Polyurethane Precursor Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The Polyurethane Precursor market size is projected to be USD 46,518.2 million in 2023. The market is likely to exceed USD 80,216.2 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.6% over the projected timeframe.

With the growth of the automotive industry, the demand for polyurethane foams has been growing to perform the different functions. The increasing usage of flexible foam in automotive components is anticipated to favor the growth of the polyurethane precursor market, as precursors are crucial for the production of polyurethane and related products.

In the last few years, the demand for Polyurethane related products has witnessed significant growth owing to their increased consumption. They offer advantageous properties over other polymeric materials, hence are widely used in end use industries.

Other Drivers Propelling the Demand include:

  • Surging demand for flexible foams from automotive industry.
  • Growing demand from the construction and coating industry.
  • Increasing demand for packaging solutions owing to the booming consumer goods and e-commerce industry.
  • Technological advancements in polyurethane chemistry and product innovation coupled with customization.

Challenges for Companies /Manufacturers in the Market:

  • The Volatility in the prices of raw materials or precursors is one of the key challenge for the key manufacturers. Variations in the prices, availability and other market dynamics can create a hindrance in the industry.
  • The polyurethane industry and related products come under regulations. Restrictions on the usage of certain key raw materials, byproduct disposal, waste management, other potential hazards such as VOC emissions and other chemicals, may impact the market growth.

Opportunities in the Industry:

  • New and emerging applications for the Polyurethane Precursors Market may bring brighter growth prospects, which will help market to gain substantial amount of benefit. The expansion of applications of precursors in new industries such as healthcare, aerospace, renewable energy and others, is anticipated to promote the growth of the market and pave new growth paths.

Latest Trends in the Market:

  • Increasing focus is on the sustainability and recycling approach. Some of the key players are focusing on the recycling and circular economy principles to manage the waste management and disposal.
  • A shift towards bio-based and renewable materials to produce polyurethane related products. Utilization of bio-based products in the manufacturing processes to meet the sustainability goals.
Attributes Details
Market Size (2023) USD 46,518.2 million
Market Projected Size (2033) USD 80,216.2 million
Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.6%

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2018 to 2022 Demand Outlook Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecast

From 2018 to 2022, the global market experienced a CAGR of 4.7%, reaching a market size of USD 46,518.2 million in 2023.

During the historical period, market witnessed a sluggish growth as automobile industry was completely on halt as a result of pandemic. As the automotive industry is the key consuming industry for polyurethane related products, the market also witnessed less demand.

As the pandemic curve started to flatten in year 2021 to 2022, the market bounced back to the growth path. The market grew at a tremendous growth rate during the recovery phase and surge in demand was witnessed.

Future Forecast for Polyurethane Precursor Industry

Looking ahead, the global industry is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2023 to 2033. During the projected time period, the market size is expected to reach USD 80,216.2 million.

During the projected timeframe, the market is anticipated to witness a significant growth owing to the increased demand from the end use industries including construction, packaging, automotive and others. Countries of East Asia and South Asia Pacific, are expected to grow at a tremendous growth rate over the forecast period, owing to the considerable factors such as growing population, expansion of the end use industries, availability of raw materials, workforce, favorable manufacturing conditions and so on.

Nikhil Kaitwade
Nikhil Kaitwade

Principal Consultant

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Country-Wise Insights

Polyurethane Precursor: Expansion of the Automotive Industry, Fueling Growth in the USA Market

Country The United States
Market Size (USD million) by End of Forecast Period (2033) USD 11,727.6 million
CAGR % 2023 to End of Forecast (2033) 4.8%

The industry in the United States is expected to reach around USD 11,727.6 million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 4.8%. The USA market has experienced substantial growth in recent years.

The expansion of automotive industry is expected to drive the demand for polyurethane precursors and related products in the USA The United States has one of the largest automotive industry. As the industry continues to grow, the demand for polyurethane-base products will witness a significant upswing.

Polyurethane foam, coatings, elastomers all are used in vehicles for their exceptional qualities. Hence, the growth of the automotive industry is a key driving factor for the polyurethane precursor market.

Polyurethane Precursor: Transforming the Indian Polyurethane Industry with the expansion in End Use Industries

Country India
Market Size (USD million) by End of Forecast Period (2033) USD 3,593.7 million
CAGR % 2023 to End of Forecast (2033) 5.9%

The industry in India is expected to touch USD 3,593.7 million, expanding at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The Indian Polyurethane Industry is gaining significant traction from the expansion of the end use industries. India’s booming construction, furniture and automotive industries are boosting the sales of polyurethane products, which is benefitting the precursors market, as they are crucial for the production of polyurethane.

