封面
市場調查報告書
商品編碼
1797045

四氫呋喃市場-全球產業規模、佔有率、趨勢、機會和預測(按技術、最終用戶、地區和競爭細分,2020-2030 年)

Tetrahydrofuran Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Technology, By End User, By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

出版日期: | 出版商: TechSci Research | 英文 185 Pages | 商品交期: 2-3個工作天內

價格

We offer 8 hour analyst time for an additional research. Please contact us for the details.

簡介目錄

2024 年四氫呋喃市場價值為 46.8 億美元,預計到 2030 年將達到 63.2 億美元,複合年成長率為 5.31%。四氫呋喃 (THF) 是一種無色透明液體,具有醚氣味。這種液體的密度比水小。四氫呋喃出現在人體生物體液中,可能是一種暴露物質。 THF 通常用於化合物科學,因為它通常用於在確定分子量之前溶解橡膠,然後利用凝膠滲透作用。四氫呋喃最常見的應用之一是作為溶劑。 THF 溶解或與其他有機化合物形成溶液。例如,在工業中,THF 是生產乙烯基聚合物 (PVC) 最受歡迎的溶劑。生產四氫呋喃 (THF) 的方法有很多。四氫呋喃 (THF) 通常是透過羰基化和化學程序從工廠生產的醛中提取的。四氫呋喃 (THF) 也可以透過化學反應由馬來酸化合物在工廠中生產。然而,最廣泛接受的四氫呋喃 (THF) 生產方法是透過 4-丁二醇脫水環化。其他四氫呋喃 (THF) 生產方法包括二氯丁烷法和烴類反應法。

市場概覽
預測期 2026-2030
2024年市場規模 46.8億美元
2030年市場規模 63.2億美元
2025-2030 年複合年成長率 5.31%
成長最快的領域 雷佩工藝
最大的市場 亞太

THF通常聚合生成聚四氫呋喃(PTMEG),這種物質常用於紡織業,並被用作各種纖維和紡織品的原料。由於纖維具有較高的強度和韌性,服裝和紡織業對紡織品的需求不斷成長,這導致PTMEG產量上升,從而刺激了預測期內四氫呋喃市場的成長前景。此外,市場成長也受到一系列替代產品應用的推動,例如塗料、清漆生產、化學中間體、實驗室化學品、原油生產中的製程助劑以及製藥業的反應介質。四氫呋喃用於聚四氫呋喃的生產。四氫呋喃是一種極易揮發的有機溶劑,可作為各種合成的原料,例如透過化學程序配製高分子量的醚類化學品。聚氨酯的高需求和能源市場的高成長等因素對市場的成長至關重要。

關鍵市場促進因素

聚合物產業對四氫呋喃的需求不斷成長

主要市場挑戰

原物料價格波動

主要市場趨勢

環境和監管問題激增

目錄

第 1 章:產品概述

第2章:研究方法

第3章:執行摘要

第4章:全球四氫呋喃市場展望

  • 市場規模和預測
    • 按價值和數量
  • 市場佔有率和預測
    • 依技術分類(雷普法、戴維法、環氧丙烷法、丁二烯法)
    • 依最終用戶(聚合物、紡織品、製藥、油漆和塗料、其他)
    • 按地區
    • 按公司分類(2024)
  • 市場地圖
    • 依技術
    • 按最終用戶
    • 按地區

第5章:亞太四氫呋喃市場展望

  • 市場規模和預測
    • 按價值和數量
  • 市場佔有率和預測
    • 依技術
    • 按最終用戶
    • 按國家/地區
  • 亞太地區:國家分析
    • 中國
    • 印度
    • 澳洲
    • 日本
    • 韓國

第6章:歐洲四氫呋喃市場展望

  • 市場規模和預測
  • 市場佔有率和預測
  • 歐洲:國家分析
    • 法國
    • 德國
    • 西班牙
    • 義大利
    • 英國

