Engineering Plastics Market Forecasts to 2028 – Global Analysis By Product Type (Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Liquid Crystal Polymers, Thermoplastic Polyesters, Polyoxymethylene (POM), Styrene Copolymers, Polyamides, Polyether Ethe

Engineering Plastics Market Forecasts to 2028 – Global Analysis By Product Type (Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Liquid Crystal Polymers, Thermoplastic Polyesters, Polyoxymethylene (POM), Styrene Copolymers, Polyamides, Polyether Ether Ketone, Polyimides and Other Product Types), End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Engineering Plastics Market is accounted for $108.52 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $157.46 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. Engineering plastics are a class of plastic materials with better mechanical and thermal properties than the more widely used commodity plastics. They are employed in applications where top-notch performance, dimensional stability, chemical and impact resistance are required. They are highly benefitable because of qualities such as durability, design adaptability, high strength-to-weight ratios and low densities. It incorporates acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). They are used for Lego bricks, dashboard trim and automobile guards.

According to OICA, automotive production in 2021 accounted for 9,167,214 units, an increase of 4% compared to the show in 2020, which was reported to be 8,822,399 units.

Market Dynamics

Driver:

Shift toward light weight and durable materials

Engineering plastics have the strength to compete with their metal equivalents, and they also have the advantages of being lightweight, affordable, and flexible. These materials are ideal for a variety of sectors, from automotive and manufacturing to engineering and electronics, owing to their exceptional chemical resistance, impact resistance, and mechanical strength. Their versatility, durability, light weight and easy customization factors propels the market demand.

Restraint

Strict government policies

Engineered plastics damage the environment and take up precious space in landfills. Despite the fact that they have many advantages, they might take a very long time to decompose. Government agencies are enforcing stringent regulations for their manufacture in an effort to eliminate these effects. The production was challenging due to several efforts and regulations. Before beginning production, the manufacturing facility must adhere to all regulations. This aspect is impeding the market growth.

Opportunity

Growing need for alternatives

Manufacturers are exploring for substitute materials such engineering polymers due to factors such as payment reforms, medical device taxes and globalization driving down costs. They have a wide range of advantages and in many instances; they successfully take the place of metals or ceramics. They also meet the criteria of the desired use, which is a little easier than with metals. These elements are accelerating the market demand.

Threat

Low recycling rates

The market for engineering plastics is apparently booming, but recycling is still a significant obstacle. Moreover, plastic recycling rates are astonishingly low in every location, leading to even higher trash quantities that are either burned or dumped. Strict recycling regulations are made as they generate large volume of wastes which in turn limiting the market expansion.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disturbances to the world's supply chain networks, which hurt the engineering plastics industry. These disruptions were brought on by lockdowns, societal barriers, and trade restrictions. The early 2021 activity suspension had a negative impact on the automotive and construction industries. The second part of 2021 saw positive development in several sectors, which boosted demand for engineering plastics. Interestingly, the packaging and medical sectors' demand for engineering plastics remained strong during the epidemic.

The automotive & transportation segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The automotive & transportation segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, due to its wide range of applications. Engineering plastics are displacing a number of other materials as the focus shifts to reducing vehicle weight, enhancing fuel economy and controlling emissions. Automotives benefit from the flexibility and thermal stability of engineering plastics. Its high performance and extremely low lead content are driving the segment’s demand.

The liquid crystal polymers segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The liquid crystal polymers segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR growth during the forecast period, due to its exceptional mechanical properties at high temperatures. They have excellent electrochemical resistance. Liquid crystal polymers inherent flame retardancy and good weather ability. They are available in a range of shapes, including high-temperature sinterable and injection mouldable compositions.

Region with largest share

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the rapid industrialization. The engineering plastics market is experiencing increased demand as a result of the rising demand from sectors including chemicals, packaging, automotive, and power generation. Due to the move toward stronger, lighter materials, the automotive and electronics sectors in China are growing quickly, they are creating several opportunities for robust market growth in this region.

Region with highest CAGR

Europe is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to stringent government regulations. The government in this region made strict rules and regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions, and persuasion for developing lightweight materials for automotive industry. The abundant availability of raw materials and increasing automotive production in the region are the core factors exhibiting steadfast market growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Engineering Plastics Market include Covestro AG, BASF SE, Celanese Corporation, Solvay S.A., Dow Chemical Company, LG Chem Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, LANXESS AG, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, AdvanSix Inc., Asahi Kasei Corporation, DuPont, Grand Pacific Petrochemical Corporation, Polyplastics Co., Ltd., Daicel Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Chi Mei Corporation, Trinseo and Teijin Limited.

Key Developments

In March 2023, Evonik launched a new GMP facility to manufacture lipids for advanced, pharmaceutical drug delivery applications. The lipid launch facility is located at the company’s site in Hanau, Germany and provides customers with quantities of lipids as needed for clinical and small-scale commercial manufacturing.

In June 2022, BASF launches VerdessenceTM RiceTouch, a new biopolymer for a smooth and powdery light skin feel, suitable for a broad range of personal care products. This plant based sensory powder with small particle size provides powdery light and smooth skin feel and is ideal for matte type cosmetics.

Product Types Covered:
• Polycarbonate (PC)
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
• Liquid Crystal Polymers
• Thermoplastic Polyesters
• Polyoxymethylene (POM)
• Styrene Copolymers
• Polyamides
• Polyether Ether Ketone
• Polyimides
• Other Product Types

End Users Covered:
• Automotive & Transportation
• Building & Construction
• Consumer Goods
• Electrical & Electronics
• Packaging
• Industrial & Machinery
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements