Naphthalene Market: Key Drivers and Challenges in Global Supply Chains

The global naphthalene market is projected to grow steadily, driven by its diverse applications. In 2023, it was valued at USD 1,588.1 million and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 3.0% from 2024 to 2030.

One significant driver for this growth is the construction industry's increasing reliance on naphthalene-based plasticizers, particularly naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde. These additives enhance the workability and durability of concrete, leading to improved construction efficiency and structural integrity.

Additionally, the demand for naphthalene-containing products like mothballs, surfactants, and pesticides is on the rise. Naphthalene's unique property of sublimation, where it directly transitions from a solid to a gas, makes it an effective moth repellent. This characteristic, combined with its ability to protect fabrics and clothing, has contributed to increased demand.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Naphthalene Market

Naphthalene is primarily derived from coal tar and petroleum. In the coal-tar processing method, it is obtained as a by-product of coal carbonization. The coal tar is heated in the absence of air, yielding coke, coal gas, and coal tar. Subsequent distillation of the coal tar separates various fractions, including naphthalene. To remove impurities, the crude naphthalene undergoes purification processes such as crystallization, distillation, or sublimation.

Application Segmentation Insights

Based on application, the phthalic anhydride segment dominated the global market in terms of revenue share in 2023. This growth is due to the increased demand for phthalic anhydride in the major application of naphthalene, widely used in production. The world demand for phthalic anhydride is in millions of tons every year. It is further used in producing dyes, resins, insect repellents, and plasticizers as an intermediate. It is considered one of the most vital industrial chemicals used in the extensive production of plastic plasticizers. There has also been an increase in demand for polyester resin production. Thus, the high demand for phthalic anhydride is boosting the demand for naphthalene.

Naphthalene sulfonates are a chemical compound commonly used in various industrial and personal care products. One of their most common uses is to produce naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde (NSF), which is used in polymer-concrete admixtures to improve the properties of concrete. NSF helps to neutralize the surface charge on cement particles, which makes it easier to mix and work with. In addition, naphthalene sulfonates are used to produce surfactants used in personal care products like shampoos, automatic dishwashing detergents, and industrial detergents. They are also a common ingredient in water-based cleansers.  

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