Soft Touch Polyurethane Coatings Market Report 2025

The soft touch polyurethane coatings market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $10.74 billion in 2024 to $11.58 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to consumer demand for premium finishes, consumer electronics design, consumer sensitivity to texture, anti-scratch and wear resistance, aesthetic enhancement in packaging, favorable regulatory landscape.

The soft touch polyurethane coatings market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $16.1 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing automotive industry, increased use in electronics, sustainable formulations, growth in luxury packaging, expansion in building and construction, demand in aerospace interiors. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in UV-curable soft touch coatings, focus on scratch and abrasion resistance, technological innovations in application methods, compliance with regulatory standards, collaborations and partnerships, R&D investments for enhanced properties.

The growth of the automotive industry is anticipated to boost the soft-touch polyurethane coatings market. This expansion is primarily driven by rapid urbanization and the efforts of global automakers to enter emerging markets. Strong government support has further fueled this development, enabling the automotive sector to establish a unique trajectory among manufacturing industries. Such support, along with the industry's expansion, encourages advancements in the soft-touch polyurethane coatings market to enhance customer service. For example, in 2023, the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), a France-based international association of automobile manufacturers, reported that global vehicle production reached 93,546,599 units, marking a substantial increase from 85,016,728 units produced in 2022. Therefore, the growth of the automotive industry is expected to drive the soft-touch polyurethane coatings market forward.

The growth of the soft-touch polyurethane coatings market is further propelled by the increasing prominence of consumer electronics. Consumers today prioritize products with a sleek feel, reduced fingerprints, and scratch resistance. This consumer demand prompts manufacturers to incorporate soft-touch coatings for brand differentiation and customization. As an illustration, data from the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association in May 2023 reveals a substantial increase in electronic equipment and consumer electronics production in Japan. The surge in consumer electronics production, reaching 32,099 units in May 2023 compared to 25,268 units in May 2022, highlights the growing significance of soft-touch polyurethane coatings in this sector.

Technological innovations are a significant trend in the soft-touch polyurethane coatings market. Companies in this sector have developed various advancements, including waterborne polyurethane solutions, emulsion-free coatings, and anti-yellowing coatings, to maintain their competitive edge and offer enhanced services to their customers. For example, in July 2024, Stainless Steel Coatings Inc., a US-based provider specializing in innovative coating solutions for stainless-steel surfaces, announced the launch of New Color 1051 Polyurethane Light Gray. This product, STEEL-IT 1051 Polyurethane Light Gray, boasts exceptional corrosion resistance and direct welding capability, making it ideal for applications in construction and automotive sectors. Its quick-drying formula and ease of application are designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, providing long-lasting protection that exceeds typical consumer paints. Additionally, DAOTAN 7061/35WA offers high performance and versatility, delivering transparent, crack-free surfaces.

Major companies in the soft-touch polyurethane coatings market are focusing on the development of innovative paint protection film solutions to enhance their competitiveness. Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a thermoplastic urethane film applied to a vehicle's exterior surfaces, serving as a protective layer against various elements such as stone chips, bug splatter, road debris, and contaminants like bird droppings. This strategy aims to offer comprehensive protection for automotive surfaces. In May 2023, Covestro AG, a prominent Germany-based chemicals company, introduced the Desmopan UP TPU series, emphasizing the concept of complete protection. This high-performance Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) series is specifically engineered for paint protection films (PPF). The Desmopan UP TPU series is designed to provide durability, adaptability, and aesthetics for automotive surface coatings. Notable features of Desmopan UP include high UV durability, resistance to hydrolysis and chemicals, and high optical clarity. The TPU's properties contribute to long-lasting performance, weather resistance, and impact resistance, ensuring effective protection for automotive surfaces. Furthermore, Desmopan UP's versatility allows it to adapt to complex designs and surfaces of different vehicles with ease, providing a comprehensive solution for paint protection.

In February 2024, BASF, a Germany-based chemicals company, entered into a collaboration with INEOS Automotive. This partnership aims to develop sustainable refinishing solutions and advanced digital color matching technologies, further enhancing their collaboration to foster innovation within the automotive industry. INEOS Automotive is a UK-based company operating in the automotive sector.

Major companies operating in the soft touch polyurethane coatings market are The Sherwin Williams Company, Akzo Nobel NV, PPG Industries Inc., RPM International Inc., Aexcel Corporation, Hunan Sokan New Materials Co., Jotun AS, Axalta Coating Systems Limited, BASF SE, Allnex Inc., Hempel A/S, Arkema SA, Hexion Inc., Lanxess AG, Covestro AG, Huntsman Corporation, Dow Inc., Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd., Advanced Polymer Coatings Inc., Koninklijke DSM N.V., Evonik Industries AG, Lubrizol Corporation, Momentive Performance Materials Inc., Nippon Steel Chemical Co. Ltd., Teijin Chemical Corporation.

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

Soft-Touch Polyurethane Coatings are innovative coatings crafted from polyurethane dispersion, available in solvent-based and water-based formulations. These coatings provide a velvety texture to surfaces while offering exceptional scratch, heat, and chemical resistance. Widely used across automotive, interior wood, aircraft interiors, and other applications, they elevate objects by delivering a premium feel and added protection against UV damage and scratches.

These coatings primarily come in two base types such as water-based and solvent-based. Water-based variants utilize water as their primary solvent, showcasing an eco-friendly approach. The Soft-Touch Polyurethane Coatings are available in 2K and UV versions, suitable for diverse applications including automotive, aerospace, electronics, furniture, packaging, and more.

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

The soft-touch polyurethane coatings market consists of sales of soft-touch polyurethane coatings that provide excellent scratch and stain resistance. 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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