Caprolactam Market Report 2025

The caprolactam market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.5 billion in 2024 to $17.5 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to textile industry growth, consumer goods manufacturing, innovations in nylon applications, synthetic fibers, automotive sector demand, expansion of manufacturing facilities.

The caprolactam market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $23.51 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for nylon 6, expansion in emerging markets, increasing demand for engineering plastics, e-commerce packaging, stringent emission standards. Major trends in the forecast period include sustainable production methods, bio-based caprolactam, e-commerce packaging, advancements in manufacturing technologies, automotive lightweighting trends.

The anticipated expansion of the automotive industry is poised to significantly influence the growth trajectory of the caprolactam market. The automotive sector encompasses businesses engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing motor vehicles and their associated components. A notable trend within this industry involves the increasing adoption of nylon 6, specifically in automobiles, aimed at fostering fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. Nylon 6 usage aids in reducing vehicle weight, subsequently contributing to decreased fuel consumption. For instance, as per the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), an Indian government export promotion agency, vehicle production in India is forecasted to reach approximately 22.93 million vehicles by 2022. This uptick in automotive production reflects the industry's continued emphasis on growth and innovation. The integration of nylon 6 in automotive components aligns with the industry's commitment to developing more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles, thereby driving the demand for caprolactam, a key raw material in nylon 6 production. As the automotive industry endeavors to meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory standards, the caprolactam market stands to benefit from the sector's emphasis on lightweight and sustainable automotive solutions.

The expanding textile industry is expected to significantly drive the growth of the caprolactam market in the future. The textile sector encompasses the production, processing, and sale of fibers, yarn, fabrics, and finished textile products. Caprolactam plays a vital role in this industry, as it is the primary raw material used to produce nylon 6 fibers. These nylon fibers, derived from caprolactam, are widely utilized in manufacturing a variety of textiles, including clothing, carpets, and other fabric products, due to their durability, strength, and versatility. For instance, in May 2023, Textile World, a US-based textile industry journal, reported that U.S. textile and apparel exports to the Western Hemisphere increased by 14.9% in 2022, totaling $18 billion. Therefore, the ongoing expansion of the textile industry is driving growth in the caprolactam market.

Major companies in the caprolactam market are focusing on developing new products to enhance their market positions. For example, in March 2022, DOMO Chemicals, a Germany-based provider of engineered material solutions and a fully integrated producer of PA6, announced the successful delivery of 5 million metric tons of caprolactam at its Leuna facility. The plant's capacity has reached 176,000 metric tons per year, bolstered by efficiency improvements that have reduced energy consumption in medium-pressure steam by 30% and low-pressure steam by 40%. Sustainability is a key component of DOMO's strategy, with its DOMO Beyond initiatives aiming for a 15% reduction in carbon intensity and a 7% reduction in waste by 2030.

Partnerships and collaborations among major players in the caprolactam market have emerged as pivotal strategies aimed at fostering innovation and fortifying market positions. These collaborations enable the exchange of expertise, resources, and technology, fostering advancements in innovation, enhancing production efficiency, and broadening market penetration. A noteworthy instance is the partnership forged in September 2023 between Toray Industries Inc., a prominent Japan-based textile company, and Honda Motor Co. Ltd., a leading Japan-based automobile company. Their collaboration revolves around the joint development of chemical recycling technology specifically tailored for glass-fiber reinforced nylon 6 parts derived from end-of-life vehicles. The primary focus of this partnership is on depolymerizing nylon 6 parts using subcritical water, a high-permeability and potent solvent, to regenerate the materials as caprolactam, a crucial raw monomer. Notably, this technology has garnered recognition from the Ministry of the Environment for a fiscal 2023 project aimed at establishing a decarbonized circular economy system. The companies plan to inaugurate a pilot facility dedicated to processing 500 metric tons annually of raw resin for validation testing. Initially addressing the recycling of used automotive plastic parts, the collaboration aims to extend the technology's application to recycling automotive resin parts by approximately 2027. This collaboration underscores the industry's commitment to sustainability, circular economy practices, and technological advancements, setting a trajectory for innovative solutions within the caprolactam market while addressing environmental concerns and fostering resource efficiency.

In May 2022, Aquafil S.p.A, an Italy-based engineering services company, partnered with Genomatica to integrate Genomatica's bio-based technology into Aquafil's operations, aiming to develop sustainable nylon materials. This collaboration reinforces Aquafil's focus on the circular economy, enhancing both its environmental sustainability and economic efficiency in production. Genomatica is a US-based provider of caprolactam technology.

Major companies operating in the caprolactam market include China Petrochemical Corporation, BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Rhodia S.A., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Hengyi Industries Co. Ltd., Toray Industries Inc., LANXESS Corporation, Alpek S.A.B. de C.V., Grupa Azoty S.A., Luxi Chemical Group, Petroquímica Unigel S.A. de C.V., Highsun Holding Group, Ube Industries Ltd., Shenma Group Co. Ltd., AdvanSix Inc., Shandong Xinlong Group Co. Ltd., Nanning Chemical Industry Group Co. Ltd., Shandong Linyi Jinyu Chemical Co. Ltd., Capro Corp., Spolana s.r.o., DOMO Caproleuna, Jiangsu Yisheng Chemical Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the caprolactam market in 2024. North America was the second-largest region in the caprolactam market share. The regions covered in the caprolactam market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the caprolactam market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Caprolactam, a slightly odorous organic compound, appears as a clear to milky white substance. With a melting point of 70°C, it possesses qualities such as tensile strength, elasticity, chemical resistance, and low moisture absorbency, making it crucial in nylon 6 production.

Caprolactam, a key material, utilizes raw ingredients such as phenol, cyclohexane, hydroxylamine sulfate, among others. Phenol serves as a precursor to BPA, extensively employed in container coatings, adhesives, electronic insulators, polycarbonates for optical and automotive applications. Phenol's sensory attributes can be detectable at concentrations below harmful levels. Caprolactam finds diverse applications including nylon 6 filaments, textile yarn, nylon 6 fibers, engineering plastics, printer inks, among others. Industries such as textiles, automobiles, electrical and electronics incorporate caprolactam-derived products in their manufacturing processes.

The caprolactam market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides caprolactam market statistics, including caprolactam industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a caprolactam market share, detailed caprolactam market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the caprolactam industry. This anomaly detection market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The caprolactam market consists of sales of caprolactam synthesized from raw materials such as benzene and ammonia. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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