Thermoplastic Composites Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Product Type, Fiber Type, Resin Type, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Thermoplastic Composites Market is accounted for $20.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $32.5 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Thermoplastic composites are advanced materials composed of a thermoplastic polymer matrix reinforced with fibers such as glass, carbon, or aramid. These materials offer high strength to weight ratios, impact resistance and design flexibility. Thermoplastic composites can be reshaped and recycled through heating and cooling cycles, making them sustainable and suitable for a wide range of applications in the aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods industries.

According to NASA technical reports, thermoplastic composites are being developed and demonstrated for aerospace applications like cryogenic tanks and aircraft structures, offering weight savings and performance improvements over metals.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing focus on sustainability and recyclability

The increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability and the circular economy is driving the demand for thermoplastic composites. These materials offer excellent recyclability compared to thermoset composites, as they can be melted and remolded multiple times without significant degradation of properties. This allows for the recovery and reuse of valuable raw materials, reducing waste and environmental impact. The recyclability of thermoplastic composites aligns with the goals of many industries to minimize their carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices.

Restraint:

Higher cost compared to traditional materials

One of the main challenges facing the adoption of thermoplastic composites is their relatively higher cost compared to traditional materials like metals and plastics. The production of thermoplastic composites involves specialized raw materials, such as high-performance thermoplastic resins and reinforcing fibers, which can be more expensive than conventional alternatives. Additionally, the processing and manufacturing of thermoplastic composites often require advanced technologies and skilled labor, further contributing to higher costs. These cost considerations can limit the widespread use of thermoplastic composites, especially in price-sensitive applications and markets.

Opportunity:

Rising adoption in consumer goods

The consumer goods industry presents a significant growth opportunity for thermoplastic composites. These materials offer a combination of lightweight, durability, and design flexibility, making them attractive for various consumer products. Thermoplastic composites can be used to create high-performance sporting goods, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, and bicycle frames, offering enhanced performance and user experience. In the electronics sector, thermoplastic composites are finding applications in housings, casings, and structural components, providing strength and aesthetic appeal. As consumer preferences shift towards more sustainable and innovative products, the demand for thermoplastic composites in this sector is expected to rise.

Threat:

Limited availability of recyclable infrastructure

While thermoplastic composites are inherently recyclable, the lack of widespread recycling infrastructure poses a threat to their effective end-of-life management. Unlike traditional materials like metals and plastics, which have established recycling streams, the recycling of thermoplastic composites is still in its nascent stages. The absence of proper collection, sorting, and processing facilities for these materials can hinder their circularity and lead to disposal in landfills or incineration.

Covid-19 Impact:

The Covid-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the thermoplastic composites market. While some end-use industries, such as automotive and aerospace, experienced a slowdown in demand due to travel restrictions and supply chain disruptions, others, like healthcare and packaging, witnessed increased demand for thermoplastic composite products. The pandemic also accelerated the trend towards sustainability and the use of environmentally friendly materials, which could potentially drive the adoption of thermoplastic composites in the long term.

The glass fiber segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

During the forecast period, the glass fiber segment is anticipated to lead the thermoplastic composites market. This dominance is attributed to glass fiber's widespread use across various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites offer a compelling combination of high strength, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness, making them preferred materials for structural components and lightweight applications. Additionally, ongoing advancements in glass fiber technology further bolster its market position, driving its growth.

The polypropylene (PP) segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Due to its low cost, good mechanical properties, and excellent chemical resistance polypropylene (PP) segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. PP-based thermoplastic composites are lightweight, durable, and easily moldable, making them suitable for various applications. The automotive industry is a significant driver for the growth of polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic composites, as these materials are used in interior and exterior components, helping to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency. The increasing demand for lightweight and cost-effective materials in industries such as packaging, consumer goods, and construction is expected to fuel the high growth rate of the segment.

Region with largest share:

North America, particularly the United States, has a well-established composites industry and a strong presence of key players in the thermoplastic composites market. The region's advanced technological capabilities, extensive research and development activities, and stringent regulations promoting the use of lightweight and fuel-efficient materials contribute to its dominant position. The region's mature manufacturing infrastructure and skilled workforce further support the growth of the thermoplastic composites market.

Region with highest CAGR:

The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the thermoplastic composites market during the forecast period. The region's rapidly expanding automotive, electronics, and consumer goods industries are key drivers for this growth. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are major manufacturing hubs for these sectors, and the increasing adoption of lightweight and high-performance materials is fueling the demand for thermoplastic composites. Additionally, the growing focus on sustainability and the implementation of favorable government policies are expected to further accelerate market growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Thermoplastic Composites Market include Solvay S.A., BASF SE, Dow Chemical Company, Toray Industries, Inc., Celanese Corporation, Lanxess AG, SABIC, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, Hexcel Corporation, Teijin Limited, RTP Company, Owens Corning, TenCate Advanced Composites, Cytec Solvay Group, PolyOne Corporation, PlastiComp, Inc., A. Schulman, Inc., Ensinger GmbH and Quadrant AG.

Key Developments:

In April 2023, Solvay and GKN Aerospace have signed an extension to their 2017 collaboration agreement. Under the agreement, both businesses are developing a joint thermoplastic composites (TPC) roadmap to explore new materials and manufacturing processes for aerospace structures, while jointly targeting future strategic high-rate programs. In addition Solvay will remain a GKN Aerospace preferred supplier for TPC materials.

In February 2023, Toray Industries, Inc., announced that it has developed a technology that thermally welds carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) at high speed. This technology will enable high-rate production and weight savings of CFRP airframes.

In February 2022, Celanese Corp. (Irving, Texas, U.S.) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority of the Mobility & Materials (M&M) business of DuPont (Wilmington, Del., U.S.) for $11.0 billion in cash, which will be added to Celanese's Engineering Materials (EM) business. The transaction is expected to close around the end of 2022. Celanese will acquire numerous DuPont engineering thermoplastic brands and technologies, and customer and supplier contracts and agreements, as well as a global production network of 29 facilities, including compounding and polymerization plants, and around 5,000 employees.

Product Types Covered:

• Continuous-Fiber Thermoplastic (CFT)
• Glass Mat Thermoplastic (GMT)
• Long-Fiber Thermoplastic (LFT)
• Short-Fiber Thermoplastic (SFT)
• Advanced Thermoplastic Composites (ATC)

Fiber Types Covered:

• Glass Fiber
• Carbon Fiber
• Aramid Fiber
• Mineral Fiber
• Other Fiber Types

Resin Types Covered:

• Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
• Polyamide (PA)
• Polycarbonate (PC)
• Polyethylene
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Other Resin Types

End Users Covered:

• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive
• Construction
• Consumer Goods & Sports Equipment
• Electrical & Electronics
• Marine
• Medical
• Oil & Gas
• Sports & Leisure
• Wind Energy
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances