Polymer Concrete Market Assessment, By Concrete Type [Polymer Impregnated Concrete, Polymer Cement Concrete, Polymer Concrete], By Polymer Mix Type [Polyester Resin, Epoxy, Polyethylene, Others], By Resin Type [Natural, Synthetic], By Application [Solid Surface Countertops, Precast Slabs, Outdoor Seats and Benches, Waste Containers, Chemical and Industrial Containments, Irrigation Works, Prefabricated Structures, Others], By End-use Industry [Industrial, Residential and Municipal, Commercial], By Region, Opportunities, and Forecast, 2017-2031F
Global polymer concrete market is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 601.3 million in 2023 to USD 1048.7 million in 2031. The polymer concrete market is experiencing massive growth due to increasing demand for chemical-resistant construction materials that are extensively used for numerous industrial purposes. Polymer concretes are high-quality materials that comprise selective aggregate combinations. Polymer concrete possesses four times higher strength than conventional concrete, where the optimal mixture remarkably bounds with significant bonding strength and provides massive support to structures that are prone to harsh environmental conditions. Corrosion is a frequent problem in sanitary sewer collection systems, which gradually leads to tremendous damage. Polymer concrete effectively eliminates such disastrous corrosion by incorporating resins as the binding agent, which deals with both acidic and basic corrosive environments.
Hydrogen sulfide gas, which is considered a high-level corrosive compound, is subjected to degrade essential pump stations, tank linings, and numerous pipe structures. Polymer concrete offers all-around prevention and strength by providing resistance to such corrosive chemicals and harsh environmental conditions. The binding agent of conventional concrete is Portland cement, while polymer concrete comprises significant polymers such as resins, polyethylene, epoxy, etc. Consequently, the extensive coating solution to protect essential infrastructures is propelling the growth of the polymer concrete market.
For instance, in 2022, the European Investment Bank (EIB) invested a huge amount of USD 2.31 billion in water and wastewater management to improve sanitation for 10.8 million people and provide better access to safe drinking water.
Propelling Oil and Gas Industry Boosting the Implementation of Polymer Concrete Solutions
The large volume of equipment and high processing oil utilities usually operating under different environmental conditions, where all units are vulnerable to corrosive damage and successive economic losses. This is usually considered a potential threat to the oil and gas industry and to overcome this, polymer concretes are progressively incorporated as an important material for the construction of structural wet wells and vault components for pump stations. Polymer concretes are comparatively lighter than traditional concretes that offer impeccable strength. The presence of hydrogen sulfide gas subsequently oxidizes sulfuric acid, leading to corrosive damage to offshore and onshore components. It can comparatively handle high-pressure force (up to 1300) from various operating equipment and pumps, which is substantially higher than conventional concrete like fiber cement. Hence, the overall positive market factors for essential anti-corrosive processing units in the oil and gas sector are contributing to the growth of the polymer concrete market.
According to the International Energy Agency, the oil demand is anticipated to increase from 2.2 mb/day to an average of 102 mb/day in 2023. China, being the world’s second-biggest oil user after the United States, will contribute to nearly 60% of global growth in 2023. A report published on Arabian Gulf Business Insight states that SLB, the world’s largest oilfield services company, has registered a massive growth of 6%, summing to USD 6.6 billion, where sales in the Middle East and Asia grew by 22%. In 2022, SLB signed two major deals for drilling-related services, securing five-year deals with ADNOC and QatarEnergy. In August 2023, the revenue for Russian oil exports increased by USD 1.8 billion to USD 17.1 billion where major shipments come from China and India.
Polymer Concrete is Delivering Impeccable Solutions to Drainage Channels
Polymer concrete is successively used in protecting various drainage systems that subsequently develop essential structures connecting throughout the city. Polymer concrete channel drains are significantly convenient for trench drainage systems and comprise numerous advantages, including adaptability, easy installation, extensive durability, etc. Polymer concretes are aggregates of conventional concrete and essential binding polymers that assist in designing channels that consequently enable interconnection with each other to form a modular-like chain. The drainage systems with polymer concrete have been specially designed to withstand the heavy weight of cars and high-weight components in homes and gardens. It substantially keeps pathways, entrances, garage forecourts, and terraces free of rain and wastewater. Hence, the polymer concrete market is anticipated to experience massive growth due to the growing infrastructure projects either commercial or industrial.
