U.S. Consumption of Butadiene by Major Use, 2022
Many consumer goods and materials are made from synthetic rubbers (elastomers), latexes, and plastics produced using 1,3-Butadiene. Elastomers that utilize 1,3-Butadiene as a foundational component include styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (PBR), polychloroprene (neoprene), and nitrile rubber (NR). Synthetic rubber, often a durable and cost-effective alternative to natural rubber, is used in products ranging from car tires to protective gloves. 1,3-Butadiene is a crucial ingredient in these materials, with 38% used for tire production, 32% for other applications, and 21% for nylon manufacturing.
The economic impact of 1,3-Butadiene on consumer industries is substantial, supporting 586,000 jobs, generating $44.0 billion in payroll, and contributing $229.4 billion in sales in 2022. In the automotive industry alone, 1,3-Butadiene is responsible for 263,000 jobs, $18.6 billion in payroll, and $131.4 billion in sales. It is also utilized in consumer products, appliances, electronics, construction, industrial machinery, and healthcare. The top three uses of 1,3-Butadiene are polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubbers, and adiponitrile.