GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Polymer Industry Statistics

Polymer industry statistics provide valuable insights on production, consumption, market trends, and key players in the global market.

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Highlights: Polymer Industry Statistics

  • The global polymer market size was valued at $578.5 billion in 2019.
  • The polymer market is projected to reach $838.5 billion by 2027.
  • The Polymer Industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% between 2020 and 2027.
  • Polymers made up about 30% of the plastics industry in 2017.
  • Asia Pacific dominated the global polymer industry accounting for 48% of the total volume in 2015.
  • The demand for bio-based polymers is expected to increase by a CAGR of more than 15% from 2020 to 2027.
  • In 2019, the United States exported around 7 billion pounds of plastic materials and resins.
  • Europe holds around 20% of the global polymer market share by region.
  • The Polymer Industry in Europe produced around 62 million tonnes of plastic in 2019.
  • The market for liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 4% through 2027.
  • The market for polymer foam is projected to grow from $94.1 billion in 2020 to $114.8 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 4.0%.
  • The global bio-based polymers market size was estimated at USD 14.14 billion in 2019.
  • The automotive industry accounted for nearly 50% of all polymer demand in 2015.
  • Biodegradable polymers are expected to grow to a $30.8 billion industry by 2027.
  • China accounts for 28% of the global plastics and polymers production.
  • Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, a huge percentage of which is derived from polymers.
  • The packaging industry is the largest consumer of polymer resin, accounting for about 40% of total consumption.
  • The global plastic additives market size, where polymers are used heavily, was valued at $44.61 billion in 2018.
  • The United States' polymer manufacturing industry has nearly 12,000 firms.
  • The polymer coatings market size, which highly uses polymers, is expected to reach around USD 8.89 billion by 2025.

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The Latest Polymer Industry Statistics Explained

The global polymer market size was valued at $578.5 billion in 2019.

The statistic “The global polymer market size was valued at $578.5 billion in 2019” indicates the total monetary value of the polymer market worldwide in the year 2019. This figure represents the sum of all transactions involving polymers, which are large molecules composed of many repeated subunits. The polymer market encompasses a wide range of products used in various industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, and electronics. The size of the polymer market is a key indicator of economic activity and innovation, reflecting the demand for these versatile materials in numerous applications across the globe.

The polymer market is projected to reach $838.5 billion by 2027.

The statistic that the polymer market is projected to reach $838.5 billion by 2027 indicates a forecasted significant growth in the global polymer industry over the next few years. This figure reflects the anticipated total value of polymer products sold worldwide, encompassing a wide range of materials such as plastics, rubbers, and composites. Factors contributing to this projected growth may include increasing demand for polymer-based products in various industries, advancements in polymer technology, and expanding applications in sectors such as packaging, automotive, construction, and healthcare. This statistic serves as a valuable indicator for market trends and opportunities within the polymer industry, highlighting its economic importance and potential for continued expansion in the coming years.

The Polymer Industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% between 2020 and 2027.

The statistic means that the Polymer Industry is projected to grow steadily at a rate of 4.1% annually from the year 2020 to 2027. This growth rate is compound, which implies that the industry’s expansion is cumulative and takes into account the previous year’s growth. This forecast suggests that there will be a significant increase in the size and scope of the Polymer Industry over the specified period, indicating positive momentum and potentially favorable market conditions. The CAGR figure provides a useful snapshot of the industry’s overall growth trajectory and can be valuable for stakeholders and decision-makers in understanding the industry’s future prospects and planning accordingly.

Polymers made up about 30% of the plastics industry in 2017.

The statistic “Polymers made up about 30% of the plastics industry in 2017” indicates that polymers, which are large molecules composed of repeated subunits, accounted for approximately one-third of the overall plastics industry in the year 2017. This suggests that polymers played a significant role in the production and utilization of plastic materials during that time period. The statistic highlights the prominence of polymers as a key component in the manufacturing processes of various plastic products, underscoring their importance within the broader plastics industry landscape.

Asia Pacific dominated the global polymer industry accounting for 48% of the total volume in 2015.

The statistic indicates that the Asia Pacific region held a significant share of the global polymer industry in terms of production volume in 2015, accounting for 48% of the total output. This dominance suggests that a large portion of polymers, which are essential materials used in various industries such as construction, packaging, and automotive, were manufactured in countries within the Asia Pacific region during that year. Factors contributing to this dominance might include lower production costs, abundant raw materials, technological advancements, and a growing demand for polymer-based products within the region and globally. The statistic highlights the importance of the Asia Pacific region in the global polymer industry and its role in meeting the increasing global demand for polymer products.