The Indian Packaging Industry is also leveraging the polyurethane foams and other products for cushioning and protective packaging, which is driving the demand. In conclusion, the expansion of the end use industries is transforming the polyurethane industry.

Boom in Packaging Industry, propels China's polyurethane precursor market to new heights

Country China
Market Size (USD million) by End of Forecast Period (2033) USD 20,214.5 million
CAGR % 2023 to End of Forecast (2033) 4.3%

With a projected market value of USD 20,214.5 million and a CAGR of 4.3%, the industry in China is poised for significant growth in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to the remarkable expansion of the packaging industry driven by population growth, urbanization, e-commerce, and evolving consumer preferences.

The growing e-commerce industry, rising need for protective packaging, is driving the demand for rigid and flexible polyurethane foams. This surge in demand is directly impacting the polyurethane precursor market.

Furthermore, the flexibility of packaging foams provide extra advantage for customized packaging. Polyurethane foam are flexible, durable, lightweight and provide excellent protection to the products. Hence, the growing consumption of these foams in packaging industry will ramp up the sales of polyurethane precursors.

Japan rides the wave of Polyurethane Precursors: Fueling diverse industries with unstoppable growth

Country Japan
Market Size (USD million) by End of Forecast Period (2033) USD 3,176.6 million
CAGR % 2023 to End of Forecast (2033) 4.6%

The industry in Japan is estimated to reach a market share of USD 3,176.6 million by 2033, thriving at a CAGR of 4.6%. Japan is known for its technological advancements, where it leads the global market. The automotive industry in Japan is key industry consuming the polyurethane related products including the foams, coatings, adhesives, elastomers and others.

Also, the construction industry provide an extra advantage to growth of the market. Increasing usage of polyurethane products in construction industry in the form of coatings, insulation materials, sealants and so on. Is expected to drive the market growth.

Demand for Polyurethane Precursors in Textile, Automobile and Packaging to Fuel Market Growth in Germany

Country Germany
Market Size (USD million) by End of Forecast Period (2033) USD 4,527.4 million
CAGR % 2023 to End of Forecast (2033) 5.1%

Germany's Polyurethane Precursor industry is projected to achieve a market share of USD 4,527.4 million, with a CAGR of 5.1% throughout the forecast period. Country’s strong focus on research & development, technological advancements, sustainable manufacturing practices all are the factors are transforming the polyurethane precursors market.

Growing use of polyurethane-based materials in textile industry, in bedding, furniture industry and automotive industry, are driving the demand for polyurethane precursors.

Category-Wise Insights

Foam Precursors Segment to Dominate Polyurethane Precursor Industry with 5.8% CAGR through 2033

The Foam Precursor segment is expected to dominate the industry with a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2033. Foam precursor is the dominating application for the market and holds approximately more than 60% of the total market share for the year 2023.

Foam precursors are used in the production of polyurethane foams, and these foams are widely used in various end use industries. Generally these foams come under two broad categories, flexible and rigid.

Flexible foams are used in bedding, cushions, upholstery, furniture, automotive seating and others, while rigid foams are used in construction industry for insulation, sealants, roofing and so on.

Polyurethane foams are knowns for their versatility. They are lightweight, durable and thermally insulated. As they offer exception properties, they are heavily used in packaging, automotive, furniture and construction industry.

How the Automotive Industry is driving the Polyurethane Precursor Market?

Automotive industry is one of the force, driving the growth of the market. Automakers are putting emphasis on making vehicle lightweight. In order to achieve the lightweight vehicles, usage of plastics in automotive parts is the key pointer, while focus is also on using lightweight materials in seating, rims, and other components. Polyurethane foams are extensively used in automotive seating, door panels, dashboards, headrests and others.

Apart from the polyurethane foams, polyurethane based coatings, adhesives are also being used in automotive industry. As the consumption of polyurethane based products increases, so does the need of polyurethane precursors.

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How Key Players Stay Competitive in the Industry?

The polyurethane precursor market is highly competitive in nature as market has presence of some of the big key market participants, who are quite active in the market.

Players such as BASF SE, Dow Inc., Covestro AG, Evonik Industries and others are dominating the market. Market players are staying ahead in the competition by adopting certain growth strategies.

