Costabilizer

Costabilizer is a term found in industry literature with more than one meaning, and it does not have a single, formal definition. In materials science, costabilizer is sometimes used as a shorthand for co-stabilizers, additives used in polymer formulations to enhance processing stability and long-term performance. These agents are used in combination with primary stabilizers to slow degradation caused by heat, light, and oxygen. By improving stability and reducing material loss during processing and service life, costabilizers can lower total production costs and waste, hence the name. Common types include hindered phenols and phosphites as processing stabilizers, and HALS (hindered amine light stabilizers) and metal deactivators as light and metal-related stabilizers. The exact composition varies by polymer system and processing conditions.

In economics and procurement contexts, costabilizer denotes measures or instruments designed to stabilize manufacturing costs rather than a chemical additive. This usage refers to strategies such as long-term supplier contracts, price indexing, hedging, bulk purchasing, or diversified sourcing intended to dampen price volatility and budget risk. It is not a standard term in economics, but some industry guides use it to describe a package of cost-control and risk-management practices.

See also: stabilizer, co-stabilizer, price hedging, cost control, supply-chain management.