第7章:北美四氫呋喃市場展望

  • 市場規模和預測
  • 市場佔有率和預測
  • 北美:國家分析
    • 美國
    • 墨西哥
    • 加拿大

第8章:南美洲四氫呋喃市場展望

  • 市場規模和預測
  • 市場佔有率和預測
  • 南美洲:國家分析
    • 巴西
    • 阿根廷
    • 哥倫比亞

第9章:中東和非洲四氫呋喃市場展望

  • 市場規模和預測
  • 市場佔有率和預測
  • MEA:國家分析
    • 南非
    • 沙烏地阿拉伯
    • 阿拉伯聯合大公國
    • 埃及

第10章:市場動態

  • 驅動程式
  • 挑戰

第 11 章:市場趨勢與發展

  • 最新動態
  • 產品發布
  • 併購

第 12 章:全球四氫呋喃市場:SWOT 分析

第 13 章:波特五力分析

  • 產業競爭
  • 新進入者的潛力
  • 供應商的力量
  • 顧客的力量
  • 替代產品的威脅

第 14 章:競爭格局

  • Ashland Inc.
  • Banner Chemicals Limited
  • BASF SE
  • DCC PLC
  • Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co.Ltd.
  • Henan GP Chemicals Co., Ltd
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
  • REE ATHARVA LIFESCIENCE PVT. LTD
  • Shenyang East Chemical Science-Tech Co., Ltd.
  • Sipchem Chemicals Co

第 15 章:策略建議

第16章調查會社について,免責事項

簡介目錄
Product Code: 2533

Tetrahydrofuran Market was valued at USD 4.68 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6.32 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.31%. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a clear and colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. The liquid is a smaller amount dense than water. Tetrahydrofuran seems in human biofluids and could be a material of exposure. THF is commonly employed in compound science as it is often wont to dissolve rubber before determining its molecular mass exploitation gel permeation action. One of the foremost common applications of Tetrahydrofuran is as a solvent. THF dissolves or forms solutions with alternative organic compounds. For instance, within the industry, THF is the solvent that is the most well-liked in creating vinyl polymer (PVC). There are many processes used for the production of Tetrahydrofuran (THF). Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is often factory-made exploitation of aldehyde through the carbonylation and chemical process. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) can even be factory-made from maleic chemical compounds through chemical change chemical action. However, the foremost wide accepted method of Tetrahydrofuran (THF) production is through 4-butanediol dehydration and cyclization. alternative ways of Tetrahydrofuran (THF) production embrace the dichloro-butane methodology and hydrocarbon reaction methodology.

Market Overview
Forecast Period2026-2030
Market Size 2024USD 4.68 Billion
Market Size 2030USD 6.32 Billion
CAGR 2025-20305.31%
Fastest Growing SegmentReppe Process
Largest MarketAsia-Pacific

THF is usually polymerized to create Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) that is often used as stuff for numerous fibers, as well as textile, at intervals in the textile business. Rising demand for textile from attire and textile industries due to the strong strength and snap offered by the fiber has diode to a rise within the PTMEG production, stimulating the expansion prospects of the Tetrahydrofuran Market within the forecast period. The market growth is additionally propelled by a bunch of alternative product applications as well as coatings, production of varnishes, employed in chemical intermediate, as a laboratory chemical, process aid within the production of crude, and use as a reaction medium within the pharmaceutical sector. Tetrahydrofuran is employed in polytetramethylene ether glycol production. Tetrahydrofuran is an extremely volatile organic solvent utilized as stuff for various syntheses like for the formulation of ether chemicals having high molecular mass by the chemical process. Factors like the high demand for polyurethane and the high growth in energy markets are completely poignant to the expansion of the market.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Tetrahydrofuran in Polymer Industry

