How Has the Transition toward Sustainability Boosted the Pour Point Depressants Industry?

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Growing applicability of PPDs
• Impact of environmental sustainability on the industry

Pour point depressants are special fluids that are used to lower the pour point of petroleum products and engine oils used in automobiles. The pour point is the lowest temperature at which oils and lubricants flow easily under the influence of gravity. By bringing down the pour point, these depressants aid in the smooth functioning of the engines, especially during winter. Normally, during cold climatic conditions, the wax crystals within oil start to interlock creating a gel-like structure that blocks pipelines, storage tanks, and engines. In this case, pour point depressants act as tiny disruptors that prevent the formation of a waxy gel by creating small, dispersed crystals, thus increasing their flowability. Apart from the automobile sector, pour point depressants are also used in aerospace, maritime, and manufacturing industries to ensure the smooth working of the machines.

Increased adoption from oil exploration and automotive industries driving industry growth

As mentioned earlier, pour point depressants (PPDs) improve the overall flowability and viscosity of crude oil, thus ensuring the smooth working of the engine. In large manufacturing facilities where huge machines are deployed for different processes, blockages caused by the freezing of oil result in complications and require external force for pumping the engine. By creating tiny, dispersed crystals within the oil, these depressants enable the fluid to move freely, thus minimizing the chances of blockage. This, in turn, reduces the energy required for pumping the engines, thereby bringing down the costs of operations.

Along with the automobile industry, pour point depressants form an essential raw material in the oil exploration industry. In this sector, one major challenge faced by companies is storing the extracted oil in a safe and secure way. Many times, these stored petrochemicals become sticky and solidify under normal conditions, thereby reducing their utility and applicability. Pour point depressants become important in such situations as they allow extraction companies to stockpile petroleum products for a long time, thereby ultimately improving their profitability. Moreover, almost all governments across the globe have established strategic oil reserves in their countries to deal with emergencies such as supply chain disruptions, wars, pandemics, etc. Pour point depressants aid in increasing the shelf life of these stored petroleum chemicals.

Focus on sustainability creating new investment opportunities

The pour point depressants industry is expected to gather a revenue of $2.9 billion by 2033. The market accounted for $1.7 billion in 2020 and is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 4.4% during 2024-2033. In the last few years, the emphasis on developing sustainable pour point depressants and lubricants has played an important role in broadening the scope of the market. The automobile industry has been one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, thus contributing significantly to global warming and climate change. As part of the intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) declared under the Paris Climate Agreement, many countries have taken multiple steps to reduce vehicular emissions. These measures include regulations that make it compulsory for oil and gas companies to produce sustainable products.

To adhere to these norms, several companies and research institutes have engaged in developing eco-friendly lubricants and pour point depressants. Recently, scientists from the Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute in Cairo published a paper that explores the idea of recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) products to manufacture sustainable pour point depressants. The research article highlights that PET plastic is one of the most widely used polymers, which upon combustion produces a black waxy residue similar to paraffinic wax crystals. Since paraffins are a core ingredient in PPDs, these researchers have pointed out that the use of this black residue along with biogenic products such as castor and jatropha oils helps create a solution that has functional properties resembling conventional pour point depressants. Such extensive R&D activities and the design of innovative products are expected to maximize the revenue share of the industry in the coming period.

Summing up, the pour point depressants market is anticipated to witness huge growth owing to the rising applicability in the automobile sector. Furthermore, the rising utility of these solutions in oil exploration activities is predicted to open new avenues for growth in the industry. In addition, the shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives is expected to help the industry flourish in the coming period.

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