The polycarbonate market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $24.06 billion in 2024 to $25.39 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to automotive industry growth, consumer electronics boom, environmental regulations, medical device applications, building and construction projects, aerospace industry demand.
The polycarbonate market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $32.7 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to sustainable and bio-based polycarbonates, rising demand in electronics, electric vehicle market growth, led lighting applications, expansion of 3d printing applications. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in processing technologies, anti-reflective coatings, electronics miniaturization, smart building integration, lightweighting initiatives in automotive, collaborations for material innovation.
The increasing demand for electric vehicles is anticipated to drive the growth of the polycarbonate market in the future. An electric vehicle (EV) operates on one or more electric motors powered by electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries or other energy storage devices. Polycarbonate is widely used in electric vehicles because of its lightweight nature, high-impact resistance, and optical clarity, which enhance safety, improve energy efficiency, and allow for design flexibility. For example, in April 2024, the International Energy Agency, a France-based autonomous intergovernmental organization, reported that global electric car registrations rose to nearly 14 million in 2023, representing a 35% increase from 2022. This brings the total number of electric vehicles on the road to 40 million, a substantial increase from just 5% market penetration five years ago. Therefore, the growing demand for electric vehicles is fueling the growth of the polycarbonate market.
The global surge in building and construction activities is a significant contributor to the polycarbonate market. Polycarbonate's lightweight, durable, and transparent properties make it an ideal material for various applications in construction, including roofing, skylights, windows, and cladding. Notably, the U.S. construction industry experienced growth, with its size increasing from $1.916 trillion in the first quarter of 2021 to $2.016 trillion in the first quarter of 2022, according to a 2022 report by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The ongoing building and construction projects worldwide are anticipated to propel the polycarbonate market further.
Innovation is a key trend shaping the polycarbonate market, with major companies dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions. Essentium Inc., a U.S.-based chemical manufacturing company, introduced Essentium Altitude in May 2023 - a groundbreaking polycarbonate material designed to withstand extreme cold temperatures, reaching as low as -60°C. This innovation opens up new possibilities for utilizing 3D printing in outdoor and high-altitude applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, cold storage, maintenance, and construction. The introduction of Essentium Altitude reflects the market's commitment to advancing materials for diverse and challenging environments.
Leading companies in the polycarbonate market are strategically partnering to address sustainability concerns, particularly in recycling post-industrial used plastics, including polycarbonates. Covestro AG, a Germany-based polycarbonate manufacturer, joined forces with HASCO Vision Technology Co. Ltd., a China-based automotive lighting systems company, in November 2022. This strategic partnership aims to recover used plastics from HASCO's manufacturing sites and transform them into high-quality post-industrial recycled (PIR) polycarbonates and polycarbonate blends. Such collaborations demonstrate the industry's commitment to sustainable practices.
In June 2023, ROHM Co., Ltd., a Germany-based manufacturer of PMMA products, acquired the Functional Forms business unit from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables ROHM to position itself as a global leader in high-quality transparent films and sheets, strengthening its foothold in the polycarbonate sector and enhancing its product range. As a result, ROHM will benefit from improved technical expertise and a wider customer base in rapidly growing markets like automotive and construction. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is a chemical manufacturing company based in Saudi Arabia, involved in the development of polycarbonate sheets and films.
Major companies operating in the polycarbonate market include BASF SE, The Idemitsu Kosan Company Ltd., Saudi Arabia's Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), LG Chem Ltd., Wanhua Chemical Group Co Ltd, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Covestro AG, Lotte Chemical Corporation, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation, Royal DSM NV, Teijin Limited, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Excelite Plastic Limited, Trinseo S.A., UBE Corporation, Sumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd., Chi Mei Corporation, 3A Composites GmbH, Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation, RTP Company Inc., Plaskolite LLC, Palram Industries Ltd., King Plastic Corporation, Polyplastics Co. Ltd., Isik Plastik Sanayi Ve Dis Ticaret Pazarlama A.S., Centroplast Engineering Plastics GmbH, Suzhou Omay Optical Materials Co. Ltd.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the polycarbonate market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the polycarbonate market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the polycarbonate market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
Polycarbonate, a transparent thermoplastic polymer featuring carbonate functional groups, is renowned for its remarkable strength and impact resistance. Originating from bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene, it serves as a lightweight and durable alternative to glass, owing to its high clarity and resistance to shattering.
Polycarbonates are available in various forms, including foil, strips, sheets, film, plates, tubes, fibers, and others. The general-purpose grade represents a standard formulation that strikes a balance among properties, offering good impact resistance, transparency, and dimensional stability. This versatility makes it suitable for application in diverse industries. The processing technologies involved encompass injection molding and extrusion. Different grades, such as general-purpose grade, flame retardant grade, PC alloyed grade, medical grade, food grade, among others, find application in various industries such as transportation, electrical and electronics, construction, packaging, consumer goods, optical media, medical devices, and more.