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is not only an organic compound but also a versatile colorless liquid with an ether-like odor. It finds its primary use as a precursor to polymers, making it an indispensable component in various industrial applications. One of the most crucial applications of THF lies in the production of polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), a raw material that plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing of spandex fibers. In 2021, global plastics production reached approximately 390.7 million tonnes, with China contributing the largest share at nearly 29%-32%, making it the leading producer worldwide. This data, sourced from Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH and nova-Institute, highlights China's central role in the global polymer industry. Regions like North America accounted for 18%, followed by the EU at 15%-19%, Rest of Asia at 17%, and other regions including Latin America, CIS, and Japan contributing smaller shares. This widespread and increasing demand for plastics directly supports the growth of Tetrahydrofuran (THF), a critical solvent and intermediate used primarily in the production of polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), a precursor for spandex fibers. THF is also essential in manufacturing high-performance polymers and resins. As polymer production scales up globally, especially in applications requiring flexibility, durability, and resistance such as coatings, adhesives, and elastomers the demand for THF is expected to rise steadily, driven by strong industrial expansion across these regions.

Spandex, renowned for its exceptional elasticity and stretchability, has become a staple in the textile industry. It is extensively utilized in the production of a wide range of clothing items, including sportswear, casual wear, and undergarments. The global textile industry, experiencing exponential growth, has resulted in an increased demand for spandex. Consequently, the demand for PTMEG and THF, as essential components in spandex production, has witnessed a significant surge.

The escalating demand for Tetrahydrofuran in the polymer industry serves as a major driving force behind the global THF market. With the continuous expansion of the textile industry and the ever-growing need for spandex and other THF-based products, the demand for THF is projected to soar even higher. This presents a remarkable opportunity for key players in the Tetrahydrofuran market to enhance their production capacities and cater to the burgeoning market, thereby solidifying their position in the industry.

Key Market Challenges

Volatility in Prices of Raw Materials

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a versatile organic compound, characterized by its colorless liquid form and ether-like odor. With its wide range of applications, THF serves as a crucial precursor to polymers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, polymers, and coatings. The production of THF involves the utilization of 1,4-butanediol, which is derived from butadiene, a byproduct of the steam cracking process. Consequently, any fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials can significantly impact the overall cost of producing THF.

Recent reports have shed light on the tight availability and soaring prices of the raw materials, amplifying the pricing trend of Tetrahydrofuran across different regions. The volatility in the prices of conventional fossil fuel-based raw materials, like butadiene, poses a substantial challenge for the growth of the THF market. Geopolitical events such as the ongoing war in Ukraine have contributed to the surge in prices and increased volatility in the raw material markets. These factors further exacerbate the challenges faced by the THF market. The fluctuations in raw material prices not only affect the production costs but also impact the overall profitability of businesses operating in the THF market. This volatility creates an atmosphere of uncertainty, making it difficult for companies to plan for the future and invest in capacity expansions.

Despite the availability of low-cost raw materials, the continuous price fluctuations pose a significant threat to the growth of the THF market. This volatility has the potential to hinder the dominant Tetrahydrofuran segment, which accounts for over 50% of the global market. In conclusion, while the demand for Tetrahydrofuran continues to grow across various industries, the volatility in raw material prices presents a significant challenge to the global THF market. To address this issue, companies may need to explore alternative raw materials, improve production efficiency, or consider passing on the increased costs to consumers. Navigating this challenge will be crucial for the future growth and sustainability of the global Tetrahydrofuran market.

Key Market Trends

Surge in Environmental and Regulatory Concerns

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is an organic compound widely recognized as a vital precursor to polymers, finding extensive applications in diverse industries such as pharmaceuticals, polymers, and coatings. However, the utilization of THF, like many chemical compounds, can lead to adverse environmental effects. It is crucial to note that THF exhibits high flammability and, when released into the environment, it has the potential to contaminate the air, water, and soil. In recent years, a noticeable upsurge in environmental and regulatory concerns has emerged surrounding the production and use of chemicals, including THF. This surge is driven by an increasing awareness of the significant environmental impact associated with chemical production. Regulatory bodies and consumers alike are exerting mounting pressure for the adoption of greener and more sustainable practices.

