction codes due to its superior mechanical performance. The material’s track record of zero corrosion and its ability to maintain water purity have further reinforced its position as a top choice for public and private sector infrastructure programs.


PB-1 is widely used in hot and cold potable water distribution, radiant underfloor heating, district heating, and industrial cooling systems due to its high hydrostatic strength, flexibility, and excellent creep resistance. Compared to traditional materials like copper and PEX, PB-1 offers 30–50% lower thermal conductivity, reducing heat loss and improving system efficiency. It can withstand freezing conditions by expanding rather than rupturing and returning to its original shape when it thawed. Its flexibility allows it to be bent around corners and obstructions without the need for fittings or connectors—reducing joint failure risk and cutting labor costs by up to 60%. In fact, installers using PB-1 report installation time savings of 40–50% on average. Moreover, PB-1 pipes are up to 80% lighter than metal alternatives and can be supplied in continuous coiled lengths of up to 500 meters for pipes ≤50 mm, enabling fast and uninterrupted installations. In projects like cruise ships or modular housing, where space and time are constrained, PB-1’s adaptability has proven transformative. PB-1 also scores high in thermal comfort applications: for instance, LyondellBasell’s PB-R copolymers (used in underfloor heating) provide enhanced elongation at break and impact toughness, facilitating safer and faster cold-weather installations with minimal damage risk.


Sound insulation is another major performance advantage driving the preference for PB-1 in modern plumbing. Compared to copper or rigid plastics, PB-1 reduces noise transmission by over 90%, as demonstrated in retrofitted installations like the Royal Albert Hall in London. Its low stiffness, elasticity, and reduced wall thickness enable it to absorb vibration and “water hammer” effects rather than amplifying them. PB-1 piping systems are also aesthetically advantageous: their small bending radius and flexibility allow for unobtrusive installation behind walls or under floors, ideal for contemporary interior design requirements. From a contractor’s perspective, PB-1 supports numerous jointing techniques—push-fit, crimping, electrofusion, socket and butt fusion—eliminating the need for naked flames or chemical adhesives. This reduces installation risks and compliance hurdles for projects governed by stringent safety regulations. Importantly, pipes up to 22 mm in diameter can be easily routed through joists or around corners without the need for cutting or bending tools. On-site adjustability is another cost-saving feature: PB-1 installations can be measured and cut in real-time, avoiding delays due to pre-fabrication errors. These attributes make PB-1 highly attractive for pre-fabrication, which is growing at a CAGR of 7% globally in the building sector, as developers increasingly seek faster, modular construction methods.


The sustainability profile of PB-1 aligns well with current green building and low-carbon construction priorities. Unlike cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), PB-1 is a non-crosslinked thermoplastic, meaning it can be fully recycled after its useful life. Life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have shown PB-1 pipes consume 20–30% less energy during manufacturing compared to metal and crosslinked polymer systems. This low carbon footprint is further enhanced by its reduced need for fittings and faster installation times, which cut down on jobsite energy and emissions. From a water quality perspective, PB-1 is inert, does not leach pollutants or affect taste, and meets strict drinking water standards in the EU and several Asian countries. Recent innovations, such as the Akoalit PB-H grade, demonstrate improved water quality properties that anticipate future organoleptic regulations. The global plumbing sector is rapidly transitioning toward materials that are not only technically superior but also support circular economy frameworks—leading to an expected CAGR of 6.5% for PB-1 use in green building certifications and sustainable housing projects. Furthermore, manufacturers like LyondellBasell are expanding PB-1 capacity and offering copolymer variants like Akoafloor PB-R to meet demand for high-flexibility, low-temperature applications—driving broader adoption across developed and emerging markets.


