Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers Market was valued at USD 3.10 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 5.67 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 10.55%. A key driver of this remarkable growth is the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in various industries, particularly in the construction sector. With the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change, the adoption of CO2-based chemicals and polymers has gained significant traction. These innovative materials not only offer an attractive alternative to traditional resources, but they also possess remarkable properties such as abundance, affordability, and non-toxicity.

Technological advancements have played a crucial role in harnessing the potential of CO2 for the production of fuels, chemicals, and building materials. Through groundbreaking research and development, scientists and engineers have unlocked new methods to convert CO2 into valuable resources. These developments have not only broadened the application of CO2-based products but also contributed to the overall growth of the market.

Furthermore, the economic viability of CO2-based chemicals and polymers has been steadily improving as the cost of capturing and converting CO2 continues to decrease. This enhanced affordability has fueled their widespread adoption across various industries, further bolstering the growth of the market. As a result, the market potential for CO2-derived products and services remains highly promising.

Looking ahead, the near-term market potential for CO2-derived solutions spans across five key categories: fuels, chemicals, and building materials derived from CO2. As governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide continue their transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy, the demand for CO2-based chemicals and polymers is expected to surge. This trend not only presents immense opportunities for innovation and investment but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to build a greener and more sustainable future.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers in Construction Industry

The construction industry is increasingly seeking sustainable solutions to mitigate its environmental impact. In this regard, CO2-based chemicals and polymers have emerged as an attractive option. These materials can be produced using abundant and non-toxic CO2, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction materials. Despite the efforts of individual companies, overall construction productivity improved by just 10% (0.4% annually) from 2000 to 2022. In comparison, the broader economy saw a 50% improvement (2% annually), while the manufacturing sector experienced a 90% increase (3% annually) during the same period. Moreover, between 2020 and 2022, productivity in the global construction industry actually declined by 8%.

Advancements in technology have made it possible to harness CO2 for the production of fuels, chemicals, and building materials. This has opened up new pathways for the use of CO2 in the construction industry, contributing to the growing demand for CO2-based chemicals and polymers. The versatility and wide range of applications of these materials further add to their appeal. The engineering and construction industry is experiencing a transformation in its skill requirements. Specifically, 44% of the current skills needed in infrastructure are projected to change over the next five years.

One of the factors contributing to the increasing demand for CO2-based chemicals and polymers is their economic viability. Polymer processing using CO2 has the potential to be a competitive market option, driven by its relatively low energy requirements and high market value. Industry experts suggest that certain polymers could be produced at a cost 15% to 30% lower than their fossil-based alternatives, as long as the CO2 used is more cost-effective than the fossil fuel-derived raw materials it replaces. As the cost of capturing and converting CO2 decreases, these materials are becoming more affordable, driving their adoption in the construction industry. This not only helps in reducing the environmental footprint but also offers cost-saving benefits to construction companies.

The growing demand for CO2-based chemicals and polymers in the construction industry is playing a pivotal role in driving the global market for these materials. As the construction industry continues to seek sustainable and economically viable solutions, the demand for CO2-based chemicals and polymers is expected to rise, promising a thriving market in the future. With ongoing research and development efforts, we can expect even more innovative applications and advancements in this field, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable construction industry.

Growing Demand of Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers in Packaging Industry

As environmental concerns continue to escalate, industries are increasingly recognizing the need for sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. This imperative extends to the packaging industry, which is actively exploring innovative solutions. Among these, CO2-based chemicals and polymers have emerged as a promising avenue, owing to their abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, and non-toxic properties. By harnessing these materials, there is an opportunity to transform carbon emissions, a significant contributor to climate change, into valuable and practical products.

Recent technological advancements have facilitated the integration of CO2 in organic synthesis, enabling the production of fuels, chemicals, and polymers. These breakthroughs have significantly broadened the scope of CO2-based products in the packaging industry. Manufacturers now have the capability to create packaging materials that are not only lightweight and durable but also environmentally friendly, utilizing CO2-based polymers.

Furthermore, the economic feasibility of CO2-based chemicals and polymers has played a pivotal role in driving their rising demand within the packaging industry. As the cost associated with capturing and converting CO2 continues to decline, these materials are becoming increasingly affordable. This affordability factor has further accelerated their adoption, as manufacturers seek to align their practices with sustainability goals while also ensuring cost-effectiveness.