To address these concerns, regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stricter regulations on chemical manufacturing processes, aiming to minimize environmental harm caused by THF and other chemicals. Companies are now required to comply with regulations pertaining to emissions, waste disposal, and the use of hazardous substances. The impact of these environmental and regulatory concerns on the global THF market cannot be understated. Companies are now compelled to adapt their operations to adhere to more stringent regulations while also meeting the surging demand for environmentally friendly products.

Key Market Players

  • Ashland Inc.
  • Banner Chemicals Limited
  • BASF SE
  • DCC PLC
  • Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co.Ltd.
  • Henan GP Chemicals Co., Ltd
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
  • REE ATHARVA LIFESCIENCE PVT. LTD
  • Shenyang East Chemical Science-Tech Co., Ltd.
  • Sipchem Chemicals Co

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Tetrahydrofuran Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Tetrahydrofuran Market, By Technology:

  • Reppe Process
  • Davy Process
  • Propylene Oxide Process
  • Butadiene Process

Tetrahydrofuran Market, By End User:

  • Polymer
  • Textile
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Paints and Coatings
  • Others

Tetrahydrofuran Market, By Region:

  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Italy
    • Germany
    • Spain
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Colombia
  • Middle East & Africa
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Tetrahydrofuran Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Tetrahydrofuran Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

  • Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Table of Contents

1. Product Overview

  • 1.1. Market Definition
  • 1.2. Scope of the Market
    • 1.2.1. Markets Covered
    • 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
    • 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

  • 2.1. Objective of the Study
  • 2.2. Baseline Methodology
  • 2.3. Key Industry Partners
  • 2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
  • 2.5. Forecasting Methodology
  • 2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
  • 2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

  • 3.1. Overview of the Market
  • 3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
  • 3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
  • 3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
  • 3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Global Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook

  • 4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    • 4.1.1. By Value & Volume
  • 4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    • 4.2.1. By Technology (Reppe Process, Davy Process, Propylene Oxide Process, Butadiene Process)
    • 4.2.2. By End User (Polymer, Textile, Pharmaceutical, Paints and Coatings, Others)
    • 4.2.3. By Region
    • 4.2.4. By Company (2024)
  • 4.3. Market Map
    • 4.3.1. By Technology
    • 4.3.2. By End User
    • 4.3.3. By Region

5. Asia Pacific Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook

  • 5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    • 5.1.1. By Value & Volume
  • 5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    • 5.2.1. By Technology
    • 5.2.2. By End User
    • 5.2.3. By Country
  • 5.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
    • 5.3.1. China Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 5.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 5.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 5.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 5.3.1.2.1. By Technology
        • 5.3.1.2.2. By End User
    • 5.3.2. India Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 5.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 5.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 5.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 5.3.2.2.1. By Technology
        • 5.3.2.2.2. By End User
    • 5.3.3. Australia Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 5.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 5.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 5.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 5.3.3.2.1. By Technology
        • 5.3.3.2.2. By End User
    • 5.3.4. Japan Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 5.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 5.3.4.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 5.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 5.3.4.2.1. By Technology
        • 5.3.4.2.2. By End User
    • 5.3.5. South Korea Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 5.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 5.3.5.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 5.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 5.3.5.2.1. By Technology
        • 5.3.5.2.2. By End User

6. Europe Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook

  • 6.1. Market Size & Forecast
    • 6.1.1. By Value & Volume
  • 6.2. Market Share & Forecast
    • 6.2.1. By Technology
    • 6.2.2. By End User
    • 6.2.3. By Country
  • 6.3. Europe: Country Analysis
    • 6.3.1. France Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 6.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 6.3.1.2.1. By Technology
        • 6.3.1.2.2. By End User
    • 6.3.2. Germany Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 6.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 6.3.2.2.1. By Technology
        • 6.3.2.2.2. By End User
    • 6.3.3. Spain Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 6.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 6.3.3.2.1. By Technology
        • 6.3.3.2.2. By End User
    • 6.3.4. Italy Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 6.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 6.3.4.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 6.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 6.3.4.2.1. By Technology
        • 6.3.4.2.2. By End User
    • 6.3.5. United Kingdom Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 6.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 6.3.5.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 6.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 6.3.5.2.1. By Technology
        • 6.3.5.2.2. By End User