The polycarbonate market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides polycarbonate market statistics, including polycarbonate industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a polycarbonate market share, detailed polycarbonate market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the polycarbonate industry. This polycarbonate 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 polycarbonate market consists of sales of clear polycarbonate, abrasion-resistant polycarbonate, mirrored polycarbonate, anti-static polycarbonate, and more. 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.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
The polycarbonate market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $32.7 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to sustainable and bio-based polycarbonates, rising demand in electronics, electric vehicle market growth, led lighting applications, expansion of 3d printing applications. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in processing technologies, anti-reflective coatings, electronics miniaturization, smart building integration, lightweighting initiatives in automotive, collaborations for material innovation.
The increasing demand for electric vehicles is anticipated to drive the growth of the polycarbonate market in the future. An electric vehicle (EV) operates on one or more electric motors powered by electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries or other energy storage devices. Polycarbonate is widely used in electric vehicles because of its lightweight nature, high-impact resistance, and optical clarity, which enhance safety, improve energy efficiency, and allow for design flexibility. For example, in April 2024, the International Energy Agency, a France-based autonomous intergovernmental organization, reported that global electric car registrations rose to nearly 14 million in 2023, representing a 35% increase from 2022. This brings the total number of electric vehicles on the road to 40 million, a substantial increase from just 5% market penetration five years ago. Therefore, the growing demand for electric vehicles is fueling the growth of the polycarbonate market.
The global surge in building and construction activities is a significant contributor to the polycarbonate market. Polycarbonate's lightweight, durable, and transparent properties make it an ideal material for various applications in construction, including roofing, skylights, windows, and cladding. Notably, the U.S. construction industry experienced growth, with its size increasing from $1.916 trillion in the first quarter of 2021 to $2.016 trillion in the first quarter of 2022, according to a 2022 report by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The ongoing building and construction projects worldwide are anticipated to propel the polycarbonate market further.
Innovation is a key trend shaping the polycarbonate market, with major companies dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions. Essentium Inc., a U.S.-based chemical manufacturing company, introduced Essentium Altitude in May 2023 - a groundbreaking polycarbonate material designed to withstand extreme cold temperatures, reaching as low as -60°C. This innovation opens up new possibilities for utilizing 3D printing in outdoor and high-altitude applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, cold storage, maintenance, and construction. The introduction of Essentium Altitude reflects the market's commitment to advancing materials for diverse and challenging environments.
Leading companies in the polycarbonate market are strategically partnering to address sustainability concerns, particularly in recycling post-industrial used plastics, including polycarbonates. Covestro AG, a Germany-based polycarbonate manufacturer, joined forces with HASCO Vision Technology Co. Ltd., a China-based automotive lighting systems company, in November 2022. This strategic partnership aims to recover used plastics from HASCO's manufacturing sites and transform them into high-quality post-industrial recycled (PIR) polycarbonates and polycarbonate blends. Such collaborations demonstrate the industry's commitment to sustainable practices.
In June 2023, ROHM Co., Ltd., a Germany-based manufacturer of PMMA products, acquired the Functional Forms business unit from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables ROHM to position itself as a global leader in high-quality transparent films and sheets, strengthening its foothold in the polycarbonate sector and enhancing its product range. As a result, ROHM will benefit from improved technical expertise and a wider customer base in rapidly growing markets like automotive and construction. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is a chemical manufacturing company based in Saudi Arabia, involved in the development of polycarbonate sheets and films.
Major companies operating in the polycarbonate market include BASF SE, The Idemitsu Kosan Company Ltd., Saudi Arabia's Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), LG Chem Ltd., Wanhua Chemical Group Co Ltd, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Covestro AG, Lotte Chemical Corporation, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation, Royal DSM NV, Teijin Limited, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Excelite Plastic Limited, Trinseo S.A., UBE Corporation, Sumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd., Chi Mei Corporation, 3A Composites GmbH, Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation, RTP Company Inc., Plaskolite LLC, Palram Industries Ltd., King Plastic Corporation, Polyplastics Co. Ltd., Isik Plastik Sanayi Ve Dis Ticaret Pazarlama A.S., Centroplast Engineering Plastics GmbH, Suzhou Omay Optical Materials Co. Ltd.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the polycarbonate market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the polycarbonate market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the polycarbonate market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
Polycarbonate, a transparent thermoplastic polymer featuring carbonate functional groups, is renowned for its remarkable strength and impact resistance. Originating from bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene, it serves as a lightweight and durable alternative to glass, owing to its high clarity and resistance to shattering.
Polycarbonates are available in various forms, including foil, strips, sheets, film, plates, tubes, fibers, and others. The general-purpose grade represents a standard formulation that strikes a balance among properties, offering good impact resistance, transparency, and dimensional stability. This versatility makes it suitable for application in diverse industries. The processing technologies involved encompass injection molding and extrusion. Different grades, such as general-purpose grade, flame retardant grade, PC alloyed grade, medical grade, food grade, among others, find application in various industries such as transportation, electrical and electronics, construction, packaging, consumer goods, optical media, medical devices, and more.