The quest for sustainable solutions in the packaging industry has led to the exploration of CO2-based alternatives. By leveraging the abundance, affordability, and eco-friendly nature of CO2-based chemicals and polymers, manufacturers can produce packaging materials that not only meet the demands of today but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Key Market Challenges

Fluctuations in Availability of Feedstock

CO2-based chemicals and polymers are produced using CO2 as a raw material or feedstock. The feedstock's availability is crucial for the consistent production and market growth of these materials. However, fluctuations in the availability of CO2 can disrupt production, posing a significant challenge to the industry. For instance, changes in industrial processes that produce CO2 as a byproduct, such as power generation or chemical manufacturing, can directly impact the availability of CO2 feedstock.

Additionally, regulatory measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions or promoting alternative energy sources can also affect the availability of CO2. Furthermore, market demand for CO2, driven by factors like the adoption of carbon capture and utilization technologies or the growth of industries relying on CO2-based products, can create fluctuations in the availability of this crucial feedstock. These fluctuations can lead to inconsistent production volumes, affecting the entire supply chain and ultimately resulting in market instability. Therefore, managing and ensuring a stable supply of CO2 feedstock is of paramount importance for the sustainable growth of CO2-based chemical and polymer industries.

Key Market Trends

Rising Interest in Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is a highly promising solution that offers a dual advantage to combat climate change. Not only does it help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it also provides a valuable feedstock for various industries. This innovative technology effectively converts carbon into a renewable source, meeting the ever-growing demand for carbon-based products, especially in the field of organic chemistry. In 2023, the projected capture capacity for 2030 was increased by 35%, while the forecasted storage capacity grew by 70%. This raises the total potential CO2 capture for 2030 to approximately 435 million tonnes (Mt) annually, with announced storage capacity reaching around 615 Mt of CO2 per year.

The rise of CCU has had a significant impact on the CO2-based chemicals and polymers market. By capturing and converting CO2 into useful materials, the industry can now produce more sustainable and environmentally friendly products. This transformative shift has led to a surge in demand for CO2-based products, greatly contributing to the overall growth of the market.

The increasing interest in CCU has spurred numerous advancements in technology and sparked substantial investment in research and development. Already, there is a capacity of more than 1.3 million tonnes for CO2-based products, and experts project that this figure will at least quadruple by the year 2030.

With its ability to simultaneously address climate change and provide valuable resources, CCU represents a game-changing solution that holds tremendous potential for a more sustainable future. As research and innovation in this field continue to progress, we can expect even greater strides in reducing carbon emissions and creating a circular economy.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on type, the polycarbonate segment emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the global market for Carbon Dioxide-Based Chemicals and Polymers in 2024. Polycarbonates are strong, tough, and exhibit remarkable optical transparency in certain grades, making them highly attractive across various industries. In particular, the manufacturing sector, experiencing increased demand for CO2-based chemicals and polymers, has heavily favored polycarbonate for its strength and clarity. Its versatility, ease of molding, and thermoforming capabilities further boost its widespread use, fueling continued growth and reinforcing its dominant market position.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific emerged as the dominant region in the Global Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers Market in 2024, holding the largest market share in terms of value. Asia has been identified as a major consumer of carbon dioxide, playing a crucial role in the Asia Pacific carbon dioxide market. The region's significant share in this market can be attributed to its vast and diverse industrial sector, which extensively utilizes CO2 in various processes. These processes range from the production of chemicals and polymers to the operation of power plants and the manufacturing of consumer goods.

The Asia Pacific region is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies, which have witnessed remarkable industrial growth in recent years. This growth has been fueled by the increasing demand for CO2-based chemicals and polymers in industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, and electronics. The thriving packaging industry, in particular, heavily relies on CO2-based chemicals and polymers for the production of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.

Also, the industrial expansion in the region has not only contributed to its dominance in the global CO2-based chemicals and polymers market but has also created new opportunities for technological advancements and sustainable practices. With the growing awareness of environmental concerns and the need for carbon footprint reduction, the Asia Pacific region is actively investing in research and development to develop cleaner and more efficient CO2 utilization technologies.

Key Market Players

• Asahei Kasei Advanced Corporation
• Covestro AG
• Saudi Arabian Oil Company
• SK Innovation Co. Ltd
• Lanzatech Global Inc
• Empower Materials Inc
• Cardia Bioplastics
• Econic Technologies Ltd
• China National Offshore Oil Corporation International Ltd
• Avantium N.V.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers Market, By Type:

• Polycarbonate
• Polyurethane
• Polyethylene Carbonate
• Others

Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers Market, By Application:

• Packaging
• Coating
• Adhesive & Sealant
• Others

Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers Market, By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Carbon Dioxide Based Chemicals and Polymers Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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