The demand for bio-based polymers is expected to increase by a CAGR of more than 15% from 2020 to 2027.

This statistic indicates that the demand for bio-based polymers is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15% between the years 2020 and 2027. A CAGR is a measure used to describe the mean annual growth rate of an investment over a specified period of time. In this context, it suggests a strong and steady growth trend in the demand for bio-based polymers over the forecasted period. This expected growth implies increasing consumer interest and adoption of environmentally-friendly and sustainable materials, leading to higher demand for bio-based polymers in various industries such as packaging, automotive, and textiles.

In 2019, the United States exported around 7 billion pounds of plastic materials and resins.

The statistic that the United States exported around 7 billion pounds of plastic materials and resins in 2019 reflects the substantial volume of plastic products being traded internationally. This figure suggests that there is a high demand for American-made plastic materials and resins in foreign markets, highlighting the importance of the plastics industry to the US economy. It also signifies the significant role that the United States plays in the global supply chain of plastic products, with exports playing a critical role in generating revenue and supporting jobs within the industry. Additionally, this statistic underscores the need for sustainable practices in managing plastic waste and addressing environmental concerns associated with the production and disposal of plastic materials on a global scale.

Europe holds around 20% of the global polymer market share by region.

The statistic “Europe holds around 20% of the global polymer market share by region” indicates that Europe accounts for approximately one-fifth of the total polymer market worldwide. This suggests that Europe is a significant player in the polymer industry, with a substantial presence in the market compared to other regions. The statistic implies that Europe has a strong influence on global polymer demand, supply, and pricing, reflecting the region’s manufacturing capabilities, technological advancements, and economic activity. This information is valuable for businesses operating in the polymer industry, as it highlights Europe’s importance as a key market and potential opportunities for growth and partnerships within the region.

The Polymer Industry in Europe produced around 62 million tonnes of plastic in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the Polymer Industry in Europe manufactured a significant amount of plastic, specifically totaling approximately 62 million tonnes in the year 2019. This demonstrates the substantial scale of plastic production within the region, highlighting the industry’s significant contribution to the overall volume of plastic materials in circulation. The statistic underscores the widespread reliance on plastic materials in various sectors, including packaging, construction, automotive, and consumer goods industries, which can have implications for environmental sustainability, waste management, and resource consumption. This information provides insight into the magnitude of plastic manufacturing in Europe and its potential impacts on the environment and economy.

The market for liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 4% through 2027.

This statistic indicates that the market for liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is expected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 4% until the year 2027. A CAGR is a smoothed annual growth rate that provides a constant rate of return over a specified period. In this context, the market for LCP, which is a high-performance engineering plastic known for its unique properties such as high heat resistance and dimensional stability, is projected to expand steadily over the next few years. The anticipated growth suggests increasing demand for LCP in various industries, such as electronics, automotive, and healthcare, making it a promising market for potential investors and stakeholders.

The market for polymer foam is projected to grow from $94.1 billion in 2020 to $114.8 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 4.0%.

This statistic highlights the projected growth of the market for polymer foam over a five-year period from 2020 to 2025. It indicates that the market value is expected to increase from $94.1 billion in 2020 to $114.8 billion by 2025. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the market during this period is estimated to be 4.0%, suggesting a consistent annual growth rate. This growth projection indicates a positive trend in the demand for polymer foam products, likely driven by factors such as increasing industrial applications, technological advancements, and demand from end-use industries such as construction, packaging, and automotive.

The global bio-based polymers market size was estimated at USD 14.14 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the worldwide bio-based polymers market was valued at approximately USD 14.14 billion in 2019. This value represents the overall revenue generated from the sale of bio-based polymers globally during that year. Bio-based polymers are a type of material derived from renewable sources such as biomass and have gained popularity due to their potential environmental benefits compared to traditional petroleum-based polymers. The market size figure underscores the economic significance and growing demand for bio-based polymers as an alternative and sustainable material in various industries such as packaging, automotive, and consumer goods.

The automotive industry accounted for nearly 50% of all polymer demand in 2015.

