PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1675952
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1675952
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic derived from the monomer ethylene, known for its resistance to moisture and chemicals. LDPE is non-toxic, non-contaminating, flexible, and relatively transparent. It finds use in producing thin and flexible items such as plastic bags for dry-cleaning and newspapers.
Manufacturing methods include the autoclave and tubular processes. Autoclaving, a sterilization method using high-pressure steam, increases the boiling point of water under pressure. LDPE applications span film, sheets, extrusion coatings, injection molding, and various other uses. Industries utilizing LDPE include agriculture, electrical and electronics, packaging, construction, among others.
The low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market statistics, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market share, detailed low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) industry. This low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The low-density polyethylene market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $57.37 billion in 2024 to $63.52 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to industrialization and economic growth, product innovations and applications, consumer lifestyle changes, raw material availability and pricing, global trade dynamics.
The low-density polyethylene market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $91.93 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing sustainability and circular economy, infrastructure development, energy transition and environmental policies, consumer awareness of plastic waste, market consolidation and mergers. Major trends in the forecast period include technological advancements in material science, technological advancements in manufacturing, rising demand in healthcare sector, global regulatory changes, technological advancements in production processes.
The increasing demand for LDPE in the packaging industry is anticipated to drive the growth of the LDPE market. LDPE is being utilized more frequently for both food and non-food packaging. Its use in packaging helps reduce costs. LDPE possesses good tensile strength and flexibility, making the packaging process more efficient. It is commonly employed in food packaging for items such as coffee can lids, bread bags, and fruit and vegetable bags in grocery stores. Additionally, it is used in non-food packaging, including shipping sacks, bubble packing, envelopes, overwrap, and rack and counter bags. For example, in March 2024, ChemPMC, a US-based boutique consulting firm, reported that LDPE consumption in the U.S. and Canada reached 2.5 million metric tons in 2023, with North American polyethylene operating rates rising from 81% in 2022 to 85% in 2023. The heightened demand for packaging is driving the need for LDPE as a packaging material.
The expanding pharmaceutical industry is expected to accelerate the growth of the low-density polyethylene market in the future. This sector encompasses the discovery, development, and production of drugs and medicines by both government and private entities. Low-density polyethylene materials are widely used in pharmaceutical packaging due to their durability, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, making them essential in the pharma sector. For instance, in July 2024, the National Library of Medicine, a US-based medical library, reported that total pharmaceutical expenditures in the U.S. reached $624.24 billion in 2022, marking a 13.6% increase to $722.5 billion in 2023. Hence, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry is propelling the expansion of the low-density polyethylene market.
The low-density polyethylene market is currently witnessing a prominent trend of strategic partnerships, a strategy gaining popularity among major companies. Companies engaged in low-density polyethylene operations are leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance their competitive positions, streamline supply chain efficiency, and expand their market reach. An illustrative example is the partnership formed in July 2023 between Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, a Germany-based producer of inks and coatings, Wildplastic GmbH, a Germany-based producer of recycled products, and Hamburg University of Technology (TU-Hamburg), a Germany-based research university. The primary objective of this collaboration is to address the recyclability of plastic waste. A key focus area is the effective deinking of collected plastic waste before it undergoes the recycling extrusion process, contributing to more sustainable and efficient plastic recycling practices.
Major companies operating in the low-density polyethylene market are strategically focusing on introducing innovative products with reduced carbon footprints to gain a competitive advantage. For example, in May 2022, SABIC, a Saudi Arabia-based chemical manufacturing company, launched LNP ELCRIN WF0061BiQ PBT resin, which is produced from chemically upcycled ocean-bound PET bottles. This specific compound has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 14% and cumulative energy demand by up to 25% when compared to glass fiber. It stands as a promising material for various consumer electronics applications, including computer fan housings, vehicle seats, electrical connectors, and enclosures. This initiative aligns with the industry trend towards sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.
In September 2022, Repeats Group BV, a prominent plastics recycling platform headquartered in the Netherlands, successfully completed the acquisition of Polimero Srl for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move positions Repeats Group to expand its presence in the Italian market by incorporating Polimero Srl's expertise in manufacturing high-quality recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin. The acquisition enhances Repeats Group's capabilities in delivering premium recycled materials and strengthens its position in the sustainable plastics industry.
Major companies operating in the low-density polyethylene market include China National Petroleum Corporation, PetroChina Company Limited, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Sinopec Beijing Yanshan Company, Reliance Industries Limited, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., BASF SE, Repsol SA, INEOS Group Holdings SA, Dow Inc., Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries NV, LG Chem Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, Braskem SA, Sasol Limited, Westlake Chemical Corporation, Borealis AG, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Huntsman Corporation, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Nova Chemicals Corporation, Qatar Petrochemical Company, National Petrochemical Company, Qatar Chemical Company Ltd., Versalis SpA
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the low-density polyethylene market in 2024. North America was the second-largest region in the global low-density polyethylene market. The regions covered in the low-density polyethylene market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the low-density polyethylene market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain
The low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market consists of the sales of rigid and soft low-density polyethylene. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Low-Density Polyethylene Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on low-density polyethylene market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for low-density polyethylene ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The low-density polyethylene market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.