Global Polypropylene (PP) Market - 2023-2030

Overview

Global Polypropylene (PP) Market reached US$ 124.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 181.2 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The polypropylene market is driven by its versatile properties and widespread applications across industries. With a diverse range of industrial and consumer uses, including fast food containers, car parts, packaging and more, PP remains a key material. Its popularity is attributed to being a recyclable and reusable polymer.

The demand for polypropylene is fueled by its recyclability and adaptability in various sectors. Ongoing innovations, such as the development of sustainable PP concentrates using recycled resin, highlight efforts to enhance the environmental profile of polypropylene, contributing to its continued market growth. Additionally, the automotive industry's increasing interest in PP for lightweighting and electrical applications further propels the market forward.

Asia-Pacific dominates the polypropylene market, holding the largest share, driven by robust industrialization, high demand from end-use industries and increasing automotive production. The region's economic growth, particularly in countries like China and India, contributes to the rising demand for polypropylene across diverse applications, ranging from packaging to automotive components. The sustained demand positions Asia-Pacific as a key player in the global polypropylene market, emphasizing its prominent market share in the industry..

Dynamics

Thriving Polypropylene Homopolymer Market

The Polypropylene market is thriving due to the high demand for Polypropylene homopolymer, driven by its exceptional properties. With excellent chemical resistance, stiffness and a high melting point, it suits harsh environments. Its good electrical properties, low moisture absorption and high impact strength contribute to its versatility.

Its cost-effectiveness compared to other engineering plastics attracts manufacturers across various industries, including medical equipment, food containers, packaging, automotive and consumer goods. Polypropylene homopolymer finds applications in laboratory equipment, pipes, tanks, precision parts, fibers, films and sheets, showcasing durability, moisture resistance and clarity.

PolyMirae Company Ltd, a joint venture of LyondellBasell, has officially launched Hostalen PP H2150, a polypropylene homopolymer (PP-H) designed for customer industrial sheet applications. The specialty grade has undergone successful testing by an international producer of industrial sheets, meeting the technical requirements of resins commonly used in such applications.

Hostalen PP H2150 is a natural, nucleated grade with high melt viscosity for the extrusion process, featuring high heat and extraction stability. The grade is known for its heat resistance, high heat deformation temperature and stiffness, making it a preferred choice for industrial pipe, fittings, sheet production, filter plates, tank fabrication and plastic rods.

Need of Sustainability

The growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices is driving the market for polypropylene. As businesses and consumers prioritize environmentally responsible choices, polypropylene, with its recyclability and low environmental impact, gains traction. Manufacturers, particularly in industries like packaging and automotive, are increasingly opting for polypropylene due to its versatile applications, high durability and potential for reducing environmental impact, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

Milliken & Company, a polymer additive and colorant technology expert and PureCycle Technologies, Inc., have jointly announced the creation of the first fully sustainable concentrate for polypropylene on the market. The development, utilizing PureCycle materials, promotes circularity by allowing for greate use of 100% recycled content. The concentrate, when combined with PureCycle's recycled PP, results in a formulation with a carbon footprint approximately 35% lower than that of virgin PP.

Environmental Sustainability Challenges

Polypropylene faces several challenges and restraints in the market, impacting its environmental sustainability. While PP is low-cost, easily processed and widely used in various applications, its manufacturing process involves petroleum and natural gas, requiring significant water and energy resources. The production of PP results in considerable energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, making it less environmentally friendly.

Despite being recyclable, the energy-intensive production process limits PP's appeal for environmentally conscious consumers. The usage of phthalates in PP products, although not considered toxic, raises concerns about reproductive abnormalities in animals, urging caution in handling PP plastics. Additionally, the diverse additives in polypropylene products can vary based on manufacturers and grades, potentially containing harmful chemicals. Although not biodegradable, PP is recyclable and its environmental impact depends on proper recycling practices and consumer choices.

Segment Analysis

The global polypropylene market is segmented based on type, process, application and region.

Polypropylene's Dominance in Automotive Applications

Automotive applications dominate the polypropylene market due to its unique properties. Classified as an insulator, PP is ideal for electronic components, aligning with the automotive industry's shift toward electric vehicles. PP's high melting point (130 degrees Celsius), malleability and high tensile strength contribute to its safety, versatility and durability. Transforming PP into fiber form enables the creation of mesh-like surfaces for car interiors. As a low-density material, PP reduces vehicle weight, enhancing fuel efficiency. The rising demand for lightweight, eco-friendly vehicles positions PP as a key material for the future of automotive manufacturing.