The global demand for polybutene-1 in plumbing and piping systems is expected to grow significantly, supported by urbanization, infrastructure modernization, and sustainability mandates. In the residential sector, PB-1 adoption is rising due to rapid housing development in India, China, and Southeast Asia—driven by rising middle-class incomes and government-backed affordable housing programs. In the commercial segment, healthcare and hospitality projects are choosing PB-1 for its hygiene, sound insulation, and cost-efficiency. Meanwhile, industrial demand, especially in sectors like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and shipbuilding, is benefiting from PB-1’s high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Projects involving large bore piping (>32 mm) are increasingly utilizing electrofusion or socket fusion joining with PB-1, supported by compact, computerized tools that ensure joint integrity. The combination of fast installation, long-term reliability, and minimal maintenance requirements is reshaping decision-making in the plumbing supply chain. As end-users, contractors, and developers prioritize low-lifecycle cost materials that enhance performance and sustainability, PB-1 is poised to expand its footprint across developed and emerging markets alike.


Segmental Analysis


The Global Polybutene Market has been segmented based on Grade and by Application.


Based on Grade, this segment includes Extrusion Grade, Injection Molding Application, Extrusion Blow Molding Application. The Extrusion Grade segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Extrusion Blow Molding Application segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Extrusion grade polybutene is engineered for applications where the polymer must be pushed continuously through a die to produce long, uniform profiles such as pipes, films, or sheets. This grade exhibits exceptional melt strength, low shrinkage, and excellent thermal stability, enabling it to be processed under high-temperature conditions without degrading. Its high flexibility and stress crack resistance make it an ideal material for hot and cold-water piping systems, where performance and reliability over long durations are critical. One of its primary uses is in polybutene-1 (PB-1) piping systems, especially in residential and commercial plumbing, underfloor heating systems, and district heating networks. These systems benefit from polybutene’s low thermal conductivity, resistance to scaling, and minimal noise during water flow, which enhances end-user comfort.


Based on Application, this segment includes Chewing Gum, Masterbatches, Sealants, Adhesives, Plastic Packaging, Piping Systems, Others. The Adhesives segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Piping Systems segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Polybutene is widely used as a modifying resin in adhesives, especially in pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), hot melted adhesives (HMAs), and contact adhesives. Its key contributions are improved tackiness, flexibility, cohesive strength, and open time. It enhances adhesion on diverse substrates such as plastics, metals, rubber, and glass, and its low molecular weight grades provide superior wetting and spread ability. It also enables adjustable peel strength and softness, critical for tape, label, and film adhesives. In packaging applications, polybutene-modified hot melt adhesives are used for case and carton sealing, bottle labeling, and envelope sealing, where fast set times and good thermal stability are essential. In nonwoven hygiene products like diapers and sanitary pads, it imparts skin-safe softness and excellent bonding between layers. Additionally, in automotive and electronics, it is used in structural adhesives, where it adds flexibility and impact resistance.


Regional Analysis


Geographically, the Global Polybutene Market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa.


Major demand factors driving the Asia-Pacific market are the growing demand from plumbing & piping systems and expanding use in adhesives & sealants. Rapid urbanization and industrial expansion—especially in China and India—are driving high demand for plumbing and piping systems. Polybutene’s resistance to heat, chemicals, corrosion, and its flexibility make it ideal for hot- and cold-water supply, underfloor heating, and efficient installation. Meanwhile, adhesives and sealants form another major growth pillar. Vendors are scaling production to meet this surge, positioning the region as both the dominant and fastestโ€‘growing segment globally in the polybutene market.


Key Findings of the Study



  • The Global Polybutene Market is expected to reach USD 1.30 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period.

  • The Asia-Pacific region accounted for the fastest-growing global market.

  • Based on the Application, the Adhesives segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.

  • Ylem Technology, Soltex, LyondellBasell Industries, Daelim, INEOS, Kothari Petrochemicals, ENEOS Corporation, KEMAT, Dowpol Chemical International Corp., Mitsui Chemicals are some of the players in the market.

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Report details
Companies Covered 15
Pages 186
Certified Global Research Member
Isomar 1 Iso 1
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