Global Polymers Market By Type (Thermoplastics, Thermosets and Others), By Product (Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyurethane, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polystyrene and Others), By Application (Packaging, Building & Construction, Automotive, Electrical & Electronic, Household, Agriculture and Others), By Region, Competition, 2018-2028F

 Market Overview

Global Polymers Market has valued at USD 597.34 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 4.81% through 2028. The global polymers market is experiencing significant growth, as polymers are widely used in various industries such as medical, aerospace, packaging, automotive, construction, and electrical appliances. Due to their excellent performance, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness, polymers are often chosen as alternatives to metal and mineral materials. The expanding retail sector and the increasing demand for packaging materials in the thriving e-commerce industry are also influencing the importance of the polymers market. One of the key drivers of the polymer market's growth is the rising demand from multiple end-use industries. The increasing demand for polymers across various sectors is a major factor propelling the market. Polymers offer a wide range of beneficial characteristics, making them suitable for numerous industrial applications. They possess exceptional strength, stiffness, and flexibility, making them ideal for use in toys, sports equipment, and fashion. Additionally, their ability to facilitate easy product shaping and packaging without breaking further enhances their appeal. Furthermore, polymer-based products exhibit electrical trembling resistance, effectively mitigating electrostatic charges.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Polymers in Automotive Industry

Polymers, which are long-chain molecules composed of repeating subunits, have revolutionized the design and manufacturing of vehicles. Their adaptability enables the creation of lightweight parts and components that not only outperform traditional materials like metal but also exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility. As a result, polymers have become a cornerstone of modern automotive engineering. In the pursuit of sustainability, the automotive industry is at the forefront of developing eco-friendly solutions. Polymers, with their lightweight nature and potential for efficient recycling, play a vital role in achieving sustainability goals. By reducing vehicle weight, polymers contribute to improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, aligning with the drive towards cleaner transportation options. Polymers drive innovation in the automotive sector by enabling the development of advanced technologies and features. They enhance both performance and aesthetics, offering a wide range of possibilities, from improved aerodynamics to enhanced safety components. Polymers seamlessly integrate sensors, electronics, and connectivity features into vehicle designs, facilitating the development of autonomous and electric vehicles. Their significantly lighter weight compared to traditional materials contributes to overall weight reduction in vehicles, resulting in enhanced fuel efficiency and performance. Polymers are extensively used in interior components such as dashboards, door panels, and seating, providing durability and design flexibility. They are also employed in exterior parts like bumpers, fenders, and grilles. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has further increased the demand for polymers in battery housings, charging components, and thermal management systems due to their electrical insulation and heat resistance properties. In terms of safety, polymers are utilized in the manufacturing of airbags, seat belts, and impact-absorbing structures, contributing to improved vehicle safety. The automotive sector's need for diverse polymer types, including polypropylene, polyurethane, and polycarbonate, is driving innovation and investment in polymer manufacturing and processing technologies. This growing demand also encourages research and development efforts to create specialized polymers that meet the unique requirements of the automotive industry.

Growing Demand of Polymers from Packaging Industry

With the packaging sector experiencing remarkable growth, the global polymers market is poised for success due to the increasing demand for diverse and efficient packaging materials. Polymers can be engineered to possess specific properties such as strength, flexibility, and barrier properties, allowing them to adapt to the diverse requirements of different products. The ability to customize polymer properties enables packaging manufacturers to design materials that meet specific needs, whether it's preserving food freshness, providing tamper-evident seals, or enhancing shelf appeal. Polymers strike a balance between lightweight construction and durability, contributing to reduced shipping costs and minimizing the environmental impact of packaging waste. The growing focus on eco-friendly solutions has spurred the development of bio-based and recyclable polymers, aligning with the packaging industry's goals of reducing environmental impact. The rapid growth of e-commerce has intensified the demand for robust and sustainable packaging materials. Polymers enable the creation of packaging that can withstand the challenges of shipping while minimizing waste. As urbanization continues, the demand for convenient and ready-to-eat products is on the rise. Packaging made from polymers meets this demand by offering lightweight, portable, and easy-to-open solutions. Polymers provide an effective barrier against contaminants, ensuring the safety and integrity of products such as food and pharmaceuticals. The packaging industry's increasing demand is driving innovation in polymer technology. The development of biodegradable and compostable polymers addresses concerns about plastic waste, paving the way for sustainable packaging solutions. Furthermore, advancements in polymer processing techniques are facilitating the creation of intricate and customizable packaging designs.

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Key Market Challenges

Harmful effects of plastics on the environment

Plastics possess characteristics such as lightweightness, durability, and corrosion resistance, along with high thermal and electrical insulation properties, making them suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Moreover, plastic products are cost-effective compared to their metal counterparts, which has contributed to their global growth over the past two decades. However, the non-decomposable nature of plastic, due to the presence of harmful chemical ingredients, has limited its use across various end-use applications. These harmful chemicals not only negatively impact the environment, but also pose risks to living organisms, including human health. The increasing use of microplastics has become a major concern, particularly for terrestrial plants and animals, including humans. For instance, in 2019, the production and incineration of plastic resulted in the release of more than 850 million metric tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, as reported by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). Consequently, growing environmental concerns have led to the implementation of more stringent regulations, which are hindering the growth of the plastic market. Governments worldwide have taken action by implementing bans on plastic usage.

