BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – The Tetrabromobisphenol-A market is ramping on increased demand in Asia, a blow to those seeking to ban the popular flame retardant.

According to a recent report from MarketPublishers.com, producers are increasing manufacturing capacity of bromine and TBBPA, and prices have increased by 10%.

The market research firm reports that Asia has the highest demand for TBBPA because of the large volume of PCBs and manufactured electronics components in the region.

TBBPA is commonly used as a flame retardant in circuit boards. While some parties have sought bans on halogenated compounds, the European Union has approved its use in circuit boards and plastics with no significant health concerns.