7. North America Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook

  • 7.1. Market Size & Forecast
    • 7.1.1. By Value & Volume
  • 7.2. Market Share & Forecast
    • 7.2.1. By Technology
    • 7.2.2. By End User
    • 7.2.3. By Country
  • 7.3. North America: Country Analysis
    • 7.3.1. United States Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 7.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 7.3.1.2.1. By Technology
        • 7.3.1.2.2. By End User
    • 7.3.2. Mexico Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 7.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 7.3.2.2.1. By Technology
        • 7.3.2.2.2. By End User
    • 7.3.3. Canada Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 7.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 7.3.3.2.1. By Technology
        • 7.3.3.2.2. By End User

8. South America Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook

  • 8.1. Market Size & Forecast
    • 8.1.1. By Value & Volume
  • 8.2. Market Share & Forecast
    • 8.2.1. By Technology
    • 8.2.2. By End User
    • 8.2.3. By Country
  • 8.3. South America: Country Analysis
    • 8.3.1. Brazil Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 8.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 8.3.1.2.1. By Technology
        • 8.3.1.2.2. By End User
    • 8.3.2. Argentina Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 8.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 8.3.2.2.1. By Technology
        • 8.3.2.2.2. By End User
    • 8.3.3. Colombia Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 8.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 8.3.3.2.1. By Technology
        • 8.3.3.2.2. By End User

9. Middle East and Africa Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook

  • 9.1. Market Size & Forecast
    • 9.1.1. By Value & Volume
  • 9.2. Market Share & Forecast
    • 9.2.1. By Technology
    • 9.2.2. By End User
    • 9.2.3. By Country
  • 9.3. MEA: Country Analysis
    • 9.3.1. South Africa Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 9.3.1.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 9.3.1.2.1. By Technology
        • 9.3.1.2.2. By End User
    • 9.3.2. Saudi Arabia Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 9.3.2.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 9.3.2.2.1. By Technology
        • 9.3.2.2.2. By End User
    • 9.3.3. UAE Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 9.3.3.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 9.3.3.2.1. By Technology
        • 9.3.3.2.2. By End User
    • 9.3.4. Egypt Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
      • 9.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
        • 9.3.4.1.1. By Value & Volume
      • 9.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
        • 9.3.4.2.1. By Technology
        • 9.3.4.2.2. By End User

10. Market Dynamics

  • 10.1. Drivers
  • 10.2. Challenges

11. Market Trends & Developments

  • 11.1. Recent Developments
  • 11.2. Product Launches
  • 11.3. Mergers & Acquisitions

12. Global Tetrahydrofuran Market: SWOT Analysis

13. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

  • 13.1. Competition in the Industry
  • 13.2. Potential of New Entrants
  • 13.3. Power of Suppliers
  • 13.4. Power of Customers
  • 13.5. Threat of Substitute Product

14. Competitive Landscape

  • 14.1. Ashland Inc.
    • 14.1.1. Business Overview
    • 14.1.2. Company Snapshot
    • 14.1.3. Products & Services
    • 14.1.4. Current Capacity Analysis
    • 14.1.5. Financials (In case of listed)
    • 14.1.6. Recent Developments
    • 14.1.7. SWOT Analysis
  • 14.2. Banner Chemicals Limited
  • 14.3. BASF SE
  • 14.4. DCC PLC
  • 14.5. Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co.Ltd.
  • 14.6. Henan GP Chemicals Co., Ltd
  • 14.7. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
  • 14.8. REE ATHARVA LIFESCIENCE PVT. LTD
  • 14.9. Shenyang East Chemical Science-Tech Co., Ltd.
  • 14.10. Sipchem Chemicals Co

15. Strategic Recommendations

16. About Us & Disclaimer