K-Resin (SBC): High Clarity Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer
Technical Overview
Global K Resin Polymer Industry Outlook
Key Points
- Material Overview: K-Resin, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, is recognized for clarity, toughness, and easy processing.
- Applications: Widely used in packaging, toys, footwear, medical components, and consumer goods; often blended with polystyrene for enhanced impact resistance.
- Market Growth: Projected to grow from US$101 million (2023) to US$186 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.7%.
- Key Manufacturers:
- INEOS Styrolution (UK) dominates production, with facilities in South Korea.
- Other producers include Denka (Japan), BASF (Germany), and Sunion Elastomer (China).
Basic Properties
K-Resin combines the following characteristics:
- Optical Clarity: High gloss and transparency for aesthetic applications.
- Mechanical Strength: Impact toughness and stiffness for durability.
- Processing Advantages:
- No pre-drying required.
- Compatible with polymers like SAN, SBS, PETG, PP, and SMMA.
- Suitable for injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming.
- Lightweight: Ideal for weight-sensitive applications (e.g., medical devices).
Applications & Advantages
Primary Sectors
- Rigid Packaging: Blister packs, containers, cups, and lids.
- Consumer Goods: Toys, household appliances, and office supplies.
- Medical: Sterile packaging and device components.
- Footwear: High-quality, transparent and durable footwear.
Blending Practices
- Blending with crystal polystyrene to improve impact resistance while retaining clarity.
- Blending with SBS(Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) for enhanced impact resistance and transparency.
Commercial Development
Supply & Demand Analysis
| Metric | 2023 | 2030 (Projected) | CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Size | US$101M | US$186M | 8.7% |
Key Drivers
- Increased Demand: Growing consumer demand for high-quality, durable products in packages and footwear industries.
- Competitive Landscape: Strong market position with a diverse range of brands.
- Innovation: Focus on enhancing product quality and durability.
Raw Materials Dependencies
- Primary Feedstocks: Styrene and butadiene (petrochemical derivatives).
- Supply Risks: Vulnerable to oil price fluctuations and geopolitical factors.
- Mitigation Strategies: Bio-based alternatives (e.g., K-Resin ECO) to reduce fossil fuel reliance.
Global Manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Production Sites | Brand Name | Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denka | Japan, Singapore, Thailand | Clearen, Denka NSBC | Clearen series: Clearen 631M, etc.; Denka NSBC series: NSBC 210, NSBC 211, NSBC 310, etc. |
| BASF | Ludwigshafen, Germany; Antwerp, Belgium | Styrolux | Grades: Styrolux 6800, Styrolux 6810, Styrolux 6820, etc. |
| Chimei | Tainan, Taiwan | KIBITON® Q Resin | Grades: KIBITON® Q Resin PB-5903, etc. |
| Sunion Elstomer | Maoming, China | K Resin | Grades: SL-802, SL805G etc. |
| INEOS Styrolution | Yeosu, South Korea | K-Resin® | Grades: KR05, KR10, KR20, KR90, KR99, etc. |
Current Offering by Bohr Chem
Shenzhen Bohr Chemical Co., Ltd supplies various grades of K-Resin suitable for different packaging applications. Our product portfolio meets international quality standards for food contact and medical applications.
Key Citations
- INEOS Styrolution K-Resin Product Guide
- BASF Styrolux SBC Resin Technical Documentation
- Denka Clearen SBC Product Overview
- Sunion Elstomer K Resin Product Specifications
- Chimei KIBITON Q Resin Product Information