PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1715271
PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1715271
Plasticizers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Phthalate and Non-phthalate), and Application (Wires & Cables, Floorings & Wall Coverings, Films & Sheets, Coated Fabrics, Consumer Goods and Others) Forecast Period (2025-2035)
Industry Overview
Plasticizers market was valued at $17,850 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $36,422 million in 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period (2025-2035) driven by the growing infrastructure development, expanding construction sector, demand for bio-plasticizers, and increase in demand for flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC). According to the European Plasticizer, in 2023, yearly the global consumption of plasticizers reached 10.8 million tons. The European plasticizer industry's market value is $2.2 billion in 2023. By 2030, the industry aims to achieve 1 million tons per year of recycled PVC used in new products.
Market Dynamics
Growing Demand for Bio-based Plasticizers
The plasticizer industry is witnessing a move towards bio-based alternatives with mounting environmental issues and regulatory demands. Bio-based plasticizers from renewable raw materials such as plant oils or starch are hot commodities as producers and consumers redirect their focus on sustainability. They provide a more sustainable alternative in the form of lower petrochemical-based chemicals. In addition, the surge of momentum on environmentally sustainable products in industries including automotive, construction, and packaging continues to push the use of bio-based plasticizers. The shift is also in line with the global push toward reducing carbon footprints and enabling circular economies.
Surge in Plasticizers for Electric Vehicle (EV) Applications
The growth in electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating new plasticizer demand, especially within the automotive industry. Vehicle manufacturers have turned their attention to producing electric and hybrid cars, and the need for premium materials that offer flexibility, durability, and high performance in harsh conditions has grown. Plasticizers are essential in such applications, as they are used to enhance the flexibility of many components, such as cables, connectors, and seals, that are key to EV functioning. The shift towards EVs is influencing the demand for more efficient and high-performance plasticizers that can fulfill electric and hybrid vehicle technical requirements, encouraging innovations and development in the plasticizer industry.
Market Segmentation
Phthalate Segment to Lead the Market with the Largest Share
The consistent requirement for phthalates is driving the development of the plasticizer market. Phthalates are widely used in the production of flexible polymers to increase their toughness, pliability, and durability. The plasticizers are used in the building, automobile, and medical sectors and are held accountable for improving the usability of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products. The increasing uses of PVC in the production of wires, flooring, and medical equipment have helped increase phthalate consumption. Moreover, the availability and low cost of phthalates also facilitate their extensive utilization in the plastics industry. The plasticizer market is expanding even further as more industries come to depend on the advantages provided by phthalates in their production.
Wires & Cables: A Key Segment in Market Growth
The plasticizer market is increasingly gaining momentum in its critical usage in enhancing flexibility and durability within the material system. The potential growth in formulating techniques applied to medical equipment and high-voltage insulation materials makes for innovation development. Government policy aimed at incorporating safer and more nontoxic alternatives is gradually shaping industry expectations. Increasing investment in sustainable polymer technologies produces green plasticizers. New materials with higher performance characteristics are in high demand owing to the move towards electric mobility. The increasing scope of infrastructure projects globally is creating more demand for high-strength plasticized compounds. Breakthroughs in biodegradable plasticizers are being encouraged through research partnerships between academia and industry.
The global plasticizers market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
Growing Demand for Plasticizers in End-Use Industries in Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific plasticizer market is growing with major nations rapidly undergoing urbanization and industrialization. One of the major drivers of development is the increased need for flexible PVC in electronics, medical, and construction applications. With rising production in China and India, there is a rise in demand for high-performance plasticizers. The market expansion is accelerated further by government programs encouraging infrastructural investments. Moreover, demand for shoes and house commodities is triggered further by an emerging consumer goods sector. Developing chemical production coupled with investment in polymer research serves as an enabling element in producing novel products.
Europe Region Dominates the Market with Major Share
Europe holds a significant share owing to strict environmental laws that increase the adoption of non-phthalate and bio-based plasticizers driving the plasticizer market within Europe. A further expansion of the market is also facilitated by the increasing demand in the automotive and construction industries. The increasing use of sustainability and recyclability in plastic products triggers the producers to develop environmentally friendly alternative products. The technological advancements in polymer processing improve plasticizer's functionality in several applications. Demand is also developed owing to car manufacturers switching to robust and lightweight materials. Packaging sector expansion also constitutes a significant demand factor owing to the growing e-commerce and concern for food safety
The major companies operating in the global plasticizers market include BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Co., Evonik Oxeno GmbH & Co., Exxon Mobil Corp., and LG Chem, among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments