The global market for Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS) is projected to reach US$1.2 billion by 2025, driven by the growing ubiquity of polymers as advanced materials used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. Ranging from plastics, nylon, polyethylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene to epoxy, synthetic polymers are omnipresent and quite literally are indispensable in modern life. Characteristics of polymers that make them important materials of the 21st century include resistance to a wide range of chemicals; thermal and electrical insulation properties; lightweight; high mechanical strength; and extreme flexibility in processing. Another key reason for the ubiquity of polymers is the limitless potential in expanding polymer product possibilities by manipulating the molecular structure of polymers and by adding myriad fillers, reinforcements and additives. The global push towards substitution of paper, metals, wood and glass with polymers is additionally driving their use and ubiquity worldwide. Packaging, automobiles and healthcare are major emerging markets for polymers. Under this scenario durability of polymers is gaining increased attention. Behavior of polymers such as physical aging, and degradation process/mechanisms are attracting increased R&D with these materials finding increased use in critical applications such as in photovoltaic modules, in construction in the form of structural polymers, in aerospace for aircraft components, in medical equipment, among others. Also, polymers are increasingly being used applications that require exposure to extreme temperatures and chemical environments, thereby putting higher stress on polymers and their durability. Against this backdrop, service life prediction is becoming increasingly important.

Defined as chemical compounds containing amines as antioxidant for long-term heat protection of polymers, HALS are valuable in engineering durable polymers. An important group of polymer additives, HALS play a key role in protecting polymers from UV radiation and are critical in ensuring reliability of polymer based products/solutions. HALS are effective inhibitors of free-radical induced degradation of polymers. Photo-oxidation caused by UV radiation results in cracks and rapid degradation of the polymer`s mechanical properties. High molecular weight (MW) HALS are effective long-term heat stabilizers and are valuable for use in PE-based agricultural films, PP fibers, talc-filled PP, TPO automotive parts, styrenic polymers (ABS, ASA), polyamide fibers, polyurethanes, and elastomers. Low molecular weight HALS, on the other hand are also effective for use in PP, TPO, styrenic polymers (HIPS, SAN, ABS, ASA), polyamides, polyurethanes, polyacetals, acrylics, elastomers, adhesives, and sealants. Focused investment intensive research on polymer solar cells will expand opportunities for HALS, with research studies showing HALS as effective in preventing photooxidation of all-polymer methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (MAPI) based photovoltaic devices. The market over the medium to long-term period will benefits from ongoing research efforts aimed at developing, characterization and quantitation of new HALS. The food packaging sector will offer the strongest potential for growth supported by growing use of transparent packaging solutions which need to withstand longer outdoor exposure to light. The United States, China and Europe represent large markets worldwide with a combined share of 69.8% of the market. China also ranks as the fastest growing market with a CAGR of 9.9% over the analysis period supported by the country`s growing domestic consumption of plastics which is estimated to grow to over 38% of total global consumption.