Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is a badass engineering plastic that can handle anything you throw at it. PPS can deal with high heat, nasty chemicals, strong forces, and tight spaces. PPS is used for all sorts of stuff like cars, gadgets, planes, medical devices, and more.
According to a report by Straits Research, the global PPS market size was worth USD 1.67 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 3.28 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 6.9% per year. The report also breaks down the market by type, application, and region.
In this article, we will show you why PPS is so hot right now in different industries, how to crush the competition and grab the opportunities in the PPS market, some examples of awesome PPS products and solutions in various sectors and regions, and some best practices and tips on how to optimize your PPS production, marketing, and sales strategies.
Why Is PPS So Awesome?
The demand for PPS is mainly driven by these factors:
- The increasing use of PPS in the automotive industry, especially in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). PPS is used to replace metal parts and make them lighter, more fuel-efficient, and better performing. PPS is also used in various components like connectors, sensors, switches, valves, pumps, injectors, filters, etc.
- The growing use of PPS in the electrical and electronics industry, especially in 5G communication devices, smart meters, LED lighting, solar panels, etc. PPS is used to provide insulation, flame retardance, durability, and reliability. PPS is also used in printed circuit boards (PCBs), connectors, sockets, capacitors, resistors, etc.
- The rising use of PPS in the aerospace industry, especially in aircraft engines, turbines, compressors, fans, etc. PPS is used to withstand high temperatures, pressures, vibrations, and corrosive environments. PPS is also used in structural parts like brackets, housings, ducts, etc.
- The increasing use of PPS in the medical industry, especially in surgical instruments, implants, catheters, syringes, etc. PPS is used to provide biocompatibility, sterilization resistance, infection prevention, and mechanical strength. PPS is also used in diagnostic devices like sensors, electrodes, etc.
How to Dominate the PPS Market?
The PPS market is very competitive and crowded with many global and regional players. Some of the key players in the market are Toray Industries Inc., Solvay S.A., DIC Corporation, SK Chemicals Co. Ltd., China Lumena New Materials Corp., Tosoh Corporation, Kureha Corporation, Lion Idemitsu Composites Co. Ltd., RTP Company, and Polyplastics Co. Ltd.
Some of the challenges faced by the PPS manufacturers and distributors are:
- The high cost of raw materials and production of PPS
- The environmental regulations and standards for PPS disposal and recycling
- The threat of substitutes like polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyamide-imide (PAI), etc.
- The fluctuation in demand and supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors
Some of the opportunities for the PPS manufacturers and distributors are:
- The development of new grades and types of PPS with better properties and performance
- The expansion of new applications and markets for PPS like renewable energy, biomedical, etc.
- The establishment of strategic partnerships and collaborations with end-users, suppliers, and distributors
- The innovation of new products and solutions based on PPS
What Are Some Cool Examples of PPS Products and Solutions?
Here are some examples of how PPS is used in different industries and regions:
- In Japan, Toray Industries Inc. has developed a new grade of PPS resin called TORELINA A677G that can be used for injection molding thin-walled parts with high dimensional accuracy. This grade has a high flowability, low warpage, and high heat resistance. It is suitable for applications like connectors, switches, and sensors for EVs, HEVs, and FCVs.
- In China, China Lumena New Materials Corp. has launched a new series of PPS compounds called LUMENA N9900 that can be used for extrusion molding films with high transparency. This series has a high crystallinity, low haze, and high tensile strength. It is suitable for applications like LED lighting, solar panels, and flexible electronics.
- In Europe, Solvay S.A. has introduced a new range of PPS products called Ryton R-4-300 and Ryton R-4-302 that can be used for blow molding hollow parts with complex shapes. These products have a high melt strength, low viscosity, and high impact resistance. They are suitable for applications like ducts, tubes, and containers for aircraft engines, turbines, and compressors.
- In the US, RTP Company has developed a new line of PPS compounds called RTP 1300 that can be used for injection molding parts with high chemical resistance. These compounds have a high filler content, low moisture absorption, and high dimensional stability. They are suitable for applications like surgical instruments, implants, and catheters for the medical industry.
How to Optimize Your PPS Production, Marketing, and Sales Strategies?
Here are some best practices and tips on how to optimize your PPS production, marketing, and sales strategies:
- Conduct a thorough market research and analysis to identify the current and future trends, opportunities, challenges, and customer needs for PPS in different industries and regions
- Develop a clear and differentiated value proposition and positioning for your PPS products and solutions that highlight your competitive advantages and benefits for your target customers
- Invest in research and development to innovate new grades and types of PPS with improved properties and performance that meet the specific requirements and standards of your end-users
- Implement a robust quality management system to ensure the consistency, reliability, and safety of your PPS products and solutions throughout the production process
- Adopt a flexible and responsive supply chain management system to optimize your inventory, logistics, distribution, and delivery of your PPS products and solutions to your customers
- Utilize various marketing channels and tools like websites, social media, blogs, newsletters, webinars, trade shows, etc. to promote your PPS products and solutions to your potential and existing customers
- Engage with your customers through various communication methods like emails, calls, chats, surveys, feedback, etc. to build trust, loyalty, and satisfaction
- Provide value-added services like technical support, training, consulting, customization, etc. to enhance your customer experience and retention
Conclusion
PPS is a badass engineering plastic that has a wide range of applications in various industries like automotive, electrical and electronics, aerospace, medical, etc. The global PPS market is expected to grow at a rate of 6.9% per year from 2020 to 2030 due to the rising demand for PPS in these industries.
However, the PPS market is also very competitive and challenging due to the high cost of raw materials and production of PPS, the environmental regulations and standards for PPS disposal and recycling, the threat of substitutes like PEEK, PI, PAI, etc., and the fluctuation in demand and supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.
Therefore, it is essential for PPS manufacturers and distributors to make a killing with the growing demand for PPS in their business by developing new grades and types of PPS with better properties and performance, expanding new applications and markets for PPS like renewable energy, biomedical, etc., establishing strategic partnerships and collaborations with end-users, suppliers, and distributors, and innovating new products and solutions based on PPS.
By following the best practices and tips on how to optimize your PPS production, marketing, and sales strategies that we have shared in this article, you can dominate the PPS market and achieve your business goals.
If you want to learn more about PPS or have any questions or feedback about this article, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you. 😊
