Global polyisobutylene market assessment

ADI analyzed global demand for conventional and highly reactive polyisobutylene (HR-PIB) across fuel additives, lubricants, and industrial applications. The work evaluated capacity utilization and trade flows across Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. Economic trade-offs between feedstock C4 availability and tightening margins for low-molecular-weight grades were modeled over a period of 15 years.

The client

Global petrochemical producer

The situation

Uncertainty in HR-PIB demand growth driven by evolving lubricant standards and regional feedstock constraints.

ADI’s contributions

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Segmented end-use modeling

Quantified demand across 15+ sub-segments by correlating GDP multipliers with specific lubricant and additive trends.

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Proprietary supply database

Leveraged a global asset database to benchmark production costs and nameplate capacities of 25+ major PIB producers.

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Grade-level margin analysis

Evaluated integrated margins by modeling feedstock pricing against historical spot and contract price assessments.

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Primary research insights

Conducted interviews with global operators to validate technical requirements for HR-PIB in fuel detergent packages.

Key outcomes

  • Prioritized regional market entry and informed capital investment for high-viscosity industrial PIB production.
Client Results
ADI helped us drill down into proprietary chemical technology to determine whether a specialized offering would fit within the broader market landscape.
Johanna Schmidtke Investment Director, Aramco Ventures

Industry experience

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