Rising Plastic Stabilizer Applications
The market for zinc oxide in BRICS nations is growing fast due to increased usage in plastic stabilization, especially in countries like China, India, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa, where plastic production and the subsequent plastic processing industries are growing at a quick pace. Zinc oxide is being used in plastics such as PVC, polyethylene, and engineering plastics as a heat stabilizer, UV absorber, and process aid. Over 60 million tonnes of plastic are produced in China per year, and zinc oxide is being used increasingly in flexible packaging, interior auto parts, and construction plastics that need to withstand heat and sun exposure.
In Brazil and Russia, the rise in packaging and agriculture plastics has further boosted demand. In Brazil, agricultural films that are used in the production of soybeans and grains require more of the zinc oxide-based stabilizers to increase durability due to intense exposure to ultraviolet light. The same case applies to the use of zinc compounds in cables and plastic parts for increased fire resistance and mechanical stability in the Russian polymer processing industry.
The trend towards higher performance and longer-lasting plastics has led to an increase in the usage of zinc oxide among BRICS nations. This is because manufacturers are increasingly replacing the use of lead-based stabilizers, which are environmentally hazardous, with zinc oxide. The adoption of this substance has been fueled by the implementation of stringent polymer safety standards in countries such as China and India. With the anticipated rise in plastics manufacturing among BRICS nations, there will be continued demand for zinc oxide in stabilization.
Growth in Food Packaging Sector
Zinc oxide consumption within the BRICS countries is also growing owing to its use in the packaging sector due to the urbanization trend, increase in online shopping, and consumption of packaged food products. The reason behind the adoption of zinc oxide in the production of food-grade packaging is because of its properties such as being an antimicrobial agent, ultraviolet blocker, and barrier enhancer that increase the shelf-life of food products and ensure their safety. India and China are two countries where most of the packaged food products are consumed, with India's packaged food market worth more than hundreds of billions annually.
Market expansion is further facilitated by food export companies operating in Brazil and Russia. Brazil has a major export industry in meats, dairy products, and agriculture, which utilizes high-performance packaging films and containers to maintain food quality when shipped over long distances. The use of packaging material containing zinc oxide makes food safer by decreasing microbial contamination as well as protecting the product from moisture and oxygen penetration. In Russia, the rise in the demand for processed and frozen foods has led to the use of multilayer films and coatings, which include zinc oxide.
The same trends are prevalent in South Africa as well, especially in packaged drinks, dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals. The increasing modernization of retailing and the proliferation of supermarkets are pushing the adoption of extended shelf life packaging options. In BRICS, increased food safety legislation and rising consumer awareness regarding hygiene have been fueling the trend towards adopting functional packaging materials. Zinc oxide is gaining popularity in the manufacture of polymer films, paper coating, and food packages owing to its antimicrobial nature and regulatory compliance in appropriate doses. With the increasing consumption of packaged foods in developing countries, zinc oxide in food packaging will experience robust demand.
