Asia
In the first half of 2025, the Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) market in Asia showed a mixed trend. Prices started off weak due to lower raw material costs, especially succinic acid, which was influenced by falling feedstock prices and high inventory levels.
Demand from key sectors like bio-based plastics and packaging was steady, but uncertainty in China’s manufacturing sector and broader economic slowdown kept sentiment cautious. There was a slight improvement in February as industries resumed operations after the Spring Festival, briefly lifting demand. However, this was short-lived. By the end of Q2, PBS prices softened again, with ongoing supply chain issues, fluctuating freight costs, and reduced export momentum pulling the market downward.
Europe
In Europe, PBS prices remained under pressure through H1 2025. The market faced multiple challenges, including falling raw material prices, weak pharmaceutical demand in early Q1, and logistical disruptions from bad weather and labor unrest. Although interest in sustainable materials supported some demand, especially in high-end cosmetics and regulated packaging applications, overall buying remained slow.
Import flow was inconsistent due to ocean freight issues, and even though some support came from stable succinic acid supply, lower feedstock values and uncertain end-use sector performance kept prices on the weaker side throughout the period.
North America
PBS prices in North America trended downward during the first half of 2025. Weaker upstream costs and mild demand from downstream sectors like pharmaceuticals and sustainable packaging contributed to this softness.
Early in the year, pre-tariff stockpiling of succinic acid kept inventories high, which reduced fresh buying needs. While there was some steady demand in clean-label consumer products and drug manufacturing, broader market activity was limited. Logistics disruptions and tariff uncertainties added to the cautious buying behaviour, keeping prices under pressure.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) prices may find support in the second half of 2025 if demand improves in key sectors and raw material costs begin to rise. Controlled inventory levels and renewed interest in sustainable products could also aid recovery.
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Asia
In the second half of 2024, the Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) market in Asia showed a mixed trend. During Q3, demand remained steady, particularly from the cosmetics and personal care sectors, which boosted succinic acid consumption—a key feedstock for PBS. The beginning of the quarter saw price support due to limited feedstock supplies and firm demand.
However, by Q4, prices faced downward pressure as supply stabilized and feedstock availability improved. Despite consistent demand in niche sectors like skincare and coatings, overall industrial consumption remained moderate, especially in food and pharma. Rising inventory levels and limited growth in exports, especially to Russia and the West, contributed to the price softening toward the end of the year.
Europe
PBS prices in Europe trended downward throughout H2’24. In Q3, prices initially rose due to tight supply and high demand from the pharmaceutical and beauty sectors. Seasonal factors, including summer labor shortages and low production rates, added to the strain. But by Q4, supply conditions normalized, inventories grew, and downstream demand weakened.
The food and construction sectors, key consumers of PBS through packaging and biodegradable materials, reduced intake amid a broader slowdown in manufacturing. Logistics disruptions and rising costs further affected market sentiment. These factors combined to create a persistent bearish trend in the region’s PBS market.
North America
The PBS market in North America saw fluctuations in H2’24. In Q3, prices rose steadily, driven by firm succinic acid demand and tight supplies due to hurricane-related disruptions. Inventory buildup in anticipation of feedstock cost increases also supported prices.
However, Q4 saw a clear reversal. As succinic acid prices fell due to improved supply and limited offtake from key industries, PBS prices also declined. While cosmetics and coatings maintained some demand, slower activity in food and packaging limited any significant upward momentum.
PBS is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer belonging to the class of polyesters. It is formed by the polycondensation reaction between succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol. PBS is a biopolymer, i.e., it can be fully decomposed to biomass, carbon dioxide and water and can be easily disposed of as other organic wastes. It is a highly cost-effective polymer and exhibits the same mechanical properties as polyethene; hence, it has wide industrial applications.
(C8H12O4)n
Polymers/Plastics, Food Packaging, Hygiene Products, Fishing Lines/Nets, Mulch Films
Poly(tetramethylene succinate), PBS
MCPP (Mitsubishi), Showa Denko, Eastman Chemical Company, BioAmber Inc., DowDuPont
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
PBS is produced via the direct esterification of succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol. Firstly, the diol is esterified with the diacid to form PBS oligomers. Then, these oligomers are trans-esterified under vacuum in the presence of catalysts like titanium or germanium derivates to form higher mass polymers.
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This report provides the cost structure of polybutylene succinate production by the esterification process.
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