Key Market Trends

Growth in Technological Advancements

The global polymers market is currently undergoing a significant transformation, driven by an unstoppable wave of technological advancements. From cutting-edge materials to advanced manufacturing processes, these developments are reshaping industries worldwide. State-of-the-art research is leading to the creation of polymers with enhanced properties, such as high-performance polymers that can withstand extreme temperatures, exhibit exceptional mechanical strength, and resist chemicals and abrasion. These materials are driving innovation in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The pursuit of sustainability has spurred the development of biopolymers and bio-based plastics derived from renewable sources like plant starch, algae, and agricultural waste. These eco-friendly materials offer reduced carbon footprints and biodegradability, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable solutions. Technological advancements are also enabling the creation of smart polymers that respond to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, or light. These intelligent materials find applications in various fields, including drug delivery, self-healing materials, and responsive textiles, enhancing functionality and efficiency. Moreover, the realm of 3D printing has expanded to encompass polymer-based additive manufacturing. This capability allows for the production of intricate and customized products, ranging from medical implants to automotive components, thereby transforming manufacturing processes and supply chains. The integration of nanotechnology into polymers has given rise to nanocomposites with enhanced properties, including improved strength, barrier properties, and flame resistance. These nanocomposites find applications in diverse sectors such as construction, electronics, and packaging. The emergence of smart polymers is revolutionizing the consumer goods landscape. These polymers contribute to self-cleaning surfaces, responsive wearables, and other innovative applications, enhancing user experiences and creating new market opportunities.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

In 2022, the Polymers market was dominated by the Polyethylene and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years. The rising demand from various end-use industries can be attributed to the market growth. The use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in food and beverage packaging, such as milk and fruit juices, as well as in crates, caps, drums, and other liquid food packaging and industrial packaging applications, drives this growth. The construction industry, in particular, is a significant consumer of polyethylene, utilizing it in the form of sheets, plates, films, foils, and strips to provide plastic protection to floors. Additionally, polyethylene is widely used in pipes and fittings, which are integral to various industrial activities. Moreover, polyethylene products like bowls, buckets, water bottles, drums, dustbins, and plumbing pipes are commonly utilized in our daily lives. The increased sales of consumer goods present opportunities for vendors in the polyethylene market, further driving its growth.

Type Insights

In 2022, the Polymers market was dominated by Thermoplastics segment and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years. Thermoplastic polymers can exhibit either an amorphous or crystalline nature. While they generally display a ductile behaviour, their strength is often limited. In contrast, thermoset polymers are typically amorphous, strong, and rigid, albeit brittle in certain cases. Elastomers, on the other hand, are always amorphous and find applications that surpass their glass transition temperature. Notably, they possess the remarkable ability to undergo elastic deformation to a great extent without causing permanent damage to their shape. In terms of market dominance, thermoplastics reign supreme due to their lower manufacturing costs, energy efficiency, large-scale production capabilities with high precision and low cost, as well as their potential to replace metals, resulting in significant weight savings.

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Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region has established itself as the leader in the Global Polymers Market. The of the Asia Pacific market is driven by various factors including the developing economies of Southeast Asian nations, increasing disposable income, cost advantages in raw materials for plastics production, and population growth. In the coming years, the market will continue to grow, fueled by the rising demand for petrochemicals and plastics in the food and beverage sectors, as well as the increasing need for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics in countries like China and India. The Asia Pacific region has been a major consumer of polymers, thanks to the continuous expansion of downstream capacity in countries such as India and Japan. Additionally, the thriving electrical and electronic sector in the region further contributes to the demand for polymer plastics. The strict regulations and limitations on new capacity additions in the western region have prompted some companies to establish their production facilities in the Asia Pacific area, thus enhancing the overall polymer production capabilities.

Recent Developments

• In October 2020, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., a multinational plastic and chemical firm, announced a $2 billion transaction to acquire 50% ownership of Sasol's 1.5 million metric ton ethane cracker, 0.9 million ton low and linear-low density polyethylene units, and associated infrastructure. This transaction will be executed through a 50:50 joint venture between LyondellBasell Industries and Sasol, an integrated energy and chemical firm headquartered in Sandton, South Africa.
• In August 2018, LyondellBasell successfully completed the acquisition of A. Schulman, Inc., a renowned global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, notably polyethylene. This strategic acquisition will further strengthen LyondellBasell's position in the plastic and polyethylene market, allowing them to capitalize on the growing demand from the packaging industry.
• In October 2020, Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., a Thailand-based global chemical company, successfully completed the acquisition of IMP Polowat, a leading polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycler in Poland. With a production capacity of approximately 27,000 metric tons of recycled PET, this acquisition strengthens Indorama Ventures' commitment to sustainability.
• In March 2021, Radici Group, a renowned Italian corporation specializing in chemical intermediates and polyamide polymers, made strategic investments of 35 million euros in new engineering polymer production plants in Mexico and China. These investments, coupled with expansion plans in Europe and North America, reaffirm Radici Group's position as the world's leading producer in its field.
• In October 2020, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., a global plastic and chemical company, announced its decision to acquire a 50% stake in Sasol’s ethane cracker and linear low-density polyethylene plants, along with associated infrastructure. The deal, valued at USD 2 billion, solidifies LyondellBasell's position in the market.

Key Market Players

• The Dow Chemical Company
• LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• Saudi Basic Industries Corp.
• BASF SE
• INEOS AG
• Eni S.p.A.
• Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
• LANXESS AG
• Covestro AG

Report Scope:

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

·         Polymers Market, By Type:

o   Thermoplastics

o   Thermosets

o   Others

·         Polymers Market, By Product:

o   Polyethylene

o   Polypropylene

o   Polyvinyl Chloride

o   Polyurethane

o   Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

o   Polystyrene

o   Others

·         Polymers Market, By Application:

o   Packaging

o   Building & Construction

o   Automotive

o   Electrical & Electronic

o   Household,

o   Agriculture

o   Others

·         Polymers Market, By Region:

o   Asia Pacific

o   North America

o   Europe

o   Middle East & Africa

o   South America 

Competitive Landscape

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

Available Customizations:

Global Polymers Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci 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).

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