For instance, in 2022, under Global Water Partnership (GPW), the management was strictly focused on incorporating 2020-2025 strategy plans where the investment is added around USD 368.86 million. In 2022, GPW encouraged the mobilization of USD 1.5 million for Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries under the GCP Project Preparation Facility. Data published by the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) in July 2023, states that the construction of new household buildings contributes to around 20.6% of the total construction investment across Europe. It also focused on two countries, Portugal and Ireland, which are anticipated to see investments in construction during the year.
Asia-Pacific Market is Progressively Contributing to the Growth of Polymer Concrete Market
The higher demand for non-commercial buildings, along with fuel consumption, are the prime elements driving the growth of the market in the Asia-Pacific region. India is becoming a leading hub of the construction business, which is encouraging real-estate investors to develop sustainable infrastructure projects. In addition to construction, oil and gas companies like Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL), and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have commissioned various projects to fulfil the rising demand and become an exporter of oil and gas. Polymer concrete plays an imperative role in the oil and gas industry in preventing essential pump stations and oil wells from corrosive environments and processing high-pressure fluids across every segment of the unit. The increment in mobility across India and China has substantially increased the consumption of fuels, gasoline, and diesel, along with prominent industrial projects.
According to India Brand Equity Foundation, during 2022, the crude oil production in India was around 30.5 million metric tons. It also states that in June 2021, Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) invested around USD 3.2 billion to expand the petrochemical projects in the Gujarat refinery. According to the data released by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the crude oil imports during May 2023 in China averaged around 10.8 mb/d. OECD demand is anticipated to rise by 06 mb/d, while non-OECD oil demand is forecasted to reflect an increase of 2.1 mb/d, where the maximum contribution is from China and India. Therefore, with such a definite investment, Asia-Pacific is considered a prominent contributor to the growth of the polymer concrete market.
Government Initiatives
Sika AG has recently disclosed its ongoing commitment to investing in polymer production at its Sealy, Texas facility. This marks the company's second polymer investment in Texas within the last five years. Polymers are essential chemical components for crafting Sika® ViscoCrete®, a high-performance, resource-efficient concrete admixture. The expansion comes in response to heightened demand for Sika's concrete admixture in the United States and Canada.
Anticipating numerous business opportunities, Sika is poised to benefit from U.S. government initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These initiatives, aimed at rejuvenating American infrastructure and addressing climate change, are expected to unlock investments in significant infrastructure projects, as well as the expansion of energy and water facilities. Additionally, Sika foresees that reshoring initiatives, redirecting international manufacturing to the U.S., will drive the construction of new facilities, particularly in the batteries and semiconductors sectors. The United States, among developed nations, is projected to witness robust growth in demand for concrete additives, with an estimated CAGR of 3.4%, reaching USD 3.6 billion by 2026.
Future Market Outlook (2024-2031F)
Polymer concretes generally comprise polymer binder aggregated with concrete that substantially provides impeccable strength to structures. Thus, superior performance properties of polymer concrete will drive market growth in the coming years.
Polymer concrete offers impeccable compressive strength, shock resistance, zero water absorption, and chemical resistance, which will expand its application across various sectors.
It is successively used to extend support and strength to bridges, parking lots, loading docks, driveways, post-anchors, etc.
The intense objective to develop strong pavement constructions has emphasized the incorporation of polymer concrete and building sustainable structures with enhanced durability.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The rising polymer concrete market has encouraged prominent companies to develop polymer concrete that has extensive applications in real estate and oil and gas sectors. The leading global companies in the polymer concrete market are ULMA Architectural Solutions, Interplastic Corporation., ACO FUNKI A/S, Armorock, Forte Composites Inc., Saudi Cast, DOW Chemical, SIKA Corporation, EasyMix Concrete UK Ltd, and Lidco Building Technologies. SIKA Corporation has developed high modulus and greater strength product by the registered product Sikadur-32 Hi-Mod, which is a multipurpose, 2-component and comprises of epoxy bonding with the objective to deliver excellent adhesion to prominent structural materials. It significantly grouts horizontal cracks in structural concrete and wood by gravity feed. The product is 100% epoxy-based with prolonged shelf-life of 2 years, along with varying viscous range of 4-5,000 cps. These developments are increasing competition in the market at the global level.
In January 2023, Sika Corporation provided its high-quality flooring system solutions to the Shanna & Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center in Tampa, Florida, where a sum of distinct Sika products was utilized as one comprehensive, secure system.
In June 2023, SikaBond T100 earned a prestigious greenstep nomination for 2023, which is substantially recognized among top adhesive and installation solutions.