PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1712439
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1712439
Ethylene petrochemical, an acyclic hydrocarbon, is a colorless, flammable gas with a faint sweet and musky odor in its pure form. It stands as the simplest alkene and finds extensive use in industrial applications. Notably, ethylene also serves as a plant hormone.
The primary feedstocks employed in the production of ethylene petrochemicals include naphtha, ethane, propane, butane, and various other feedstocks. Ethane, a colorless and odorless hydrocarbon compound, is considered the simplest hydrocarbon featuring a single carbon-carbon bond. Ethylene plays a pivotal role in a range of applications, including its use in the production of polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene benzene, ethylene dichloride, vinyl acetate, and alpha-olefins. These applications are prevalent across several key end-use industries, such as packaging, automotive, construction, agrochemicals, and textiles.
The ethylene-petrochemicals market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides ethylene-petrochemicals market statistics, including ethylene-petrochemicals industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an ethylene-petrochemicals market share, detailed ethylene-petrochemicals market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ethylene-petrochemicals industry. This ethylene-petrochemicals 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 ethylene-petrochemicals market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $110.44 billion in 2024 to $115.87 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising demand for plastics and other petrochemicals, growing population and urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, increasing awareness of the benefits of ethylene-petrochemicals, feedstock availability, economic expansion.
The ethylene-petrochemicals market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $141.34 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expanding industrialization, growing demand for sustainable ethylene-petrochemicals, growing popularity of bio-based ethylene-petrochemicals, consumer lifestyle changes, growing production of consumer goods, demand from automotive industry. Major trends in the forecast period include shift towards the use of renewable feedstocks, focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, circular economy initiatives, bio-based and renewable ethylene, digitalization and industry 4.0, green petrochemicals.
The growth observed during the historical period in the ethylene-petrochemicals market can be primarily attributed to the increased demand for polyethylene products. Ethylene, a key component in the production of polyethylene, is extensively used in the manufacturing of various types of polyethylene, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The market for polyethylene has witnessed significant expansion due to the heightened global demand for plastic products. The widespread adoption of plastics, especially in electronic devices and lightweight components in the automotive industry, has driven the overall demand for plastics. For example, in March 2024, according to ChemPMC, a US-based boutique consulting firm, U.S. and Canadian LDPE consumption reached 2.5 million metric tons in 2023, with North American polyethylene operating rates increasing from 81% in 2022 to 85% the following year. As a result, the rising demand for polyethylene products is driving the growth of the ethylene-petrochemicals market.
The growth of the ethylene petrochemical market is expected to receive a significant boost from the growing automotive industry in the foreseeable future. The automotive industry is a broad sector encompassing a multitude of organizations and firms involved in the entire lifecycle of motor vehicles, from design and development to manufacturing, marketing, sales, and maintenance. Ethylene petrochemicals, particularly in the form of polyethylene, play a pivotal role in the automotive sector by offering lightweight solutions, versatile materials for various components, and supporting advancements in safety and sustainability. For example, according to a report published by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) in May 2023, the year 2022 saw the production of 85.4 million motor vehicles worldwide, representing a 5.7% increase over 2021. Additionally, data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, a 36-national trade association, indicates that the total production of cars and commercial vehicles surged from 80,145,988 in 2021 to 85,016,728 in 2022. Consequently, the growing automotive industry stands as a key driver propelling the ethylene petrochemical market forward.
Prominent companies in the ethylene petrochemical market are strategically focused on the development of cutting-edge technology, such as the Integrated Olefin Suite (IOS), to maintain their competitive edge within the industry. The Integrated Olefin Suite refers to a petrochemical facility or complex designed for the efficient production of olefins, including key hydrocarbons like ethylene and propylene. For example, in March 2022, Honeywell International Inc., a US-based manufacturing firm specializing in energy, security, and safety solutions, introduced its Integrated Olefin Suite (IOS) technologies. These innovative technologies are aimed at optimizing ethylene production from naphtha crackers. The IOS encompasses a range of advanced solutions capable of increasing ethylene yield, enhancing the quality of naphtha cracker feeds, and reducing the production of lower-value byproducts. Ultimately, the IOS technology is poised to enhance competitiveness and drive profitability in naphtha cracking operations, reinforcing the market position of these major industry players.
Ethylene-producing companies are increasingly investing in the development of bio-based green polyethylene compounds. These plastics are easier to produce, consume less energy, and offer the same versatility as chemically synthesized plastics. For example, in October 2024, the PEFerence project, a Netherlands-based initiative focused on developing a sustainable value chain for polyethylene furanoate (PEF), launched its industrial biorefinery in Delfzijl. This marks a significant step forward in the production of bio-based chemicals at scale, helping to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging and textile solutions.
In November 2023, Braskem, a Brazil-based petrochemical company, announced a partnership with Oxiteno, a Brazil-based surfactants and specialty chemicals company. This collaboration aims to advance the production of bio-attributed ethylene from renewable sources. Through this partnership, Oxiteno will utilize Braskem's certified raw material to develop new sustainable solutions, contributing to a reduction in fossil fuel usage and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Major companies operating in the ethylene-petrochemicals market include Akzo Nobel NV, BASF SE, Borealis AG, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, China Petrochemical Corporation, Clariant International Ltd., Dow Chemical Company, Equistar Chemicals LP, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Huntsman Corporation, Ineos Group Limited, LG Chem Ltd., Lonza Group, LyondellBasell Industries NV, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., National Iranian Petrochemical, NOVA Chemicals Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Sasol Limited, Saudi Arabia's Basic Industries Corporation, Showa Denko KK, SINOPEC Shanghai Petrochemical Co. Ltd., National Petrochemical Company, Tosoh Corporation, TotalEnergies SE, Formosa Plastics Corporation, PetroChina Company Limited, BP plc, Reliance Industries Limited, Lotte Chemical Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Braskem SA, PTT Global Chemical PCL, Westlake Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Evonik Industries AG
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the ethylene-petrochemicals market in 2024. Middle East was the second-largest region in the global ethylene-petrochemicals market. The regions covered in the ethylene-petrochemicals market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa.
The countries covered in the ethylene-petrochemicals market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.
The ethylene petrochemical market consists of the sales of ethylene petrochemicals in different compounds such as polyethylene (plastics), ethylene oxide or ethylene glycol, ethylene dichloride, and styrene. 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.
Ethylene-Petrochemicals 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 ethylene-petrochemicals 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 ethylene-petrochemicals ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The ethylene-petrochemicals 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.