The statistic that the automotive industry accounted for nearly 50% of all polymer demand in 2015 indicates that a significant portion of polymers, which are large molecules commonly used in various industrial applications, were consumed by the automotive sector during that year. Polymers are essential materials in the manufacturing of vehicle components such as bumpers, tires, interiors, and engine parts. This high demand suggests the importance of polymers in the production and advancement of cars and other automotive products, highlighting the industry’s reliance on these materials for their properties such as light weight, durability, and flexibility. The statistic underscores the pivotal role of the automotive industry in driving the demand for polymers and showcases the interdependence between the two sectors.

Biodegradable polymers are expected to grow to a $30.8 billion industry by 2027.

The statistic that biodegradable polymers are projected to become a $30.8 billion industry by 2027 indicates a significant anticipated growth in the market for environmentally friendly polymer materials that break down naturally. This forecast suggests a growing global interest and investment in sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, driven by increasing awareness of the environmental impact of non-biodegradable materials. The substantial economic value of the biodegradable polymer industry by 2027 highlights a substantial shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing processes and products, with potential benefits for reducing plastic pollution and mitigating the ecological footprint of various industries.

China accounts for 28% of the global plastics and polymers production.

The statistic “China accounts for 28% of the global plastics and polymers production” indicates that China is a significant player in the plastics and polymers industry worldwide. This means that nearly one-third of all plastics and polymers produced globally come from China, reflecting the country’s substantial manufacturing capacity and role in meeting global demand for these materials. China’s production levels in this sector not only have implications for its own economy but also for global supply chains, trade dynamics, environmental impact, and resource utilization in the plastics and polymer industries.

Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, a huge percentage of which is derived from polymers.

The statistic ‘Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, a huge percentage of which is derived from polymers’ highlights the massive scale of plastic production and its reliance on polymers. Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating subunits, which are the building blocks of many types of plastics. This statistic underscores the significant impact of plastic production on the environment, as the vast quantity of plastic being produced can lead to widespread pollution and environmental degradation. It also emphasizes the importance of finding sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic manufacturing processes to mitigate the negative consequences associated with plastic waste.

The packaging industry is the largest consumer of polymer resin, accounting for about 40% of total consumption.

The statistic that the packaging industry is the largest consumer of polymer resin, accounting for approximately 40% of total consumption, highlights the significant role that polymer resin plays in the packaging sector. Polymer resin is a key material used in the production of plastic packaging for various products across industries such as food and beverages, healthcare, and consumer goods. The high demand for polymer resin by the packaging industry is indicative of the widespread use of plastic packaging in today’s consumer-driven economy. This statistic underscores the importance of sustainable practices and innovations in the packaging sector to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste generated by the consumption of polymer resin for packaging purposes.

The global plastic additives market size, where polymers are used heavily, was valued at $44.61 billion in 2018.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the global plastic additives market, particularly in the context of heavy usage of polymers, was estimated to have a market size of $44.61 billion. Plastic additives are substances added to plastics to improve or modify their characteristics, such as enhancing durability, flexibility, appearance, or processing properties. The significant market value reflects the widespread use of plastics in various industries and applications. It implies a high demand for plastic additives and a thriving market ecosystem catering to the needs of industries relying heavily on polymers for their products and processes.

The United States’ polymer manufacturing industry has nearly 12,000 firms.

The statistic that states ‘The United States’ polymer manufacturing industry has nearly 12,000 firms’ indicates that there are approximately 12,000 individual companies operating within the polymer manufacturing sector in the United States. This statistic suggests a diverse and competitive landscape within the industry, with a significant number of firms engaged in producing polymer products. The large number of firms also highlights the economic importance and scale of the polymer manufacturing industry in the United States, reflecting a robust sector with substantial employment opportunities and a wide range of products and services being offered to consumers and industries.

The polymer coatings market size, which highly uses polymers, is expected to reach around USD 8.89 billion by 2025.

The statistic indicates that the polymer coatings market, which heavily relies on polymers as a key ingredient in its products, is projected to experience substantial growth and reach a market size of approximately $8.89 billion by the year 2025. This forecast highlights the increasing demand and adoption of polymer coatings in various industries such as automotive, construction, and packaging due to their versatile properties and applications. The expected market size signifies significant opportunities for companies operating in the polymer coatings sector to capitalize on this growth trend and expand their market presence in the coming years.

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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