Borouge, a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has introduced new polypropylene (PP) products for the automotive industry containing up to 70% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. The first solution, with 50% PCR material, reduces the carbon footprint by approximately 28%, suitable for under-body shields, bumper brackets and structural parts. The second solution, with a blend of up to 70% PCR materials, is designed for wheel arches and exterior components, achieving a 32% reduction in carbon footprint compared to virgin grades.

Geographical Penetration

Asia-Pacific Leads Polypropylene Market with Automotive Sector Surge

Asia-Pacific commands the largest share in the polypropylene market due to robust growth in automotive sectors. India's passenger vehicle sales projected to grow by 9%-10% in fiscal year 2024, reaching record levels of 5 million units according to a Reuters report. Crisil Ratings attributes this growth to higher incomes, strong SUV demand and improved chip supplies. Despite sluggish exports, domestic factors will propel India's automotive sector beyond pre-pandemic peaks.

According to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers in China, vehicle sales surged by 13.8% in October 2023, marking the third consecutive month of growth, driven by auto shows and new model launches. Energy vehicle sales saw a remarkable 33.5% increase. The region's resilience, expanding economies and growing automotive industries reinforce Asia-Pacific's leadership in the polypropylene market.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the polypropylene market, causing disruptions in the supply chain, production slowdowns and shifts in consumer behavior. During the initial phases of the pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions led to reduced industrial activities, affecting polypropylene demand. However, as the world adapted to the new normal, the demand for polypropylene surged in applications like packaging, healthcare and textiles.

The increased need for personal protective equipment, medical supplies and packaging materials drove the market's recovery. While challenges like supply chain constraints persisted, the pandemic highlighted the versatility and resilience of polypropylene, contributing to its resurgence in various industries as they adapted to the changing market dynamics influenced by the ongoing global health crisis.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine war has significantly impacted the polypropylene (PP) market, exacerbating challenges already present due to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions. The war, which began in February 2022, brought about economic sanctions and geopolitical complexities. Sanctions, including U.S. ban on oil imports from Russia, elevated crude oil prices, directly affecting resin pricing. Polyethylene (PE) and PP suppliers responded with per-pound price increases, further straining the market. Russia's strategic reliance on China for resin export faced hurdles due to China's lockdown amid the Omicron variant, disrupting production and import/export activities.

The war-induced shutdown of pallet production in Ukraine, a major supplier to Europe, intensified shipping dilemmas, causing delays, rising costs and warehousing challenges. The cumulative impact of geopolitical tensions, sanctions and supply chain disruptions has prolonged the global plastics shortage, affecting resin availability and pricing. The market climate underscores the need for supply chain diligence and strategic partnerships in navigating the complex landscape.

By Type

• Polypropylene homopolymer
• Polypropylene random copolymer
• Polypropylene block copolymer

By Process

• Injection Molding
• Blow Molding
• Extrusion Molding
• Others

By Application

• Automotive
• Consumer Process
• Healthcare and Medical
• Hygiene and Personal care
• Packaging
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In November 2022, Mondi and Skanemejerier have partnered to launch a mono-material polypropylene film packaging for cheese, designed for recyclability. The packaging, produced by Mondi and converted by Skanemejerier, features high barriers, puncture resistance and effective printability. Scheduled to hit Swedish supermarket ICA shelves by the end of 2023, the sustainable solution aligns with the upcoming Site Zero facility, contributing to Sweden's plastic packaging recycling goals.
• In September 2023, Ducor Petrochemicals introduced the DuCare product range, a line specifically crafted for Healthcare & Life Science applications. Achieving ISO 13485 certification, Ducor Petrochemicals ensures that the DuCare range adheres to stringent standards for medical applications, providing customers with confidence for developing new medical products. Suited for applications in medical, pharmaceutical and life science sectors, DuCare polypropylene is designed for injection molding and compound applications, making it ideal for critical applications like (PCR) pipette tips, medical packaging, casings and components.
• In November 2023, Lummus Technology and Citroniq Chemicals have entered into licensing and engineering agreements to establish green polypropylene plants in U.S. The initial plant, set to be completed in 2027, will pioneer the production of 400,000 Tons per Annum (TPA) of bio-polypropylene, marking a significant step in sustainable production in North America.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Exxon Mobil Corporation, MITSUI CHEMICALS AMERICA, INC, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, INEOS, SABIC, LyondellBasell Industries, Repsol, Phillips 66 Company and MOLGROUP.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global polypropylene market segmentation based on type, process, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of polypropylene market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global polypropylene market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 61 figures and 196 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies