Global Polycarbonate Sheets Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Multiwall, Solid, Corrugated and Others), By End-Use Industry, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2024 - 2031
The Global Polycarbonate Sheets Market size is expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2031, rising at a market growth of 5.6% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2023, the market attained a volume of 2,47,954.65 thousand square meter, experiencing a growth of 20.2% (2020-2023).
The building and construction segment held a promising growth rate in the polycarbonate sheets market in 2023. Due to great formability and customization options of sheets, architects and designers can construct distinctive and inventive architectural features with sheets. Therefore, the segment generated 14.69% revenue share in 2031. In terms of volume the Russian building and construction segment would use 1,846.71 thousand square meters by 2031. They can be thermoformed, curved, or molded into various shapes and sizes to achieve intricate designs and geometries.
Polycarbonates are often used to manufacture transparent enclosures and covers for electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and consumer electronics. Their ability to insulate against electrical currents and prevent short circuits enhances the safety and performance of electronic devices, particularly in high-voltage applications. Therefore, the electronics industry’s expansion is driving the market’s growth. Additionally, Continuous research and development efforts in material science have led to developing sheets with enhanced performance characteristics. Thus, ongoing advancements in technology and material science are propelling the market’s growth.
However, Polycarbonate is typically manufactured using bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound that has raised concerns due to its potential adverse health effects. VOCs such as styrene, benzene, and toluene are associated with respiratory irritation, headaches, and other adverse health effects. Thus, the harmful effects of sheets hamper the market’s growth.
By Type Analysis
Based on type, the market is divided into solid, multiwall, corrugated, and others. In 2023, the solid segment attained 32.07% revenue share in the market. In terms of volume, the solid segment registered a consumption of 76,060.09 thousand square meters in 2023. Solid sheets are known for their exceptional durability and impact resistance. They can withstand high levels of impact without breaking or shattering, making them suitable for applications where safety and longevity are paramount, such as security glazing, protective barriers, and vandal-resistant panels.
By End-Use Analysis
Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into building & construction, electrical & electronics, automotive & transportation, aerospace & defense, packaging, and others. In 2023, the automotive & transportation segment attained 21.42% revenue share in the market. In terms of volume the segment consumed 51,388.60 thousand square meters in 2023. Polycarbonate offers greater design flexibility. Allowing automotive designers to create sleek, aerodynamic shapes and complex curves. These sheets can be molded and formed into various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, enabling the integration of innovative design elements such as panoramic sunroofs, curved windshields, and seamless window panels.
By Regional Analysis
Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. The Asia Pacific region witnessed 48.48% revenue share in the market in 2023. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid urbanization, accompanied by robust construction activity in residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. Polycarbonates are widely used in construction applications such as roofing, skylights, facades, and partitions due to their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. The growing demand for construction materials in emerging economies like China, India, and Southeast Asian countries drives the significant uptake of sheets in the region.
Recent Strategies Deployed in the Market
Jan-2024: Covestro AG came to an agreement for the supply of chemically recycled, circular feedstock derived from post-consumer end-of-life plastic. Through this agreement, the company will enable the reuse of used plastics and, additionally, have a lower carbon footprint, which leads to more sustainable end products.
Oct-2023: Covestro AG has geographically expended its footprints in Shanghai, China, for the mechanical recycling (MCR) compounding line for polycarbonates. The line has the capacity to generate more than 25,000 tons of polycarbonates and their blends. Through this expansion, the company will fulfil the growing demand for post-consumer-recycled (PCR) plastics, particularly in applications within the electrical and electronic products, automotive, and consumer goods sectors.
Sep-2023: SABIC and SINOPEC announced a 50-50 joint venture to launch the commercial operation of a new polycarbonate (PC) plant, SINOPEC SABIC Tianjin Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (SSTPC). Through this plant, the companies are building on their position as the best polycarbonate manufacturers and, additionally, increasing service capabilities, agility, and supply reliability.
Apr-2023: Covestro AG expanded its range of more sustainable polycarbonates by offering a polycarbonate with a 90 percent recycled content of plastic from post-consumer waste (PCR). The company plans to initially offer this grade in the Asia-Pacific region. This product expansion will enhance the company's portfolio.
Aug-2022: Teijin Limited collaborated with Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. to develop and market biomass-derived bisphenol A (BPA) and polycarbonate (PC) resins. Through this collaboration, the company aimed to produce more environmentally friendly products. Additionally, both companies will make efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout product lifecycles.
List of Key Companies Profiled
- Covestro AG
- Palram Industries Ltd.
- SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation)
- Teijin Limited
- UVPLASTIC Material Technology Co., Ltd.
- S Polytech Co Ltd.
- Polyvalley Technology (Tianjin) Co.,Ltd.
- Jiaxing Innovo Industries Co., Ltd.
- Exolon Group NV (Serafin Group)
- Emco Industrial Plastics, Inc. (Newbury Franklin LLC)
Global Polycarbonate Sheets Market Report Segmentation
By Type (Volume, Thousand square meters, USD Billion, 2020-2031)
- Multiwall
- Solid
- Corrugated
- Others
By End-Use (Volume, Thousand square meters, USD Billion, 2020-2031)
- Electrical & Electronics
- Building & Construction
- Automotive & Transportation
- Aerospace & Defense
- Packaging
- Others
By Geography (Volume, Thousand square meters, USD Billion, 2020-2031)
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Russia
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- LAMEA
- Brazil
- Argentina
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Rest of LAMEA