Global Caprolactam Market 2024-2031

Global Caprolactam Market 2024-2031

Global Caprolactam Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Raw Materials (Phenol, Cyclohexane, and Toluene), by Product (Nylon 6 Resins and Nylon 6 Fibers), by Application (Engineering Resins and Films, Industrial Yarns, Textiles and Carpets, and Others) Forecast Period (2024-2031)

The caprolactam market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Caprolactam is a type of organic compound that is used in the manufacturing of nylon 6 fiber and resins. As a result of its superior elasticity, tensile strength, chemical and oil resistance, and low moisture absorbency nylon 6 resin and nylon 6 fibers have augmented their demand in the textile and automotive industry.

Market Dynamics

Growing textile industry

There has been a growing demand for high-quality textiles that are used in the manufacturing of clothing, sportswear, and carpets, among other things in the textile industry. The domestic apparel & textile industry in India contributes approx. 2.3 % to the country’s GDP, 13.0% to industrial production, and 12.0% to exports. India has a 4.0% share of the global trade in textiles and apparel.Additionally, in India, 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed in textiles, which is expected to propel regional market growth over the forecast period. Caprolactam is used extensively in the textile industry due to its high tensile strength and superior abrasion and chemical resistance. Thus, the growing textile industry is anticipated to drive the growth of the global market.

Surging demand for sustainable and bio-based products

Surging demand for sustainable & bio-based cloths is promoting manufacturers to different strategic moves to produce bio-based caprolactam. For instance, in May 2018, Genomatica and Aquafil declared the formation of Project EFFECTIVE. This is a multi-company collaboration to create more sustainable plastics and fibers for commercial usage by utilizing bio-based technologies and renewable feedstocks. One of the main goals of Project EFFECTIVE is to produce more sustainable nylon from bio-based caprolactam. Thus, the surging demand for sustainable and bio-based products is anticipated to drive the market growth rate

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global caprolactam market includes the following segments by raw materials, product, application and end-use industry:

• Based on raw material, the market is sub-segmented into phenol, cyclohexane, and toluene.

• Based on the product, the market is bifurcated into nylon 6 resins and nylon 6 fibers.

• Based on application, the market is augmented into engineering resins and films, industrial yarns, textiles, and carpets.

Nylon 6 Fibers is Projected to Emerge as the Largest Segment

Based on the product, the global caprolactam market is sub-segmented into nylon 6 resins and nylon 6 fibers. Among these, the nylon 6 fibers sub-segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. It is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period. Nylon 6 fibers are manufactured using caprolactam derived from ammonia, sulfuric acid, and a few other chemicals. In addition to toothbrushes, raincoats, sportswear, bedsheets, curtains, racket strings, threads, ropes, and sleeping bags, Nylon 6 fibers are utilized in a variety of applications.

Textile Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The textile segment holds a considerable market share and is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. Textile yarn is widely utilized in a variety of applications, including clothing and home furnishings. In the coming years, the increasing demand for textile yarn and the usage of nylon 6 fibers in bedspreads, carpets, upholstery, and curtains are anticipated to drive the growth of this market segment.

Regional Outlook

The global caprolactam market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). The North American region is anticipated to experience substantial growth in the global market over the forecast period due to the region's strong manufacturing base and advanced technological capabilities, particularly in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics, which are significant consumers of caprolactam-derived products. Additionally, the increasing investments in infrastructure development, particularly in the construction sector, are expected to drive demand for nylon 6-based materials such as carpets, flooring, and insulation.

Asia-Pacific Holds Major Market Share

Among all the regions, Asia-Pacific holds a significant share in the global caprolactam market due to the presence of emerging economies such as China, South Korea, and India, which collectively drive significant demand for caprolactam-based products across various industries. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development in these countries have spurred demand for Nylon 6, a major derivative of caprolactam, in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, textiles, and electronics. Moreover, the Asia Pacific region benefits from a robust manufacturing base and extensive supply chain networks, enabling efficient production and distribution of caprolactam and its derivatives.

The major companies serving the global caprolactam market include BASF SE, China Petrochemical Development Corp., Fibrant, and UBE Corp., among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in December 2023, NACAG, an organization in the chemical industry, took a significant step towards mitigating N2O emissions in caprolactam production. The company has embraced abetment technology, and the first measures have been taken in Thailand. NACAG has expanded its scope by offering technical cooperation and financial mechanisms to caprolactam production.