Flame retardant usage increases

Worldwide consumption of flame retardants in construction applications is projected to increase 3.2 percent per annum through 2020 to 803,000 metric tons, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland, Ohio-based industry research firm. Between 2010 and 2015, a rebound in the U.S. construction industry fueled the gains, as well as double-digit increases in the Chinese market. The U.S. is the world’s largest market for construction-related flame retardants, with more than 25 percent of 2015 sales. Through 2020, steady gains in the U.S. will continue to fuel growth, while building construction activity in China is expected to slow considerably.