Key Strategies Adopted by the Players

Research and Development

Key market participants are intensively focused on research and development activities. A significant amount of revenue is devoted for research and development activity. This help key players to stay ahead in competition as this open up new doors for the launch of new and innovative products.

Collaboration and Mergers

Collaborations and mergers, are another set of growth strategies, where key players are strategically collaborating with other market participants to capture the market share and increase their reach to different set of consumer base. Mergers activities helps in gaining extra edge over other players, as it enhances their global position and also helps in strengthening the product portfolio.

New Product Development and Launch

Key market participants are focusing on the development of the new products which can cater the customization. In this market, market players are launching new products in the market.

Circular Economy and Sustainability

This is one of the crucial factors, where key players are continuously striving to achieve the sustainability goals. Key players are actively involved in achieving the sustainability goals and putting efforts in circular economy.

The recycling and reuse of polyurethane based products and closing the loop is under the limelight and key market participants are focusing on such practices and collaborating with associations.

Production Capacity Expansion and Geographic Reach

To capitalize on new opportunities, key players in the industry prioritize expanding their market presence and geographic reach. They actively seek out untapped regions, establish robust distribution networks, and engage in strategic collaborations with local partners. This strategic approach enables them to enter new markets, access a wider customer base, and harness the growth potential of diverse regions. Key players are also focused on the expansion of their production capacities to cater the growing demand.

Key Players in the Market

  • Evonik Industries
  • BASF SE
  • Dow Chemical Company
  • Covestro AG
  • Huntsman Corporation
  • Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd.
  • Shell Plc
  • Recticel NV/SA
  • Perstorp AB
  • Arkema SA
  • Arcad Chemicals
  • Lubrizol Corp.

Segmentation Analysis of the Market

By Chemical Composition:

  • Polyols
    • Polyether Polyols
    • Polyester Polyols
    • Polycarbonate Polyols
    • Others
  • Diisocyanates
    • Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI)
    • Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI)
  • Chain extenders
  • Catalysts
  • Other additives

By Application:

  • Foam Precursor
  • Coating & Adhesive Precursor
  • Elastomer Precursors
  • Others

By Industry Vertical:

  • Automotive
  • Furniture
  • Packaging
  • Construction
  • Others (Insulation, Textile)

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia Pacific
  • The Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Global Market?

The net worth of the global market is estimated to be USD 46,518.2 million in 2023.

What will be the Global Market Value in Next Ten Years?

The global market value is projected to be around USD 80,216.2 million by 2033.

Who are the Leading Players?

BASF, Dow, Covestro, and Evonik are the top suppliers of polyurethane precursors.

Which is Most Profitable End User Segment?

The revenue from automotive industry segment remains profitable.

Which Application Dominates the Market Demand?

The foam precursors hold almost 60% of the market demand globally.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Key Market Trends
	4. Key Success Factors
	5. Global Market Demand Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	6. Global Market - Pricing Analysis
	7. Global Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD Million) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	8. Market Background
	9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Chemical Composition
		9.1. Polyols
			9.1.1. Polyether Polyols
			9.1.2. Polyester Polyols
			9.1.3. Polycarbonate Polyols
			9.1.4. Others
		9.2. Diisocyanates
			9.2.1. Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI)
			9.2.2. Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI)
		9.3. Chain Extenders
		9.4. Catalysts
		9.5. Other Additives
	10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		10.1. Foam Precursor
		10.2. Coating & Adhesive Precursor
		10.3. Elastomer Precursors
		10.4. Others
	11. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Industry Vertical
		11.1. Automotive
		11.2. Furniture
		11.3. Packaging
		11.4. Construction
		11.5. Others (Insulation, Textile)
	12. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		12.1. North America
		12.2. Latin America
		12.3. Western Europe
		12.4. Eastern Europe
		12.5. East Asia
		12.6. South Asia and Pacific
		12.7. Middle East and Africa
	13. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	14. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	15. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	16. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	17. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	18. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	19. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	20. Key Countries Market Analysis
	21. Market Structure Analysis
	22. Competition Analysis
		22.1. Evonik Industries
		22.2. BASF SE
		22.3. Dow Chemical Company
		22.4. Covestro AG
		22.5. Huntsman Corporation
		22.6. Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd.
		22.7. Shell Plc
		22.8. Recticel NV/SA
		22.9. Perstorp AB
		22.10. Arkema SA
		22.11. Arcad Chemicals
		22.12. Other Players
	23. Primary Survey Analysis
	24. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	25. Research Methodology

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