The polycarbonate market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides polycarbonate market statistics, including polycarbonate industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a polycarbonate market share, detailed polycarbonate market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the polycarbonate industry. This polycarbonate 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 polycarbonate market consists of sales of clear polycarbonate, abrasion-resistant polycarbonate, mirrored polycarbonate, anti-static polycarbonate, and more. 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.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary2. Polycarbonate Market Characteristics3. Polycarbonate Market Trends and Strategies4. Polycarbonate Market - Macro Economic Scenario including the impact of Interest Rates, Inflation, Geopolitics and Covid and Recovery on the Market32. Global Polycarbonate Market Competitive Benchmarking and Dashboard33. Key Mergers and Acquisitions in the Polycarbonate Market34. Recent Developments in the Polycarbonate Market
5. Global Polycarbonate Growth Analysis and Strategic Analysis Framework
6. Polycarbonate Market Segmentation
7. Polycarbonate Market Regional and Country Analysis
8. Asia-Pacific Polycarbonate Market
9. China Polycarbonate Market
10. India Polycarbonate Market
11. Japan Polycarbonate Market
12. Australia Polycarbonate Market
13. Indonesia Polycarbonate Market
14. South Korea Polycarbonate Market
15. Western Europe Polycarbonate Market
16. UK Polycarbonate Market
17. Germany Polycarbonate Market
18. France Polycarbonate Market
19. Italy Polycarbonate Market
20. Spain Polycarbonate Market
21. Eastern Europe Polycarbonate Market
22. Russia Polycarbonate Market
23. North America Polycarbonate Market
24. USA Polycarbonate Market
25. Canada Polycarbonate Market
26. South America Polycarbonate Market
27. Brazil Polycarbonate Market
28. Middle East Polycarbonate Market
29. Africa Polycarbonate Market
30. Polycarbonate Market Competitive Landscape and Company Profiles
31. Polycarbonate Market Other Major and Innovative Companies
35. Polycarbonate Market High Potential Countries, Segments and Strategies
36. Appendix
Executive Summary
Polycarbonate Global Market Report 2025 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.This report focuses on polycarbonate market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Description
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for polycarbonate? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The polycarbonate market global report answers all these questions and many more.The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
- The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
- The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
- The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
- The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
- The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Scope
Markets Covered:
1) By Type: Foil; Strips; Sheets; Film; Plates; Tubes; Fibers; Other Types2) By Processing Technology: Injection Molding; Extrusion
3) By Grade: General Purpose Grade; Flame Retardant Grade; PC Alloyed Grade; Medical Grade; Food Grade; Other Grades
4) By Application: Transportation; Electrical and Electronics; Construction; Packaging; Consumer Goods; Optical Media; Medical Devices; Other Applications
Subsegments:
1) By Foil: Transparent Polycarbonate Foil; Opaque Polycarbonate Foil2) By Strips: UV-Resistant Strips; High-Impact Strips
3) By Sheets: Multiwall Sheets; Solid Sheets; Corrugated Sheets
4) By Film: Optical Grade Film; Electrical Grade Film; Flame-Retardant Film
5) By Plates: Extruded Plates; Cast Plates
6) By Tubes: Hollow Tubes; Solid Tubes
7) By Fibers: Reinforced Polycarbonate Fibers; High-Strength Fibers
8) By Other Types: Polycarbonate Blends; Custom Polycarbonate Shapes
Key Companies Mentioned: BASF SE; the Idemitsu Kosan Company Ltd.; Saudi Arabia's Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC); LG Chem Ltd.; Wanhua Chemical Group Co Ltd
Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita.
Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.
Companies Mentioned
- BASF SE
- The Idemitsu Kosan Company Ltd.
- Saudi Arabia's Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
- LG Chem Ltd.
- Wanhua Chemical Group Co Ltd
- Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Asahi Kasei Corporation
- Evonik Industries AG
- Covestro AG
- Lotte Chemical Corporation
- Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation
- Royal DSM NV
- Teijin Limited
- Kuraray Co. Ltd.
- Excelite Plastic Limited
- Trinseo S.A.
- UBE Corporation
- Sumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd.
- Chi Mei Corporation
- 3A Composites GmbH
- Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation
- RTP Company Inc.
- Plaskolite LLC
- Palram Industries Ltd.
- King Plastic Corporation
- Polyplastics Co. Ltd.
- Isik Plastik Sanayi Ve Dis Ticaret Pazarlama A.S.
- Centroplast Engineering Plastics GmbH
- Suzhou Omay Optical Materials Co. Ltd.
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 200 |
| Published | February 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2029 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 25.39 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 32.7 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 6.5% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 29 |
