Over the last two decades, the U.S. domestic tackifier market has seen significant changes, particularly regarding the feedstocks available to make tackifier. This shift can be largely attributed to changes in crude oil processing and the increased use of unconventional extraction methods such as fracking, as well as the evolution of ethylene production processes. As a result, lighter crude oils, which are a byproduct of these processes, have become more prevalent. These lighter oils have had both direct and indirect effects on the production of the raw materials used in tackifier resins.
Impact of Fracking on Raw Material Availability
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, has revolutionized U.S. oil and gas production over the past decade, especially for extracting shale oil. This method has made lighter, sweet crude oils more readily available. Lighter crude oils are richer in lower molecular weight hydrocarbons, which can be more easily refined into products like ethylene, propylene, and other key petrochemical feedstocks. However, the increased production of light crude also means a shift in the availability of some of the heavier fractions traditionally used for making tackifiers, such as those derived from resins and oils. In particular, the supply of heavier naphthenic and aromatic compounds, which have historically been used in tackifier production, has become less consistent due to the increasing prevalence of lighter crude.
Transformations in Ethylene Production
Simultaneously, the ethylene production process—closely tied to natural gas and light crude oil refining—has also undergone transformation. With the rise of shale gas production, ethylene is now being produced in greater quantities from lighter hydrocarbons. Ethylene is a critical building block for producing a range of chemicals, including those used to make certain types of resins. This shift has led to increased competition for lighter hydrocarbons, driving the development of more bio-based and renewable feedstocks to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly tackifiers. Bio-based materials such as tall oil rosin, as well as other renewable sources like gum rosin, have gained popularity as alternatives to traditional petroleum-derived feedstocks.
The Rise of Bio-based Tackifiers
The rise of these lighter crude oils and the accompanying changes in ethylene production have had a cascading effect on the tackifier industry. To meet demand, US adhesive producers need a reliable source of imported tackifier resin.
Teckrez: Meeting the Changing Needs of the Tackifier Industry
No matter the changing tackifier environment in the United States, Teckrez has all the tackifiers you need to keep your operation running smoothly. Whether you require bio-based options, petroleum-derived resins from light or heavy feedstocks, Teckrez offers a wide range of high-performance products to help your company solidify its tackifier supply position in this ever-changing landscape. Download our Resin Product Guide to learn more.