World demand for nanomaterials will rise more than two-and-a-half times to
$5.5 billion in 2016, driven by a combination of increased market penetration
of existing materials, and ongoing development of new materials and
applications. Nanotubes, along with other materials such as nanoclays and
quantum dots, will grow at the fastest pace, with the energy storage and
generation and construction markets undergoing the most rapid expansions.
Regionally, the Americas and the Asia/Pacific region will continue to dominate
demand, though the fastest growth will occur in Eastern Europe and the
Africa/Mideast region.
China, India to be fastest growing national markets
The world market for nanomaterials continues to be quite dynamic, undergoing
rapid expansion even during the recent global recession in 2009. Significant
investments into the research and development of nanomaterials continue to
highlight their unique properties and their high-value nature when compared to
conventional materials. This high-value nature has concentrated nanomaterial
demand in wealthier countries where the majority of research and development
continues to occur, and where many companies continue to manufacture their
most technologically advanced products due to concerns about intellectual
property rights in developing countries. Through 2016, however, the fastest
growth in nanomaterial demand will be in China and India as these countries
gain a greater share of global research and development spending, and as large
multinational corporations become increasingly comfortable allowing their most
advanced products to be produced in these manufacturing powerhouses.
Energy storage and generation, construction markets to lead gains
The energy storage and generation and construction markets will expand at the
fastest pace through 2016. However, this primarily reflects the limited
historical penetration of nanomaterials in these markets. As prices continue
to fall and material properties continue to improve, both markets will offer
significant opportunities for expansion. Growth in the electronics market, in
contrast, while still robust, will trail all other markets. The electronics
sector was one of the first to experience significant penetration of
nanomaterials, and consequently demand in this market is already quite high.
Key health care market has significant opportunities
The largest market in 2011 was the health care market, due primarily to the
use of nanocrystalline active pharmaceutical intermediates to improve
bioavailability and system uptake. However, significant opportunities remain
as many pharmaceuticals still are not converted into a nanocrystalline form,
and the use of nanocomposites to produce advanced medical devices remains in
its infancy. Significant opportunities for market expansion will also exist in
many smaller markets such as aerospace and defense, packaging, personal care
products, and sports equipment. However, a potential restraining factor in
many of these markets will be growing public and regulatory concern about the
environmental impact and toxicity of nanomaterials. Increased regulatory
scrutiny may erode public confidence in nanomaterials and slow their adoption
in consumeroriented products.
Study coverage
This Freedonia industry study, “World Nanomaterials”,
presents historical demand data (2001, 2006, 2011) plus forecasts for 2016 and
2021 by material, market, world region (e.g., The Americas, Western Europe,
Asia/Pacific) and for 15 major countries. The study also considers market
environment factors, evaluates company market shares and profiles industry
competitors.
Freedonia's methods involve:
Establishing consistent economic and market forecasts
Using input/output ratios, flow charts and other economic methods to
quantify data
Employing in-house analysts who meet stringent quality standards
Interviewing key industry participants, experts and end users
Researching a proprietary database that includes trade publications,
government reports and corporate literature
